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Wei R, Cao L, Feng Y, Chen Y, Chen G, Zheng H. Sacbrood Virus: A Growing Threat to Honeybees and Wild Pollinators. Viruses 2022; 14:1871. [PMID: 36146677 PMCID: PMC9505205 DOI: 10.3390/v14091871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sacbrood virus (SBV) is one of the many viruses that infect both the Western honeybee (Apis mellifera) and the Eastern honeybee (Apis cerana). Recently, the interspecies transmission of SBV has been discovered, especially among wild pollinators. This newly discovered evolutionary occurrence regarding SBV indicates a much wider host range than previously believed, causing further concern about the future sustainability of agriculture and the resilience of ecosystems. Over the past few decades, vast numbers of studies have been undertaken concerning SBV infection in honeybees, and remarkable progress has been made in our understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, transmission, and manifestations of SBV infection in honeybees and other pollinators. Meanwhile, some methods, including Chinese medicine, have been established to control and prevent sacbrood disease in A. cerana in Asian countries. In this review, we summarize the existing knowledge of SBV and address the gaps in the knowledge within the existing literature in the hope of providing future directions for the research and development of management strategies for controlling the spread of this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruike Wei
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lianfei Cao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Ye Feng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yanping Chen
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Gongwen Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huoqing Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Deformed wing virus variant shift from 2010 to 2016 in managed and feral UK honey bee colonies. Arch Virol 2021; 166:2693-2702. [PMID: 34275024 PMCID: PMC8421296 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05162-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Deformed wing virus (DWV) has been linked to the global decline of honey bees. DWV exists as three master variants (DWV-A, DWV-B, and DWV-C), each with differing outcomes for the honey bee host. Research in the USA showed a shift from DWV-A to DWV-B between 2010 to 2016 in honey bee colonies. Likewise, in the UK, a small study in 2007 found only DWV-A, whereas in 2016, DWV-B was the most prevalent variant. This suggests a shift from DWV-A to DWV-B might have occurred in the UK between 2007 and 2016. To investigate this further, data from samples collected in 2009/10 (n = 46) were compared to existing data from 2016 (n = 42). These samples also allowed a comparison of DWV variants between Varroa-untreated (feral) and Varroa-treated (managed) colonies. The results revealed that, in the UK, DWV-A was far more prevalent in 2009/10 (87%) than in 2016 (43%). In contrast, DWV-B was less prevalent in 2009/10 (76%) than in 2016 (93%). Regardless if colonies had been treated for Varroa (managed) or not (feral), the same trend from DWV-A to DWV-B occurred. Overall, the results reveal a decrease in DWV-A and an increase in DWV-B in UK colonies.
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Yuan C, Jiang X, Liu M, Yang S, Deng S, Hou C. An Investigation of Honey Bee Viruses Prevalence in Managed Honey Bees (Apis mellifera and Apis cerana) Undergone Colony Decline. Open Microbiol J 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1874285802115010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective:
In the absence of known clinical symptoms, viruses were considered to be the most probable key pathogens of honey bee. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of honey bee viruses in managed Apis mellifera and Apis cerana in China.
Methods:
We conducted a screening of 8 honey bee viruses on A. mellifera and A. cerana samples collected from 54 apiaries from 13 provinces in China using RT-PCR.
Results:
We found that the types and numbers of viral species significantly differed between A. mellifera and A. cerana. Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV), Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV), and Kakugo virus (DWV-A/KV) were the primary viruses found in A. mellifera colonies, whereas Chinese Sacbrood Bee Virus (CSBV) and Sacbrood Bee Virus (SBV) were the primary viruses found in A. cerana. The percentage infection of BQCV and CSBV were 84.6% and 61.6% in all detected samples. We first detected the occurrences of Varroa destructor virus-1 (VDV-1 or DWV-B) and DWV-A/KV in China but not ABPV in both A. mellifera and A. cerana.
Conclusion:
This study showed that BQCV and CSBV are the major threat to investigated A. mellifera and A. cerana colonies.
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Thu HT, Lien NTK, Lanh PT, Duong BTT, Hoa NT, Phuoc MH, Thai PH, Quyen DV. Genome analysis and phylogenetic characterization of two deformed wing virus strains from Apis cerana in Vietnam. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9911. [PMID: 33005491 PMCID: PMC7513742 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9911] [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: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a virulent virus that causes honeybee disease. DWV can exist as a latent infection in honeybees, outbreak into epidemics, and cause serious damage to beekeeping cross the world, including Vietnam. Methods The two DWV strains circulating in Vietnamese honeybee, Apis cerana, were first isolated from adult honeybees in North Vietnam (DWV-NVN) and South Vietnam (DWV-SVN). Their complete nucleotide sequences were determined, aligned, and compared with other DWV strains. Results The two Vietnamese DWV strains comprised 10,113 bp and contained a large single open reading frame (ORF) of 2,893 amino acids, initiating at nucleotide 1,130 and terminating at nucleotide 9,812. Multiple nucleotide sequence alignment between these two DWV-VN strains and DWV strains in A. mellifera was performed. The DWV-VN strains showed a low genetic identity (from 91.4% to 92.0%) with almost of these strains, but lower identities (89.2% and 89.4%) with UK2 and (89.6%) with the China2 strain. Low identities (91.7% and 91.9%) were also observed between the China3 strain (in A. cerana) and the DWV-VN strains, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence alignment showed high genetic similarities (97.0%–97.9%) when the USA1, Chile, Italy1, France, UK1, UK2, Japan, Korea2, China1, China2 and China3 strains were compared to the DWV-VN strains. This ratio was 96.7% and 96.8% when the Korea1 strain was compared to the DWV-SVN and DWV-NVN strains, respectively. Numerous amino acid substitutions were identified in the L, VP3, and RdRp sequences. Notably, we observed six substitutions positioned at amino acids 27 (E > I), 98 (S > T), 120 (A > V), 153 (M > T), 170 (D > F), and 174 (Y > F) in the L protein, two amino acid changes at positions 980 (S > A) and 1032 (E > T) in VP3, and one amino acid change at position 2627 (R > C) unique to the DWV-VN strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete genome sequences, RdRp sequences and Simplot analysis indicated that there was a significant difference between DWV-VN strains in A. cerana and DWV strains in A. mellifera. The results suggested that the genetic variations of the DWV-VN strains in A. cerana help them to adapt geographical conditions and may lead to change the viral pathogenicity of DWV-VN strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha T Thu
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen T K Lien
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Pham T Lanh
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bui T T Duong
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen T Hoa
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Man H Phuoc
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Pham H Thai
- Research Center for Tropical Bees and Beekeeping, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dong Van Quyen
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam.,University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Cirkovic D, Stevanovic J, Glavinic U, Aleksic N, Djuric S, Aleksic J, Stanimirovic Z. Honey bee viruses in Serbian colonies of different strength. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5887. [PMID: 30479890 PMCID: PMC6240340 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Protection of honey bees is of great economic importance because of their role in pollination. Crucial steps towards this goal are epidemiological surveys of pathogens connected with honey bee losses. In this study deformed wing virus (DWV), chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV) and sacbrood virus (SBV) were investigated in colonies of different strength located in five regions of Serbia. The relationship between colony strength and virus occurrence/infection intensity were assessed as well as the genetic relationship between virus sequences from Serbia and worldwide. Real-time RT-PCR analyses detected at least one virus in 87.33% of colonies. Single infection was found in 28.67% colonies (21.33%, 4.00%, 2.67% and 0.67% in cases of DWV, ABPV, SBV and CBPV, respectively). In the majority of colonies (58.66%) more than one virus was found. The most prevalent was DWV (74%), followed by ABPV, SBV and CBPV (49.30%, 24.00% and 6.70%, respectively). Except for DWV, the prevalence of the remaining three viruses significantly varied between the regions. No significant differences were found between colony strength and either (i) the prevalence of DWV, ABPV, SBV, CBPV and their combinations, or (ii) DWV infection levels. The sequences of honey bee viruses obtained from bees in Serbia were 93-99% identical with those deposited in GenBank.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragan Cirkovic
- Department of Chemical and Technological Sciences, State University of Novi Pazar, Novi Pazar, Serbia
| | - Jevrosima Stevanovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Uros Glavinic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nevenka Aleksic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Spomenka Djuric
- Department of Economics and Statistics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Aleksic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE), University of Belgrade, Beograd, Serbia
| | - Zoran Stanimirovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Shumkova R, Neov B, Sirakova D, Georgieva A, Gadjev D, Teofanova D, Radoslavov G, Bouga M, Hristov P. Molecular detection and phylogenetic assessment of six honeybee viruses in Apis mellifera L. colonies in Bulgaria. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5077. [PMID: 29942706 PMCID: PMC6015488 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bee colonies suffer from various pathogens, including honey bee viruses. About 24 viruses have been reported so far. However, six of them are considered to cause severe infection which inflicts heavy losses on beekeeping. The aim of this study was to investigate incidence of six honey bee viruses: deformed wing virus (DWV), acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), sacbrood virus (SBV), kashmir bee virus (KBV), and black queen cell virus (BQCV) by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 250 adult honey bee samples were obtained from 50 colonies from eight apiaries situated in three different parts of the country (South, North and West Bulgaria). The results showed the highest prevalence of DWV followed by SBV and ABPV, and one case of BQCV. A comparison with homology sequences available in GenBank was performed by phylogenetic analysis, and phylogenetic relationships were discussed in the context of newly described genotypes in the uninvestigated South Eastern region of Europe. In conclusion, the present study has been the first to provide sequencing data and phylogenetics analyses of some honey bee viruses in Bulgaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rositsa Shumkova
- Agricultural and Stockbreeding Experimental Station, Agricultural Academy, Smolyan, Bulgaria
| | - Boyko Neov
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Daniela Sirakova
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ani Georgieva
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Morphology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitar Gadjev
- Agricultural and Stockbreeding Experimental Station, Agricultural Academy, Smolyan, Bulgaria
| | - Denitsa Teofanova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Georgi Radoslavov
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Bouga
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Peter Hristov
- Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Chanpanitkitchote P, Chen Y, Evans JD, Li W, Li J, Hamilton M, Chantawannakul P. Acute bee paralysis virus occurs in the Asian honey bee Apis cerana and parasitic mite Tropilaelaps mercedesae. J Invertebr Pathol 2017; 151:131-136. [PMID: 29158015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Viruses, and especially RNA viruses, constantly change and adapt to new host species and vectors, posing a potential threat of new and reemerging infectious diseases. Honey bee Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV) and Deformed wing virus (DWV) are two of the most common honey bee viruses found in European honey bees Apis mellifera and have been implicated in worldwide Varroa-associated bee colony losses. Previous studies have shown that DWV has jumped hosts several times in history causing infection in multiple host species. In the present study, we show that DWV infection could be detected in the Asian honey bee, A. cerana, and the parasitic mite Tropilaelaps mercedesae, confirming previous findings that DWV is a multi-host pathogen and supporting the notion that the high prevalence of DWV in honey bee host populations could be attributed to the high adaptability of this virus. Furthermore, our study provides the first evidence that ABPV occurs in both A. cerana and T. mercedesae in northern Thailand. The geographical proximity of host species likely played an important role in the initial exposure and the subsequent cross-species transmission of these viruses. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that ABPV might have moved from T. mercedesae to A. mellifera and to A. cerana while DWV might have moved in the opposite direction from A. cerana to A. mellifera and T. mercedesae. This result may reflect the differences in virus life history and virus-host interactions, warranting further investigation of virus transmission, epidemiology, and impacts of virus infections in the new hosts. The results from this study indicate that viral populations will continue to evolve and likely continue to expand host range, increasing the need for effective surveillance and control of virus infections in honey bee populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pichaya Chanpanitkitchote
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Yanping Chen
- USDA-ARS Beltsville Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Jay D Evans
- USDA-ARS Beltsville Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Wenfeng Li
- USDA-ARS Beltsville Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Jianghong Li
- USDA-ARS Beltsville Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Michele Hamilton
- USDA-ARS Beltsville Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Panuwan Chantawannakul
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Environmental Science Research Center, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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Remnant EJ, Shi M, Buchmann G, Blacquière T, Holmes EC, Beekman M, Ashe A. A Diverse Range of Novel RNA Viruses in Geographically Distinct Honey Bee Populations. J Virol 2017; 91:e00158-17. [PMID: 28515299 PMCID: PMC5533899 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00158-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the diversity and consequences of viruses present in honey bees is critical for maintaining pollinator health and managing the spread of disease. The viral landscape of honey bees (Apis mellifera) has changed dramatically since the emergence of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, which increased the spread of virulent variants of viruses such as deformed wing virus. Previous genomic studies have focused on colonies suffering from infections by Varroa and virulent viruses, which could mask other viral species present in honey bees, resulting in a distorted view of viral diversity. To capture the viral diversity within colonies that are exposed to mites but do not suffer the ultimate consequences of the infestation, we examined populations of honey bees that have evolved naturally or have been selected for resistance to Varroa This analysis revealed seven novel viruses isolated from honey bees sampled globally, including the first identification of negative-sense RNA viruses in honey bees. Notably, two rhabdoviruses were present in three geographically diverse locations and were also present in Varroa mites parasitizing the bees. To characterize the antiviral response, we performed deep sequencing of small RNA populations in honey bees and mites. This provided evidence of a Dicer-mediated immune response in honey bees, while the viral small RNA profile in Varroa mites was novel and distinct from the response observed in bees. Overall, we show that viral diversity in honey bee colonies is greater than previously thought, which encourages additional studies of the bee virome on a global scale and which may ultimately improve disease management.IMPORTANCE Honey bee populations have become increasingly susceptible to colony losses due to pathogenic viruses spread by parasitic Varroa mites. To date, 24 viruses have been described in honey bees, with most belonging to the order Picornavirales Collapsing Varroa-infected colonies are often overwhelmed with high levels of picornaviruses. To examine the underlying viral diversity in honey bees, we employed viral metatranscriptomics analyses on three geographically diverse Varroa-resistant populations from Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. We describe seven novel viruses from a range of diverse viral families, including two viruses that are present in all three locations. In honey bees, small RNA sequences indicate that these viruses are processed by Dicer and the RNA interference pathway, whereas Varroa mites produce strikingly novel small RNA patterns. This work increases the number and diversity of known honey bee viruses and will ultimately contribute to improved disease management in our most important agricultural pollinator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Remnant
- Behaviour and Genetics of Social Insects Laboratory, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mang Shi
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gabriele Buchmann
- Behaviour and Genetics of Social Insects Laboratory, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Edward C Holmes
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Madeleine Beekman
- Behaviour and Genetics of Social Insects Laboratory, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alyson Ashe
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Gisder S, Genersch E. Viruses of commercialized insect pollinators. J Invertebr Pathol 2017; 147:51-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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10
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Colony adaptive response to simulated heat waves and consequences at the individual level in honeybees (Apis mellifera). Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28630407 PMCID: PMC5476575 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03944-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since climate change is expected to bring more severe and frequent extreme weather events such as heat waves, assessing the physiological and behavioural sensitivity of organisms to temperature becomes a priority. We therefore investigated the responses of honeybees, an important insect pollinator, to simulated heat waves (SHW). Honeybees are known to maintain strict brood thermoregulation, but the consequences at the colony and individual levels remain poorly understood. For the first time, we quantified and modelled colony real-time activity and found a 70% increase in foraging activity with SHW, which was likely due to the recruitment of previously inactive bees. Pollen and nectar foraging was not impacted, but an increase in water foragers was observed at the expense of empty bees. Contrary to individual energetic resources, vitellogenin levels increased with SHW, probably to protect bees against oxidative stress. Finally, though immune functions were not altered, we observed a significant decrease in deformed wing virus loads with SHW. In conclusion, we demonstrated that honeybees could remarkably adapt to heat waves without a cost at the individual level and on resource flow. However, the recruitment of backup foraging forces might be costly by lowering the colony buffering capacity against additional environmental pressures.
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11
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Yang Q, Song ZY, Feng X, Zhang J, Zheng Y, Wang XH, Sui JC, Wang ZG, Sun Y. Analysis of the complete genome sequence of black queen cell virus JL1 from infected honeybees in China. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2016; 106:561-568. [PMID: 27378551 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485315001029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
There are six strains of the complete genomic sequences of black queen cell virus (BQCV) published in the GenBank, including South Africa (AF183905), South Korea (JX149531), Hungary 10 (EF517515), Poland 4 (EF517519), Poland 5 (EF517520) and Poland 6 (EF517521). Based on the six BQCV strains published in the GenBank, ten pairs of primers were designed in the present study using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to obtain the first complete genome sequence of a BQCV strain in China, called the BQCV China-JL1 strain (KP119603). A phylogenetic tree was then built to analyse their genetic relationships. The BQCV China-JL1 strain showed 86-93% similarity with the six strains published in the GenBank. The BQCV China-JL1 strain consisted of 8358 nucleotides (nt). The 5'-proximal open reading frame (ORF1) initiated at nt position 546 and terminated at nt position 4676, ORF3 initiated at nt position 4891 and terminated at nt position 5433, and the 3'-proximal ORF (ORF2) was located between nt positions 5750 and 8203.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Yang
- JiLin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the People's Republic of China,Changchun 130062,China
| | - Z-Y Song
- JiLin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the People's Republic of China,Changchun 130062,China
| | - X Feng
- College Veterinary Medicine Jilin University,Changchun 130062,China
| | - J Zhang
- Changchun Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd.,Changchun 130062,China
| | - Y Zheng
- JiLin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the People's Republic of China,Changchun 130062,China
| | - X-H Wang
- JiLin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the People's Republic of China,Changchun 130062,China
| | - J-C Sui
- JiLin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the People's Republic of China,Changchun 130062,China
| | - Z-G Wang
- JiLin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the People's Republic of China,Changchun 130062,China
| | - Y Sun
- JiLin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the People's Republic of China,Changchun 130062,China
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12
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Four Categories of Viral Infection Describe the Health Status of Honey Bee Colonies. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140272. [PMID: 26448627 PMCID: PMC4598008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bee virus prevalence data are an essential prerequisite for managing epidemic events in a population. A survey study was carried out for seven viruses in colonies representing a healthy Danish honey bee population. In addition, colonies from apiaries with high level Varroa infestation or high level of winter mortality were also surveyed. Results from RT-qPCR showed a considerable difference of virus levels between healthy and sick colonies. In the group of healthy colonies, no virus was detected in 36% of cases, while at least one virus was found in each of the sick colonies. Virus titers varied among the samples, and multiple virus infections were common in both groups with a high prevalence of Sacbrood virus (SBV), Black queen cell virus (BQCV) and Deformed wing virus (DWV). Based on the distribution of virus titers, we established four categories of infection: samples free of virus (C = 0), samples with low virus titer (estimated number of virus copies 0 < C < 103), samples with medium virus titer (103 ≤ C < 107) and samples with high virus titer (C ≥ 107). This allowed us to statistically compare virus levels in healthy and sick colonies. Using categories to communicate virus diagnosis results to beekeepers may help them to reach an informed decision on management strategies to prevent further spread of viruses among colonies.
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13
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McMenamin AJ, Genersch E. Honey bee colony losses and associated viruses. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 8:121-129. [PMID: 32846659 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent large-scale colony losses among managed Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) have alarmed researchers and apiculturists alike. Here, the existing correlative evidence provided by monitoring studies is reviewed which (i) identified members of the deformed wing virus and acute bee paralysis virus clades as lethal pathogens for entire colonies, and (ii) identified novel viruses whose impact on honey bee health remains elusive. Also discussed in this review is related evidence obtained via controlled experimental infection assays and RNAi approaches underscoring the damage inflicted by some of these viruses on individuals and colonies. The relevance of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor acting as mechanical and biological virus vector for the enhanced virulence of certain viruses or mite selected virus strains is carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J McMenamin
- The Pennsylvania State University, Chemical Ecology Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Elke Genersch
- Institute for Bee Research, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Bee Diseases, Friedrich-Engels-Str. 32, 16540 Hohen Neuendorf, Germany.
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Tozkar CÖ, Kence M, Kence A, Huang Q, Evans JD. Metatranscriptomic analyses of honey bee colonies. Front Genet 2015; 6:100. [PMID: 25852743 PMCID: PMC4365734 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bees face numerous biotic threats from viruses to bacteria, fungi, protists, and mites. Here we describe a thorough analysis of microbes harbored by worker honey bees collected from field colonies in geographically distinct regions of Turkey. Turkey is one of the World's most important centers of apiculture, harboring five subspecies of Apis mellifera L., approximately 20% of the honey bee subspecies in the world. We use deep ILLUMINA-based RNA sequencing to capture RNA species for the honey bee and a sampling of all non-endogenous species carried by bees. After trimming and mapping these reads to the honey bee genome, approximately 10% of the sequences (9–10 million reads per library) remained. These were then mapped to a curated set of public sequences containing ca. Sixty megabase-pairs of sequence representing known microbial species associated with honey bees. Levels of key honey bee pathogens were confirmed using quantitative PCR screens. We contrast microbial matches across different sites in Turkey, showing new country recordings of Lake Sinai virus, two Spiroplasma bacterium species, symbionts Candidatus Schmidhempelia bombi, Frischella perrara, Snodgrassella alvi, Gilliamella apicola, Lactobacillus spp.), neogregarines, and a trypanosome species. By using metagenomic analysis, this study also reveals deep molecular evidence for the presence of bacterial pathogens (Melissococcus plutonius, Paenibacillus larvae), Varroa destructor-1 virus, Sacbrood virus, and fungi. Despite this effort we did not detect KBV, SBPV, Tobacco ringspot virus, VdMLV (Varroa Macula like virus), Acarapis spp., Tropilaeleps spp. and Apocephalus (phorid fly). We discuss possible impacts of management practices and honey bee subspecies on microbial retinues. The described workflow and curated microbial database will be generally useful for microbial surveys of healthy and declining honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansu Ö Tozkar
- Ecological Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University Ankara, Turkey
| | - Meral Kence
- Ecological Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aykut Kence
- Ecological Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University Ankara, Turkey
| | - Qiang Huang
- Bee Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Jay D Evans
- Bee Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Beltsville, MD, USA
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15
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Ren J, Cone A, Willmot R, Jones IM. Assembly of recombinant Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus capsids. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105943. [PMID: 25153716 PMCID: PMC4143317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The dicistrovirus Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) has been implicated in the worldwide decline of honey bees. Studies of IAPV and many other bee viruses in pure culture are restricted by available isolates and permissive cell culture. Here we show that coupling the IAPV major structural precursor protein ORF2 to its cognate 3C-like processing enzyme results in processing of the precursor to the individual structural proteins in a number of insect cell lines following expression by a recombinant baculovirus. The efficiency of expression is influenced by the level of IAPV 3C protein and moderation of its activity is required for optimal expression. The mature IAPV structural proteins assembled into empty capsids that migrated as particles on sucrose velocity gradients and showed typical dicistrovirus like morphology when examined by electron microscopy. Monoclonal antibodies raised to recombinant capsids were configured into a diagnostic test specific for the presence of IAPV. Recombinant capsids for each of the many bee viruses within the picornavirus family may provide virus specific reagents for the on-going investigation of the causes of honeybee loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyuan Ren
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail Cone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Willmot
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Ian M. Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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16
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Obbard DJ, Dudas G. The genetics of host-virus coevolution in invertebrates. Curr Opin Virol 2014; 8:73-8. [PMID: 25063907 PMCID: PMC4199324 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Although viral infection and antiviral defence are ubiquitous, genetic data are currently unavailable from the vast majority of animal phyla-potentially biasing our overall perspective of the coevolutionary process. Rapid adaptive evolution is seen in some insect antiviral genes, consistent with invertebrate-virus 'arms-race' coevolution, but equivalent signatures of selection are hard to detect in viruses. We find that, despite the large differences in vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant immune responses, comparison of viral evolution fails to identify any difference among these hosts in the impact of positive selection. The best evidence for invertebrate-virus coevolution is currently provided by large-effect polymorphisms for host resistance and/or viral evasion, as these often appear to have arisen and spread recently, and can be favoured by virus-mediated selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren J Obbard
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Infection Immunity and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Gytis Dudas
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Kings Buildings, Edinburgh, UK
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17
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Wang H, Xie J, Shreeve TG, Ma J, Pallett DW, King LA, Possee RD. Sequence recombination and conservation of Varroa destructor virus-1 and deformed wing virus in field collected honey bees (Apis mellifera). PLoS One 2013; 8:e74508. [PMID: 24058580 PMCID: PMC3776811 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We sequenced small (s) RNAs from field collected honeybees (Apis mellifera) and bumblebees (Bombuspascuorum) using the Illumina technology. The sRNA reads were assembled and resulting contigs were used to search for virus homologues in GenBank. Matches with Varroadestructor virus-1 (VDV1) and Deformed wing virus (DWV) genomic sequences were obtained for A. mellifera but not B. pascuorum. Further analyses suggested that the prevalent virus population was composed of VDV-1 and a chimera of 5’-DWV-VDV1-DWV-3’. The recombination junctions in the chimera genomes were confirmed by using RT-PCR, cDNA cloning and Sanger sequencing. We then focused on conserved short fragments (CSF, size > 25 nt) in the virus genomes by using GenBank sequences and the deep sequencing data obtained in this study. The majority of CSF sites confirmed conservation at both between-species (GenBank sequences) and within-population (dataset of this study) levels. However, conserved nucleotide positions in the GenBank sequences might be variable at the within-population level. High mutation rates (Pi>10%) were observed at a number of sites using the deep sequencing data, suggesting that sequence conservation might not always be maintained at the population level. Virus-host interactions and strategies for developing RNAi treatments against VDV1/DWV infections are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Natural Environmental Research Council, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Jiazheng Xie
- Beijing Genome Institute, Yantian District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tim G. Shreeve
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brooks University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jinmin Ma
- Beijing Genome Institute, Yantian District, Shenzhen, China
| | - Denise W. Pallett
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Natural Environmental Research Council, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Linda A. King
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brooks University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert D. Possee
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Natural Environmental Research Council, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
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18
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Jamnikar Ciglenečki U, Toplak I. Genetic diversity of acute bee paralysis virus in Slovenian honeybee samples. Acta Vet Hung 2013; 61:244-56. [PMID: 23661392 DOI: 10.1556/avet.2013.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The genetic diversity of acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV) in honeybees was studied in Slovenia. A total of 248 honeybee samples obtained from 134 different apiaries in Slovenia were tested for the presence of ABPV by RT-PCR. Specific 398-base pair (bp) products were generated with primers amplifying the ORF2 region and 452-base pair (bp) products with primers amplifying the ORF1 region of the viral genome. To characterise the overall nucleotide diversity among the ABPV sequences, phylogenetic trees with 54 and 29 samples were constructed from 357 nucleotides from ORF2 and 408 nucleotides from ORF1, respectively. The nucleotide comparison of Slovenian ABPV strains revealed two distinct clusters in ORF2 and ORF1, showing 91.2-92.5% and 96.7-97.2% nucleotide identity, respectively. Comparison of data regarding the geographical location of the ABPV-positive samples with the constructed phylogenetic trees revealed the random distribution of the two clusters throughout Slovenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urška Jamnikar Ciglenečki
- 1 University of Ljubljana Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 SI-1115 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Ivan Toplak
- 1 University of Ljubljana Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 SI-1115 Ljubljana Slovenia
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19
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Strauss U, Human H, Gauthier L, Crewe RM, Dietemann V, Pirk CWW. Seasonal prevalence of pathogens and parasites in the savannah honeybee (Apis mellifera scutellata). J Invertebr Pathol 2013; 114:45-52. [PMID: 23702244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The loss of Apis mellifera L. colonies in recent years has, in many regions of the world, been alarmingly high. No single cause has been identified for these losses, but the interactions between several factors (mostly pathogens and parasites) have been held responsible. Work in the Americas on honeybees originating mainly from South Africa indicates that Africanised honeybees are less affected by the interplay of pathogens and parasites. However, little is known about the health status of South African honeybees (A. m. scutellata and A. m. capensis) in relation to pathogens and parasites. We therefore compared the seasonal prevalence of honeybee pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi) and parasites (mites, bee lice, wax moth, small hive beetles, A. m. capensis social parasites) between sedentary and migratory A. m. scutellata apiaries situated in the Gauteng region of South Africa. No significant differences were found in the prevalence of pathogens and parasites between sedentary and migratory apiaries. Three (Black queen cell virus, Varroa destructor virus 1 and Israeli acute paralysis virus) of the eight viruses screened were detected, a remarkable difference compared to European honeybees. Even though no bacterial pathogens were detected, Nosema apis and Chalkbrood were confirmed. All of the honeybee parasites were found in the majority of the apiaries with the most common parasite being the Varroa mite. In spite of hosting few pathogens, yet most parasites, A. m. scutellata colonies appeared to be healthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Strauss
- Social Insect Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
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20
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Noh JH, Reddy KE, Choe SE, Yoo MS, Doan HTT, Kweon CH, Ramya M, Yoon BS, Nguyen LTK, Nguyen TTD, Van Quyen D, Jung SC, Chang KY, Kang SW. Phylogenetic analysis of black queen cell virus genotypes in South Korea. Virus Genes 2012; 46:362-8. [PMID: 23239276 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-012-0859-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The black queen cell virus (BQCV), a picorna-like honeybee virus, was first isolated from queen larvae and pupae of honeybees found dead in their cells. BQCV is the most common cause of death in queen larvae. Phylogenetic analysis of two Apis cerana and three Apis mellifera BQCV genotypes collected from honeybee colonies in different regions of South Korea, central European BQCV genotypes, and a South African BQCV reference genotype was performed on a partial helicase enzyme coding region (ORF1) and a partial structural polypeptide coding region (ORF2). The phylogeny based on the ORF2 region showed clustering of all the Korean genotypes corresponding to their geographic origin, with the exception of Korean Am str3 which showed more similarity to the central European and the South African reference genotype. However, the ORF1-based tree exhibited a different distribution of the Korean strains, in which A. cerana isolates formed one cluster and all A. mellifera isolates formed a separate cluster. The RT-PCR assay described in this study is a sensitive and reliable method for the detection and classification of BQCV strains from various regions of Korea. BQCV infection is present in both A. cerana and A. mellifera colonies. With this in mind, the present study examined the transmission of honeybee BQCV infections between A. cerana and A. mellifera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hyeong Noh
- Parasitology and Insect Disease Research Laboratory, Animal, Plant and Fisheries Quarantine and Inspection Agency, 480 Anyang 6 dong, Anyang 420-480, South Korea
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21
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Antúnez K, Anido M, Garrido-Bailón E, Botías C, Zunino P, Martínez-Salvador A, Martín-Hernández R, Higes M. Low prevalence of honeybee viruses in Spain during 2006 and 2007. Res Vet Sci 2012; 93:1441-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Revised: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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22
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Li J, Qin H, Wu J, Sadd BM, Wang X, Evans JD, Peng W, Chen Y. The prevalence of parasites and pathogens in Asian honeybees Apis cerana in China. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47955. [PMID: 23144838 PMCID: PMC3492380 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens and parasites represent significant threats to the health and well-being of honeybee species that are key pollinators of agricultural crops and flowers worldwide. We conducted a nationwide survey to determine the occurrence and prevalence of pathogens and parasites in Asian honeybees, Apis cerana, in China. Our study provides evidence of infections of A. cerana by pathogenic Deformed wing virus (DWV), Black queen cell virus (BQCV), Nosema ceranae, and C. bombi species that have been linked to population declines of European honeybees, A. mellifera, and bumble bees. However, the prevalence of DWV, a virus that causes widespread infection in A. mellifera, was low, arguably a result of the greater ability of A. cerana to resist the ectoprasitic mite Varroa destructor, an efficient vector of DWV. Analyses of microbial communities from the A. cerana digestive tract showed that Nosema infection could have detrimental effects on the gut microbiota. Workers infected by N. ceranae tended to have lower bacterial quantities, with these differences being significant for the Bifidobacterium and Pasteurellaceae bacteria groups. The results of this nationwide screen show that parasites and pathogens that have caused serious problems in European honeybees can be found in native honeybee species kept in Asia. Environmental changes due to new agricultural practices and globalization may facilitate the spread of pathogens into new geographic areas. The foraging behavior of pollinators that are in close geographic proximity likely have played an important role in spreading of parasites and pathogens over to new hosts. Phylogenetic analyses provide insights into the movement and population structure of these parasites, suggesting a bidirectional flow of parasites among pollinators. The presence of these parasites and pathogens may have considerable implications for an observed population decline of Asian honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilian Li
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Haoran Qin
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Ben M. Sadd
- Experimental Ecology, Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich Universitätstrasse, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Xiuhong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jay D. Evans
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wenjun Peng
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (WP); (YC)
| | - Yanping Chen
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (WP); (YC)
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De Smet L, Ravoet J, de Miranda JR, Wenseleers T, Mueller MY, Moritz RFA, de Graaf DC. BeeDoctor, a versatile MLPA-based diagnostic tool for screening bee viruses. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47953. [PMID: 23144717 PMCID: PMC3483297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-term decline of managed honeybee hives in the world has drawn significant attention to the scientific community and bee-keeping industry. A high pathogen load is believed to play a crucial role in this phenomenon, with the bee viruses being key players. Most of the currently characterized honeybee viruses (around twenty) are positive stranded RNA viruses. Techniques based on RNA signatures are widely used to determine the viral load in honeybee colonies. High throughput screening for viral loads necessitates the development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction approach in which different viruses can be targeted simultaneously. A new multiparameter assay, called "BeeDoctor", was developed based on multiplex-ligation probe dependent amplification (MLPA) technology. This assay detects 10 honeybee viruses in one reaction. "BeeDoctor" is also able to screen selectively for either the positive strand of the targeted RNA bee viruses or the negative strand, which is indicative for active viral replication. Due to its sensitivity and specificity, the MLPA assay is a useful tool for rapid diagnosis, pathogen characterization, and epidemiology of viruses in honeybee populations. "BeeDoctor" was used for screening 363 samples from apiaries located throughout Flanders; the northern half of Belgium. Using the "BeeDoctor", virus infections were detected in almost eighty percent of the colonies, with deformed wing virus by far the most frequently detected virus and multiple virus infections were found in 26 percent of the colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina De Smet
- Laboratory of Zoophysiology, Department of Physiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Martin SJ, Highfield AC, Brettell L, Villalobos EM, Budge GE, Powell M, Nikaido S, Schroeder DC. Global honey bee viral landscape altered by a parasitic mite. Science 2012; 336:1304-6. [PMID: 22679096 DOI: 10.1126/science.1220941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 394] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Emerging diseases are among the greatest threats to honey bees. Unfortunately, where and when an emerging disease will appear are almost impossible to predict. The arrival of the parasitic Varroa mite into the Hawaiian honey bee population allowed us to investigate changes in the prevalence, load, and strain diversity of honey bee viruses. The mite increased the prevalence of a single viral species, deformed wing virus (DWV), from ~10 to 100% within honey bee populations, which was accompanied by a millionfold increase in viral titer and a massive reduction in DWV diversity, leading to the predominance of a single DWV strain. Therefore, the global spread of Varroa has selected DWV variants that have emerged to allow it to become one of the most widely distributed and contagious insect viruses on the planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Martin
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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25
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Prevalence and distribution of six bee viruses in Korean Apis cerana populations. J Invertebr Pathol 2012; 109:330-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 01/02/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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26
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Ai H, Yan X, Han R. Occurrence and prevalence of seven bee viruses in Apis mellifera and Apis cerana apiaries in China. J Invertebr Pathol 2012; 109:160-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2011.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Revised: 10/07/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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27
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Millán-Leiva A, Jakubowska AK, Ferré J, Herrero S. Genome sequence of SeIV-1, a novel virus from the Iflaviridae family infective to Spodoptera exigua. J Invertebr Pathol 2011; 109:127-33. [PMID: 22041201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2011.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Revised: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of the transcriptome of Spodoptera exigua larvae revealed the presence of several ESTs with homology to virus of the order Picornavirales and with the highest similarity to Infectious flacherie virus (Iflaviridae) that infects Bombyx mori larvae. Iflaviridae is a recently defined family of insect-infecting viruses that consist of positive single strand RNA genomes translated into a single polyprotein of around 3000 amino acids long. Using the sequence information derived from the obtained ESTs, we have completed the genomic sequence of this virus. The novel S. exigua iflavirus (SeIV-1) has a genome of 10.3 kb and codes for a 3222 aa polyprotein. Expression analysis has revealed the presence of the virus in all tissues tested and insect stages, being more abundant in the midgut of the larvae. High infectivity of this virus against S. exigua has been demonstrated after observing the presence of this virus in different colonies that were reared in the same chamber with the virus-infected colony, despite no evidence of pathological effects. Further study of viral covert infections of SeIV-1 could lead to a better understanding of its pathological effect as well as any possible interaction with other microbial pathogens used for the control of this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Millán-Leiva
- Department of Genetics, Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
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28
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Perera OP, Snodgrass GL, Allen KC, Jackson RE, Becnel JJ, O'Leary PF, Luttrell RG. The complete genome sequence of a single-stranded RNA virus from the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois). J Invertebr Pathol 2011; 109:11-9. [PMID: 21939663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2011.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The complete genome sequence of a single-stranded RNA virus infecting the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), was identified by sequencing cDNA prepared from insects collected from the Mississippi Delta. The 9655 nucleotide positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome of the L. lineolaris single-stranded RNA virus (LyLV-1) contained a single open reading frame of 8958 nucleotides encoding a 2986 amino acid genome polypeptide. The open reading frame was flanked by untranslated regions of 603 and 69 nucleotides at the 5'- and 3'- ends of the genome, respectively. Database searches and homology based modeling was used to identify four capsid proteins (VP1-VP4), helicase/AAA-ATPase, cysteine protease (C3P), protease 2A, and the RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRp). In addition, a region with weak similarity to the eukaryotic structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) domain was identified near the amino-terminal of the polyprotein and adjacent to the VP1 domain. The amino acid sequence of LyLV-1 was approximately 44.4% similar to that of sacbrood virus (SBV) of the honey bee. The genomic organization of both viruses showed remarkable similarity with the exception of highly divergent amino acid regions flanking fairly conserved structural and non-structural polypeptide regions. High similarity to the SBV genome and similarities in the genome organization and amino acid sequence with the viruses of the family Iflaviridae suggested that LyLV-1 was a novel member of this family. Virus particles were 39 nm in diameter and appeared to transmit vertically via eggs. Although this virus may only cause covert infections under normal conditions, the potential for using this virus in biological control of L. lineolaris is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omaththage P Perera
- Southern Insect Management Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA.
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Runckel C, Flenniken ML, Engel JC, Ruby JG, Ganem D, Andino R, DeRisi JL. Temporal analysis of the honey bee microbiome reveals four novel viruses and seasonal prevalence of known viruses, Nosema, and Crithidia. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20656. [PMID: 21687739 PMCID: PMC3110205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) play a critical role in global food production as pollinators of numerous crops. Recently, honey bee populations in the United States, Canada, and Europe have suffered an unexplained increase in annual losses due to a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Epidemiological analysis of CCD is confounded by a relative dearth of bee pathogen field studies. To identify what constitutes an abnormal pathophysiological condition in a honey bee colony, it is critical to have characterized the spectrum of exogenous infectious agents in healthy hives over time. We conducted a prospective study of a large scale migratory bee keeping operation using high-frequency sampling paired with comprehensive molecular detection methods, including a custom microarray, qPCR, and ultra deep sequencing. We established seasonal incidence and abundance of known viruses, Nosema sp., Crithidia mellificae, and bacteria. Ultra deep sequence analysis further identified four novel RNA viruses, two of which were the most abundant observed components of the honey bee microbiome (∼10(11) viruses per honey bee). Our results demonstrate episodic viral incidence and distinct pathogen patterns between summer and winter time-points. Peak infection of common honey bee viruses and Nosema occurred in the summer, whereas levels of the trypanosomatid Crithidia mellificae and Lake Sinai virus 2, a novel virus, peaked in January.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Runckel
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United State of America
- Departments of Medicine, Biochemistry and Biophysics, and Microbiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Michelle L. Flenniken
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Juan C. Engel
- Sandler Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - J. Graham Ruby
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United State of America
- Departments of Medicine, Biochemistry and Biophysics, and Microbiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Donald Ganem
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United State of America
- Departments of Medicine, Biochemistry and Biophysics, and Microbiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Raul Andino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Joseph L. DeRisi
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United State of America
- Departments of Medicine, Biochemistry and Biophysics, and Microbiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Gauthier L, Ravallec M, Tournaire M, Cousserans F, Bergoin M, Dainat B, de Miranda JR. Viruses associated with ovarian degeneration in Apis mellifera L. queens. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16217. [PMID: 21283547 PMCID: PMC3026828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Queen fecundity is a critical issue for the health of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies, as she is the only reproductive female in the colony and responsible for the constant renewal of the worker bee population. Any factor affecting the queen's fecundity will stagnate colony development, increasing its susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens. We discovered a pathology affecting the ovaries, characterized by a yellow discoloration concentrated in the apex of the ovaries resulting from degenerative lesions in the follicles. In extreme cases, marked by intense discoloration, the majority of the ovarioles were affected and these cases were universally associated with egg-laying deficiencies in the queens. Microscopic examination of the degenerated follicles showed extensive paracrystal lattices of 30 nm icosahedral viral particles. A cDNA library from degenerated ovaries contained a high frequency of deformed wing virus (DWV) and Varroa destructor virus 1 (VDV-1) sequences, two common and closely related honeybee Iflaviruses. These could also be identified by in situ hybridization in various parts of the ovary. A large-scale survey for 10 distinct honeybee viruses showed that DWV and VDV-1 were by far the most prevalent honeybee viruses in queen populations, with distinctly higher prevalence in mated queens (100% and 67%, respectively for DWV and VDV-1) than in virgin queens (37% and 0%, respectively). Since very high viral titres could be recorded in the ovaries and abdomens of both functional and deficient queens, no significant correlation could be made between viral titre and ovarian degeneration or egg-laying deficiency among the wider population of queens. Although our data suggest that DWV and VDV-1 have a role in extreme cases of ovarian degeneration, infection of the ovaries by these viruses does not necessarily result in ovarian degeneration, even at high titres, and additional factors are likely to be involved in this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Gauthier
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux Research Station ALP, Bern, Switzerland.
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Meeus I, Smagghe G, Siede R, Jans K, de Graaf DC. Multiplex RT-PCR with broad-range primers and an exogenous internal amplification control for the detection of honeybee viruses in bumblebees. J Invertebr Pathol 2010; 105:200-3. [PMID: 20600092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2010.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2010] [Revised: 06/17/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Bumblebees are commercially reared and transported worldwide mainly for pollination of greenhouse tomatoes. Three honeybee viruses have been reported in bumblebees: Acute bee paralysis virus, Kashmir bee virus and Deformed wing virus. We developed a multiplex RT-PCR with primers designed on highly conserved regions of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in order to detect a maximum range of viral variants. Rearing facilities and governmental organizations can now thoroughly screen bumblebee colonies with a cost-effective technique with an integrated internal amplification control (IAC) implementable in laboratories that strive for International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Meeus
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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de Miranda JR, Cordoni G, Budge G. The Acute bee paralysis virus-Kashmir bee virus-Israeli acute paralysis virus complex. J Invertebr Pathol 2009; 103 Suppl 1:S30-47. [PMID: 19909972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2009.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), Kashmir bee virus (KBV) and Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) are part of a complex of closely related viruses from the Family Dicistroviridae. These viruses have a widespread prevalence in honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies and a predominantly sub-clinical etiology that contrasts sharply with the extremely virulent pathology encountered at elevated titres, either artificially induced or encountered naturally. These viruses are frequently implicated in honey bee colony losses, especially when the colonies are infested with the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. Here we review the historical and recent literature of this virus complex, covering history and origins; the geographic, host and tissue distribution; pathology and transmission; genetics and variation; diagnostics, and discuss these within the context of the molecular and biological similarities and differences between the viruses. We also briefly discuss three recent developments relating specifically to IAPV, concerning its association with Colony Collapse Disorder, treatment of IAPV infection with siRNA and possible honey bee resistance to IAPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim R de Miranda
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750-07 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Deformed wing virus implicated in overwintering honeybee colony losses. Appl Environ Microbiol 2009; 75:7212-20. [PMID: 19783750 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02227-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide decline in honeybee colonies during the past 50 years has often been linked to the spread of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and its interaction with certain honeybee viruses. Recently in the United States, dramatic honeybee losses (colony collapse disorder) have been reported; however, there remains no clear explanation for these colony losses, with parasitic mites, viruses, bacteria, and fungal diseases all being proposed as possible candidates. Common characteristics that most failing colonies share is a lack of overt disease symptoms and the disappearance of workers from what appears to be normally functioning colonies. In this study, we used quantitative PCR to monitor the presence of three honeybee viruses, deformed wing virus (DWV), acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), and black queen cell virus (BQCV), during a 1-year period in 15 asymptomatic, varroa mite-positive honeybee colonies in Southern England, and 3 asymptomatic colonies confirmed to be varroa mite free. All colonies with varroa mites underwent control treatments to ensure that mite populations remained low throughout the study. Despite this, multiple virus infections were detected, yet a significant correlation was observed only between DWV viral load and overwintering colony losses. The long-held view has been that DWV is relatively harmless to the overall health status of honeybee colonies unless it is in association with severe varroa mite infestations. Our findings suggest that DWV can potentially act independently of varroa mites to bring about colony losses. Therefore, DWV may be a major factor in overwintering colony losses.
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One-step real-time quantitative PCR assays for the detection and field study of Sacbrood honeybee and Acute bee paralysis viruses. J Virol Methods 2009; 161:240-6. [PMID: 19559729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2009.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2009] [Revised: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Two one-step real-time RT-PCR assays, based on SYBR Green (SG) chemistry, were developed or adapted respectively, for the detection, differentiation, and quantitation of two important honeybee viruses: Sacbrood virus (SBV) and Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV). Both reactions were optimized to yield the highest sensitivity and specificity. The genome equivalent copies (GEC) detection limit per reaction was 389.3 for the ABPV RT-PCR. The GEC detection limit per reaction was 298.9 for the SBV RT-PCR. Viral detection and identification were confirmed by melting curve analysis and sequencing of the PCR products. Both techniques were used to evaluate Spanish field samples and establish the distribution of these viruses. Acute bee paralysis virus was not detected, and Sacbrood virus was present at low frequencies. The one-step real-time SG RT-PCR methods are fast, accurate, and useful for detecting and quantifying these honeybee viruses, which cause inapparent infections and contribute to the increasing depopulation of honeybee colonies.
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Baker AC, Schroeder DC. The use of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for the taxonomic assignment of Picorna-like viruses (order Picornavirales) infecting Apis mellifera L. populations. Virol J 2008; 5:10. [PMID: 18211671 PMCID: PMC2267166 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-5-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2007] [Accepted: 01/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-stranded RNA viruses, infectious to the European honeybee, Apis mellifera L. are known to reside at low levels in colonies, with typically no apparent signs of infection observed in the honeybees. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) of regions of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is often used to diagnose their presence in apiaries and also to classify the type of virus detected. RESULTS Analysis of RdRp conserved domains was undertaken on members of the newly defined order, the Picornavirales; focusing in particular on the amino acid residues and motifs known to be conserved. Consensus sequences were compiled using partial and complete honeybee virus sequences published to date. Certain members within the iflaviruses, deformed wing virus (DWV), Kakugo virus (KV) and Varroa destructor virus (VDV); and the dicistroviruses, acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), Israeli paralysis virus (IAPV) and Kashmir bee virus (KBV), shared greater than 98% and 92% homology across the RdRp conserved domains, respectively. CONCLUSION RdRp was validated as a suitable taxonomic marker for the assignment of members of the order Picornavirales, with the potential for use independent of other genetic or phenotypic markers. Despite the current use of the RdRp as a genetic marker for the detection of specific honeybee viruses, we provide overwhelming evidence that care should be taken with the primer set design. We demonstrated that DWV, VDV and KV, or ABPV, IAPV and KBV, respectively are all recent descendents or variants of each other, meaning caution should be applied when assigning presence or absence to any of these viruses when using current RdRp primer sets. Moreover, it is more likely that some primer sets (regardless of what gene is used) are too specific and thus are underestimating the diversity of honeybee viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Baker
- Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK
| | - Declan C Schroeder
- Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK
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