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Arad M, Ku K, Frey C, Hare R, McAfee A, Ghafourifar G, Foster LJ. What proteomics has taught us about honey bee (Apis mellifera) health and disease. Proteomics 2024:e2400075. [PMID: 38896501 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202400075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The Western honey bee, Apis mellifera, is currently navigating a gauntlet of environmental pressures, including the persistent threat of parasites, pathogens, and climate change - all of which compromise the vitality of honey bee colonies. The repercussions of their declining health extend beyond the immediate concerns of apiarists, potentially imposing economic burdens on society through diminished agricultural productivity. Hence, there is an imperative to devise innovative monitoring techniques for assessing the health of honey bee populations. Proteomics, recognized for its proficiency in biomarker identification and protein-protein interactions, is poised to play a pivotal role in this regard. It offers a promising avenue for monitoring and enhancing the resilience of honey bee colonies, thereby contributing to the stability of global food supplies. This review delves into the recent proteomic studies of A. mellifera, highlighting specific proteins of interest and envisioning the potential of proteomics to improve sustainable beekeeping practices amidst the challenges of a changing planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maor Arad
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kenneth Ku
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - Connor Frey
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rhien Hare
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Alison McAfee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Golfam Ghafourifar
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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2
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Lin Z, Shen S, Wang K, Ji T. Biotic and abiotic stresses on honeybee health. Integr Zool 2024; 19:442-457. [PMID: 37427560 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees are the most critical pollinators providing key ecosystem services that underpin crop production and sustainable agriculture. Amidst a backdrop of rapid global change, this eusocial insect encounters a succession of stressors during nesting, foraging, and pollination. Ectoparasitic mites, together with vectored viruses, have been recognized as central biotic threats to honeybee health, while the spread of invasive giant hornets and small hive beetles also increasingly threatens colonies worldwide. Cocktails of agrochemicals, including acaricides used for mite treatment, and other pollutants of the environment have been widely documented to affect bee health in various ways. Additionally, expanding urbanization, climate change, and agricultural intensification often result in the destruction or fragmentation of flower-rich bee habitats. The anthropogenic pressures exerted by beekeeping management practices affect the natural selection and evolution of honeybees, and colony translocations facilitate alien species invasion and disease transmission. In this review, the multiple biotic and abiotic threats and their interactions that potentially undermine bee colony health are discussed, while taking into consideration the sensitivity, large foraging area, dense network among related nestmates, and social behaviors of honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheguang Lin
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Siyi Shen
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ting Ji
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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3
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Glavinic U, Jovanovic NM, Dominikovic N, Lakic N, Ćosić M, Stevanovic J, Stanimirovic Z. Potential of Wormwood and Oak Bark-Based Supplement in Health Improvement of Nosema ceranae-Infected Honey Bees. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1195. [PMID: 38672343 PMCID: PMC11047348 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae, a microsporidian parasite, as one of the stressors that contribute to honey bee decline, has a significant negative impact on the longevity, productivity, and reproductive capacity of honey bee colonies. There are several different strategies for Nosema infection control, including natural-based and antibiotic-based products. In this study, we tested wormwood and oak bark-based supplement "Medenko forte" on survival, Nosema infection, oxidative stress, and expression of immune-related genes in artificially N. ceranae-infected bees. The results revealed a positive influence on the survival of Nosema-infected bees, irrespectively of the moment of supplement application (day 1, day 3, or day 6 after bee emergence), as well as reduction of Nosema loads and, consequently, Nosema-induced oxidative stress. Supplementation had no negative effects on bee immunity, but better anti-Nosema than immune-stimulating effects were affirmed based on expression levels of abaecin, defensin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin, and vitellogenin genes. In conclusion, the tested supplement "Medenko forte" has great potential in the health protection of Nosema-infected bees. However, further investigations need to be performed to elucidate its mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uros Glavinic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (N.D.); (J.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Nemanja M. Jovanovic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nina Dominikovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (N.D.); (J.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Nada Lakic
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Milivoje Ćosić
- Institute of Forestry, Kneza Viseslava 3, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Jevrosima Stevanovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (N.D.); (J.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zoran Stanimirovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (N.D.); (J.S.); (Z.S.)
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Diego S, Nolberto A, Pablo AJ, Ricardo C, Nelson Z, Marisol V. Nursing Honeybee Behavior and Sensorial-Related Genes Are Altered by Deformed Wing Virus Variant A. INSECTS 2024; 15:80. [PMID: 38392500 PMCID: PMC10889485 DOI: 10.3390/insects15020080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Insect behavior is coordinated mainly by smell through the diverse odor-binding proteins (OBP) that allow them to identify and recognize their environment. Sensory information collected through smell is then analyzed and interpreted in the brain, allowing for correct insect functioning. The behavior of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) can be affected by different pathogens, such as deformed wing virus (DWV). In particular, the DWV variant A (DWV-A) is capable of altering olfactory sensitivity and reducing the gene expression of different OBPs, including those associated with nursing behavior. The DWV is also capable of replicating itself in the sensory lobes of the brain, further compromising the processing of sensory information. This study evaluated the behavioral response of nurse honeybees exposed to a pheromone compound and the alterations in the gene expression of the pre- and post-synaptic neuronal genes neuroxins-1 and neurogilin-1 in the bee heads and OBP proteins in the antennae of nurse bees inoculated with DWV-A. The behavioral response of nurse bees exposed to the larval pheromone compound benzyl alcohol was analyzed using a Y-tube olfactometer. The viral load, the gene expression of OBP5 and OBP11 in antennae, and neuroxins-1 and neurogilin-1 in the bee heads were analyzed via qPCR. High viral loads significantly reduced the ability of 10- and 15-day-old nurse honeybees to choose the correct pheromone compound. Also, the gene expression of OBP5, OBP11, neuroxin-1, and neurogilin-1 in nurse honeybees decreased when they were highly infected with DWV-A. These results suggest that a DWV-A infection can disturb information processing and cause nursing honeybees to reduce their activity inside the hive, altering internal cohesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silva Diego
- Laboratorios de Virología y Patologías en Abejas, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán 3780000, Chile
| | - Arismendi Nolberto
- Centro de Investigación Austral Biotech, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Av. Picarte 1130-1160, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
| | - Alveal Juan Pablo
- Laboratorio de Ecología Química, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIA Quilamapu, Av. Vicente Méndez 515, Chillán 3780000, Chile
| | - Ceballos Ricardo
- Laboratorio de Ecología Química, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIA Quilamapu, Av. Vicente Méndez 515, Chillán 3780000, Chile
| | - Zapata Nelson
- Laboratorio de Fitoquímica, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán 3780000, Chile
| | - Vargas Marisol
- Laboratorios de Virología y Patologías en Abejas, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán 3780000, Chile
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Sukkar D, Kanso A, Laval-Gilly P, Falla-Angel J. A clash on the Toll pathway: competitive action between pesticides and zymosan A on components of innate immunity in Apis mellifera. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1247582. [PMID: 37753094 PMCID: PMC10518393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1247582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The immune system of honeybees includes multiple pathways that may be affected by pesticide exposure decreasing the immune competencies of bees and increasing their susceptibility to diseases like the fungal Nosema spp. infection, which is detected in collapsed colonies. Methods To better understand the effect of the co-presence of multiple pesticides that interact with bees like imidacloprid and amitraz, we evaluated the expression of immune-related genes in honeybee hemocytes. Results Imidacloprid, amitraz, and the immune activator, zymosan A, mainly affect the gene expression in the Toll pathway. Discussion Imidacloprid, amitraz, and zymosan A have a synergistic or an antagonistic relationship on gene expression depending on the level of immune signaling. The presence of multiple risk factors like pesticides and pathogens requires the assessment of their complex interaction, which has differential effects on the innate immunity of honeybees as seen in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dani Sukkar
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000 Nancy, France
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Ali Kanso
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
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Akossi RF, Delbac F, El Alaoui H, Wawrzyniak I, Peyretaillade E. The intracellular parasite Anncaliia algerae induces a massive miRNA down-regulation in human cells. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:363-375. [PMID: 37275245 PMCID: PMC10238475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anncaliia algerae belongs to microsporidia, a group of obligate intracellular parasites related to fungi. These parasites are largely spread in water and food-webs and can infect a wide variety of hosts ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates including humans. In humans, microsporidian infections are mainly opportunistic as immunocompetent hosts can clear parasites naturally. Recent studies however have reported persistent microsporidian infections and have highlighted them as a risk factor in colon cancer. This may be a direct result of cell infection or may be an indirect effect of the infectious microenvironment and the host's response. In both cases, this raises the question of the effects of microsporidian infection at the host and host-cell levels. We aimed to address the question of human host intracellular response to microsporidian infection through a transcriptomic kinetic study of human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) infected with A.algerae, a human infecting microsporidia with an exceptionally wide host range. We focused solely on host response studying both coding and small non-coding miRNA expression. Our study revealed a generalized down-regulation of cell miRNAs throughout infection with up to 547 different miRNAs downregulated at some timepoints and also transcriptomic dysregulations that could facilitate parasite development with immune and lipid metabolism genes modulation. We also hypothesize possible small nucleic acid expropriation explaining the miRNA downregulation. This work contributes to a better understanding of the dialogue that can occur between an intracellular parasite and its host at the cellular level, and can guide future studies on microsporidian infection biology to unravel the mode of action of these minimalist parasites at the tissue or host levels.We have also generated a kinetic and comprehensive transcriptomic data set of an infectious process that can help support comparative studies in the broader field of parasitology. Lastly, these results may warrant for caution regarding microsporidian exposure and persistent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginald Florian Akossi
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement” (LMGE), UMR 6023, Université Clermont Auvergne and CNRS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Fréderic Delbac
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement” (LMGE), UMR 6023, Université Clermont Auvergne and CNRS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hicham El Alaoui
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement” (LMGE), UMR 6023, Université Clermont Auvergne and CNRS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ivan Wawrzyniak
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement” (LMGE), UMR 6023, Université Clermont Auvergne and CNRS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Eric Peyretaillade
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement” (LMGE), UMR 6023, Université Clermont Auvergne and CNRS, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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7
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McCormick EC, Cohen OR, Dolezal AG, Sadd BM. Consequences of microsporidian prior exposure for virus infection outcomes and bumble bee host health. Oecologia 2023:10.1007/s00442-023-05394-x. [PMID: 37284861 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05394-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Host-parasite interactions do not occur in a vacuum, but in connected multi-parasite networks that can result in co-exposures and coinfections of individual hosts. These can affect host health and disease ecology, including disease outbreaks. However, many host-parasite studies examine pairwise interactions, meaning we still lack a general understanding of the influence of co-exposures and coinfections. Using the bumble bee Bombus impatiens, we study the effects of larval exposure to a microsporidian Nosema bombi, implicated in bumble bee declines, and adult exposure to Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV), an emerging infectious disease from honey bee parasite spillover. We hypothesize that infection outcomes will be modified by co-exposure or coinfection. Nosema bombi is a potentially severe, larval-infecting parasite, and we predict that prior exposure will result in decreased host resistance to adult IAPV infection. We predict double parasite exposure will also reduce host tolerance of infection, as measured by host survival. Although our larval Nosema exposure mostly did not result in viable infections, it partially reduced resistance to adult IAPV infection. Nosema exposure also negatively affected survival, potentially due to a cost of immunity in resisting the exposure. There was a significant negative effect of IAPV exposure on survivorship, but prior Nosema exposure did not alter this survival outcome, suggesting increased tolerance given the higher IAPV infections in the bees previously exposed to Nosema. These results again demonstrate that infection outcomes can be non-independent when multiple parasites are present, even when exposure to one parasite does not result in a substantial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyse C McCormick
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, 61790, USA
| | - Olivia R Cohen
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, 61790, USA
| | - Adam G Dolezal
- School of Integrated Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ben M Sadd
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, 61790, USA.
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Hurná B, Sučik M, Staroň M, Tutka Š, Maková Z, Galajda R, Valenčáková A. Molecular Detection of Nosema spp. in Three Eco Regions of Slovakia. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4814-4825. [PMID: 37367055 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45060306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are unicellular obligate intracellular parasitic fungi that infect a wide range of vertebrates and invertebrates. There are two known species of microsporidia infecting honey bees in Slovakia- first Nosema apis and also Nosema ceranae. Our aim was to examine samples of honey bees collected from bee queen breeders in three ecoregions of the Slovak Republic in 2021 and 2022. First, microscopic diagnostics were used, and then randomly selected samples were examined using molecular methods. There were 4018 samples examined using microscopic diagnostics and the positivity was demonstrated in 922 samples. From the microscopically diagnosed positive samples, 507 samples were randomly selected, and using molecular methods, the positivity was proved in 488 samples. After sequencing the positive PCR products and comparing the sequences (BLAST) with the sequences stored in the gene bank, the Nosema ceranae species was detected in all positive samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta Hurná
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Monika Sučik
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Staroň
- VÚŽV Nitra-Institute of Apiculture Liptovský Hrádok, Gašperíkova 599, 033 80 Liptovský Hrádok, Slovakia
| | - Štefan Tutka
- VÚŽV Nitra-Institute of Apiculture Liptovský Hrádok, Gašperíkova 599, 033 80 Liptovský Hrádok, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Maková
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Richard Galajda
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Valenčáková
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
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Lang H, Wang H, Wang H, Zhong Z, Xie X, Zhang W, Guo J, Meng L, Hu X, Zhang X, Zheng H. Engineered symbiotic bacteria interfering Nosema redox system inhibit microsporidia parasitism in honeybees. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2778. [PMID: 37210527 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38498-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is an intracellular parasite invading the midgut of honeybees, which causes serious nosemosis implicated in honeybee colony losses worldwide. The core gut microbiota is involved in protecting against parasitism, and the genetically engineering of the native gut symbionts provides a novel and efficient way to fight pathogens. Here, using laboratory-generated bees mono-associated with gut members, we find that Snodgrassella alvi inhibit microsporidia proliferation, potentially via the stimulation of host oxidant-mediated immune response. Accordingly, N. ceranae employs the thioredoxin and glutathione systems to defend against oxidative stress and maintain a balanced redox equilibrium, which is essential for the infection process. We knock down the gene expression using nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference, which targets the γ-glutamyl-cysteine synthetase and thioredoxin reductase genes of microsporidia. It significantly reduces the spore load, confirming the importance of the antioxidant mechanism for the intracellular invasion of the N. ceranae parasite. Finally, we genetically modify the symbiotic S. alvi to deliver dsRNA corresponding to the genes involved in the redox system of the microsporidia. The engineered S. alvi induces RNA interference and represses parasite gene expression, thereby inhibits the parasitism significantly. Specifically, N. ceranae is most suppressed by the recombinant strain corresponding to the glutathione synthetase or by a mixture of bacteria expressing variable dsRNA. Our findings extend our previous understanding of the protection of gut symbionts against N. ceranae and provide a symbiont-mediated RNAi system for inhibiting microsporidia infection in honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Lang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Haoqing Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaopeng Zhong
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Xianbing Xie
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenhao Zhang
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650031, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650031, Kunming, China
| | - Liang Meng
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, 266555, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaosong Hu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China.
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García-Vicente EJ, Martín M, Rey-Casero I, Pérez A, Martínez R, Bravo M, Alonso JM, Risco D. Effect of feed supplementation with probiotics and postbiotics on strength and health status of honey bee (Apis mellifera) hives during late spring. Res Vet Sci 2023; 159:237-243. [PMID: 37178627 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Currently, beekeeping faces many risks, such as deteriorating health of honeybees in hives, which results in high mortality rates, mainly during winter. An important consequence is the emergence/re-emergence of communicable diseases such as varroosis or nosemosis. These diseases jeopardize the continuity of the sector because of the absence of effective treatments and harmful residues that they can be retained on wax or honey. This study aimed to evaluate how feed supplementation with probiotic and postbiotic products derived from lactic acid bacteria affected the strength, dynamic population, and sanitary parameters of honey bees. Three groups of 30 hives were established and fed with feed supplemented with control, probiotic, or postbiotic products, with a total of nine applications over two months in late spring. Two monitoring tests were conducted to evaluate the strength and health status of hives. Hives that consumed postbiotic products enhanced their strength, increased bee population and egg laying of the queen, and maintained their reserves of pollen, whereas these parameters decreased in hives belonging to other groups. Furthermore, although the results suggested a favorable effect of postbiotic products on the trend of N. ceranae infection levels, probiotics showed intermediate results. While awaiting long-term results regarding V. destructor infestation, which showed similar trends in all groups, feed supplementation with postbiotics could be an important tool for beekeepers to enhance the strength and health status of their hives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Martín
- Neobéitar S.L. Av. Alemania 6 1°B, 10001 Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Ana Pérez
- Neobéitar S.L. Av. Alemania 6 1°B, 10001 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Remigio Martínez
- Department of Animal Health, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Bravo
- Ingulados, Miguel Servet 11-13, 10004 Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Juan Manuel Alonso
- Department of Animal Health, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
| | - David Risco
- Department of Animal Medicine, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
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11
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Bahreini R, Nasr M, Docherty C, de Herdt O, Feindel D, Muirhead S. In Vivo Inhibitory Assessment of Potential Antifungal Agents on Nosema ceranae Proliferation in Honey Bees. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111375. [PMID: 36422626 PMCID: PMC9695399 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae Fries, 1996, causes contagious fungal nosemosis disease in managed honey bees, Apis mellifera L. It is associated around the world with winter losses and colony collapse disorder. We used a laboratory in vivo screening assay to test curcumin, fenbendazole, nitrofurazone and ornidazole against N. ceranae in honey bees to identify novel compounds with anti-nosemosis activity compared to the commercially available medication Fumagilin-B®. Over a 20-day period, Nosema-inoculated bees in Plexiglas cages were orally treated with subsequent dilutions of candidate compounds, or Fumagilin-B® at the recommended dose, with three replicates per treatment. Outcomes indicated that fenbendazole suppressed Nosema spore proliferation, resulting in lower spore abundance in live bees (0.36 ± 1.18 million spores per bee) and dead bees (0.03 ± 0.25 million spores per bee), in comparison to Fumagilin-B®-treated live bees (3.21 ± 2.19 million spores per bee) and dead bees (3.5 ± 0.6 million spores per bee). Our findings suggest that Fumagilin-B® at the recommended dose suppressed Nosema. However, it was also likely responsible for killing Nosema-infected bees (24% mortality). Bees treated with fenbendazole experienced a greater survival probability (71%), followed by ornidazole (69%), compared to Nosema-infected non-treated control bees (20%). This research revealed that among screened compounds, fenbendazole, along with ornidazole, has potential effective antifungal activities against N. ceranae in a controlled laboratory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rassol Bahreini
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Medhat Nasr
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada
- Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission, Prince Albert, SK S6V 6Z2, Canada
| | - Cassandra Docherty
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada
| | - Olivia de Herdt
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada
| | - David Feindel
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada
| | - Samantha Muirhead
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada
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12
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Kunat-Budzyńska M, Budzyński M, Schulz M, Strachecka A, Gancarz M, Rusinek R, Ptaszyńska AA. Natural Substances, Probiotics, and Synthetic Agents in the Treatment and Prevention of Honeybee Nosemosis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111269. [PMID: 36365020 PMCID: PMC9697638 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Honeybees are important pollinators, but they are continuously exposed to a variety of fungal and bacterial diseases. One of the various diseases affecting honeybees is nosemosis caused by microsporidia from the Nosema genus. Honeybees are mainly infected through consumption of infected food or faeces containing Nosema spp. spores. Nosemosis causes damage to the middle intestine epithelium, which leads to food absorption disorders and honeybee malnutrition. Fumagillin, i.e., the antibiotic used to treat nosemosis, was withdrawn in 2016 from EU countries. Therefore, researchers have been looking for compounds of both natural and synthetic origin to fight nosemosis. Such compounds should not have a negative impact on bees but is expected to inhibit the disease. Natural compounds tested against nosemosis include, e.g., essential oils (EOs), plant extracts, propolis, and bacterial metabolites, while synthetic substances tested as anti-nosemosis agents are represented by porphyrins, vitamins, antibiotics, phenolic, ascorbic acids, and others. This publication presents an 18-year overview of various studies of a number of natural and synthetic compounds used in the treatment and prevention of nosemosis cited in PubMed, GoogleScholar, and CrossRef.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kunat-Budzyńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Budzyński
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Schulz
- Department of Invertebrate Ecophysiology and Experimental Biology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Doświadczalna 50a, 20-280 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aneta Strachecka
- Department of Invertebrate Ecophysiology and Experimental Biology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Doświadczalna 50a, 20-280 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Gancarz
- Faculty of Production and Power Engineering, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Balicka 116B, 30-149 Krakow, Poland
- Institute of Agrophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290 Lublin, Poland
| | - Robert Rusinek
- Institute of Agrophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aneta A. Ptaszyńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
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13
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Wei X, Evans JD, Chen Y, Huang Q. Spillover and genome selection of the gut parasite Nosema ceranae between honey bee species. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1026154. [PMID: 36304932 PMCID: PMC9592821 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1026154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a honey bee gut parasite that has recently spilled to another honey bee host through trading. The impact of infection on the native host is minor, which is substantial in the novel host. In this study, artificial inoculation simulated the parasite transmission from the native to the novel host. We found that the parasite initiated proliferation earlier in the novel host than in the native host. Additionally, parasite gene expression was significantly higher when infecting the novel host compared with the native host, leading to a significantly higher number of spores. Allele frequencies were similar for spores of parasites infecting both native and novel hosts. This suggests that the high number of spores found in the novel host was not caused by a subset of more fit spores from native hosts. Native hosts also showed a higher number of up-regulated genes in response to infection when compared with novel hosts. Our data further showed that native hosts suppressed parasite gene expression and arguably sacrificed cells to limit the parasite. The results provide novel insights into host defenses and gene selection during a parasite spillover event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Wei
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jay D. Evans
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, BARC-East Building 306, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Yanping Chen
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, BARC-East Building 306, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Qiang Huang
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Qiang Huang,
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14
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Zhu Z, Wang J, Fan X, Long Q, Chen H, Ye Y, Zhang K, Ren Z, Zhang Y, Niu Q, Chen D, Guo R. CircRNA-regulated immune responses of asian honey bee workers to microsporidian infection. Front Genet 2022; 13:1013239. [PMID: 36267412 PMCID: PMC9577369 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1013239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a widespread fungal parasite for honey bees, causing bee nosemosis. Based on deep sequencing and bioinformatics, identification of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in Apis cerana workers’ midguts and circRNA-regulated immune response of host to N. ceranae invasion were conducted in this current work, followed by molecular verification of back-splicing sites and expression trends of circRNAs. Here, 10185 and 7405 circRNAs were identified in the midguts of workers at 7 days (AcT1) and 10 days (AcT2) post inoculation days post-inoculation with N. ceranae. PCR amplification result verified the back-splicing sites within three specific circRNAs (novel_circ_005123, novel_circ_007177, and novel_circ_015140) expressed in N. ceranae-inoculated midgut. In combination with transcriptome data from corresponding un-inoculated midguts (AcCK1 and AcCK2), 2266 circRNAs were found to be shared by the aforementioned four groups, whereas the numbers of specific ones were 2618, 1917, 5691, and 3723 respectively. Further, 83 52) differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were identified in AcCK1 vs. AcT1 (AcCK2 vs. AcT2) comparison group. Source genes of DEcircRNAs in workers’ midgut at seven dpi were involved in two cellular immune-related pathways such as endocytosis and ubiquitin mediated proteolysis. Additionally, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis showed that 23 13) DEcircRNAs in AcCK1 vs. AcT1 (AcCK2 vs. AcT2) comparison group could target 18 14) miRNAs and further link to 1111 (1093) mRNAs. These target mRNAs were annotated to six cellular immunity pathways including endocytosis, lysosome, phagosome, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, and insect hormone biosynthesis. Moreover, 284 164) internal ribosome entry site and 54 26) ORFs were identified from DEcircRNAs in AcCK1 vs. AcT1 (AcCK2 vs. AcT2) comparison group; additionally, ORFs in DEcircRNAs in midgut at seven dpi with N. ceranae were associated with several cellular immune pathways including endocytosis and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Ultimately, RT-qPCR results showed that the expression trends of six DEcircRNAs were consistent with those in transcriptome data. These results demonstrated that N. ceranae altered the expression pattern of circRNAs in A. c. cerana workers’ midguts, and DEcircRNAs were likely to regulate host cellular and humoral immune response to microsporidian infection. Our findings lay a foundation for clarifying the mechanism underlying host immune response to N. ceranae infection and provide a new insight into interaction between Asian honey bee and microsporidian.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zhu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxue Fan
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qi Long
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huazhi Chen
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yaping Ye
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhongmin Ren
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qingsheng Niu
- Apitherapy Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dafu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Apiculture Science Institute of Jilin Province, Jilin, China
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Apiculture Science Institute of Jilin Province, Jilin, China
- *Correspondence: Rui Guo,
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15
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Fan X, Zhang W, Zhang K, Zhang J, Long Q, Wu Y, Zhang K, Zhu L, Chen D, Guo R. In-depth investigation of microRNA-mediated cross-kingdom regulation between Asian honey bee and microsporidian. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1003294. [PMID: 36246221 PMCID: PMC9557207 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1003294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asian honey bee Apis cerana is the original host for Nosema ceranae, a unicellular fungal parasite that causes bee nosemosis throughout the world. Currently, interaction between A. cerana and N. ceranae is largely unknown. Our group previously prepared A. c. cerana workers’ midguts at 7 days post inoculation (dpi) and 10 dpi with N. ceranae spores as well as corresponding un-inoculated workers’ midguts, followed by cDNA library construction and a combination of RNAs-seq and small RNA-seq. Meanwhile, we previously prepared clean spores of N. ceranae, which were then subjected to cDNA library construction and deep sequencing. Here, based on the gained high-quality transcriptome datasets, N. ceranae differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmiRNAs) targeted by host DEmiRNAs, and A. c. cerana DEmRNAs targeted by microsporidian DEmiRNAs were deeply investigated, with a focus on targets involved in N. ceranae glycolysis/glyconeogenesis as well as virulence factors, and A. c. cerana energy metabolism and immune response. In A. c. cerana worker’s midguts at 7 (10) dpi (days post inoculation), eight (seven) up-regulated and six (two) down-regulated miRNAs were observed to target 97 (44) down-regulated and 60 (15) up-regulated N. ceranae mRNAs, respectively. Additionally, two up-regulated miRNAs (miR-60-y and miR-676-y) in host midgut at 7 dpi could target genes engaged in N. ceranae spore wall protein and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, indicating potential host miRNA-mediated regulation of microsporidian virulence factor and energy metabolism. Meanwhile, in N. ceranae at 7 (10) dpi, 121 (110) up-regulated and 112 (104) down-regulated miRNAs were found to, respectively, target 343 (247) down-regulated and 138 (110) down-regulated mRNAs in A. c. cerana workers’ midguts. These targets in host were relevant to several crucial cellular and humoral immune pathways, such as phagasome, endocytosis, lysosomes, regulation of autophagy, and Jak–STAT signaling pathway, indicative of the involvement of N. ceranae DEmiRNAs in regulating these cellular and humoral immune pathways. In addition, N. ceranae miR-21-x was up-regulated at 7 dpi and had a target relative to oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting that miR-21-x may be used as a weapon to modulate this pivotal energy metabolism pathway. Furthermore, potential targeting relationships between two pairs of host DEmiRNAs-microsporidian DEmRNAs and two pairs of microsporidian DEmiRNAs-host DEmRNAs were validated using RT-qPCR. Our findings not only lay a foundation for exploring the molecular mechanism underlying cross-kingdom regulation between A. c. cerana workers and N. ceranae, but also offer valuable insights into Asian honey bee-microsporidian interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Fan
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wende Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qi Long
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ying Wu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kuihao Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Leran Zhu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Dafu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- *Correspondence: Rui Guo,
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Chen H, Fan X, Zhang W, Ye Y, Cai Z, Zhang K, Zhang K, Fu Z, Chen D, Guo R. Deciphering the CircRNA-Regulated Response of Western Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera) Workers to Microsporidian Invasion. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091285. [PMID: 36138764 PMCID: PMC9495892 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Vairimorpha ceranae is a widespread fungal parasite of adult honey bees that leads to a serious disease called nosemosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are newly discovered non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that regulate biological processes such as immune defense and development. Here, 8199 and 8711 circRNAs were predicted from the midguts of Apis mellifera ligustica workers at 7 d (Am7T) and 10 d (Am10T) after inoculation (dpi) with V. ceranae spores. In combination with transcriptome data from corresponding uninoculated midguts (Am7CK and Am10CK), 4464 circRNAs were found to be shared by these four groups. Additionally, 16 circRNAs were highly conserved among A. m. ligustica, Apis cerana cerana, and Homo sapiens. In the Am7CK vs. Am7T (Am10CK vs. Am10T) comparison group, 168 (306) differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were identified. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression trend of eight DEcircRNAs was consistent with that in the transcriptome datasets. The source genes of DEcircRNAs in Am7CK vs. Am7T (Am10CK vs. Am10T) were engaged in 27 (35) GO functional terms, including 1 (1) immunity-associated terms. Moreover, the aforementioned source genes were involved in three cellular immune-related pathways. Moreover, 86 (178) DEcircRNAs in workers' midguts at 7 (10) dpi could interact with 75 (103) miRNAs, further targeting 215 (305) mRNAs. These targets were associated with cellular renewal, cellular structure, carbohydrate and energy metabolism, and cellular and humoral immunity. Findings in the present study unraveled the mechanism underlying circRNA-mediated immune responses of western honey bee workers to V. ceranae invasion, but also provided new insights into host-microsporidian interaction during nosemosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huazhi Chen
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
| | - Xiaoxue Fan
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
| | - Wende Zhang
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
| | - Yaping Ye
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
| | - Zongbing Cai
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
| | - Kuihao Zhang
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
| | - Zhongmin Fu
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
| | - Dafu Chen
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 35002, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-0591-8764-0197
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Li YH, Chang ZT, Yen MR, Huang YF, Chen TH, Chang JC, Wu MC, Yang YL, Chen YW, Nai YS. Transcriptome of Nosema ceranae and Upregulated Microsporidia Genes during Its Infection of Western Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera). INSECTS 2022; 13:716. [PMID: 36005340 PMCID: PMC9409478 DOI: 10.3390/insects13080716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is one of the fungal parasites of Apis mellifera. It causes physical and behavioral effects in honey bees. However, only a few studies have reported on gene expression profiling during A. mellifera infection. In this study, the transcriptome profile of mature spores at each time point of infection (5, 10, and 20 days post-infection, d.p.i.) were investigated. Based on the transcriptome and expression profile analysis, a total of 878, 952, and 981 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (fold change ≥ 2 or ≤ -2) were identified in N. ceranae spores (NcSp) at 5 d.p.i., 10 d.p.i., and 20 d.p.i., respectively. Moreover, 70 upregulated genes and 340 downregulated genes among common DEGs (so-called common DEGs) and 166 stage-specific genes at each stage of infection were identified. The Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated that the DEGs and corresponding common DEGs are involved in the functions of cytosol (GO:0005829), cytoplasm (GO:0005737), and ATP binding (GO:0005524). Furthermore, the pathway analysis found that the DEGs and common DEGs are involved in metabolism, environmental information processing, and organismal systems. Four upregulated common DEGs with higher fold-change values, highly associated with spore proteins and transcription factors, were selected for validation. In addition, the stage-specific genes are highly involved in the mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing according to GO enrichment analysis; thus, three of them showed high expression at each d.p.i. and were also subjected to validation. The relative gene expression levels showed a similar tendency as the transcriptome predictions at different d.p.i., revealing that the gene expression of N. ceranae during infection may be related to the mechanism of gene transcription, protein synthesis, and structural proteins. Our data suggest that the gene expression profiling of N. ceranae at the transcriptomic level could be a reference for the monitoring of nosemosis at the genetic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Li
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Zih-Ting Chang
- Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, National Ilan University, Yi-Lan City 26047, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ren Yen
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Feng Huang
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Yuan-Ze University, Tao-Yuan City 32003, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Han Chen
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Chun Chang
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Cheng Wu
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Liang Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei City 11529, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Center in Southern Taiwan, Academia Sinica, Tainan 711010, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Wen Chen
- Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, National Ilan University, Yi-Lan City 26047, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shin Nai
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
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Straub L, Strobl V, Yañez O, Albrecht M, Brown MJ, Neumann P. Do pesticide and pathogen interactions drive wild bee declines? Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 18:232-243. [PMID: 35800107 PMCID: PMC9253050 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
There is clear evidence for wild insect declines globally. Habitat loss, climate change, pests, pathogens and environmental pollution have all been shown to cause detrimental effects on insects. However, interactive effects between these stressors may be the key to understanding reported declines. Here, we review the literature on pesticide and pathogen interactions for wild bees, identify knowledge gaps, and suggest avenues for future research fostering mitigation of the observed declines. The limited studies available suggest that effects of pesticides most likely override effects of pathogens. Bees feeding on flowers and building sheltered nests, are likely less adapted to toxins compared to other insects, which potential susceptibility is enhanced by the reduced number of genes encoding detoxifying enzymes compared with other insect species. However, to date all 10 studies using a fully-crossed design have been conducted in the laboratory on social bees using Crithidia spp. or Nosema spp., identifying an urgent need to test solitary bees and other pathogens. Similarly, since laboratory studies do not necessarily reflect field conditions, semi-field and field studies are essential if we are to understand these interactions and their potential effects in the real-world. In conclusion, there is a clear need for empirical (semi-)field studies on a range of pesticides, pathogens, and insect species to better understand the pathways and mechanisms underlying their potential interactions, in particular their relevance for insect fitness and population dynamics. Such data are indispensable to drive forward robust modelling of interactive effects in different environmental settings and foster predictive science. This will enable pesticide and pathogen interactions to be put into the context of other stressors more broadly, evaluating their relative importance in driving the observed declines of wild bees and other insects. Ultimately, this will enable the development of more effective mitigation measures to protect bees and the ecosystem services they supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Straub
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Verena Strobl
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Orlando Yañez
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Mark J.F. Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope, Bern, Switzerland
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19
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Recent Advances in the Biocontrol of Nosemosis in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.). J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050424. [PMID: 35628680 PMCID: PMC9145624 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosemosis is a disease triggered by the single-celled spore-forming fungi Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae, which can cause extensive colony losses in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Fumagillin is an effective antibiotic treatment to control nosemosis, but due to its toxicity, it is currently banned in many countries. Accordingly, in the beekeeping sector, there is a strong demand for alternative ecological methods that can be used for the prevention and therapeutic control of nosemosis in honey bee colonies. Numerous studies have shown that plant extracts, RNA interference (RNAi) and beneficial microbes could provide viable non-antibiotic alternatives. In this article, recent scientific advances in the biocontrol of nosemosis are summarized.
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20
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Jhan KY, Chang PK, Cheng CJ, Jung SM, Wang LC. Synaptic loss and progression in mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the early stage. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:85. [PMID: 35414007 PMCID: PMC9006624 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02436-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus cantonensis is also known as rat lungworm. Infection with this parasite is a zoonosis that can cause eosinophilic meningitis and/or eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans and may lead to fatal outcomes in severe cases. In this study, we explored the mechanisms of the impairments in the cognitive functions of mice infected with A. cantonensis. Methods In infected mice with different infective intensities at different timepoint postinfection, loss and recovery of cognitive functions such as learning and memory abilities were determined. Neuronal death and damage to synaptic structures were analyzed by Western blotting and IHC in infected mice with different infection intensities at different timepoint postinfection. Results The results of behavioral tests, pathological examinations, and Golgi staining showed that nerve damage caused by infection in mice occurred earlier than pathological changes of the brain. BDNF was expressed on 14 day post-infection. Cleaved caspase-3 increased significantly in the late stage of infection. However, IHC on NeuN indicated that no significant changes in the number of neurons were found between the infected and uninfected groups. Conclusions The synaptic loss caused by the infection of A. cantonensis provides a possible explanation for the impairment of cognitive functions in mice. The loss of cognitive functions may occur before severe immunological and pathological changes in the infected host. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02436-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Yuan Jhan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Kai Chang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ju Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ming Jung
- Department of Pathology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang-Gung Children Hospital at Linkou and Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Chen Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan. .,Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan. .,Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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21
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Effects of Thiamethoxam-Dressed Oilseed Rape Seeds and Nosema ceranae on Colonies of Apis mellifera iberiensis, L. under Field Conditions of Central Spain. Is Hormesis Playing a Role? INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13040371. [PMID: 35447813 PMCID: PMC9032297 DOI: 10.3390/insects13040371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The collapse of the honey bee colonies is a complex phenomenon in which different factors may participate in an interrelated manner (e.g., pathogen interactions, exposure to chemicals, beekeeping practices, climatology, etc.). In light of the current debate regarding the interpretation of field and monitoring studies in prospective risk assessments, here we studied how exposure to thiamethoxam affects honey bee colonies in Central Spain when applied as a seed treatment to winter oilseed rape, according to the good agricultural practice in place prior to the EU restrictions. Under the experimental conditions, exposure to thiamethoxam, alone or in combination with other stressors, did not generate and maintain sufficient chronic stress as to provoke honey bee colony collapse. The stress derived from exposure to thiamethoxam and honey bee pathogens was compensated by adjustments in the colony’s dynamics, and by an increase in the worker bee population, a behavior known as hormesis. An analysis of the factors underlying this phenomenon should be incorporated into the prospective risk assessment of plant protection products in order to improve the future interpretation of field studies and management practices. Abstract To study the influence of thiamethoxam exposure on colony strength and pathogen prevalence, an apiary (5 colonies) was placed in front of a plot sown with winter oilseed rape (wOSR), just before the flowering phase. Before sowing, the seeds were treated with an equivalent application of 18 g thiamethoxam/ha. For comparison, a second apiary (5 colonies) was located in front of a separate 750 m plot sown with untreated wOSR. Dead foragers at the entrance of hives were assessed every 2–3 days throughout the exposure period, while the colony strength (number of combs covered with adult honey bees and brood) and pathogens were monitored each month until the following spring. Foraging on the wOSR crop was confirmed by melissopalynology determination of the corbicular pollen collected periodically, while the chemical analysis showed that exposure to thiamethoxam was mainly through nectar. There was an increase in the accumulation of dead bees in the apiary exposed to thiamethoxam relating with the control, which was coped with an increment of bee brood surface and adult bee population. However, we did not find statistically significant differences between apiaries (α = 0.05) in terms of the evolution of pathogens. We discuss these results under hormesis perspective.
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22
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Functional Properties and Antimicrobial Activity from Lactic Acid Bacteria as Resources to Improve the Health and Welfare of Honey Bees. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13030308. [PMID: 35323606 PMCID: PMC8953987 DOI: 10.3390/insects13030308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Honey bees play a pivotal role in the sustainability of ecosystems and biodiversity. Many factors including parasites, pathogens, pesticide residues, forage losses, and poor nutrition have been proposed to explain honey bee colony losses. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are normal inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract of honey bees and their role has been consistently reported in the literature. In recent years, there have been numerous scientific evidence that the intestinal microbiota plays an essential role in honey bee health. Management strategies, based on supplementation of the gut microbiota with probiotics, may be important to increase stress tolerance and disease resistance. In this review, recent scientific advances on the use of LABs as microbial supplements in the diet of honey bees are summarized and discussed. Abstract Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are agriculturally important pollinators. Over the past decades, significant losses of wild and domestic bees have been reported in many parts of the world. Several biotic and abiotic factors, such as change in land use over time, intensive land management, use of pesticides, climate change, beekeeper’s management practices, lack of forage (nectar and pollen), and infection by parasites and pathogens, negatively affect the honey bee’s well-being and survival. The gut microbiota is important for honey bee growth and development, immune function, protection against pathogen invasion; moreover, a well-balanced microbiota is fundamental to support honey bee health and vigor. In fact, the structure of the bee’s intestinal bacterial community can become an indicator of the honey bee’s health status. Lactic acid bacteria are normal inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract of many insects, and their presence in the honey bee intestinal tract has been consistently reported in the literature. In the first section of this review, recent scientific advances in the use of LABs as probiotic supplements in the diet of honey bees are summarized and discussed. The second section discusses some of the mechanisms by which LABs carry out their antimicrobial activity against pathogens. Afterward, individual paragraphs are dedicated to Chalkbrood, American foulbrood, European foulbrood, Nosemosis, and Varroosis as well as to the potentiality of LABs for their biological control.
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23
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Kardum Hjort C, Paris JR, Olsson P, Herbertsson L, de Miranda JR, Dudaniec RY, Smith HG. Genomic divergence and a lack of recent introgression between commercial and wild bumblebees (
Bombus terrestris
). Evol Appl 2022; 15:365-382. [PMID: 35386397 PMCID: PMC8965379 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The global movement of bees for agricultural pollination services can affect local pollinator populations via hybridization. When commercial bumblebees are of the same species but of different geographic origin, intraspecific hybridization may result in beneficial integration of new genetic variation, or alternatively may disrupt locally adapted gene complexes. However, neither the existence nor the extent of genomic introgression and evolutionary divergence between wild and commercial bumblebees is fully understood. We obtained whole‐genome sequencing data from wild and commercial Bombus terrestris collected from sites in Southern Sweden with and without long‐term use of commercially imported B. terrestris. We search for evidence of introgression, dispersal and genome‐wide differentiation in a comparative genomic analysis of wild and commercial bumblebees. Commercial B. terrestris were found in natural environments near sites where commercial bumblebees were used, as well as drifting wild B. terrestris in commercial bumblebee colonies. However, we found no evidence for widespread, recent genomic introgression of commercial B. terrestris into local wild conspecific populations. We found that wild B. terrestris had significantly higher nucleotide diversity (Nei's pi, π), while the number of segregating sites (Watterson's theta, θw) was higher in commercial B. terrestris. A highly divergent region on chromosome 11 was identified in commercial B. terrestris and found to be enriched with structural variants. The genes present in this region are involved in flight muscle contraction and structure and pathogen immune response, providing evidence for differing evolutionary processes operating in wild and commercial B. terrestris. We did not find evidence for recent introgression, suggesting that co‐occurring commercial B. terrestris have not disrupted evolutionary processes in wild B. terrestris populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josephine R. Paris
- College of Life and Environmental Science University of Exeter Exeter EX4 4QD United Kingdom
| | - Peter Olsson
- Department of Biology Lund University SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
| | - Lina Herbertsson
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Science Lund University SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
| | - Joachim R. de Miranda
- Department of Ecology Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Box 7044 SE‐750 07 Uppsala Sweden
| | - Rachael Y. Dudaniec
- Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University Sydney 2109 NSW Australia
| | - Henrik G. Smith
- Department of Biology Lund University SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
- Centre for Environmental and Climate Science Lund University SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
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24
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Reproductive Potential Impacts Body Maintenance Parameters and Global DNA Methylation in Honeybee Workers ( Apis mellifera L.). INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12111021. [PMID: 34821822 PMCID: PMC8617817 DOI: 10.3390/insects12111021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The queens and sterile workers arise from genetically identical eggs but as imagoes, they differ in their life span, DNA methylation, and their functions. In the absence of the queen, the larvae develop into rebels, i.e., workers with increased reproductive potential. We assumed that since rebels are similar to the queen in many anatomical and behavioral features, they live longer and have lower levels of global DNA methylation, even when infected, e.g., by Nosema spp. Rebels always lived longer in comparison in normal workers and unexpectedly extended longevity of normal workers when they were together, similarly as the presence of a queen did. Rebels became infected more easily but tolerated the infection better. They also had lower level of global DNA methylation than normal workers. These features expand possibilities of the use of honeybees as a model for studies on senescence, nosemosis, eusocial evolution, and epigenetics. Abstract The widely accepted hypothesis in life history evolution about the trade-off between fecundity and longevity is not confirmed by long-living and highly fecund queens in eusocial insects. The fact that the queens and facultatively sterile workers usually arise from genetically identical eggs but differ in DNA methylation makes them a good model for studies on senescence, eusocial evolution, and epigenetics. Therefore, honeybees seem to be especially useful here because of long living rebel-workers (RW) with high reproductive potential recently described. Longevity, ovariole number, nosema tolerance, and global DNA methylation have been assayed in normal workers (NW) versus RW in hives and cages. RW always lived longer than NW and unexpectedly extended longevity of NW when they were together, similarly as the presence of a queen did. RW lived longer despite the fact that they had higher Nosema spore load; surprisingly they became infected more easily but tolerated the infection better. Global DNA methylation increased with age, being lower in RW than in NW. Therefore, RW are queen-like considering global DNA methylation and the link between fecundity, longevity, and body maintenance. Presented features of RW expands possibilities of the use of honeybees as a model for studies on senescence, nosemosis, eusocial evolution, and epigenetics.
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25
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Chen J, DeGrandi-Hoffman G, Ratti V, Kang Y. Review on mathematical modeling of honeybee population dynamics. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2021; 18:9606-9650. [PMID: 34814360 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2021471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees have an irreplaceable position in agricultural production and the stabilization of natural ecosystems. Unfortunately, honeybee populations have been declining globally. Parasites, diseases, poor nutrition, pesticides, and climate changes contribute greatly to the global crisis of honeybee colony losses. Mathematical models have been used to provide useful insights on potential factors and important processes for improving the survival rate of colonies. In this review, we present various mathematical tractable models from different aspects: 1) simple bee-only models with features such as age segmentation, food collection, and nutrient absorption; 2) models of bees with other species such as parasites and/or pathogens; and 3) models of bees affected by pesticide exposure. We aim to review those mathematical models to emphasize the power of mathematical modeling in helping us understand honeybee population dynamics and its related ecological communities. We also provide a review of computational models such as VARROAPOP and BEEHAVE that describe the bee population dynamics in environments that include factors such as temperature, rainfall, light, distance and quality of food, and their effects on colony growth and survival. In addition, we propose a future outlook on important directions regarding mathematical modeling of honeybees. We particularly encourage collaborations between mathematicians and biologists so that mathematical models could be more useful through validation with experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Simon A. Levin Mathematical and Computational Modeling Sciences Center, Arizona State University, 1031 Palm Walk, Tempe AZ 85281, USA
| | - Gloria DeGrandi-Hoffman
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, 2000 East Allen Road, Tucson AZ 85719, USA
| | - Vardayani Ratti
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, California State University, Chico, 400 W. First Street, Chico CA 95929-0560, USA
| | - Yun Kang
- Sciences and Mathematics Faculty, College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University, 6073 S. Backus Mall, Mesa AZ 85212, USA
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26
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Tauber JP, McMahon D, Ryabov EV, Kunat M, Ptaszyńska AA, Evans JD. Honeybee intestines retain low yeast titers, but no bacterial mutualists, at emergence. Yeast 2021; 39:95-107. [PMID: 34437725 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Honeybee symbionts, predominantly bacteria, play important roles in honeybee health, nutrition, and pathogen protection, thereby supporting colony health. On the other hand, fungi are often considered indicators of poor bee health, and honeybee microbiome studies generally exclude fungi and yeasts. We hypothesized that yeasts may be an important aspect of early honeybee biology, and if yeasts provide a mutual benefit to their hosts, then honeybees could provide a refuge during metamorphosis to ensure the presence of yeasts at emergence. We surveyed for yeast and fungi during pupal development and metamorphosis in worker bees using fungal-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), next-generation sequencing, and standard microbiological culturing. On the basis of yeast presence in three distinct apiaries and multiple developmental stages, we conclude that yeasts can survive through metamorphosis and in naïve worker bees, albeit at relatively low levels. In comparison, known bacterial mutualists, like Gilliamella and Snodgrassella, were generally not found in pre-eclosed adult bees. Whether yeasts are actively retained as an important part of the bee microbiota or are passively propagating in the colony remains unknown. Our demonstration of the constancy of yeasts throughout development provides a framework to further understand the honeybee microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Tauber
- Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA.,Department for Materials and the Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dino McMahon
- Department for Materials and the Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eugene V Ryabov
- Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Magdalena Kunat
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aneta A Ptaszyńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jay D Evans
- Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
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27
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Xing W, Zhou D, Long Q, Sun M, Guo R, Wang L. Immune Response of Eastern Honeybee Worker to Nosema ceranae Infection Revealed by Transcriptomic Investigation. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12080728. [PMID: 34442293 PMCID: PMC8396959 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Currently, knowledge regarding Apis cerana–Nosema ceranae interaction is very limited, though A. cerana is the original host of N. ceranae. Apis cerana cerana is a subspecies of A. cerana and a major bee species used in the beekeeping industry in China and other countries. Here, the effective infection of A. c. cerana workers by N. ceranae was verified, followed by transcriptomic investigation of host responses. Furthermore, immune responses between A. c. cerana and Apis mellifera ligustica were deeply compared and discussed. In total, 1127 and 957 N. ceranae-responsive genes were identified in the infected midguts at 7 d post-inoculation (dpi) and 10 dpi, respectively. Additionally, DEGs in workers’ midguts at both 7 dpi and 10 dpi were associated with six cellular immune pathways and three humoral immune pathways. Noticeably, one up-regulated gene was enriched in the NF-κB signaling pathway in the midgut at 10 dpi. Further analysis indicated that different cellular and humoral immune responses were employed by A. c. cerana and A. m. ligustica workers to combat N. ceranae. Our findings provide a foundation for clarifying the mechanisms regulating the immune response of A. c. cerana workers to N. ceranae invasion and developing new approaches to control bee microsporidiosis. Abstract Here, a comparative transcriptome investigation was conducted based on high-quality deep sequencing data from the midguts of Apis cerana cerana workers at 7 d post-inoculation (dpi) and 10 dpi with Nosema ceranae and corresponding un-inoculated midguts. PCR identification and microscopic observation of paraffin sections confirmed the effective infection of A. c. cerana worker by N. ceranae. In total, 1127 and 957 N. ceranae-responsive genes were identified in the infected midguts at 7 dpi and 10 dpi, respectively. RT-qPCR results validated the reliability of our transcriptome data. GO categorization indicated the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were respectively engaged in 34 and 33 functional terms associated with biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Additionally, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs at 7 dpi and 10 dpi could be enriched in 231 and 226 pathways, respectively. Moreover, DEGs in workers’ midguts at both 7 dpi and 10 dpi were involved in six cellular immune pathways such as autophagy and phagosome and three humoral immune pathways such as the Toll/Imd signaling pathway and Jak-STAT signaling pathway. In addition, one up-regulated gene (XM_017055397.1) was enriched in the NF-κB signaling pathway in the workers’ midgut at 10 dpi. Further investigation suggested the majority of these DEGs were engaged in only one immune pathway, while a small number of DEGs were simultaneously involved in two immune pathways. These results together demonstrated that the overall gene expression profile in host midgut was altered by N. ceranae infection and some of the host immune pathways were induced to activation during fungal infection, whereas some others were suppressed via host–pathogen interaction. Our findings offer a basis for clarification of the mechanism underlying the immune response of A. c. cerana workers to N. ceranae infection, but also provide novel insights into eastern honeybee-microsporodian interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Xing
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China;
| | - Dingding Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.Z.); (Q.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Qi Long
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.Z.); (Q.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Minghui Sun
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.Z.); (Q.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.Z.); (Q.L.); (M.S.)
- Apitherapy Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-0591-8764-0197
| | - Limei Wang
- Dongying Vocational Institute, Dongying 257000, China;
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Naree S, Ponkit R, Chotiaroonrat E, Mayack CL, Suwannapong G. Propolis Extract and Chitosan Improve Health of Nosema ceranae Infected Giant Honey Bees, Apis dorsata Fabricius, 1793. Pathogens 2021; 10:785. [PMID: 34206455 PMCID: PMC8308750 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a large contributing factor to the most recent decline in honey bee health worldwide. Developing new alternative treatments against N. ceranae is particularly pressing because there are few treatment options available and therefore the risk of increased antibiotic resistance is quite high. Recently, natural products have demonstrated to be a promising avenue for finding new effective treatments against N. ceranae. We evaluated the effects of propolis extract of stingless bee, Tetrigona apicalis and chito-oligosaccharide (COS) on giant honey bees, Apis dorsata, experimentally infected with N. ceranae to determine if these treatments could improve the health of the infected individuals. Newly emerged Nosema-free bees were individually inoculated with 106N. ceranae spores per bee. We fed infected and control bees the following treatments consisting of 0%, 50%, propolis extracts, 0 ppm and 0.5 ppm COS in honey solution (w/v). Propolis extracts and COS caused a significant increase in trehalose levels in hemolymph, protein contents, survival rates and acini diameters of the hypopharyngeal glands in infected bees. Our results suggest that propolis and COS could improve the health of infected bees. Further research is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms responsible for the improved health of the infected bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchai Naree
- Biological Science Program, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand; (S.N.); (R.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Rujira Ponkit
- Biological Science Program, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand; (S.N.); (R.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Evada Chotiaroonrat
- Biological Science Program, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand; (S.N.); (R.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Christopher L. Mayack
- Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey;
| | - Guntima Suwannapong
- Biological Science Program, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand; (S.N.); (R.P.); (E.C.)
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29
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Tejerina MR, Benítez-Ahrendts MR, Audisio MC. Lactobacillus salivarius A3iob Reduces the Incidence of Varroa destructor and Nosema Spp. in Commercial Apiaries Located in the Northwest of Argentina. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 12:1360-1369. [PMID: 32172463 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-020-09638-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lactobacillus salivarius A3iob was administered to productive colonies belonging to commercial apiaries of small beekeepers (around 30-50 hives each one), from four departments of the province of Jujuy (Argentina): Yala, Tilquiza, El Carmen, and Los Alisos. The incidence of Varroa destructor and Nosema spp., before and after winter, was monitored during 2 years of study (2014-2015). Depending on the geographical location of each apiary and the application time, a monthly dose of the bacteria (105 CFU/mL) reduced the levels of varroasis between 50 and 80%. Interestingly, L. salivarius A3iob cells remitted the percentage of the mites to undetectable values in an apiary treated with flumethrin (at Yala, Yungas region).On the other hand, the spore levels of Nosema spp. in the lactobacilli-treated colonies also depended on the apiary and the year of application, but a significant decrease was mainly observed in the post-winter period. However, at Rivera (El Carmen's department), no significant changes were detected in both parameters.These results obtained after 2 years of work suggest that delivering L. salivarius A3iob cells to the bee colonies can become a new eco-friendly tool to cooperate with the control of these bees' pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Raúl Tejerina
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Jujuy, Alberdi 47, 4600, Jujuy, Argentina
| | | | - Marcela Carina Audisio
- Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química (INIQUI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Av. Bolivia 5150, 4402FDC, Salta, Argentina.
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30
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The Herbal Supplements NOZEMAT HERB ® and NOZEMAT HERB PLUS ®: An Alternative Therapy for N. ceranae Infection and Its Effects on Honey Bee Strength and Production Traits. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020234. [PMID: 33669663 PMCID: PMC7922068 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are the most effective pollinators for different crops and wild flowering plants, thus maintaining numerous ecosystems in the world. However, honey bee colonies often suffer from stress or even death due to various pests and diseases. Among the latter, nosemosis is considered to be one of the most common diseases, causing serious damage to beekeeping every year. Here, we present, for the first time, the effects from the application of the herbal supplements NOZEMAT HERB® (NH) and NOZEMAT HERB PLUS® (NHP) for treating N. ceranae infection and positively influencing the general development of honey bee colonies. To achieve this, in autumn 2019, 45 colonies were selected based on the presence of N. ceranae infections. The treatment was carried out for 11 months (August 2019–June 2020). All colonies were sampled pre- and post-treatment for the presence of N. ceranae by means of light microscopy and PCR analysis. The honey bee colonies’ performance and health were evaluated pre- and post-treatment. The obtained results have shown that both supplements have exhibited statistically significant biological activity against N. ceranae in infected apiaries. Considerable enhancement in the strength of honey bee colonies and the amount of sealed workers was observed just one month after the application of NH and NHP. Although the mechanisms of action of NH and NHP against N. ceranae infection are yet to be completely elucidated, our results suggest a new holistic approach as an alternative therapy to control nosemosis and to improve honey bee colonies’ performance and health.
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31
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Bird G, Wilson AE, Williams GR, Hardy NB. Parasites and pesticides act antagonistically on honey bee health. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn Bird
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Auburn University Auburn AL USA
| | - Alan E. Wilson
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences Auburn University Auburn AL USA
| | | | - Nate B. Hardy
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Auburn University Auburn AL USA
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Houdelet C, Sinpoo C, Chantaphanwattana T, Voisin SN, Bocquet M, Chantawannakul P, Bulet P. Proteomics of Anatomical Sections of the Gut of Nosema-Infected Western Honeybee ( Apis mellifera) Reveals Different Early Responses to Nosema spp. Isolates. J Proteome Res 2020; 20:804-817. [PMID: 33305956 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Honeybees play an important role in pollinating native plants and agricultural crops and produce valuable hive products. Within the last decade, honeybee colonies have been reported to be in decline, due to both biotic and abiotic stress factors including pathogens and pesticides. This study evaluated the impact of different isolates of Nosema spp. [Nosema apis spores (NA), Nosema ceranae from Apis mellifera from France (NF), N. ceranae from Apis cerana from Thailand (NC1), and N. ceranae from A. mellifera from Thailand (NC2)] on the different gut sections of newly emerged adult A. mellifera bees. With an attempt to decipher the early impact of Nosema spp. on the first barrier against Nosema infection, we used off-gel bottom-up proteomics on the different anatomical sections of the gut four days post inoculation. A total of 2185 identified proteins in the esophagus, 2095 in the crop, 1571 in the midgut, 2552 in the ileum, and 3173 in the rectum were obtained. Using label-free quantification, we observed that the response of the host varies according to the Nosema spp. (N. apis versus N. ceranae) and the geographical origin of Nosema. The proteins in the midgut of A. mellifera, orally inoculated with spores of N. ceranae isolated from France, were the most altered, when compared with controls, exhibiting 50 proteins down-regulated and 16 up-regulated. We thereby established the first mass-spectrometry-based proteomics of different anatomical sections of the gut tissue of Nosema-infected A. mellifera four days post inoculation, following infection by different isolates of Nosema spp. that provoked differential host responses. We reported an alteration of proteins involved in the metabolic pathways and specifically eight proteins of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. More importantly, we propose that the collagen IV NC1 domain-containing protein may represent an early prognostic marker of the impact of Nosema spores on the A. mellifera health status. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD021848.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Houdelet
- CR University Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, 38000 Grenoble, France.,Plateform BioPark Archamps, 260 Avenue Marie Curie, Archparc, 74166 Saint Julien-en Genevois, France
| | - Chainarong Sinpoo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | | | - Sébastien N Voisin
- Plateform BioPark Archamps, 260 Avenue Marie Curie, Archparc, 74166 Saint Julien-en Genevois, France
| | | | - Panuwan Chantawannakul
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.,Environmental Science Research Center (ESRC), Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Philippe Bulet
- CR University Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, 38000 Grenoble, France.,Plateform BioPark Archamps, 260 Avenue Marie Curie, Archparc, 74166 Saint Julien-en Genevois, France
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Factors Associated with Honey Bee Colony Losses: A Mini-Review. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7040166. [PMID: 33143134 PMCID: PMC7712510 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7040166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L., Hymenoptera: Apidae) is a species of crucial economic, agricultural and environmental importance. In the last ten years, some regions of the world have suffered from a significant reduction of honey bee colonies. In fact, honey bee losses are not an unusual phenomenon, but in many countries worldwide there has been a notable decrease in honey bee colonies. The cases in the USA, in many European countries, and in the Middle East have received considerable attention, mostly due to the absence of an easily identifiable cause. It has been difficult to determine the main factors leading to colony losses because of honey bees’ diverse social behavior. Moreover, in their daily routine, they make contact with many agents of the environment and are exposed to a plethora of human activities and their consequences. Nevertheless, various factors have been considered to be contributing to honey bee losses, and recent investigations have established some of the most important ones, in particular, pests and diseases, bee management, including bee keeping practices and breeding, the change in climatic conditions, agricultural practices, and the use of pesticides. The global picture highlights the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor as a major factor in colony loss. Last but not least, microsporidian parasites, mainly Nosema ceranae, also contribute to the problem. Thus, it is obvious that there are many factors affecting honey bee colony losses globally. Increased monitoring and scientific research should throw new light on the factors involved in recent honey bee colony losses. The present review focuses on the main factors which have been found to have an impact on the increase in honey bee colony losses.
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Nosema ceranae causes cellular immunosuppression and interacts with thiamethoxam to increase mortality in the stingless bee Melipona colimana. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17021. [PMID: 33046792 PMCID: PMC7550335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae and neonicotinoid insecticides affect the health of honey bees (Apis mellifera). However, there is limited information about the effect of these stressors on other pollinators such as stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini). We examined the separate and combined effects of N. ceranae and the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam at field-exposure levels on the survivorship and cellular immunity (hemocyte concentration) of the stingless bee Melipona colimana. Newly-emerged bees were subjected to four treatments provided in sucrose syrup: N. ceranae spores, thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam and N. ceranae, and control (bees receiving only syrup). N. ceranae developed infections of > 467,000 spores/bee in the group treated with spores only. However, in the bees subjected to both stressors, infections were < 143,000 spores/bee, likely due to an inhibitory effect of thiamethoxam on the microsporidium. N. ceranae infections did not affect bee survivorship, but thiamethoxam plus N. ceranae significantly increased mortality. Hemocyte counts were significantly lower in N. ceranae infected-bees than in the other treatments. These results suggest that N. ceranae may infect, proliferate and cause cellular immunosuppression in stingless bees, that exposure to sublethal thiamethoxam concentrations is toxic to M. colimana when infected with N. ceranae, and that thiamethoxam restrains N. ceranae proliferation. These findings have implications on pollinators' conservation.
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Jousse C, Dalle C, Abila A, Traikia M, Diogon M, Lyan B, El Alaoui H, Vidau C, Delbac F. A combined LC-MS and NMR approach to reveal metabolic changes in the hemolymph of honeybees infected by the gut parasite Nosema ceranae. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 176:107478. [PMID: 33027624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is an emerging and invasive gut pathogen in Apis mellifera and is considered as a factor contributing to the decline of honeybee populations. Here, we used a combined LC-MS and NMR approach to reveal the metabolomics changes in the hemolymph of honeybees infected by this obligate intracellular parasite. For metabolic profiling, hemolymph samples were collected from both uninfected and N. ceranae-infected bees at two time points, 2 days and 10 days after the experimental infection of emergent bees. Hemolymph samples were individually analyzed by LC-MS, whereas each NMR spectrum was obtained from a pool of three hemolymphs. Multivariate statistical PLS-DA models clearly showed that the age of bees was the parameter with the strongest effect on the metabolite profiles. Interestingly, a total of 15 biomarkers were accurately identified and were assigned as candidate biomarkers representative of infection alone or combined effect of age and infection. These biomarkers included carbohydrates (α/β glucose, α/β fructose and hexosamine), amino acids (histidine and proline), dipeptides (Glu-Thr, Cys-Cys and γ-Glu-Leu/Ile), metabolites involved in lipid metabolism (choline, glycerophosphocholine and O-phosphorylethanolamine) and a polyamine compound (spermidine). Our study demonstrated that this untargeted metabolomics-based approach may be useful for a better understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of the honeybee infection by N. ceranae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Jousse
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Sigma-Clermont, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Plateforme d'Exploration du Métabolisme, Université Clermont Auvergne & I.N.R.A site de Theix, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Céline Dalle
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Sigma-Clermont, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Plateforme d'Exploration du Métabolisme, Université Clermont Auvergne & I.N.R.A site de Theix, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Angélique Abila
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Sigma-Clermont, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Plateforme d'Exploration du Métabolisme, Université Clermont Auvergne & I.N.R.A site de Theix, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mounir Traikia
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Sigma-Clermont, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Plateforme d'Exploration du Métabolisme, Université Clermont Auvergne & I.N.R.A site de Theix, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marie Diogon
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Laboratoire "Microorganismes : Génome et Environnement", F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bernard Lyan
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Sigma-Clermont, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Plateforme d'Exploration du Métabolisme, Université Clermont Auvergne & I.N.R.A site de Theix, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hicham El Alaoui
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Laboratoire "Microorganismes : Génome et Environnement", F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cyril Vidau
- ITSAP, UMT PrADE, Inra - Acta, 228 route de l'aérodrome, F-84000 Avignon, France(1)
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Laboratoire "Microorganismes : Génome et Environnement", F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Huang Q, Evans JD. Targeting the honey bee gut parasite Nosema ceranae with siRNA positively affects gut bacteria. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:258. [PMID: 32807095 PMCID: PMC7433167 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01939-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut microbial communities can contribute positively and negatively to host health. So far, eight core bacterial taxonomic clusters have been reported in honey bees. These bacteria are involved in host metabolism and defenses. Nosema ceranae is a gut intracellular parasite of honey bees which destroys epithelial cells and gut tissue integrity. Studies have shown protective impacts of honey bee gut microbiota towards N. ceranae infection. However, the impacts of N. ceranae on the relative abundance of honey bee gut microbiota remains unclear, and has been confounded during prior infection assays which resulted in the co-inoculation of bacteria during Nosema challenges. We used a novel method, the suppression of N. ceranae with specific siRNAs, to measure the impacts of Nosema on the gut microbiome. RESULTS Suppressing N. ceranae led to significant positive effects on microbial abundance. Nevertheless, 15 bacterial taxa, including three core taxa, were negatively correlated with N. ceranae levels. In particular, one co-regulated group of 7 bacteria was significantly negatively correlated with N. ceranae levels. CONCLUSIONS N. ceranae are negatively correlated with the abundance of 15 identified bacteria. Our results provide insights into interactions between gut microbes and N. ceranae during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Huang
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Zhimin Avenue 1101, Nanchang, 330045, China.
| | - Jay D Evans
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, BARC-East Building 306, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
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Wu Y, Zheng Y, Chen Y, Chen G, Zheng H, Hu F. Apis cerana gut microbiota contribute to host health though stimulating host immune system and strengthening host resistance to Nosema ceranae. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:192100. [PMID: 32537206 PMCID: PMC7277281 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.192100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Gut microbial communities play vital roles in the modulation of many insects' immunity, including Apis mellifera. However, little is known about the interaction of Apis cerana gut bacteria and A. cerana immune system. Here in this study, we conducted a comparison between germ-free gut microbiota deficient (GD) workers and conventional gut community (CV) workers, to reveal the possible impact of gut microbiota on the expression of A. cerana antimicrobial peptides and immune regulate pathways. We also test whether A. cerana gut microbiota can strengthen host resistance to Nosema ceranae. We find that the expression of apidaecin, abaecin and hymenoptaecin were significantly upregulated with the presence of gut bacteria, and JNK pathway was activated; in the meanwhile, the existence of gut bacteria inhibited the proliferation of Nosema ceranae. These demonstrated the essential role of A. cerana gut microbiota to host health and provided critical insight into the honeybee host-microbiome interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fuliang Hu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Łoś A, Skórka P, Strachecka A, Winiarczyk S, Adaszek Ł, Winiarczyk M, Wolski D. The associations among the breeding performance of Osmia bicornis L. (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), burden of pathogens and nest parasites along urbanisation gradient. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 710:135520. [PMID: 31780170 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Urban environments may negatively affect the development of organisms. In host-pathogen/parasite systems, this impact may lead to increased manifestations of pathogens that decrease the success of their hosts in urban environments compared to rural ones. We tested this hypothesis in the solitary bee Osmia bicornis L. We estimated the development of bees, their reproductive success and the manifestation of different pathogens and nest parasites along an urbanisation gradient. We conducted the experiment in an urbanisation gradient in sites representing three environments: urban, suburban and rural. First, we analysed the manifestation of bacterial and fungal microorganisms in pollen loads, within dried/mummified individuals, on the surface of cocoons and on the surface of diapausing adult individuals by using the MALDI-TOF MS technique. We also verified genetic samples from diapausing individuals for the presence of the parasitic Nosema apis (Zandler, 1909) and N. ceranae (Fries et al., 1996) species. Finally, we assessed the level of reproductive success and manifestations of brood parasites. Not any biological material from the nests was infected by pathogenic microorganisms. This result indicates that the nests are not a reservoir of the pathogenic bacteria and that O. bicornis offspring are not a source or vectors of these pathogens to the surrounding environment and indirectly to other bee species. In urban sites, there was a lower number of parasites than in suburban and rural environments. The presence of parasites was negatively correlated with the reproductive success and may be a limiting factor for O. bicornis populations. We also found that urban sites had the highest indices of reproductive success and the lowest number of breeding failures compared to suburban and rural sites. Moreover, bacterial and fungal transmission is not a serious threat in the studied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Łoś
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Piotr Skórka
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, al. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Aneta Strachecka
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Biology, Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Stanisław Winiarczyk
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Głęboka 30, 20-612 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Adaszek
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Głęboka 30, 20-612 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mateusz Winiarczyk
- Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Chmielna 1, 20-079 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Dariusz Wolski
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences, ul. Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
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Feldhaar H, Otti O. Pollutants and Their Interaction with Diseases of Social Hymenoptera. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11030153. [PMID: 32121502 PMCID: PMC7142568 DOI: 10.3390/insects11030153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Many insect species, including social insects, are currently declining in abundance and diversity. Pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals, or airborne fine particulate matter from agricultural and industrial sources are among the factors driving this decline. While these pollutants can have direct detrimental effects, they can also result in negative interactive effects when social insects are simultaneously exposed to multiple stressors. For example, sublethal effects of pollutants can increase the disease susceptibility of social insects, and thereby jeopardize their survival. Here we review how pesticides, heavy metals, or airborne fine particulate matter interact with social insect physiology and especially the insects’ immune system. We then give an overview of the current knowledge of the interactive effects of these pollutants with pathogens or parasites. While the effects of pesticide exposure on social insects and their interactions with pathogens have been relatively well studied, the effects of other pollutants, such as heavy metals in soil or fine particulate matter from combustion, vehicular transport, agriculture, and coal mining are still largely unknown. We therefore provide an overview of urgently needed knowledge in order to mitigate the decline of social insects.
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Matthews H, Noulin F. Unexpected encounter of the parasitic kind. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:904-919. [PMID: 31768219 PMCID: PMC6851008 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i11.904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Both parasitology and stem cell research are important disciplines in their own right. Parasites are a real threat to human health causing a broad spectrum of diseases and significant annual rates morbidity and mortality globally. Stem cell research, on the other hand, focuses on the potential for regenerative medicine for a range of diseases including cancer and regenerative therapies. Though these two topics might appear distant, there are some “unexpected encounters”. In this review, we summarise the various links between parasites and stem cells. First, we discuss how parasites’ own stem cells represent interesting models of regeneration that can be translated to human stem cell regeneration. Second, we explore the interactions between parasites and host stem cells during the course of infection. Third, we investigate from a clinical perspective, how stem cell regeneration can be exploited to help circumvent the damage induced by parasitic infection and its potential to serve as treatment options for parasitic diseases in the future. Finally, we discuss the importance of screening for pathogens during organ transplantation by presenting some clinical cases of parasitic infection following stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Matthews
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Florian Noulin
- Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology, School of Life Sciences, Keele University, Keele ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
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Matović K, Vidanović D, Manić M, Stojiljković M, Radojičić S, Debeljak Z, Šekler M, Ćirić J. Twenty-five-year study of Nosema spp. in honey bees ( Apis mellifera) in Serbia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2019; 27:518-523. [PMID: 31889877 PMCID: PMC6933281 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2019.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 7386 samples of adult honey bees from different areas of Serbia (fifteen regions and 79 municipalities) were selected for light microscopy analysis for Nosema species during 1992–2017. A selection of honey bee samples from colonies positive for microsporidian spores during 2009–2011, 2015 and 2017 were then subjected to molecular diagnosis by multiplex PCR using specific primers for a region of the 16S rRNA gene of Nosema species. The prevalence of microsporidian spore-positive bee colonies ranged between 14.4% in 2013 and 65.4% in 1992. PCR results show that Nosema ceranae is not the only Nosema species to infect honey bees in Serbia. Mixed N. apis/N. ceranae infections were detected in the two honey bee samples examined by mPCR during 2017. The beekeeping management of disease prevention, such as replacement of combs and queens and hygienic handling of colonies are useful in the prevention of Nosema infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazimir Matović
- Veterinary Specialized Institute Kraljevo, 34 Zicka Street, 36000 Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Dejan Vidanović
- Veterinary Specialized Institute Kraljevo, 34 Zicka Street, 36000 Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Marija Manić
- Veterinary Specialized Institute Niš, 175, Dimitrija Tucovića, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Marko Stojiljković
- Veterinary Specialized Institute Niš, 175, Dimitrija Tucovića, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Sonja Radojičić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar Oslobođenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran Debeljak
- Veterinary Specialized Institute Kraljevo, 34 Zicka Street, 36000 Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Milanko Šekler
- Veterinary Specialized Institute Kraljevo, 34 Zicka Street, 36000 Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Jelena Ćirić
- Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Kaćanskog 13, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Vilcinskas A. Pathogens associated with invasive or introduced insects threaten the health and diversity of native species. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 33:43-48. [PMID: 31358194 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Insect populations are declining even in protected areas, but the underlying causes are unclear. Here, I consider whether the factors driving the loss of insect diversity include invasive and/or introduced insects transmitting pathogens to less-resistant native species. The introduction of insects into new areas for biocontrol, to promote pollination, or for mass rearing in insect farms, threatens the health and diversity of indigenous insects by the co-introduction of entomopathogens whose spillover is difficult to control. Even less virulent pathogens or covert infections can become lethal if environmental stressors weaken the resistance of indigenous host species in an additive, potentiating or synergistic manner. More research is needed to develop effective strategies that protect the health and diversity of native insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Dep. Bioresources, Leihgesterner Weg 85, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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