Coproscopic identification of Nosema apis (Microsporea: Nosematidae) spores in humans

Abstract

The products of apiculture (honey, propolis, royal jelly, venom, nectar and bee bread) are being used for preventing healing and recovery of humans from various morbid states. In the general context of the bee pathology, the infection of the bees with species from Nosema genus determines loses both for the bees colonies and for the qualities of the bees products. Investigations were conducted in the Parasitology and Parasitic Disease Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Iasi, on the faecal samples from one human, breeder who consumed daily, for a long period of time, as supplement, a bee byproduct called bee bread, derived from their hives. The patient presented an advanced state of weakness, anorexia, headache, listlessness, severe diarrhoea syndrome and oscillating neurological disorders accompanied by aggressive and delusional seizures. Faecal and bee bread samples were assayed by direct and qualitative (Willis) and quantitative (Mc. Master) flotation methods. Examination and microphotography were performed using Leica optical system and Leica Application Suite. The obtained results showed that in both samples collected from the patient and the bee bread samples collected from the hives Nosema apis spores were identified, with a strong intensity (OPG: 20.000-25000, respectively). The results suggest the possible Nosema apis adaptation in humans, triggering an alarm on the consumption of apiculture products and byproducts that are veterinary uncontrolled and warns not to ignore the risk of a possible transmission to humans. It is the first case report of Nosema apis spores in humans, in our country.