Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Bees

Researchers have found Antibiotic resistant bacteria in the guts of bees feeding on gene-altered rapeseed (canola) plants.

“Researchers there have shown that a gene used in Genetically-Modified canola is transferred to bacteria in the guts of bees in the first publicly documented case of horizontal gene transfer from Genetically-Modified crops to bacteria within any animal. This discovery may have major implications for the future of Genetically-Modified crops.”

One objection to GM crops is that during genetic manipulations, Antibiotic resistant "marker" genes are inserted into the target plant as “markers”. Within the plant, the Antibiotic resistant gene has no expression and is harmless. However, if this gene were able to transfer out of the GM plant and re-enter a bacterium, this bacterium would become antibiotic resistant. This might render commonly used Antibiotics useless against diseases attacking humans and livestock, including honeybees."

http://santostrading.com.au/articles/bees.html


Tweet