Bifidobacterium asteroides strain ESL0170

Bifidobacterium asteroides strain ESL0170 is a rod-shaped bacterium primarily found in the habitats associated with honeybees, including bee bread, bee pollen, brood, brood comb, fresh honey, and the digestive tract of the hindgut. This strain possesses a single replicon and is characterized by the presence of flagella, which may contribute to its motility within these environments. Notably, Bifidobacterium asteroides ESL0170 has been identified in various hosts including Homo sapiens, Apinae, and Apis mellifera. This indicates its potential significance not only in the gut microbiota of honeybees but also in the human microbiome, suggesting a possible interaction or symbiosis between these species. The presence of this strain in bee-related habitats highlights its potential role in the ecology of honeybee health and nutrition. Bee bread and pollen are critical food sources for bees, and the colonization of these substrates by beneficial microbes like Bifidobacterium asteroides may influence the nutritional quality of these resources. Furthermore, its presence in the digestive tract of bees could play a role in digestion and the overall health of the hive. Understanding the ecological interactions of Bifidobacterium asteroides ESL0170 within bee populations may provide insights into the microbial dynamics that support bee health, which is increasingly important given the decline of bee populations worldwide.