An Overview of the Effect of Prebiotics, Probiotics and Postbiotics on Internal Honeybee Parasite Nosema spp

Honeybees are important pollinators that contribute significantly to crop pollination and local flora biodiversity. In recent years, a major decline in bee populations around the world has been observed, caused by biotic and abiotic stressors. Considering that honeybee health and behaviour can be significantly influenced by Nosema spp. infestation, we aim to explore the recent advancements in prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics administration to enhance honeybee health. Bibliographical research on the most recent papers on this topic. This review analyses 91 peer-reviewed articles, including 17 on prebiotics, 22 on probiotics, and 9 on postbiotics. These studies were selected for their relevance to the biocontrol of Nosema spp. in Apis mellifera. The findings highlight current microbiota-based strategies to support honeybee health. We strongly believe that the integration of pre-, pro-, and postbiotics into beekeeping practices can significantly contribute to the biocontrol of the pathogenic agent Nosema spp. Moreover, a deeper understanding of the microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of the honeybees (A. mellifera) and the substances they produce/consume could contribute to the development of more appropriate products for the biological control of Nosema spp.