Since March, 2008, the Unidad de Bacteriología (UB CIDEFI) has been proposed as OIE Reference Laboratory for American foulbrood.

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1 Unidad de Bacteriología C Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias Designated expert: Adriana M. Alippi- Investigadora CIC Since March, 2008, the Unidad de Bacteriología (UB C) has been proposed as OIE Reference Laboratory for American foulbrood. CURRENT RESEARCH GRANTS Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica. PICT. Argentina. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Prov. de Bs. As. (CIC), Argentina. 1

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3 Unidad de Bacteriología C Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias Current Research Projects: American Foulbrood of honey bees: Development of new methods for diagnosis and control. Study of the biodiversity of the larval honey bee pathogen Paenibacillus larvae. Study of the molecular basis of tetracycline resistance in Paenibacillus larvae and other spore forming bacteria commonly found in honey and other apiarian sources. Study of virulence factors of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium isolates from honey. Study of the epidemiology of tetracycline resistant P. larvae strains. 3

4 Unidad de Bacteriología C Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias Main Objectives: Investigate the degree of diversity of Paenibacillus larvae populations from different geographical areas by means of microbiological and molecular markers. Characterize antagonistic compounds produced by different spore forming bacteria isolated from honey and other apiarian sources that were biologically active against P. larvae. Characterize antibacterial biocides by biological activities, toxicity to larvae and adult honey bees and in vitro toxicity to human intestinal cells. Evaluate alternative non contaminant natural biocides to prevent and control AFB in infected colonies. Investigate the tetracycline and oxytetracycline resistance determinants in populations of P. larvae and other related genera isolated from honey and other apiarian sources. Characterize natural tetracycline resistant plasmids from P. larvae and other Paenibacillus and Bacillus species that share the same ecological niche. Other activities Unidad de Bacteriología C Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias Supply of reference bacterial strains: The laboratory counts with a Collection of more than 1,000 specimens of Paenibacillus larvae and other spore forming bacterial species isolated from honey and other apiarian sources, characterized by microbiological and molecular techniques Provision of diagnostic testing facilities on AFB to other OIE members on an individual level (Research Institutes, Universities, Government agencies, etc.) Consultant in relation to AFB Adviser of scholars and researchers Training courses for diagnosis of AFB and other bacterial diseases. 4

5 Current Situation in Argentina Evaluate alternative non contaminants biocides AFB Argentina: First honey exporting country 60% honey production In Bs. As. Province Antibiotic Resistance Tc and OTC Honey contamination with P. larvae spores 56 % incidence in Buenos Aires Province Investigate the presence of different Tetracycline resistance determinants in bacterial populations from beehives Thank you for your attention alippi@biol.unlp.edu.ar 5