Mechanism of antimicrobial activity of honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom on Gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp.

Abstract Honeybee venom (Apitoxin, BV), a secretion substance expelled from the gland of bees, has being reported as antimicrobial against various bacterial species; however, mechanism action remains uncharacterized. In this study, antibacterial activity BV was investigated on hygiene indicator Escherichia coli and environmental pathogen spoilage species, Pseudomonas putida fluorescens . An array methods combined to elucidate mode BV. Viability by culture media with assessing cell injury flow cytometry analysis. ATP depletion monitored an metabolic cells, varying concentration (75, 225and 500 µg/mL), temperature (25 $$^\circ \complement $$ ? ? 37 ), time exposure (0 24 h). Venom presented moderate inhibitory effect E. viability assay, caused high membrane permeability significant loss where increased concentration. The P. reduced greater extent than other tested bacteria at comparable concentrations dictated time. On contrary, appeared less affected based viability; analysis highlighted concentration- time-dependent venom. According Transmission Electron Microscopy results, deformation wall evident for all species. This implies common which is follows: destruction, change permeability, leakage contents, inactivation finally death.