Honeybees Apis mellifera can detect the scent of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (Edinb). 2011 Jul;91(4):327-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tube.2011.04.008. Epub 2011 May 4.

Abstract

The proboscis extension reflex in honeybees was evaluated for detection of tuberculosis. Restrained bees were tested with methyl phenylacetate, methyl p-anisate, and methyl nicotinate, previously identified from Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures, to determine honeybee capacity for signature volatile detection. Methyl p-anisate and methyl phenylacetate were detectable over eight orders of magnitude, and honeybees showed proboscis extension response down to 0.1 pg loading of methyl p-anisate on filter paper. Potential exists for trained honeybees in non-invasive diagnostic tests for TB.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bees*
  • Benzoates*
  • Conditioning, Classical
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / chemistry*
  • Nicotinic Acids*
  • Odorants
  • Phenylacetates*
  • Smell*
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / metabolism

Substances

  • Benzoates
  • Nicotinic Acids
  • Phenylacetates
  • methyl 4-anisate
  • methyl nicotinate
  • methyl phenylacetate