Characterization of Bacillus larvae White, the causative agent of American foulbrood of honey-bees. First record of its occurrence in Argentina

ABSTRACT

American foulbrood caused by Bacillus larvae White is recorded for the first time on brood combs of Argentinian hives. The identification of the causative agent was based on disease symptomatology, morphological characters, pathogenicity tests and physiological and biochemical reactions. Studies by scanning electron microscopy showed the occurrence of large flagellar bundles of Bacillus larvae strains growing in biphasic BL medium. An electron microscope survey of the surface configuration of bacterial spores was also made.