Caracterização fenotípica e molecular de bactérias com atividade antagônicas isoladas do tegumento de Melipona seminigra (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)

Abstract

Evidence has shown that the integument of social bees has a primary protective barrier with antimicrobial properties. Various types of bacteria inhabit the seed coat of healthy social bees and can interact antagonistically against bacteria or not, contributing to the health and function of the nest. Despite its likely importance in maintaining the balance of the hive, few studies have focused on the characterization of the microbiota of this tissue, since the exoskeleton is considered largely responsible for the evolutionary success of insects, not only for the protection and support that gives them, but also the interface between the animal and is environment, and can also act as a carrier and vector of microorganisms. Thus, the main objective of this study was to isolate and identify bacteria with antagonistic activity in front of pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25927 and ATCC 29212 Enteroccus faecalis) by biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene amplification. In this study it was found Staphylococus coagulase negative and positive, Serratia liquefacies and Enterococcus sp. The genera and species of bacteria found in this study were able to produce substances in the course of their growth in vitro, exerting bactericidal or bacteriostatic effect against gram-positive and are largely related to social insects. This feature may suggest that interactions between stingless bees and bacteria are at a level of association such that both are essential for both insect as microorganisms.