P475 Bee health and the antifungal activity of honey

POSTER SESSION 1, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: OBJECTIVES: Various components have been identified which contribute to the antimicrobial properties of honey, many of which are secreted by bees into the honey as it is being processed. Here we investigate the relationship between bee and hive health and the antifungal properties of honey. METHODS: Samples of honey were collected from hives that were either healthy or experiencing some kind of distress as assessed by beekeepers. Healthy hives displayed strong population numbers and good brood patterns while distressed hives exhibited warning signs such as low population numbers, patchy brood patterns, evidence of chalkbrood fungal disease, or small hive beetle infestation. Honey samples were tested for antifungal activity against yeast and mold species via broth microdilution, tested for hydrogen peroxide levels via colorimetric assay, and spread on agar plates to assess the abundance and diversity of microbes present in the raw honey. RESULTS: Honey samples were effective against the yeast Cryptococcus deuterogattii and the dermatophyte mold Trichophyton interdigitale but ineffective against the yeast Candida dubliniensis and the mold Aspergillus flavus. The hydrogen peroxide levels of the honeys were variable and did not always align with activity. Less microbes in number and abundance were present on agar plates grown from healthy hive honey compared to distressed hive honey. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that bee health may play a role in contributing to the antifungal properties of honey and that promoting strong and healthy hives is beneficial.