Radiation inactivation of Paenibacillus larvae and sterilization of American Foul Brood (AFB) infected hives using Co-60 gamma rays

Issue Date

2011

Abstract

The effectiveness of gamma radiation in inactivating the Philippine isolate of Paenibacillus larvae was investigated. Spores of P. larvae were irradiated at incremental doses (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6kGy) of gamma radiation emitted by a 60Co source. Surviving spores were counted and used to estimate the decimal reduction (D 10) value. A dose of 0.2kGy was sufficient to inactivate 90% of the total recoverable spores from an initial count of 10 5-9×10 3 spores per glass plate. The sterilizing effect of high doses of gamma radiation on the spores of P. larvae in infected hives was determined. In this study, a minimum dose (D min) of 15kGy was tested. Beehives with sub-clinical infections of AFB were irradiated and examined for sterility. All the materials were found to be free of P. larvae indicating its susceptibility to γ-rays. After irradiation, there were no visible changes in the physical appearance of the hives' body, wax and frames. Thus, a dose of 15kGy is effective enough for sterilization of AFB-infected materials. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Source or Periodical Title

Applied Radiation and Isotopes

ISSN

0969-8043

Volume

69

Issue

10

Page

1374-1379

Document Type

Article

Subject

American Foul Brood, Bees, Paenibacillus larvae, Radiation sterilization

Identifier

doi:10.1016/j.apradiso.2011.05.032.

Digital Copy

yes

Link to Full Text

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