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Mazzei M, Fronte B, Sagona S, Carrozza ML, Forzan M, Pizzurro F, Bibbiani C, Miragliotta V, Abramo F, Millanta F, Bagliacca M, Poli A, Felicioli A. Effect of 1,3-1,6 β-Glucan on Natural and Experimental Deformed Wing Virus Infection in Newly Emerged Honeybees (Apis mellifera ligustica). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166297. [PMID: 27829027 PMCID: PMC5102454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The Western Honeybee is a key pollinator for natural as well as agricultural ecosystems. In the last decade massive honeybee colony losses have been observed worldwide, the result of a complex syndrome triggered by multiple stress factors, with the RNA virus Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and the mite Varroa destructor playing crucial roles. The mite supports replication of DWV to high titers, which exert an immunosuppressive action and correlate with the onset of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 1,3-1,6 β-glucan, a natural innate immune system modulator, on honeybee response to low-titer natural and high-titer experimental DWV infection. As the effects exerted by ß-glucans can be remarkably different, depending on the target organism and the dose administered, two parallel experiments were performed, where 1,3-1,6 ß-glucan at a concentration of 0.5% and 2% respectively, was added to the diet of three cohorts of newly emerged honeybees, which were sampled from a Varroa-free apiary and harboured a low endogenous DWV viral titer. Each cohort was subjected to one of the following experimental treatments: no injection, injection of a high-copy number DWV suspension into the haemocel (experimental DWV infection) or injection of PBS into the haemocoel (physical injury). Control bees fed a ß-glucan-free diet were subjected to the same treatments. Viral load, survival rate, haemocyte populations and phenoloxidase activity of each experimental group were measured and compared. The results indicated that oral administration of 0.5% ß-glucan to naturally infected honeybees was associated with a significantly decrease of the number of infected bees and viral load they carried, and with a significant increase of the survival rate, suggesting that this natural immune modulator molecule might contribute to increase honeybee resistance to viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Mazzei
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Simona Sagona
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Mario Forzan
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Bibbiani
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Abramo
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Marco Bagliacca
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poli
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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202
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Betti MI, Wahl LM, Zamir M. Age structure is critical to the population dynamics and survival of honeybee colonies. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2016; 3:160444. [PMID: 28018627 PMCID: PMC5180125 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Age structure is an important feature of the division of labour within honeybee colonies, but its effects on colony dynamics have rarely been explored. We present a model of a honeybee colony that incorporates this key feature, and use this model to explore the effects of both winter and disease on the fate of the colony. The model offers a novel explanation for the frequently observed phenomenon of 'spring dwindle', which emerges as a natural consequence of the age-structured dynamics. Furthermore, the results indicate that a model taking age structure into account markedly affects the predicted timing and severity of disease within a bee colony. The timing of the onset of disease with respect to the changing seasons may also have a substantial impact on the fate of a honeybee colony. Finally, simulations predict that an infection may persist in a honeybee colony over several years, with effects that compound over time. Thus, the ultimate collapse of the colony may be the result of events several years past.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. I. Betti
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - L. M. Wahl
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7
| | - M. Zamir
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5B7
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203
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Assessing the health status of managed honeybee colonies (HEALTHY-B): a toolbox to facilitate harmonised data collection. EFSA J 2016. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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204
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Masood M, Everett CP, Chan SY, Snow JW. Negligible uptake and transfer of diet-derived pollen microRNAs in adult honey bees. RNA Biol 2016; 13:109-18. [PMID: 26680555 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2015.1128063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The putative transfer and gene regulatory activities of diet-derived miRNAs in ingesting animals are still debated. Importantly, no study to date has fully examined the role of dietary uptake of miRNA in the honey bee, a critical pollinator in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. After controlled pollen feeding experiments in adult honey bees, we observed that midguts demonstrated robust increases in plant miRNAs after pollen ingestion. However, we found no evidence of biologically relevant delivery of these molecules to proximal or distal tissues of recipient honey bees. Our results, therefore, support the premise that pollen miRNAs ingested as part of a typical diet are not robustly transferred across barrier epithelia of adult honey bees under normal conditions. Key future questions include whether other small RNA species in honey bee diets behave similarly and whether more specialized and specific delivery mechanisms exist for more efficient transport, particularly in the context of stressed barrier epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Masood
- a Department of Biology , Barnard College , New York , NY , 10027 , USA
| | - Claire P Everett
- a Department of Biology , Barnard College , New York , NY , 10027 , USA
| | - Stephen Y Chan
- b Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh , PA , 15261 , USA
| | - Jonathan W Snow
- a Department of Biology , Barnard College , New York , NY , 10027 , USA
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205
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Asensio I, Vicente-Rubiano M, Muñoz MJ, Fernández-Carrión E, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM, Carballo M. Importance of Ecological Factors and Colony Handling for Optimizing Health Status of Apiaries in Mediterranean Ecosystems. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164205. [PMID: 27727312 PMCID: PMC5058545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We analyzed six apiaries in several natural environments with a Mediterranean ecosystem in Madrid, central Spain, in order to understand how landscape and management characteristics may influence apiary health and bee production in the long term. We focused on five criteria (habitat quality, landscape heterogeneity, climate, management and health), as well as 30 subcriteria, and we used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to rank them according to relevance. Habitat quality proved to have the highest relevance, followed by beehive management. Within habitat quality, the following subcriteria proved to be most relevant: orographic diversity, elevation range and important plant species located 1.5 km from the apiary. The most important subcriteria under beehive management were honey production, movement of the apiary to a location with a higher altitude and wax renewal. Temperature was the most important subcriterion under climate, while pathogen and Varroa loads were the most significant under health. Two of the six apiaries showed the best values in the AHP analysis and showed annual honey production of 70 and 28 kg/colony. This high productivity was due primarily to high elevation range and high orographic diversity, which favored high habitat quality. In addition, one of these apiaries showed the best value for beehive management, while the other showed the best value for health, reflected in the low pathogen load and low average number of viruses. These results highlight the importance of environmental factors and good sanitary practices to maximize apiary health and honey productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Asensio
- Epidemiology & Environmental Health Department, Animal Health Research Center (CISA-INIA), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Marina Vicente-Rubiano
- VISAVET, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Muñoz
- Epidemiology & Environmental Health Department, Animal Health Research Center (CISA-INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fernández-Carrión
- VISAVET, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Sánchez-Vizcaíno
- VISAVET, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Matilde Carballo
- Epidemiology & Environmental Health Department, Animal Health Research Center (CISA-INIA), Madrid, Spain
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206
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Adjlane N, Tarek EO, Haddad N. Evaluation of Oxalic Acid Treatments against the Mite Varroa destructor and Secondary Effects on Honey Bees Apis mellifera. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2016; 10:501-509. [PMID: 28032102 PMCID: PMC5186740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Varroa destructor varroasis is a very serious parasite of honeybee Apis mellifera. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Varroa treatment using organic acid (oxalic acid) in Algeria identifying its side effects on bee colonies. METHODS Treatment was conducted in one apiary consisting 30 colonies kept in Langstroth hives kind. Oxalic acid dripped directly on bees 5ml of this solution of oxalic acid per lane occupied by a syringe. Three doses were tested: 4.2, 3.2 and 2.1% oxalic acid is 100, 75 and 50 g of oxalic acid dehydrate in one litter of sugar syrup (1water to1 surge) concentration. RESULTS The percentage of average efficiency obtained for the first dose was 81%, 72.19% for the second dose, and 65% for third one, while the dose of 100 g oxalic acid causes a weakening of honey bee colonies. CONCLUSION The experiments revealed that clear variation in the treatment efficiency among colonies that this might be related to brood presence therefore in order to assure the treatment efficiency oxalic acid should be part of a bigger strategy of Varroa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noureddine Adjlane
- Department of Biology, University M’Hamed Bougara of Boumerdes, Boumerdès, Algeria,Laboratory of Biology, and Physiology Animal, ENS Kouba, Algiers, Algeria,Corresponding author: Dr Noureddine Adjlane, E-mail:
| | | | - Nizar Haddad
- Department of Bee Research, National Center for Agriculture Research and Extension, Baqa’a, Jordan
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207
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Amiri E, Meixner MD, Kryger P. Deformed wing virus can be transmitted during natural mating in honey bees and infect the queens. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33065. [PMID: 27608961 PMCID: PMC5016801 DOI: 10.1038/srep33065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Deformed wing virus is an important contributor to honey bee colony losses. Frequently queen failure is reported as a cause for colony loss. Here we examine whether sexual transmission during multiple matings of queens is a possible way of virus infection in queens. In an environment with high prevalence of deformed wing virus, queens (n = 30) were trapped upon their return from natural mating flights. The last drone's endophallus (n = 29), if present, was removed from the mated queens for deformed wing virus quantification, leading to the detection of high-level infection in 3 endophalli. After oviposition, viral quantification revealed that seven of the 30 queens had high-level deformed wing virus infections, in all tissues, including the semen stored in the spermathecae. Two groups of either unmated queens (n = 8) with induced egg laying, or queens (n = 12) mated in isolation with drones showing comparatively low deformed wing virus infections served as control. None of the control queens exhibited high-level viral infections. Our results demonstrate that deformed wing virus infected drones are competitive to mate and able to transmit the virus along with semen, which occasionally leads to queen infections. Virus transmission to queens during mating may be common and can contribute noticeably to queen failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmaeil Amiri
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Slagelse, 4200, Denmark
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC, 27403, USA
| | | | - Per Kryger
- Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Slagelse, 4200, Denmark
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208
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Abstract
Bee declines have received much attention of late, but there is considerable debate and confusion as to the extent, significance and causes of declines. In part, this reflects conflation of data for domestic honeybees, numbers of which are largely driven by economic factors, with those for wild bees, many of which have undergone marked range contractions but for the majority of which we have no good data on population size. There is no doubt that bees are subject to numerous pressures in the modern world. The abundance and diversity of flowers has declined along with availability of suitable nest sites, bees are chronically exposed to cocktails of agrochemicals, and they are simultaneously exposed to novel parasites and pathogens accidentally spread by humans. Climate change is likely to exacerbate these problems in the future, particularly for cool- climate specialists such as bumblebees. Stressors do not act in isolation; for example pesticide exposure can impair both detoxification mechanisms and immune responses, rendering bees more susceptible to parasites. It seems certain that chronic exposure to multiple, interacting stressors is driving honeybee colony losses and declines of wild pollinators. Bees have a high profile and so their travails attract attention, but these same stressors undoubtedly bear upon other wild organisms, many of which are not monitored and have few champions. Those wild insects for which we do have population data (notably butterflies and moths) are overwhelmingly also in decline. We argue that bee declines are indicators of pervasive and ongoing environmental damage that is likely to impact broadly on biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides.
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209
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Brutscher
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Alexander J. McMenamin
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Michelle L. Flenniken
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
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210
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Kurze C, Routtu J, Moritz RF. Parasite resistance and tolerance in honeybees at the individual and social level. ZOOLOGY 2016; 119:290-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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211
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Wegener J, Ruhnke H, Scheller K, Mispagel S, Knollmann U, Kamp G, Bienefeld K. Pathogenesis of varroosis at the level of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 91-92:1-9. [PMID: 27296894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The parasitic mite Varroa destructor, in interaction with different viruses, is the main cause of honey bee colony mortality in most parts of the world. Here we studied how effects of individual-level parasitization are reflected by the bee colony as a whole. We measured disease progression in an apiary of 24 hives with differing degree of mite infestation, and investigated its relationship to 28 biometrical, physiological and biochemical indicators. In early summer, when the most heavily infested colonies already showed reduced growth, an elevated ratio of brood to bees, as well as a strong presence of phenoloxidase/prophenoloxidase in hive bees were found to be predictors of the time of colony collapse. One month later, the learning performance of worker bees as well as the activity of glucose oxidase measured from head extracts were significantly linked to the timing of colony collapse. Colonies at the brink of collapse were characterized by reduced weight of winter bees and a strong increase in their relative body water content. Our data confirm the importance of the immune system, known from studies of individually-infested bees, for the pathogenesis of varroosis at colony level. However, they also show that single-bee effects cannot always be extrapolated to the colony as a whole. This fact, together with the prominent role of colony-level factors like the ratio between brood and bees for disease progression, stress the importance of the superorganismal dimension of Varroa research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wegener
- Bee Research Institute, F.-Engels-Strasse 32, 16540 Hohen Neuendorf, Germany.
| | - H Ruhnke
- Bee Research Institute, F.-Engels-Strasse 32, 16540 Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
| | - K Scheller
- Bee Research Institute, F.-Engels-Strasse 32, 16540 Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
| | - S Mispagel
- AMP-Lab GmbH, Becherweg 9-11, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - U Knollmann
- AMP-Lab GmbH, Becherweg 9-11, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - G Kamp
- AMP-Lab GmbH, Becherweg 9-11, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - K Bienefeld
- Bee Research Institute, F.-Engels-Strasse 32, 16540 Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
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212
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Grassl J, Peng Y, Baer-Imhoof B, Welch M, Millar AH, Baer B. Infections with the Sexually Transmitted Pathogen Nosema apis Trigger an Immune Response in the Seminal Fluid of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera). J Proteome Res 2016; 16:319-334. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Grassl
- Centre for Integrative Bee Research
(CIBER) and ARC Centre of Excellence
in Plant Energy Biology and ‡School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Bayliss Building, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Yan Peng
- Centre for Integrative Bee Research
(CIBER) and ARC Centre of Excellence
in Plant Energy Biology and ‡School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Bayliss Building, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Barbara Baer-Imhoof
- Centre for Integrative Bee Research
(CIBER) and ARC Centre of Excellence
in Plant Energy Biology and ‡School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Bayliss Building, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Mat Welch
- Centre for Integrative Bee Research
(CIBER) and ARC Centre of Excellence
in Plant Energy Biology and ‡School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Bayliss Building, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - A. Harvey Millar
- Centre for Integrative Bee Research
(CIBER) and ARC Centre of Excellence
in Plant Energy Biology and ‡School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Bayliss Building, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Boris Baer
- Centre for Integrative Bee Research
(CIBER) and ARC Centre of Excellence
in Plant Energy Biology and ‡School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, Bayliss Building, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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213
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Desai SD, Currie RW. Effects of Wintering Environment and Parasite-Pathogen Interactions on Honey Bee Colony Loss in North Temperate Regions. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159615. [PMID: 27448049 PMCID: PMC4957765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Extreme winter losses of honey bee colonies are a major threat to beekeeping but the combinations of factors underlying colony loss remain debatable. We monitored colonies in two environments (colonies wintered indoors or outdoors) and characterized the effects of two parasitic mites, seven viruses, and Nosema on honey bee colony mortality and population loss over winter. Samples were collected from two locations within hives in fall, mid-winter and spring of 2009/2010. Although fall parasite and pathogen loads were similar in outdoor and indoor-wintered colonies, the outdoor-wintered colonies had greater relative reductions in bee population score over winter. Seasonal patterns in deformed wing virus (DWV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), and Nosema level also differed with the wintering environment. DWV and Nosema levels decreased over winter for indoor-wintered colonies but BQCV did not. Both BQCV and Nosema concentration increased over winter in outdoor-wintered colonies. The mean abundance of Varroa decreased and concentration of Sacbrood virus (SBV), Kashmir bee virus (KBV), and Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) increased over winter but seasonal patterns were not affected by wintering method. For most viruses, either entrance or brood area samples were reasonable predictors of colony virus load but there were significant season*sample location interactions for Nosema and BQCV, indicating that care must be taken when selecting samples from a single location. For Nosema spp., the fall entrance samples were better predictors of future infestation levels than were fall brood area samples. For indoor-wintered colonies, Israeli acute paralysis virus IAPV concentration was negatively correlated with spring population size. For outdoor-wintered hives, spring Varroa abundance and DWV concentration were positively correlated with bee loss and negatively correlated with spring population size. Multivariate analyses for fall collected samples indicated higher DWV was associated with colony death as did high SBV for spring-collected samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh D. Desai
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Robert W. Currie
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada
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214
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Boi M, Serra G, Colombo R, Lodesani M, Massi S, Costa C. A 10 year survey of acaricide residues in beeswax analysed in Italy. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2016; 72:1366-72. [PMID: 26423556 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this work was to provide an overview of the prevalence and level of acaricides in beeswax used in Italy in the past 10 years by analysing 1319 beeswax samples processed by the certified laboratory of the Italian Bee Research Institute. RESULTS The proportion of samples positive to at least one active ingredient decreased between 2005 and 2009 (from 69 to 32%) and then increased again between 2009 and 2014 (from 32 to 91%). This trend is in agreement with reports from beekeepers that the use of synthetic acaricides decreased in the second half of the past decade and increased after the beginning of the colony losses phenomenon. The active ingredient with the greatest overall proportion of positive samples was coumaphos (49%), followed by fluvalinate (38%) and chlorphenvinphos (25%). The indicator for amitraz, 2,4-dimethylphenylformamide (DMPF), was detected in a very small proportion of samples (6%), while residues of cymiazole were never found. CONCLUSIONS In more than half of the analysed samples, residues of at least one active ingredient were detected. The mean levels of residues of all the considered active ingredients in the positive samples may represent a source of accumulation in beeswax and pose risks to honey bee health. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Boi
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria, Unità di ricerca di apicoltura e bachicoltura, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Serra
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria, Unità di ricerca di apicoltura e bachicoltura, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Colombo
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria, Unità di ricerca di apicoltura e bachicoltura, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Lodesani
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria, Unità di ricerca di apicoltura e bachicoltura, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sergio Massi
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria, Unità di ricerca di apicoltura e bachicoltura, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cecilia Costa
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria, Unità di ricerca di apicoltura e bachicoltura, Bologna, Italy
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215
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Anguiano-Baez R, Guzman-Novoa E, Md Hamiduzzaman M, Espinosa-Montaño LG, Correa-Benítez A. Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) Parasitism and Climate Differentially Influence the Prevalence, Levels, and Overt Infections of Deformed Wing Virus in Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2016; 16:iew029. [PMID: 27252482 PMCID: PMC4887826 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iew029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence and loads of deformed wing virus (DWV) between honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies from a tropical and a temperate environment were compared. The interaction between these environments and the mite Varroa destructor in relation to DWV prevalence, levels, and overt infections, was also analyzed. V. destructor rates were determined, and samples of mites, adult bees, brood parasitized with varroa mites and brood not infested by mites were analyzed. DWV was detected in 100% of the mites and its prevalence and loads in honey bees were significantly higher in colonies from the temperate climate than in colonies from the tropical climate. Significant interactions were found between climate and type of sample, with the highest levels of DWV found in varroa-parasitized brood from temperate climate colonies. Additionally, overt infections were observed only in the temperate climate. Varroa parasitism and DWV loads in bees from colonies with overt infections were significantly higher than in bees from colonies with covert infections. These results suggest that interactions between climate, V. destructor, and possibly other factors, may play a significant role in the prevalence and levels of DWV in honey bee colonies, as well as in the development of overt infections. Several hypotheses are discussed to explain these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Anguiano-Baez
- Departamento de Producción Animal: Abejas, FMVZ, UNAM, Cd. Univ., Mexico DF 04510, Mexico (; ; )
| | - Ernesto Guzman-Novoa
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Mollah Md Hamiduzzaman
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Laura G Espinosa-Montaño
- Departamento de Producción Animal: Abejas, FMVZ, UNAM, Cd. Univ., Mexico DF 04510, Mexico (; ; )
| | - Adriana Correa-Benítez
- Departamento de Producción Animal: Abejas, FMVZ, UNAM, Cd. Univ., Mexico DF 04510, Mexico (; ; )
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Porrini C, Mutinelli F, Bortolotti L, Granato A, Laurenson L, Roberts K, Gallina A, Silvester N, Medrzycki P, Renzi T, Sgolastra F, Lodesani M. The Status of Honey Bee Health in Italy: Results from the Nationwide Bee Monitoring Network. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155411. [PMID: 27182604 PMCID: PMC4868308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In Italy a nation-wide monitoring network was established in 2009 in response to significant honey bee colony mortality reported during 2008. The network comprised of approximately 100 apiaries located across Italy. Colonies were sampled four times per year, in order to assess the health status and to collect samples for pathogen, chemical and pollen analyses. The prevalence of Nosema ceranae ranged, on average, from 47-69% in 2009 and from 30-60% in 2010, with strong seasonal variation. Virus prevalence was higher in 2010 than in 2009. The most widespread viruses were BQCV, DWV and SBV. The most frequent pesticides in all hive contents were organophosphates and pyrethroids such as coumaphos and tau-fluvalinate. Beeswax was the most frequently contaminated hive product, with 40% of samples positive and 13% having multiple residues, while 27% of bee-bread and 12% of honey bee samples were contaminated. Colony losses in 2009/10 were on average 19%, with no major differences between regions of Italy. In 2009, the presence of DWV in autumn was positively correlated with colony losses. Similarly, hive mortality was higher in BQCV infected colonies in the first and second visits of the year. In 2010, colony losses were significantly related to the presence of pesticides in honey bees during the second sampling period. Honey bee exposure to poisons in spring could have a negative impact at the colony level, contributing to increase colony mortality during the beekeeping season. In both 2009 and 2010, colony mortality rates were positively related to the percentage of agricultural land surrounding apiaries, supporting the importance of land use for honey bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Porrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie (DipSA), Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Franco Mutinelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, NRL for beekeeping, Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - Laura Bortolotti
- CRA-API, Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Granato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, NRL for beekeeping, Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | | | | | - Albino Gallina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, NRL for beekeeping, Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - Nicholas Silvester
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, NRL for beekeeping, Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - Piotr Medrzycki
- CRA-API, Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Bologna, Italy
| | - Teresa Renzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie (DipSA), Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Sgolastra
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie (DipSA), Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Lodesani
- CRA-API, Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Bologna, Italy
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217
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Engel P, Kwong WK, McFrederick Q, Anderson KE, Barribeau SM, Chandler JA, Cornman RS, Dainat J, de Miranda JR, Doublet V, Emery O, Evans JD, Farinelli L, Flenniken ML, Granberg F, Grasis JA, Gauthier L, Hayer J, Koch H, Kocher S, Martinson VG, Moran N, Munoz-Torres M, Newton I, Paxton RJ, Powell E, Sadd BM, Schmid-Hempel P, Schmid-Hempel R, Song SJ, Schwarz RS, vanEngelsdorp D, Dainat B. The Bee Microbiome: Impact on Bee Health and Model for Evolution and Ecology of Host-Microbe Interactions. mBio 2016; 7:e02164-15. [PMID: 27118586 PMCID: PMC4850275 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02164-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As pollinators, bees are cornerstones for terrestrial ecosystem stability and key components in agricultural productivity. All animals, including bees, are associated with a diverse community of microbes, commonly referred to as the microbiome. The bee microbiome is likely to be a crucial factor affecting host health. However, with the exception of a few pathogens, the impacts of most members of the bee microbiome on host health are poorly understood. Further, the evolutionary and ecological forces that shape and change the microbiome are unclear. Here, we discuss recent progress in our understanding of the bee microbiome, and we present challenges associated with its investigation. We conclude that global coordination of research efforts is needed to fully understand the complex and highly dynamic nature of the interplay between the bee microbiome, its host, and the environment. High-throughput sequencing technologies are ideal for exploring complex biological systems, including host-microbe interactions. To maximize their value and to improve assessment of the factors affecting bee health, sequence data should be archived, curated, and analyzed in ways that promote the synthesis of different studies. To this end, the BeeBiome consortium aims to develop an online database which would provide reference sequences, archive metadata, and host analytical resources. The goal would be to support applied and fundamental research on bees and their associated microbes and to provide a collaborative framework for sharing primary data from different research programs, thus furthering our understanding of the bee microbiome and its impact on pollinator health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Engel
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Waldan K Kwong
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Quinn McFrederick
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | | | | | - James Angus Chandler
- Department of Microbiology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - R Scott Cornman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Jacques Dainat
- Bioinformatics Infrastructure for Life Sciences (BILS), Linköpings Universitet Victoria Westling, Linköping, Sweden, and Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joachim R de Miranda
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vincent Doublet
- Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Olivier Emery
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jay D Evans
- USDA, ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Michelle L Flenniken
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | | | - Juris A Grasis
- Department of Biology, North Life Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Laurent Gauthier
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Hauke Koch
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Kocher
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge , Massachusetts , USA
| | | | - Nancy Moran
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Monica Munoz-Torres
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley , California , USA
| | - Irene Newton
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Robert J Paxton
- Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eli Powell
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Ben M Sadd
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Se Jin Song
- University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Ryan S Schwarz
- USDA, ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Benjamin Dainat
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland Bee Health Extension Service, Apiservice, Bern , Switzerland
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218
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Khongphinitbunjong K, Neumann P, Chantawannakul P, Williams GR. The ectoparasitic mite Tropilaelaps mercedesae reduces western honey bee, Apismellifera, longevity and emergence weight, and promotes Deformed wing virus infections. J Invertebr Pathol 2016; 137:38-42. [PMID: 27126517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Historically an ectoparasite of the native Giant honey bee Apis dorsata, the mite Tropilaelaps mercedesae has switched hosts to the introduced western honey bee Apis mellifera throughout much of Asia. Few data regarding lethal and sub-lethal effects of T. mercedesae on A. mellifera exist, despite its similarity to the devastating mite Varroa destructor. Here we artificially infested worker brood of A. mellifera with T. mercedesae to investigate lethal (longevity) and sub-lethal (emergence weight, Deformed wing virus (DWV) levels and clinical symptoms of DWV) effects of the mite on its new host. The data show that T. mercedesae infestation significantly reduced host longevity and emergence weight, and promoted both DWV levels and associated clinical symptoms. Our results suggest that T. mercedesae is a potentially important parasite to the economically important A. mellifera honey bee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitiphong Khongphinitbunjong
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Peter Neumann
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3003 Bern, Switzerland; Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Panuwan Chantawannakul
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Geoffrey R Williams
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3003 Bern, Switzerland; Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
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219
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Dolezal AG, Carrillo-Tripp J, Miller WA, Bonning BC, Toth AL. Intensively Cultivated Landscape and Varroa Mite Infestation Are Associated with Reduced Honey Bee Nutritional State. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153531. [PMID: 27070422 PMCID: PMC4829173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As key pollinators, honey bees are crucial to many natural and agricultural ecosystems. An important factor in the health of honey bees is the availability of diverse floral resources. However, in many parts of the world, high-intensity agriculture could result in a reduction in honey bee forage. Previous studies have investigated how the landscape surrounding honey bee hives affects some aspects of honey bee health, but to our knowledge there have been no investigations of the effects of intensively cultivated landscapes on indicators of individual bee health such as nutritional physiology and pathogen loads. Furthermore, agricultural landscapes in different regions vary greatly in forage and land management, indicating a need for additional information on the relationship between honey bee health and landscape cultivation. Here, we add to this growing body of information by investigating differences in nutritional physiology between honey bees kept in areas of comparatively low and high cultivation in an area generally high agricultural intensity in the Midwestern United States. We focused on bees collected directly before winter, because overwintering stress poses one of the most serious problems for honey bees in temperate climates. We found that honey bees kept in areas of lower cultivation exhibited higher lipid levels than those kept in areas of high cultivation, but this effect was observed only in colonies that were free of Varroa mites. Furthermore, we found that the presence of mites was associated with lower lipid levels and higher titers of deformed wing virus (DWV), as well as a non-significant trend towards higher overwinter losses. Overall, these results show that mite infestation interacts with landscape, obscuring the effects of landscape alone and suggesting that the benefits of improved foraging landscape could be lost without adequate control of mite infestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam G Dolezal
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jimena Carrillo-Tripp
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - W. Allen Miller
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Bryony C. Bonning
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
| | - Amy L. Toth
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States of America
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220
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Sánchez-Bayo F, Goulson D, Pennacchio F, Nazzi F, Goka K, Desneux N. Are bee diseases linked to pesticides? - A brief review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 89-90:7-11. [PMID: 26826357 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The negative impacts of pesticides, in particular insecticides, on bees and other pollinators have never been disputed. Insecticides can directly kill these vital insects, whereas herbicides reduce the diversity of their food resources, thus indirectly affecting their survival and reproduction. At sub-lethal level (<LD50), neurotoxic insecticide molecules are known to influence the cognitive abilities of bees, impairing their performance and ultimately impacting on the viability of the colonies. In addition, widespread systemic insecticides appear to have introduced indirect side effects on both honey bees and wild bumblebees, by deeply affecting their health. Immune suppression of the natural defences by neonicotinoid and phenyl-pyrazole (fipronil) insecticides opens the way to parasite infections and viral diseases, fostering their spread among individuals and among bee colonies at higher rates than under conditions of no exposure to such insecticides. This causal link between diseases and/or parasites in bees and neonicotinoids and other pesticides has eluded researchers for years because both factors are concurrent: while the former are the immediate cause of colony collapses and bee declines, the latter are a key factor contributing to the increasing negative impact of parasitic infections observed in bees in recent decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Sánchez-Bayo
- Faculty of Agriculture & Environment, The University of Sydney, Eveleigh, NSW 2015, Australia.
| | - Dave Goulson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, BN1 9QG, United Kingdom.
| | - Francesco Pennacchio
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Laboratorio di Entomologia "E. Tremblay", Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy.
| | - Francesco Nazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Koichi Goka
- National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan.
| | - Nicolas Desneux
- French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), 06903 Sophia Antipolis, France.
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221
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A mutualistic symbiosis between a parasitic mite and a pathogenic virus undermines honey bee immunity and health. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:3203-8. [PMID: 26951652 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1523515113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bee colony losses are triggered by interacting stress factors consistently associated with high loads of parasites and/or pathogens. A wealth of biotic and abiotic stressors are involved in the induction of this complex multifactorial syndrome, with the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and the associated deformed wing virus (DWV) apparently playing key roles. The mechanistic basis underpinning this association and the evolutionary implications remain largely obscure. Here we narrow this research gap by demonstrating that DWV, vectored by the Varroa mite, adversely affects humoral and cellular immune responses by interfering with NF-κB signaling. This immunosuppressive effect of the viral pathogen enhances reproduction of the parasitic mite. Our experimental data uncover an unrecognized mutualistic symbiosis between Varroa and DWV, which perpetuates a loop of reciprocal stimulation with escalating negative effects on honey bee immunity and health. These results largely account for the remarkable importance of this mite-virus interaction in the induction of honey bee colony losses. The discovery of this mutualistic association and the elucidation of the underlying regulatory mechanisms sets the stage for a more insightful analysis of how synergistic stress factors contribute to colony collapse, and for the development of new strategies to alleviate this problem.
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222
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Brandt A, Gorenflo A, Siede R, Meixner M, Büchler R. The neonicotinoids thiacloprid, imidacloprid, and clothianidin affect the immunocompetence of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 86:40-7. [PMID: 26776096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A strong immune defense is vital for honey bee health and colony survival. This defense can be weakened by environmental factors that may render honey bees more vulnerable to parasites and pathogens. Honey bees are frequently exposed to neonicotinoid pesticides, which are being discussed as one of the stress factors that may lead to colony failure. We investigated the sublethal effects of the neonicotinoids thiacloprid, imidacloprid, and clothianidin on individual immunity, by studying three major aspects of immunocompetence in worker bees: total hemocyte number, encapsulation response, and antimicrobial activity of the hemolymph. In laboratory experiments, we found a strong impact of all three neonicotinoids. Thiacloprid (24h oral exposure, 200 μg/l or 2000 μg/l) and imidacloprid (1 μg/l or 10 μg/l) reduced hemocyte density, encapsulation response, and antimicrobial activity even at field realistic concentrations. Clothianidin had an effect on these immune parameters only at higher than field realistic concentrations (50-200 μg/l). These results suggest that neonicotinoids affect the individual immunocompetence of honey bees, possibly leading to an impaired disease resistance capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annely Brandt
- LLH Bee Institute, Erlenstr. 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany.
| | - Anna Gorenflo
- LLH Bee Institute, Erlenstr. 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany
| | - Reinhold Siede
- LLH Bee Institute, Erlenstr. 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany
| | - Marina Meixner
- LLH Bee Institute, Erlenstr. 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany
| | - Ralph Büchler
- LLH Bee Institute, Erlenstr. 9, 35274 Kirchhain, Germany
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223
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Carrillo-Tripp J, Dolezal AG, Goblirsch MJ, Miller WA, Toth AL, Bonning BC. In vivo and in vitro infection dynamics of honey bee viruses. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22265. [PMID: 26923109 PMCID: PMC4770293 DOI: 10.1038/srep22265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is commonly infected by multiple viruses. We developed an experimental system for the study of such mixed viral infections in newly emerged honey bees and in the cell line AmE-711, derived from honey bee embryos. When inoculating a mixture of iflavirids [sacbrood bee virus (SBV), deformed wing virus (DWV)] and dicistrovirids [Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV)] in both live bee and cell culture assays, IAPV replicated to higher levels than other viruses despite the fact that SBV was the major component of the inoculum mixture. When a different virus mix composed mainly of the dicistrovirid Kashmir bee virus (KBV) was tested in cell culture, the outcome was a rapid increase in KBV but not IAPV. We also sequenced the complete genome of an isolate of DWV that covertly infects the AmE-711 cell line, and found that this virus does not prevent IAPV and KBV from accumulating to high levels and causing cytopathic effects. These results indicate that different mechanisms of virus-host interaction affect virus dynamics, including complex virus-virus interactions, superinfections, specific virus saturation limits in cells and virus specialization for different cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Carrillo-Tripp
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Adam G. Dolezal
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | | | - W. Allen Miller
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Amy L. Toth
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Bryony C. Bonning
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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224
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Ryabov EV, Fannon JM, Moore JD, Wood GR, Evans DJ. The Iflaviruses Sacbrood virus and Deformed wing virus evoke different transcriptional responses in the honeybee which may facilitate their horizontal or vertical transmission. PeerJ 2016; 4:e1591. [PMID: 26819848 PMCID: PMC4727977 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sacbrood virus (SBV) and Deformed wing virus (DWV) are evolutionarily related positive-strand RNA viruses, members of the Iflavirus group. They both infect the honeybee Apis mellifera but have strikingly different levels of virulence when transmitted orally. Honeybee larvae orally infected with SBV usually accumulate high levels of the virus, which halts larval development and causes insect death. In contrast, oral DWV infection at the larval stage usually causes asymptomatic infection with low levels of the virus, although high doses of ingested DWV could lead to DWV replicating to high levels. We investigated effects of DWV and SBV infection on the transcriptome of honeybee larvae and pupae using global RNA-Seq and real-time PCR analysis. This showed that high levels of SBV replication resulted in down-regulation of the genes involved in cuticle and muscle development, together with changes in expression of putative immune-related genes. In particular, honeybee larvae with high levels of SBV replication, with and without high levels of DWV replication, showed concerted up-regulated expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and down-regulated expression of the prophenoloxidase activating enzyme (PPAE) together with up-regulation of the expression of a putative serpin, which could lead to the suppression of the melanisation pathway. The effects of high SBV levels on expression of these immune genes were unlikely to be a consequence of SBV-induced developmental changes, because similar effects were observed in honeybee pupae infected by injection. In the orally infected larvae with high levels of DWV replication alone we observed no changes of AMPs or of gene expression in the melanisation pathway. In the injected pupae, high levels of DWV alone did not alter expression of the tested melanisation pathway genes, but resulted in up-regulation of the AMPs, which could be attributed to the effect of DWV on the regulation of AMP expression in response to wounding. We propose that the difference in expression of the honeybee immune genes induced by SBV and DWV may be an evolutionary adaptation to the different predominant transmission routes used by these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene V. Ryabov
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica M. Fannon
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan D. Moore
- Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Graham R. Wood
- Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Evans
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
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225
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226
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Nazzi F, Le Conte Y. Ecology of Varroa destructor, the Major Ectoparasite of the Western Honey Bee, Apis mellifera. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 61:417-32. [PMID: 26667378 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-010715-023731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is the most important ectoparasite of Apis mellifera. This review addresses the interactions between the varroa mite, its environment, and the honey bee host, mediated by an impressive number of cues and signals, including semiochemicals regulating crucial steps of the mite's life cycle. Although mechanical stimuli, temperature, and humidity play an important role, chemical communication is the most important channel. Kairomones are used at all stages of the mite's life cycle, and the exploitation of bees' brood pheromones is particularly significant given these compounds function as primer and releaser signals that regulate the social organization of the honey bee colony. V. destructor is a major problem for apiculture, and the search for novel control methods is an essential task for researchers. A detailed study of the ecological interactions of V. destructor is a prerequisite for creating strategies to sustainably manage the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Nazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Yves Le Conte
- INRA, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, Domaine Saint Paul, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon Cedex 9, France;
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227
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Brutscher LM, Flenniken ML. RNAi and Antiviral Defense in the Honey Bee. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:941897. [PMID: 26798663 PMCID: PMC4698999 DOI: 10.1155/2015/941897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bees play an important agricultural and ecological role as pollinators of numerous agricultural crops and other plant species. Therefore, investigating the factors associated with high annual losses of honey bee colonies in the US is an important and active area of research. Pathogen incidence and abundance correlate with Colony Collapse Disorder- (CCD-) affected colonies in the US and colony losses in the US and in some European countries. Honey bees are readily infected by single-stranded positive sense RNA viruses. Largely dependent on the host immune response, virus infections can either remain asymptomatic or result in deformities, paralysis, or death of adults or larvae. RNA interference (RNAi) is an important antiviral defense mechanism in insects, including honey bees. Herein, we review the role of RNAi in honey bee antiviral defense and highlight some parallels between insect and mammalian immune systems. A more thorough understanding of the role of pathogens on honey bee health and the immune mechanisms bees utilize to combat infectious agents may lead to the development of strategies that enhance honey bee health and result in the discovery of additional mechanisms of immunity in metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Brutscher
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3150, USA
- Institute on Ecosystems, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3490, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3460, USA
| | - Michelle L. Flenniken
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3150, USA
- Institute on Ecosystems, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3490, USA
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228
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Chopra SS, Bakshi BR, Khanna V. Economic Dependence of U.S. Industrial Sectors on Animal-Mediated Pollination Service. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:14441-51. [PMID: 26575436 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b03788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Declining animal pollinator health and diversity in the U.S. is a matter of growing concern and has particularly gained attention since the emergence of colony collapse disorder (CCD) in 2006. Failure to maintain adequate animal-mediated pollination service to support increasing demand for pollination-dependent crops poses risks for the U.S. economy. We integrate the Economic Input-Output (EIO) model and network analysis with data on pollinator dependence of crops to understand the economic dependence of U.S. industrial sectors on animal-mediated pollination service. The novelty of this work lies in its ability to identify industrial sectors and industrial communities (groups of closely linked sectors) that are most vulnerable to scarcity of pollination service provided by various animal species. While the economic dependence of agricultural sectors on pollination service is significant (US$14.2-23.8 billion), the higher-order economic dependence of the rest of the U.S. industrial sectors is substantially high as well (US$10.3-21.1 billion). The results are compelling as they highlight the critical importance of animal-induced pollination service for the U.S. economy, and the need to account for the role of ecosystem goods and services in product life cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauhrat S Chopra
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Bhavik R Bakshi
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Vikas Khanna
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
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229
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Cavigli I, Daughenbaugh KF, Martin M, Lerch M, Banner K, Garcia E, Brutscher LM, Flenniken ML. Pathogen prevalence and abundance in honey bee colonies involved in almond pollination. APIDOLOGIE 2015; 47:251-266. [PMID: 27053820 PMCID: PMC4766222 DOI: 10.1007/s13592-015-0395-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Honey bees are important pollinators of agricultural crops. Since 2006, US beekeepers have experienced high annual honey bee colony losses, which may be attributed to multiple abiotic and biotic factors, including pathogens. However, the relative importance of these factors has not been fully elucidated. To identify the most prevalent pathogens and investigate the relationship between colony strength and health, we assessed pathogen occurrence, prevalence, and abundance in Western US honey bee colonies involved in almond pollination. The most prevalent pathogens were Black queen cell virus (BQCV), Lake Sinai virus 2 (LSV2), Sacbrood virus (SBV), Nosema ceranae, and trypanosomatids. Our results indicated that pathogen prevalence and abundance were associated with both sampling date and beekeeping operation, that prevalence was highest in honey bee samples obtained immediately after almond pollination, and that weak colonies had a greater mean pathogen prevalence than strong colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Cavigli
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Katie F. Daughenbaugh
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Madison Martin
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Michael Lerch
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Katie Banner
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Emma Garcia
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Laura M. Brutscher
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
- Institute on Ecosystems, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
| | - Michelle L. Flenniken
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
- Institute on Ecosystems, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 USA
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230
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Four Categories of Viral Infection Describe the Health Status of Honey Bee Colonies. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140272. [PMID: 26448627 PMCID: PMC4598008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bee virus prevalence data are an essential prerequisite for managing epidemic events in a population. A survey study was carried out for seven viruses in colonies representing a healthy Danish honey bee population. In addition, colonies from apiaries with high level Varroa infestation or high level of winter mortality were also surveyed. Results from RT-qPCR showed a considerable difference of virus levels between healthy and sick colonies. In the group of healthy colonies, no virus was detected in 36% of cases, while at least one virus was found in each of the sick colonies. Virus titers varied among the samples, and multiple virus infections were common in both groups with a high prevalence of Sacbrood virus (SBV), Black queen cell virus (BQCV) and Deformed wing virus (DWV). Based on the distribution of virus titers, we established four categories of infection: samples free of virus (C = 0), samples with low virus titer (estimated number of virus copies 0 < C < 103), samples with medium virus titer (103 ≤ C < 107) and samples with high virus titer (C ≥ 107). This allowed us to statistically compare virus levels in healthy and sick colonies. Using categories to communicate virus diagnosis results to beekeepers may help them to reach an informed decision on management strategies to prevent further spread of viruses among colonies.
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231
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Natsopoulou ME, McMahon DP, Paxton RJ. Parasites modulate within-colony activity and accelerate the temporal polyethism schedule of a social insect, the honey bee. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2015; 70:1019-1031. [PMID: 27397965 PMCID: PMC4917585 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-015-2019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Task allocation in social insect colonies is generally organised into an age-related division of labour, termed the temporal polyethism schedule, which may in part have evolved to reduce infection of the colony's brood by pests and pathogens. The temporal polyethism schedule is sensitive to colony perturbations that may lead to adaptive changes in task allocation, maintaining colony homeostasis. Though social insects can be infected by a range of parasites, little is known of how these parasites impact within-colony behaviour and the temporal polyethism schedule. We use honey bees (Apis mellifera) experimentally infected by two of their emerging pathogens, Deformed wing virus (DWV), which is relatively understudied concerning its behavioural impact on its host, and the exotic microsporidian Nosema ceranae. We examined parasite effects on host temporal polyethism and patterns of activity within the colony. We found that pathogens accelerated the temporal polyethism schedule, but without reducing host behavioural repertoire. Infected hosts exhibited increased hyperactivity, allocating more time to self-grooming and foraging-related tasks. The strength of behavioural alterations we observed was found to be pathogen specific; behavioural modifications were more pronounced in virus-treated hosts versus N. ceranae-treated hosts, with potential benefits for the colony in terms of reducing within-colony transmission. Investigating the effects of multiple pathogens on behavioural patterns of social insects could play a crucial role in understanding pathogen spread within a colony and their effects on colony social organisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrsini E Natsopoulou
- Institut für Biologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Dino P McMahon
- Institute of Biology, Free University Berlin, Schwendenerstr.1, 14195 Berlin, Germany ; Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert J Paxton
- Institut für Biologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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232
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Hellard E, Fouchet D, Vavre F, Pontier D. Parasite-Parasite Interactions in the Wild: How To Detect Them? Trends Parasitol 2015; 31:640-652. [PMID: 26440785 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Inter-specific interactions between parasites impact on parasite intra-host dynamics, host health, and disease management. Identifying and understanding interaction mechanisms in the wild is crucial for wildlife disease management. It is however complex because several scales are interlaced. Parasite-parasite interactions are likely to occur via mechanisms at the within-host level, but also at upper levels (host population and community). Furthermore, interactions occurring at one level of organization spread to upper levels through cascade effects. Even if cascade effects are important confounding factors, we argue that we can also benefit from them because upper scales often provide a way to survey a wider range of parasites at lower cost. New protocols and theoretical studies (especially across scales) are necessary to take advantage of this opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eléonore Hellard
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon I, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche 5558, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622, Villeurbanne, France; Percy FitzPatrick Institute, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
| | - David Fouchet
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon I, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche 5558, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622, Villeurbanne, France; LabEx Ecofect, Ecoevolutionary Dynamics of Infectious Diseases, University of Lyon, France
| | - Fabrice Vavre
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon I, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche 5558, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622, Villeurbanne, France; LabEx Ecofect, Ecoevolutionary Dynamics of Infectious Diseases, University of Lyon, France
| | - Dominique Pontier
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon I, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche 5558, 43 Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622, Villeurbanne, France; LabEx Ecofect, Ecoevolutionary Dynamics of Infectious Diseases, University of Lyon, France
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233
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Michaud S, Boncristiani HF, Gouw JW, Strand MK, Pettis J, Rueppell O, Foster LJ. Response of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) proteome to Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) infection. CAN J ZOOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2014-0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent declines in honey bee (Apis mellifera L., 1758) populations worldwide have spurred significant research into the impact of pathogens on colony health. The role of the Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) on hive mortality has become of particular concern since being correlated with colony losses. However, the molecular interactions between IAPV and its host remain largely unknown. To investigate changes in host protein expression during IAPV infection, mass-spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics was used to compare IAPV-infected and healthy pupae. Proteins whose expression levels changed significantly during infection were identified and functional analysis was performed to determine host systems and pathways perturbed by IAPV infection. Among the A. mellifera proteins most affected by IAPV, those involving translation and the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway were most highly enriched and future investigation of these pathways will be useful in identifying host proteins required for infection. This analysis represents an important first step towards understanding the honey bee host response to IAPV infection through the systems-level analysis of protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Michaud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre for High-Throughput Biology, The University of British Columbia, 2125 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | | | - Joost W. Gouw
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre for High-Throughput Biology, The University of British Columbia, 2125 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Micheline K. Strand
- Life Sciences Division, US Army Research Office, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jeffrey Pettis
- US Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Olav Rueppell
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27403, USA
| | - Leonard J. Foster
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre for High-Throughput Biology, The University of British Columbia, 2125 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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234
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Bahreini R, Currie RW. The influence of Nosema (Microspora: Nosematidae) infection on honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) defense against Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae). J Invertebr Pathol 2015; 132:57-65. [PMID: 26283465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2015.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to quantify the costs and benefits of co-parasitism with Varroa (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman) and Nosema (Nosema ceranae Fries and Nosema apis Zander) on honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) with different defense levels. Newly-emerged worker bees from either high-mite-mortality-rate (high-MMR) bees or low-mite-mortality-rate (low-MMR) bees were confined in forty bioassay cages which were either inoculated with Nosema spores [Nosema (+) group] or were left un-inoculated [Nosema (-) group]. Caged-bees were then inoculated with Varroa mites [Varroa (+) group] or were left untreated [Varroa (-) group]. This established four treatment combinations within each Nosema treatment group: (1) low-MMR Varroa (-), (2) high-MMR Varroa (-), (3) low-MMR Varroa (+) and (4) high-MMR Varroa (+), each with five replicates. Overall mite mortality in high-MMR bees (0.12±0.02 mites per day) was significantly greater than in the low-MMR bees (0.06±0.02 mites per day). In the Nosema (-) groups bee mortality was greater in high-MMR bees than low-MMR bees but only when bees had a higher mite burden. Overall, high-MMR bees in the Nosema (-) group showed greater reductions in mean abundance of mites over time compared with low-MMR bees, when inoculated with additional mites. However, high-MMR bees could not reduce mite load as well as in the Nosema (-) group when fed with Nosema spores. Mean abundance of Nosema spores in live bees and dead bees of both strains of bees was significantly greater in the Nosema (+) group. Molecular analyses confirmed the presence of both Nosema species in inoculated bees but N. ceranae was more abundant than N. apis and unlike N. apis increased over the course of the experiment. Collectively, this study showed differential mite mortality rates among different genotypes of bees, however, Nosema infection restrained Varroa removal success in high-MMR bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rassol Bahreini
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Robert W Currie
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada.
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235
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Grozinger CM, Robinson GE. The power and promise of applying genomics to honey bee health. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 10:124-132. [PMID: 26273565 PMCID: PMC4528376 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
New genomic tools and resources are now being used to both understand honey bee health and develop tools to better manage it. Here, we describe the use of genomic approaches to identify and characterize bee parasites and pathogens, examine interactions among these parasites and pathogens, between them and their bee hosts, and to identify genetic markers for improved breeding of more resilient bee stocks. We also discuss several new genomic techniques that can be used to more efficiently study, monitor and improve bee health. In the case of using RNAi-based technologies to mitigate diseases in bee populations, we highlight advantages, disadvantages and strategies to reduce risk. The increased use of genomic analytical tools and manipulative technologies has already led to significant advances, and holds great promise for improvements in the health of honey bees and other critical pollinator species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Grozinger
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16803
| | - Gene E. Robinson
- Department of Entomology, Neuroscience Program, Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 61801
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236
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DeGrandi-Hoffman G, Chen Y. Nutrition, immunity and viral infections in honey bees. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 10:170-176. [PMID: 29588005 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Viruses and other pathogens can spread rapidly in social insect colonies from close contacts among nestmates, food sharing and periods of confinement. Here we discuss how honey bees decrease the risk of disease outbreaks by a combination of behaviors (social immunity) and individual immune function. There is a relationship between the effectiveness of social and individual immunity and the nutritional state of the colony. Parasitic Varroa mites undermine the relationship because they reduce nutrient levels, suppress individual immune function and transmit viruses. Future research directions to better understand the dynamics of the nutrition-immunity relationship based on levels of stress, time of year and colony demographics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria DeGrandi-Hoffman
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, 2000 East Allen Road, Tucson, AZ 85719, United States.
| | - Yanping Chen
- Bee Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
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237
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Döke MA, Frazier M, Grozinger CM. Overwintering honey bees: biology and management. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 10:185-193. [PMID: 29588007 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In temperate climates, honey bees (Apis mellifera) survive the winter by entering a distinct physiological and behavioral state. In recent years, beekeepers are reporting unsustainably high colony losses during the winter, which have been linked to parasitization by Varroa mites, virus infections, geographic location, and variation across honey bee genotypes. Here, we review literature on environmental, physiological, and social factors regulating entrance, maintenance, and exit from the overwintering state in honey bees in temperate regions and develop a testable model to explain how multiple factors may be acting synergistically to regulate this complex transition. We also review existing knowledge of the factors affecting overwintering survival in honey bees and providing suggestions to beekeepers aiming to improve their colonies' overwintering success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Ali Döke
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, United States.
| | - Maryann Frazier
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, United States
| | - Christina M Grozinger
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, United States
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238
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Schwarz RS, Huang Q, Evans JD. Hologenome theory and the honey bee pathosphere. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 10:1-7. [PMID: 29587997 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent research has provided improved genome-level views of diversity across global honey bee populations, the gut microbiota residing within them, and the expanding pathosphere challenging honey bees. Different combinations of bee/microbiota/pathosphere genome complexes may explain regional variation in apiculture productivity and mortality. To understand this, we must consider management and research approaches in light of a hologenome paradigm: that honey bee fitness is determined by the composite bee and microbiota genomes. Only by considering the hologenome can we truly interpret and address impacts from the pathosphere, pesticides, toxins, nutrition, climate and other stressors affecting bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Schwarz
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - East, Bldg. 306, US Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
| | - Qiang Huang
- Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - East, Bldg. 306, US Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Jay D Evans
- Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - East, Bldg. 306, US Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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239
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Brutscher LM, Daughenbaugh KF, Flenniken ML. Antiviral Defense Mechanisms in Honey Bees. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 10:71-82. [PMID: 26273564 PMCID: PMC4530548 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Honey bees are significant pollinators of agricultural crops and other important plant species. High annual losses of honey bee colonies in North America and in some parts of Europe have profound ecological and economic implications. Colony losses have been attributed to multiple factors including RNA viruses, thus understanding bee antiviral defense mechanisms may result in the development of strategies that mitigate colony losses. Honey bee antiviral defense mechanisms include RNA-interference, pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) triggered signal transduction cascades, and reactive oxygen species generation. However, the relative importance of these and other pathways is largely uncharacterized. Herein we review the current understanding of honey bee antiviral defense mechanisms and suggest important avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Brutscher
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA ; Institute on Ecosystems, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Katie F Daughenbaugh
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Michelle L Flenniken
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA ; Institute on Ecosystems, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
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240
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Antúnez K, Anido M, Branchiccela B, Harriet J, Campa J, Invernizzi C, Santos E, Higes M, Martín-Hernández R, Zunino P. Seasonal Variation of Honeybee Pathogens and its Association with Pollen Diversity in Uruguay. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2015; 70:522-533. [PMID: 25794593 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-015-0594-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees are susceptible to a wide range of pathogens, which have been related to the occurrence of colony loss episodes reported mainly in north hemisphere countries. Their ability to resist those infections is compromised if they are malnourished or exposed to pesticides. The aim of the present study was to carry out an epidemiological study in Uruguay, South America, in order to evaluate the dynamics and interaction of honeybee pathogens and evaluate their association with the presence of external stress factors such as restricted pollen diversity and presence of agrochemicals. We monitored 40 colonies in two apiaries over 24 months, regularly quantifying colony strength, parasite and pathogen status, and pollen diversity. Chlorinated pesticides, phosphorus, pyrethroid, fipronil, or sulfas were not found in stored pollen in any colony or season. Varroa destructor was widespread in March (end of summer-beginning of autumn), decreasing after acaricide treatments. Viruses ABPV, DWV, and SBV presented a similar trend, while IAPV and KBV were not detected. Nosema ceranae was detected along the year while Nosema apis was detected only in one sample. Fifteen percent of the colonies died, being associated to high V. destructor mite load in March and high N. ceranae spore loads in September. Although similar results have been reported in north hemisphere countries, this is the first study of these characteristics in Uruguay, highlighting the regional importance. On the other side, colonies with pollen of diverse botanical origins showed reduced viral infection levels, suggesting that an adequate nutrition is important for the development of healthy colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Antúnez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avda. Italia 3318, Montevideo, Uruguay,
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241
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Budge GE, Pietravalle S, Brown M, Laurenson L, Jones B, Tomkies V, Delaplane KS. Pathogens as Predictors of Honey Bee Colony Strength in England and Wales. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133228. [PMID: 26186735 PMCID: PMC4506140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Inspectors with the UK National Bee Unit were asked for 2007-2008 to target problem apiaries in England and Wales for pathogen screening and colony strength measures. Healthy colonies were included in the sampling to provide a continuum of health conditions. A total of 406 adult bee samples was screened and yielded 7 viral, 1 bacterial, and 2 microsporidial pathogens and 1 ectoparasite (Acarapis woodi). In addition, 108 samples of brood were screened and yielded 4 honey bee viruses. Virus prevalence varied from common (deformed wing virus, black queen cell virus) to complete absence (Israeli acute paralysis virus). When colonies were forced into one of two classes, strong or weak, the weak colonies contained more pathogens in adult bees. Among observed pathogens, only deformed wing virus was able to predict colony strength. The effect was negative such that colonies testing positive for deformed wing virus were likely to have fewer combs of bees or brood. This study constitutes the first record for Nosema ceranae in Great Britain. These results contribute to the growing body of evidence linking pathogens to poor honey bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giles E. Budge
- The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, YO411LZ, United Kingdom
| | - Stéphane Pietravalle
- The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, YO411LZ, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Brown
- The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, YO411LZ, United Kingdom
| | - Lynn Laurenson
- The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, YO411LZ, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Jones
- The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, YO411LZ, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Tomkies
- The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York, YO411LZ, United Kingdom
| | - Keith S. Delaplane
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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242
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Tantillo G, Bottaro M, Di Pinto A, Martella V, Di Pinto P, Terio V. Virus Infections of Honeybees Apis Mellifera. Ital J Food Saf 2015; 4:5364. [PMID: 27800411 PMCID: PMC5076640 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2015.5364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The health and vigour of honeybee colonies are threatened by numerous parasites (such as Varroa destructor and Nosema spp.) and pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa. Among honeybee pathogens, viruses are one of the major threats to the health and well-being of honeybees and cause serious concern for researchers and beekeepers. To tone down the threats posed by these invasive organisms, a better understanding of bee viral infections will be of crucial importance in developing effective and environmentally benign disease control strategies. Here we summarize recent progress in the understanding of the morphology, genome organization, transmission, epidemiology and pathogenesis of eight honeybee viruses: Deformed wing virus (DWV) and Kakugo virus (KV); Sacbrood virus (SBV); Black Queen cell virus (BQCV); Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV); Kashmir bee virus (KBV); Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV); Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV). The review has been designed to provide researchers in the field with updated information about honeybee viruses and to serve as a starting point for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marilisa Bottaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Angela Di Pinto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Terio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
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243
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Steinmann N, Corona M, Neumann P, Dainat B. Overwintering Is Associated with Reduced Expression of Immune Genes and Higher Susceptibility to Virus Infection in Honey Bees. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129956. [PMID: 26121358 PMCID: PMC4486728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The eusocial honey bee, Apis mellifera, has evolved remarkable abilities to survive extreme seasonal differences in temperature and availability of resources by dividing the worker caste into two groups that differ in physiology and lifespan: summer and winter bees. Most of the recent major losses of managed honey bee colonies occur during the winter, suggesting that winter bees may have compromised immune function and higher susceptibility to diseases. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the expression of eight immune genes and naturally occurring infection levels of deformed wing virus (DWV), one of the most widespread viruses in A. mellifera populations, between summer and winter bees. Possible interactions between immune response and physiological activity were tested by measuring the expression of vitellogenin and methyl farnesoate epoxidase, a gene coding for the last enzyme involved in juvenile hormone biosynthesis. Our data show that high DWV loads in winter bees correlate with reduced expression of genes involved in the cellular immune response and physiological activity and high expression of humoral immune genes involved in antibacterial defense compared with summer bees. This expression pattern could reflect evolutionary adaptations to resist bacterial pathogens and economize energy during the winter under a pathogen landscape with reduced risk of pathogenic viral infections. The outbreak of Varroa destructor infestation could have overcome these adaptations by promoting the transmission of viruses. Our results suggest that reduced cellular immune function during the winter may have increased honey bee’s susceptibility to DWV. These results contribute to our understanding of honey bee colony losses in temperate regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Steinmann
- Agroscope—Swiss Bee Research Center—Liebefeld, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bremgartenstr. 109a, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Miguel Corona
- Bee Research Laboratory USDA-ARS, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States of America
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bremgartenstr. 109a, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Dainat
- Agroscope—Swiss Bee Research Center—Liebefeld, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Bee Health Service, apiservice, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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244
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Statement on the suitability of the BEEHAVE model for its potential use in a regulatory context and for the risk assessment of multiple stressors in honeybees at the landscape level. EFSA J 2015. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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245
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Alburaki M, Boutin S, Mercier PL, Loublier Y, Chagnon M, Derome N. Neonicotinoid-Coated Zea mays Seeds Indirectly Affect Honeybee Performance and Pathogen Susceptibility in Field Trials. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125790. [PMID: 25993642 PMCID: PMC4436261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty-two honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies were studied in order to detect and measure potential in vivo effects of neonicotinoid pesticides used in cornfields (Zea mays spp) on honeybee health. Honeybee colonies were randomly split on four different agricultural cornfield areas located near Quebec City, Canada. Two locations contained cornfields treated with a seed-coated systemic neonicotinoid insecticide while the two others were organic cornfields used as control treatments. Hives were extensively monitored for their performance and health traits over a period of two years. Honeybee viruses (brood queen cell virus BQCV, deformed wing virus DWV, and Israeli acute paralysis virus IAPV) and the brain specific expression of a biomarker of host physiological stress, the Acetylcholinesterase gene AChE, were investigated using RT-qPCR. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was performed to detect pesticide residues in adult bees, honey, pollen, and corn flowers collected from the studied hives in each location. In addition, general hive conditions were assessed by monitoring colony weight and brood development. Neonicotinoids were only identified in corn flowers at low concentrations. However, honeybee colonies located in neonicotinoid treated cornfields expressed significantly higher pathogen infection than those located in untreated cornfields. AChE levels showed elevated levels among honeybees that collected corn pollen from treated fields. Positive correlations were recorded between pathogens and the treated locations. Our data suggests that neonicotinoids indirectly weaken honeybee health by inducing physiological stress and increasing pathogen loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Alburaki
- Université Laval, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Animales de Deschambault (CRSAD), Québec, Canada
| | - Sébastien Boutin
- Université Laval, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre-Luc Mercier
- Université Laval, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Animales de Deschambault (CRSAD), Québec, Canada
| | - Yves Loublier
- CNRS, Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes et Spéciation LEGS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Nicolas Derome
- Université Laval, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Québec, Canada
- Université Laval, Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Québec, Canada
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246
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Kielmanowicz MG, Inberg A, Lerner IM, Golani Y, Brown N, Turner CL, Hayes GJR, Ballam JM. Prospective large-scale field study generates predictive model identifying major contributors to colony losses. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1004816. [PMID: 25875764 PMCID: PMC4395366 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, unusually high losses of colonies have been reported by beekeepers across the USA. Multiple factors such as Varroa destructor, bee viruses, Nosema ceranae, weather, beekeeping practices, nutrition, and pesticides have been shown to contribute to colony losses. Here we describe a large-scale controlled trial, in which different bee pathogens, bee population, and weather conditions across winter were monitored at three locations across the USA. In order to minimize influence of various known contributing factors and their interaction, the hives in the study were not treated with antibiotics or miticides. Additionally, the hives were kept at one location and were not exposed to potential stress factors associated with migration. Our results show that a linear association between load of viruses (DWV or IAPV) in Varroa and bees is present at high Varroa infestation levels (>3 mites per 100 bees). The collection of comprehensive data allowed us to draw a predictive model of colony losses and to show that Varroa destructor, along with bee viruses, mainly DWV replication, contributes to approximately 70% of colony losses. This correlation further supports the claim that insufficient control of the virus-vectoring Varroa mite would result in increased hive loss. The predictive model also indicates that a single factor may not be sufficient to trigger colony losses, whereas a combination of stressors appears to impact hive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex Inberg
- Monsanto Company, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | - Yael Golani
- Monsanto Company, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Brown
- Monsanto Company, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | | | - Joan M. Ballam
- Monsanto Company, Chesterfield, Missouri, United States of America
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247
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Goulson D, Nicholls E, Botías C, Rotheray EL. Bee declines driven by combined stress from parasites, pesticides, and lack of flowers. Science 2015; 347:1255957. [PMID: 25721506 DOI: 10.1126/science.1255957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1633] [Impact Index Per Article: 181.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Bees are subject to numerous pressures in the modern world. The abundance and diversity of flowers has declined; bees are chronically exposed to cocktails of agrochemicals, and they are simultaneously exposed to novel parasites accidentally spread by humans. Climate change is likely to exacerbate these problems in the future. Stressors do not act in isolation; for example, pesticide exposure can impair both detoxification mechanisms and immune responses, rendering bees more susceptible to parasites. It seems certain that chronic exposure to multiple interacting stressors is driving honey bee colony losses and declines of wild pollinators, but such interactions are not addressed by current regulatory procedures, and studying these interactions experimentally poses a major challenge. In the meantime, taking steps to reduce stress on bees would seem prudent; incorporating flower-rich habitat into farmland, reducing pesticide use through adopting more sustainable farming methods, and enforcing effective quarantine measures on bee movements are all practical measures that should be adopted. Effective monitoring of wild pollinator populations is urgently needed to inform management strategies into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave Goulson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK.
| | - Elizabeth Nicholls
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Cristina Botías
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Ellen L Rotheray
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
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248
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Kuster RD, Boncristiani HF, Rueppell O. Immunogene and viral transcript dynamics during parasitic Varroa destructor mite infection of developing honey bee (Apis mellifera) pupae. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 217:1710-8. [PMID: 24829325 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.097766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The ectoparasitic Varroa destructor mite is a major contributor to the ongoing honey bee health crisis. Varroa interacts with honey bee viruses, exacerbating their pathogenicity. In addition to vectoring viruses, immunosuppression of the developing honey bee hosts by Varroa has been proposed to explain the synergy between viruses and mites. However, the evidence for honey bee immune suppression by V. destructor is contentious. We systematically studied the quantitative effects of experimentally introduced V. destructor mites on immune gene expression at five specific time points during the development of the honey bee hosts. Mites reproduced normally and were associated with increased titers of deformed wing virus in the developing bees. Our data on different immune genes show little evidence for immunosuppression of honey bees by V. destructor. Experimental wounding of developing bees increases relative immune gene expression and deformed wing virus titers. Combined, these results suggest that mite feeding activity itself and not immunosuppression may contribute to the synergy between viruses and mites. However, our results also suggest that increased expression of honey bee immune genes decreases mite reproductive success, which may be explored to enhance mite control strategies. Finally, our expression data for multiple immune genes across developmental time and different experimental treatments indicates co-regulation of several of these genes and thus improves our understanding of the understudied honey bee immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Kuster
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1000 Spring Garden Street, 312 Eberhart Building, Greensboro, NC 27403, USA
| | - Humberto F Boncristiani
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1000 Spring Garden Street, 312 Eberhart Building, Greensboro, NC 27403, USA
| | - Olav Rueppell
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1000 Spring Garden Street, 312 Eberhart Building, Greensboro, NC 27403, USA
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249
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Khongphinitbunjong K, de Guzman LI, Tarver MR, Rinderer TE, Chen Y, Chantawannakul P. Differential viral levels and immune gene expression in three stocks of Apis mellifera induced by different numbers of Varroa destructor. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 72:28-34. [PMID: 25456452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The viral levels and immune responses of Italian honey bees (IHB), Russian honey bees (RHB) and an outcross of Varroa Sensitive Hygienic bees (POL) deliberately infested with one or two foundress Varroa were compared. We found that the Deformed wing virus (DWV) level in IHB inoculated with one or two foundress Varroa increased to about 10(3) or 10(5) fold the levels of their uninfested brood. In contrast, POL (10(2) or 10(4) fold) and RHB (10(2) or l0(4) fold) supported a lower increase in DWV levels. The feeding of different stages of Varroa nymphs did not increase DWV levels of their pupal hosts. Analyses of their corresponding Varroa mites showed the same trends: two foundress Varroa yielded higher DWV levels than one foundress, and the addition of nymphs did not increase viral levels. Using the same pupae examined for the presence of viruses, 16 out of 24 genes evaluated showed significant differential mRNA expression levels among the three honey bee stocks. However, only four genes (Defensin, Dscam, PPOact and spaetzle), which were expressed at similar levels in uninfested pupae, were altered by the number of feeding foundress Varroa and levels of DWV regardless of stocks. This research provides the first evidence that immune response profiles of different honey bee stocks are induced by Varroa parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitiphong Khongphinitbunjong
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Lilia I de Guzman
- USDA-ARS, Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Laboratory, 1157 Ben Hur Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
| | - Matthew R Tarver
- USDA-ARS, Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Laboratory, 1157 Ben Hur Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
| | - Thomas E Rinderer
- USDA-ARS, Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Laboratory, 1157 Ben Hur Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
| | - Yanping Chen
- USDA-ARS, Bee Research Laboratory, Bldg. 476, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Panuwan Chantawannakul
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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250
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Ferreira ÁG, Naylor H, Esteves SS, Pais IS, Martins NE, Teixeira L. The Toll-dorsal pathway is required for resistance to viral oral infection in Drosophila. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004507. [PMID: 25473839 PMCID: PMC4256459 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogen entry route can have a strong impact on the result of microbial infections in different hosts, including insects. Drosophila melanogaster has been a successful model system to study the immune response to systemic viral infection. Here we investigate the role of the Toll pathway in resistance to oral viral infection in D. melanogaster. We show that several Toll pathway components, including Spätzle, Toll, Pelle and the NF-kB-like transcription factor Dorsal, are required to resist oral infection with Drosophila C virus. Furthermore, in the fat body Dorsal is translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and a Toll pathway target gene reporter is upregulated in response to Drosophila C Virus infection. This pathway also mediates resistance to several other RNA viruses (Cricket paralysis virus, Flock House virus, and Nora virus). Compared with control, viral titres are highly increased in Toll pathway mutants. The role of the Toll pathway in resistance to viruses in D. melanogaster is restricted to oral infection since we do not observe a phenotype associated with systemic infection. We also show that Wolbachia and other Drosophila-associated microbiota do not interact with the Toll pathway-mediated resistance to oral infection. We therefore identify the Toll pathway as a new general inducible pathway that mediates strong resistance to viruses with a route-specific role. These results contribute to a better understanding of viral oral infection resistance in insects, which is particularly relevant in the context of transmission of arboviruses by insect vectors. Pathogenic microbes can enter their hosts through different routes. This can have a strong impact on which host defensive mechanisms are elicited and in disease outcome. We used the model organism Drosophila melanogaster to understand how resistance to viruses differs between infection by direct virus entry into the body cavity and infection through feeding on food with the virus. We show that the Toll pathway is required to resist oral infection with different RNA viruses. On the other hand this pathway does not influence the outcome of viral infection performed by injection. Together our results show that the Toll pathway has a route-specific general antiviral effect. Our work expands the role of this classical innate immunity pathway and contributes to a better understanding of viral oral infection resistance in insects. This is particularly relevant because insect vectors of emerging human viral diseases, like dengue, are infected through feeding on contaminated hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Huw Naylor
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Luis Teixeira
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
- * E-mail: ,
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