Monitoring the oral administration of a beneficial microbes mixture based on Apilactobacillus kunkeei strains, in honey bees

The administration of beneficial microbes or probiotics is a widely used strategy to improve human and animal health. In a previous study, we developed a mixture of Apilactobacillus kunkeei strains that, when administered to honey bees, reduced the infection by pathogens Nosema ceranae or the mortality associated with Paenibacillus larvae. However, as results obtained by probiotic treatments are variable, it is necessary to monitor its adequate administration. Here, we designed specific primers to detect and quantify A. kunkeei within honey bee guts which can be a helpful strategy to monitor its administration and persistence at the field level in future studies.