Pathogenic bacterial communities isolated and identified in stingless bee (Kelulut) honey from selected Farms in Terengganu

Noor Aimi Shazana Mohd Yusof, . and Fisal Ahmad, . and Amir Izzwan Zamri, . and Shamsul Bahri Abdul Razak, . and Muhammad Fauzi Mahmud, . and Tuan Zainazor Tuan Chilek, . (2023) Pathogenic bacterial communities isolated and identified in stingless bee (Kelulut) honey from selected Farms in Terengganu. Pertanika Journal Tropical Agricultural Science (Malaysia), 46 (3). pp. 861-874. ISSN 1511-3701

In Malaysia, stingless bees can be categorised into two genera: Melipona and Trigona, known as “Kelulut”. The high demand for Kelulut honey boosts the production of the honey industry. Previous studies reported that stingless bee (Kelulut) honey and its products were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria during harvesting and processing. This research aims to isolate and identify the pathogenic bacteria in Kelulut honey. Forty-eight samples of Kelulut honey (open and closed pot) and propolis were obtained from selected farms in Terengganu by focusing on a major stingless bee species available in Malaysia, Heterotrigona itama. In addition, the swabbing technique was done on the wooden beehive of the Kelulut to evaluate the environmental contamination. The pathogenic bacteria were isolated using specifically selected agar, such as Bacillus cereus agar (for B. cereus), Baird-Parker agar (for Staphylococcus aureus), and MacConkey agar (for other pathogenic bacteria), which were confirmed through a biochemical test. All samples were analysed, and the results showed that B. cereus (7/48), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10/48), Pantoea spp. (11/48), Serratia plymuthica (6/48), and S. aureus (9/48) were obtained in the samples. This study indicates that Kelulut honey was contaminated with B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, Pantoea spp., S. plymuthica, and S. aureus. Isolated pathogenic bacteria may exist in the Kelulut honey through food handlers, utensils, and the environment. Hence, the stakeholders should strictly follow good standard operating procedures and guidelines by the Kelulut honey industry to prevent foodborne illness.

Full text available from: Official URL: http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/resources/files/Pe...

Abstract

In Malaysia, stingless bees can be categorised into two genera: Melipona and Trigona, known as “Kelulut”. The high demand for Kelulut honey boosts the production of the honey industry. Previous studies reported that stingless bee (Kelulut) honey and its products were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria during harvesting and processing. This research aims to isolate and identify the pathogenic bacteria in Kelulut honey. Forty-eight samples of Kelulut honey (open and closed pot) and propolis were obtained from selected farms in Terengganu by focusing on a major stingless bee species available in Malaysia, Heterotrigona itama. In addition, the swabbing technique was done on the wooden beehive of the Kelulut to evaluate the environmental contamination. The pathogenic bacteria were isolated using specifically selected agar, such as Bacillus cereus agar (for B. cereus), Baird-Parker agar (for Staphylococcus aureus), and MacConkey agar (for other pathogenic bacteria), which were confirmed through a biochemical test. All samples were analysed, and the results showed that B. cereus (7/48), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10/48), Pantoea spp. (11/48), Serratia plymuthica (6/48), and S. aureus (9/48) were obtained in the samples. This study indicates that Kelulut honey was contaminated with B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, Pantoea spp., S. plymuthica, and S. aureus. Isolated pathogenic bacteria may exist in the Kelulut honey through food handlers, utensils, and the environment. Hence, the stakeholders should strictly follow good standard operating procedures and guidelines by the Kelulut honey industry to prevent foodborne illness.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	honey
AGROVOC Term:	Melipona
AGROVOC Term:	isolation
AGROVOC Term:	identification
AGROVOC Term:	pathogenic bacteria
AGROVOC Term:	Apis mellifera
AGROVOC Term:	biological contamination
AGROVOC Term:	food safety
AGROVOC Term:	public health
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	12 Feb 2025 07:35
Last Modified:	12 Feb 2025 07:35
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2445

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