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Trojan Horse in Biocontrol: How Imported Entomopathogenic Nematodes Could Introduce and Spread Dangerous Bacteria
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Naser Eivazian Kary *    , Akbar Shirzad |
| Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, IRAN , eivazian@azaruniv.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (283 Views) |
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are widely used as biocontrol agents, yet their non-symbiotic bacterial communities-which may pose underexplored biosafety risks-remain poorly characterized. This study isolated and phylogenetically identified bacteria associated with infective juveniles of native EPN species (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema carpocapsae, and Steinernema feltiae) collected from northwestern Iran. Our analysis, based on 16S-rDNA revealed a community of clinically significant bacteria. Isolates were identified within genera known for their roles as opportunistic pathogens, including Enterobacter (clustering with E. huaxiensis), Citrobacter (closely related to C. braaki), Morganella (grouping with M. morganii), Staphylococcus (showing high similarity to S. succinus), and Acinetobacter (phylogenetically proximate to A. schindlerii). The presence of Acinetobacter is of particular concern due to the genus's global notoriety for multidrug resistance and environmental persistence. These findings demonstrate that native EPN populations can harbor bacteria with documented associations to nosocomial infections and livestock diseases. Consequently, the expanding international trade of EPN-based biocontrol products creates a potential pathway for the cross-border dissemination of such opportunistic pathogens. Our results underscore the urgent need for enhanced regulatory oversight, harmonized international biosafety standards, and the implementation of culture-independent screening protocols to mitigate unintended public health risks associated with these otherwise beneficial biological control agents.
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Article number: 11 |
| Keywords: Acinetobacter schindleri, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter huaxiensis, Morganella morganii, Staphylococcus succinus |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Biosafety
Received: 2026/05/24 | Accepted: 2026/06/22 | Published: 2026/06/22
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