Assessment of Hygienic Practice, Isolation and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test of E. coli from Honey Bees Farms in and Around Haramaya University and Haramaya Woreda, Ethiopia

Abstract

Aim
Ethiopia, a leading honeybee producer, has been impacted by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, leading
to colony collapse.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2022 to March 2023 to assess hygienic practices, isolate Escherichia coli from honey
bees using feed swabs and hive swabs, analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli isolated from honey bees, assess the hygienic
and management practices of honey bee farms, and identify the major risk factors for E. coli presence in honey bee farms within
the study area.
Results
Out of 225 samples collected, 42 (18.7%) were found to be E. coli, with higher prevalence in Tuji Gabisa (24%) and Damato (21.4%)
kebele. The study also found that the highest resistance was found towards Ampicillin (78.6%) and Kanamycin (40.5%), followed
by Erythromycin (31%), Tetracycline (30%), and Gentamicin (26.2%). Of the 42 isolates, 92.85% single- to multiple-drug-resistant
isolates.
Conclusion
Beekeepers in the study area provided supplementary feed for honey during scarcity, and the most common locally available feed
types were sugar, tea, and bore holly. The study serves as a baseline data for future research, highlighting the importance of addressing
E. coli resistance and promoting hygienic practices.