Free Access
Issue
Apidologie
Volume 26, Number 1, 1995
Page(s) 11 - 16
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:19950102
Apidologie 26 (1995) 11-16
DOI: 10.1051/apido:19950102

Evaluation of the API 50CHB system for the identification and biochemical characterization of Bacillus larvae

E. Carpanaa, L. Marocchib and L. Gelminib

a  Istituto Nazionale di Apicoltura, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
b  Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia, I-42100 Reggio Emilia, Italy

Abstract - We have evaluated the suitability of the API 50CHB system for the identification and biochemical characterization of Bacillus larvae White, the etiological agent of American foulbrood, an important disease of the honeybee. Twenty-nine strains of B larvae, isolated from outbreaks of American foulbrood in several geographic areas, were assayed with this system. All strains showed positive reaction (acid production) with ribose, D-glucose, D-mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, trehalose and D-tagatose. All but one showed positive reaction with glycerol; variable results were observed with salicine and 5-ketogluconate. Only one strain acidified D-fructose and galactose.


Key words: Apis mellifera / American foulbrood / Bacillus larvae / diagnosis / API 50CHB system