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Akpınar RK, Gürler AT, Bölükbaş CS, Kaya S, Arslan S, Aydın C, Türlek ŞÖ, Çelik SN, Beyazıt A, Öncel T, Erol U, Çiftci AT, Bastem Z, Ünal HH, Şenel M, Bozdeveci A, Karaoğlu ŞA, Yaldız M, Güven G, Küçükoğlu B, Kurt M. Prevalence and Phylogenetic Network Analysis of Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae Isolates from Honeybee Colonies in Türkiye. Acta Parasitol 2024:10.1007/s11686-024-00887-y. [PMID: 39164540 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00887-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nosemosis is a disease that infects both Western honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) and Asian honeybees (Apis cerana) and causes colony losses and low productivity worldwide. In order to control nosemosis, it is important to determine the distribution and prevalence of this disease agent in a particular region. For this purpose, a national study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Nosema ceranae and N. apis throughout Türkiye, to perform network analyses of the parasites, and to determine the presence of nosemosis. METHODS In this study which aimed to assess the prevalence of N. apis and N. ceranae in different colony types and regions where beekeeping is intensive in Türkiye, specimens were collected from hives with no clinical signs. RESULTS A total of 1194 Western honeybee colonies in 400 apiaries from 40 provinces of Türkiye were examined by microscopic and molecular techniques. Nosemosis was found in all of 40 provinces. The mean prevalence ratio was 64.3 ± 3.0, with 95% CI in apiaries and 40.5 ± 2.9, 95% CI in hives. Nosema ceranae DNA was detected in all of positive hives, while N. ceranae and N. apis co-infection was detected in only four colonies. CONCLUSION This study showed that nosemosis has spread to all provinces, and it is common in every region of Türkiye. All of the N. ceranae or N. apis samples examined were 100% identical within themselves. Network analysis showed that they were within largest haplotype reported worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahşan Koç Akpınar
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Honeybee Diseases Laboratory, Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Samsun, 55200, Türkiye.
| | - Ali Tümay Gürler
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, 55200, Türkiye
| | - Cenk Soner Bölükbaş
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, 55200, Türkiye
| | - Selma Kaya
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Honeybee Diseases Laboratory, Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Samsun, 55200, Türkiye
| | - Serhat Arslan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, 55200, Türkiye
| | - Coşkun Aydın
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Honeybee Diseases Laboratory, Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Samsun, 55200, Türkiye
| | - Şakir Önder Türlek
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Honeybee Diseases Laboratory, Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Samsun, 55200, Türkiye
| | - Sema Nur Çelik
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Honeybee Diseases Laboratory, Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Samsun, 55200, Türkiye
| | - Ayşen Beyazıt
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, İzmir Bornova Veterinary Control Institute, İzmir, 35040, Türkiye
| | - Taraneh Öncel
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Istanbul Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ufuk Erol
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cumhuriyet, Sivas, 58140, Türkiye
| | - Ayşe Türkan Çiftci
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Elazığ Veterinary Control Institute, Elazığ, Türkiye
| | - Zekai Bastem
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Erzurum Veterinary Control Institute, Erzurum, Türkiye
| | - Hasan Hüseyin Ünal
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Istanbul Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Mesut Şenel
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Istanbul Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Arif Bozdeveci
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, 53100, Türkiye
| | - Şengül Alpay Karaoğlu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, 53100, Türkiye
| | - Murat Yaldız
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Honeybee Diseases Laboratory, Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Samsun, 55200, Türkiye
| | - Gökhan Güven
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Honeybee Diseases Laboratory, Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Samsun, 55200, Türkiye
| | - Bilal Küçükoğlu
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Honeybee Diseases Laboratory, Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Samsun, 55200, Türkiye.
| | - Mitat Kurt
- T.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Honeybee Diseases Laboratory, Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Samsun, 55200, Türkiye
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Biganski S, Lester T, Obshta O, Jose MS, Thebeau JM, Masood F, Silva MCB, Camilli MP, Raza MF, Zabrodski MW, Kozii I, Koziy R, Moshynskyy I, Simko E, Wood SC. Comparison of individual and pooled sampling methods for estimation of Vairimorpha ( Nosema) spp. levels in experimentally infected honey bee colonies. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:639-644. [PMID: 37638692 PMCID: PMC10621544 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231194620] [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: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The microsporidian pathogens Vairimorpha apis and V. ceranae are known to cause intestinal infection in honey bees and are associated with decreased colony productivity and colony loss. The widely accepted method for determining Vairimorpha colony infection level for risk assessment and antibiotic treatment is based on spore counts of 60 pooled worker bees using light microscopy. Given that honey bee colonies consist of as many as 1,000 times more individuals, the number of bees collected for Vairimorpha detection may significantly impact the estimated colony infection level, especially in the case of uneven distribution of high- and low-infected individuals within a hive. Hence, we compared the frequency and severity of Vairimorpha infection in individual bees to pooled samples of 60, 120, and 180 bees, as well as compared the Vairimorpha spp. prevalence in pooled samples of 60 and 180 bees. Overall, we did not find significant differences in spore counts in pooled samples containing incremental numbers of bees, although we observed that, in less-infected colonies, a low frequency of highly infected individuals influenced the estimated colony infection level. Moreover, Vairimorpha spp. prevalence did not differ significantly among the pooled bee samples tested. Increasing the number of pooled bees from the recommended 60 bees to 180 bees did not yield a more accurate representation of colony infection level for highly infected colonies, but the clinical importance of a low frequency of highly infected individuals in less-infected colonies needs to be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Biganski
- Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Tessa Lester
- Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Oleksii Obshta
- Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Midhun S. Jose
- Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Jenna M. Thebeau
- Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Fatima Masood
- Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Marina C. B. Silva
- Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Marcelo P. Camilli
- Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Muhammad F. Raza
- Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Michael W. Zabrodski
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, and Prairie Diagnostic Services, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Ivanna Kozii
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, and Prairie Diagnostic Services, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Roman Koziy
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, and Prairie Diagnostic Services, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Igor Moshynskyy
- Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Elemir Simko
- Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Sarah C. Wood
- Departments of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Punko RN, Currie RW, Nasr ME, Hoover SE. Effect of Fumagilin-B treatment timing on nosema (Vairimorpha spp.; Microspora: Nosematidae) abundance and honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies under winter management in the Canadian Prairies. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 116:651-661. [PMID: 37119539 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toad066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fumagilin-B is used to treat nosema infection in honey bee colonies; however, it is unclear whether treatment consistently reduces Vairimorpha ceranae (Fries et al.) abundance and improves colony strength and survival in the Canadian Prairies. This study assessed spring and fall fumagillin treatments on nosema abundance, colony strength, and mortality in 2 different beekeeping regions within Alberta, using both indoor and outdoor wintering management at each site. We compared 4 fumagillin treatments: Spring-only, Fall-only, Spring-and-Fall, and Control (no treatment). The spring treatment dose was ~68 mg/colony, whereas the fall treatment dose was 120 or 48 mg/colony, depending on the year. We found that the colonies were infected predominately with V. ceranae, with V. apis (Zander) present only in mixed infections in a subset of colonies. Although treatment in either the spring or fall did reduce nosema abundance in the short term, it did not eliminate the infection, making continued monitoring necessary. Colony strength was improved by spring treatment in some locations but not consistently, possibly due to the treatment timing or low dose. The combined spring and fall treatment increased colony survival over winter in one of 2 yr. Wintering method did not interact with treatment to affect nosema abundance in the spring. There does not appear to be a significant residual benefit of fall treatment as it did not reduce spring nosema abundance or increase colony population. Therefore, spring treatment should be applied to reduce spring V. ceranae abundance rather than relying on residual efficacy from previous fall treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna N Punko
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Robert W Currie
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Medhat E Nasr
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Government of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shelley E Hoover
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
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Kogan HV, Elikan AB, Glaser KF, Bergmann JM, Raymond LM, Prado-Irwin SR, Snow JW. Colonization of Honey Bee Digestive Tracts by Environmental Yeast Lachancea thermotolerans Is Naturally Occurring, Temperature Dependent, and Impacts the Microbiome of Newly Emerged Bees. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0519422. [PMID: 36790179 PMCID: PMC10100982 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05194-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bees are critical pollinators in both agricultural and ecological settings. Recent declines in honey bee colonies in the United States have put increased strain on agricultural pollination. Although there are many environmental stressors implicated in honey bee disease, there has been intensifying focus on the role of microbial attacks on honey bee health. Despite the long-standing appreciation for the association of fungi of various groups with honey bees and their broader environment, the effects of these interactions on honey bee health are incompletely understood. Here, we report the discovery of colonization of the honey bee digestive tract by the environmental yeast Lachancea thermotolerans. Experimental colonization of honey bee digestive tracts by L. thermotolerans revealed that this yeast species maintains high levels in the honey bee midgut only at temperatures below the typical colony temperature. In newly eclosed bees, L. thermotolerans colonization alters the microbiome, suggesting that environmental yeasts can impact its composition. Future studies should be undertaken to better understand the role of L. thermotolerans and other environmental yeasts in honey bee health. IMPORTANCE Although many fungal species are found in association with honey bees and their broader environment, the effects of these interactions on honey bee health are largely unknown. Here, we report the discovery that a yeast commonly found in the environment can be found at high levels in honey bee digestive tracts. Experimentally feeding this yeast to honey bees showed that the yeast's ability to maintain high levels in the digestive tract is influenced by temperature and can lead to alterations of the microbiome in young bees. These studies provide a foundation for future studies to better understand the role of environmental yeasts in honey bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen V. Kogan
- Biology Department, Barnard College, New York, New York, USA
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Berbeć E, Migdał P, Cebrat M, Roman A, Murawska A. Honeybee age and inoculum concentration as factors affecting the development of Nosema ceranae infection. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2022.2121009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E. Berbeć
- Bee Division, Department of Environment, Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - P. Migdał
- Bee Division, Department of Environment, Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - M. Cebrat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - A. Roman
- Bee Division, Department of Environment, Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - A. Murawska
- Bee Division, Department of Environment, Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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Baigazanov A, Tikhomirova Y, Valitova N, Nurkenova M, Koigeldinova A, Abdullina E, Zaikovskaya O, Ikimbayeva N, Zainettinova D, Bauzhanova L. Occurrence of Nosemosis in honey bee, Apis mellifera L. at the apiaries of East Kazakhstan. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14430. [PMID: 36518264 PMCID: PMC9744157 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14430] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosemosis is the most common disease in honey bee Apis mellifera L., and is a major issue related to bee health worldwide. Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to determine prevalence of microsporidia parasitic infection of the genus Nosema spp. in East Kazakhstan Region (EKR). In the years of 2018 -2021, 394 honey bee samples were collected at 30 apiaries located in four districts of East Kazakhstan Region (Katon-Karagay, Urzhar, Borodulikhinsky, and Shemonaikhinsky). In order to determine the level of infestation, firstly, the presence of Nosema spp. spores was detected using optical microscopy, and then the average amount of spores per bee was counted using a hemocytometer. The degree of nosemosis prevalence was determined in points by means of a semi-quantitative method, and as a percentage from the total of samples and of the amount of positive tests. At the outcome of the study, microsporidia of the genus Nosema spp. were detected in 23.3% of cases (92 samples). Prevalence at its low degree was found in six samples (1.5%), at an average degree in 55 samples (14%), and at a high one in 31 samples (7.9%). This research study proved that microsporidia of the genus Nosema spp. are widely spread at the apiaries of East Kazakhstan Region in different orographic and climatic conditions. Notwithstanding that it was impossible to statistically determine any significant differences between the dependence of nosemosis prevalence and the apiary location, this indicator is actually higher in the mountainous regions than in the steppe. Concurrently, a close inverse correlation was recognized between the amount of spores in one bee and the level of infestation in bee families from the duration of the vegetation season at the apiary location. This gives grounds to assert that the environmental factors have an impact on formation and development of nosemosis. The results of the research presented in the article indicate the need for further research aimed at increasing the number of studied apiaries, and above all the use of molecular biology methods to distinguish the species that cause nosemosis infection (PCR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdrakhman Baigazanov
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Management, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan,Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Yelena Tikhomirova
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Management, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Natalya Valitova
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, Ust-Kamenogorsk, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Maral Nurkenova
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Management, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan,Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Ainur Koigeldinova
- Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Elmira Abdullina
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Management, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan,Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Olga Zaikovskaya
- Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Nurgul Ikimbayeva
- Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Dinara Zainettinova
- Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Lyailya Bauzhanova
- Department of Zoo Technology, Genetics and Breeding, Toraighyrov University, Pavlodar, Pavlodar Region, Kazakhstan
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Jabal-Uriel C, Barrios L, Bonjour-Dalmon A, Caspi-Yona S, Chejanovsly N, Erez T, Henriques D, Higes M, Le Conte Y, Lopes AR, Meana A, Pinto MA, Reyes-Carreño M, Soroker V, Martín-Hernández R. Epidemiology of the Microsporidium Nosema ceranae in Four Mediterranean Countries. INSECTS 2022; 13:844. [PMID: 36135545 PMCID: PMC9505483 DOI: 10.3390/insects13090844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a highly prevalent intracellular parasite of honey bees' midgut worldwide. This Microsporidium was monitored during a long-term study to evaluate the infection at apiary and intra-colony levels in six apiaries in four Mediterranean countries (France, Israel, Portugal, and Spain). Parameters on colony strength, honey production, beekeeping management, and climate were also recorded. Except for São Miguel (Azores, Portugal), all apiaries were positive for N. ceranae, with the lowest prevalence in mainland France and the highest intra-colony infection in Israel. A negative correlation between intra-colony infection and colony strength was observed in Spain and mainland Portugal. In these two apiaries, the queen replacement also influenced the infection levels. The highest colony losses occurred in mainland France and Spain, although they did not correlate with the Nosema infection levels, as parasitism was low in France and high in Spain. These results suggest that both the effects and the level of N. ceranae infection depends on location and beekeeping conditions. Further studies on host-parasite coevolution, and perhaps the interactions with other pathogens and the role of honey bee genetics, could assist in understanding the difference between nosemosis disease and infection, to develop appropriate strategies for its control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Jabal-Uriel
- Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal de Castilla La Mancha (IRIAF), CIAPA de Marchamalo (Guadalajara, Spain), 19180 Marchamalo, Spain
| | - Laura Barrios
- Unidad de Estadística, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anne Bonjour-Dalmon
- INRAE, Unité de Recherche Abeilles et Environnement, National Institute for Agricultural, Food and Environmental Research, 84000 Avignon, France
| | - Shiran Caspi-Yona
- Mina and Aberhard Gudman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Nor Chejanovsly
- Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
| | - Tal Erez
- Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
- Department of Environmental Economics and Management, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 7610001, Israel
| | - Dora Henriques
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado Para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Mariano Higes
- Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal de Castilla La Mancha (IRIAF), CIAPA de Marchamalo (Guadalajara, Spain), 19180 Marchamalo, Spain
| | - Yves Le Conte
- INRAE, Unité de Recherche Abeilles et Environnement, National Institute for Agricultural, Food and Environmental Research, 84000 Avignon, France
| | - Ana R. Lopes
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado Para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Aránzazu Meana
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Alice Pinto
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado Para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Maritza Reyes-Carreño
- INRAE, Unité de Recherche Abeilles et Environnement, National Institute for Agricultural, Food and Environmental Research, 84000 Avignon, France
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal de Castilla La Mancha (IRIAF), CIAPA de Marchamalo (Guadalajara, Spain), 19180 Marchamalo, Spain
- Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla-La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain
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Cilia G, Tafi E, Zavatta L, Caringi V, Nanetti A. The Epidemiological Situation of the Managed Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Colonies in the Italian Region Emilia-Romagna. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080437. [PMID: 36006352 PMCID: PMC9412502 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent decades witnessed the collapse of honey bee colonies at a global level. The major drivers of this collapse include both individual and synergic pathogen actions, threatening the colonies’ survival. The need to define the epidemiological pattern of the pathogens that are involved has led to the establishment of monitoring programs in many countries, Italy included. In this framework, the health status of managed honey bees in the Emilia–Romagna region (northern Italy) was assessed, throughout the year 2021, on workers from 31 apiaries to investigate the presence of major known and emerging honey bee pathogens. The prevalence and abundance of DWV, KBV, ABPV, CBPV, Nosema ceranae, and trypanosomatids (Lotmaria passim, Crithidia mellificae, Crithidia bombi) were assessed by molecular methods. The most prevalent pathogen was DWV, followed by CBPV and N. ceranae. Trypanosomatids were not found in any of the samples. Pathogens had different peaks in abundance over the months, showing seasonal trends that were related to the dynamics of both bee colonies and Varroa destructor infestation. For some of the pathogens, a weak but significant correlation was observed between abundance and geographical longitude. The information obtained in this study increases our understanding of the epidemiological situation of bee colonies in Emilia–Romagna and helps us to implement better disease prevention and improved territorial management of honey bee health.
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Wang F, Wang Y, Li Y, Zhang S, Shi P, Li-Byarlay H, Luo S. Pesticide residues in beebread and honey in Apis cerana cerana and their hazards to honey bees and human. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 238:113574. [PMID: 35512473 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The residue of pesticides in bee products such as beebread and honey threaten the survival of pollinators and human health. Apis cerana cerana is one of the leading managed honey bees in China. However, little is known about the residues of pesticides in hive products of A. c. cerana in China. Here, we investigated the pesticide residues in beebread and honey. The risk of detected residues of pesticides to honey bees was evaluated with hazard quotient (HQ) and BeeREX. Furthermore, we assessed the chronic and acute risks to humans according to the dietary exposure. Our results suggest that the pesticide residues detection ratio (25.4% for beebread and 2.8% for honey) and the concentrations of these residues is lower than previously reported. Additional risk assessments indicate that the residue levels of pesticides in tested honey of A. c. cerana do not pose a risk for human consumers. Among all identified pesticides, only thiamethoxam raises the concern for further risk assessment in the risk evaluation of honey bee colonies and thiamethoxam was safe for colonies in higer tier studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiran Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Yuhao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Yong Li
- Guyuan Beekeeping Experimental Station, Guyuan 756099, China
| | - Shiwen Zhang
- Gansu Institute of Apicultural Research, Tianshui 741022, China
| | - Pengzhen Shi
- Gansu Institute of Apicultural Research, Tianshui 741022, China
| | - Hongmei Li-Byarlay
- Agricultural Research and Development Program, Central State University, Wilberforce 45384, USA
| | - Shudong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China.
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10
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Marín-García PJ, Peyre Y, Ahuir-Baraja AE, Garijo MM, Llobat L. The Role of Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia: Nosematidae) in Honey Bee Colony Losses and Current Insights on Treatment. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030130. [PMID: 35324858 PMCID: PMC8952814 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Honeybee populations have locally and temporally declined in the last few years because of both biotic and abiotic factors. Among the latter, one of the most important reasons is infection by the microsporidia Nosema ceranae, which is the etiological agent of type C nosemosis. This species was first described in Asian honeybees (Apis cerana). Nowadays, domestic honeybees (Apis mellifera) worldwide are also becoming infected due to globalization. Type C nosemosis can be asymptomatic or can cause important damage to bees, such as changes in temporal polyethism, energy and oxidative stress, immunity loss, and decreased average life expectancy. It causes drastic reductions in workers, numbers of broods, and honey production, finally leading to colony loss. Common treatment is based on fumagillin, an antibiotic with side effects and relatively poor efficiency, which is banned in the European Union. Natural products, probiotics, food supplements, nutraceuticals, and other veterinary drugs are currently under study and might represent alternative treatments. Prophylaxis and management of affected colonies are essential to control the disease. While N. ceranae is one potential cause of bee losses in a colony, other factors must also be considered, especially synergies between microsporidia and the use of insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Jesús Marín-García
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (P.J.M.-G.); (A.E.A.-B.)
| | - Yoorana Peyre
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Ana Elena Ahuir-Baraja
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (P.J.M.-G.); (A.E.A.-B.)
| | - María Magdalena Garijo
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (P.J.M.-G.); (A.E.A.-B.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Lola Llobat
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (P.J.M.-G.); (A.E.A.-B.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.); (L.L.)
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11
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Jabal-Uriel C, Albarracín VN, Calatayud J, Higes M, Martín-Hernández R. Age and Season Effect the Timing of Adult Worker Honeybee Infection by Nosema ceranae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:823050. [PMID: 35155274 PMCID: PMC8836290 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.823050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidia Nosema ceranae is an intracellular parasite of honeybees’ midgut, highly prevalent in Apis mellifera colonies for which important epidemiological information is still unknown. Our research aimed at understanding how age and season influence the onset of infection in honeybees and its development in the colony environment. Adult worker honeybees of less than 24h were marked and introduced into 6 different colonies in assays carried out in spring and autumn. Bees of known age were individually analyzed by PCR for Nosema spp. infection and those resulting positive were studied to determine the load by Real Time-qPCR. The age of onset and development of infection in each season was studied on a total of 2401 bees and the probability and the load of infection for both periods was established with two statistical models. First N. ceranae infected honeybees were detected at day 5 post emergence (p.e.; spring) and at day 4 p.e. (autumn) and in-hive prevalence increased from that point onwards, reaching the highest mean infection on day 18 p.e. (spring). The probability of infection increased significantly with age in both periods although the age variable better correlated in spring. The N. ceranae load tended to increase with age in both periods, although the age-load relationship was clearer in spring than in autumn. Therefore, age and season play an important role on the probability and the development of N. ceranae infection in honeybees, bringing important information to understand how it spreads within a colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Jabal-Uriel
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Marchamalo, Spain
| | - Verónica N. Albarracín
- Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Joaquín Calatayud
- Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariano Higes
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Marchamalo, Spain
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Marchamalo, Spain
- Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT – ESF/EC-FSE), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla – La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- *Correspondence: Raquel Martín-Hernández,
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12
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Willis AR, Reinke AW. Factors That Determine Microsporidia Infection and Host Specificity. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:91-114. [PMID: 35544000 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidia are a large phylum of obligate intracellular parasites that infect an extremely diverse range of animals and protists. In this chapter, we review what is currently known about microsporidia host specificity and what factors influence microsporidia infection. Extensive sampling in nature from related hosts has provided insight into the host range of many microsporidia species. These field studies have been supported by experiments conducted in controlled laboratory environments which have helped to demonstrate host specificity. Together, these approaches have revealed that, while examples of generalist species exist, microsporidia specificity is often narrow, and species typically infect one or several closely related hosts. For microsporidia to successfully infect and complete their life cycle within a compatible host, several steps must occur, including spore germination, host cell invasion, and proliferation of the parasite within the host tissue. Many factors influence infection, including temperature, seasonality, nutrient availability, and the presence or absence of microbes, as well as the developmental stage, sex, and genetics of the host. Several studies have identified host genomic regions that influence resistance to microsporidia, and future work is likely to uncover molecular mechanisms of microsporidia host specificity in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Willis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aaron W Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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13
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Simone-Finstrom M, Strand MK, Tarpy DR, Rueppell O. Impact of Honey Bee Migratory Management on Pathogen Loads and Immune Gene Expression is Affected by Complex Interactions With Environment, Worker Life History, and Season. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2022; 22:6523145. [PMID: 35137136 PMCID: PMC8825759 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The effects of honey bee management, such as intensive migratory beekeeping, are part of the ongoing debate concerning causes of colony health problems. Even though comparisons of disease and pathogen loads among differently managed colonies indicate some effects, the direct impact of migratory practices on honey bee pathogens is poorly understood. To test long- and short-term impacts of managed migration on pathogen loads and immunity, experimental honey bee colonies were maintained with or without migratory movement. Individuals that experienced migration as juveniles (e.g., larval and pupal development), as adults, or both were compared to control colonies that remained stationary and therefore did not experience migratory relocation. Samples at different ages and life-history stages (hive bees or foragers), taken at the beginning and end of the active season, were analyzed for pathogen loads and physiological markers of health. Bees exposed to migratory management during adulthood had increased levels of the AKI virus complex (Acute bee paralysis, Kashmir bee, and Israeli acute bee paralysis viruses) and decreased levels of antiviral gene expression (dicer-like). However, those in stationary management as adults had elevated gut parasites (i.e. trypanosomes). Effects of environment during juvenile development were more complex and interacted with life-history stage and season. Age at collection, life-history stage, and season all influenced numerous factors from viral load to immune gene expression. Although the factors that we examined are not independent, the results illuminate potential factors in both migratory and nonmigratory beekeeping that are likely to contribute to colony stress, and also indicate potential mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Simone-Finstrom
- USDA-ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Research Laboratory, 1157 Ben Hur Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, USA
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
| | - Micheline K Strand
- Life Sciences Branch, U.S. Army Research Office, 800 Park Office Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27703, USA
| | - David R Tarpy
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, 100 Derieux Place, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- The W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, 112 Derieux Place, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Current address: Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, 100 Eugene Brooks Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Olav Rueppell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, CW 405 Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
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14
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Vairimorpha ceranae was the only detected microsporidian species from Iranian honey bee colonies: a molecular and phylogenetic study. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:355-366. [PMID: 34792656 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07381-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Nosemosis caused by Vairimorpha ceranae is one of the most important threats to honeybee colonies worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of Vairimorpha infection in different types of colonies and locations in Iran. In October 2017 and May 2018, 376 colonies from 97 apiaries were selected for each month according to a randomly clustered design. By considering 3-5 colonies for each apiary, 20 adult bees as pooled samples were collected from each colony. In microscopic analysis, 46.52% and 46.1% of samples in May and October showed Vairimorpha spores, respectively. The infection intensities in May and October were 5.94 ± 0.19 (× 106) and 5.86 ± 0.23 (× 106) spores/bee in a pooled sample, respectively. The mean infection intensity ranged from 1.8 to 12.5 (× 106) spores/bee. Statistically, there were no significant differences in the prevalence and intensity of V. ceranae infection between May and October samples. No significant differences were found among the prevalence rates of infection in the types of colonies; however, the intensity was significantly higher in migratory and mountainous colonies in May and only in migratory colonies in October. There was a significant correlation between the prevalence and intensity of V. ceranae infection (r2 = 0.695). PCR analysis showed that the samples were only infected with V. ceranae. No intraspecific variation to V. ceranae was found by direct sequencing of the amplified fragment of 16S rRNA. The obtained sequence was mainly 100% similar to those of V. ceranae isolates from European countries.
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15
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Epidemiology of Nosema spp. and the effect of indoor and outdoor wintering on honey bee colony population and survival in the Canadian Prairies. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258801. [PMID: 34695141 PMCID: PMC8544878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology of Nosema spp. in honey bees, Apis mellifera, may be affected by winter conditions as cold temperatures and differing wintering methods (indoor and outdoor) provide varying levels of temperature stress and defecation flight opportunities. Across the Canadian Prairies, including Alberta, the length and severity of winter vary among geographic locations. This study investigates the seasonal pattern of Nosema abundance in two Alberta locations using indoor and outdoor wintering methods and its impact on bee population, survival, and commercial viability. This study found that N. ceranae had a distinct seasonal pattern in Alberta, with high spore abundance in spring, declining to low levels in the summer and fall. The results showed that fall Nosema monitoring might not be the best indicator of treatment needs or future colony health outcomes. There was no clear pattern for differences in N. ceranae abundance by location or wintering method. However, wintering method affected survival with colonies wintered indoors having lower mortality and more rapid spring population build-up than outdoor-wintered colonies. The results suggest that the existing Nosema threshold should be reinvestigated with wintering method in mind to provide more favorable outcomes for beekeepers. Average Nosema abundance in the spring was a significant predictor of end-of-study winter colony mortality, highlighting the importance of spring Nosema monitoring and treatments.
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16
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Pasho DJM, Applegate JR, Hopkins DI. Diseases and Pests of Honey Bees (Apis Mellifera). Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2021; 37:401-412. [PMID: 34689910 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious and parasitic diseases plague honey bees similarly to that of other food animal species. A complete understanding of each is necessary for a honey bee veterinarian to establish a strong veterinarian-client-patient relationship and make sound treatment recommendations. Control and management of these diseases is paramount to success of the colony and apiary operation. The following is not meant to be an end-all of information on each of the common honey bee diseases but more so a review and photo-documentation of each. A deeper understanding can be established through various other sources previously published and referenced in this document.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J M Pasho
- Huckleberry Farm Bee Services, P.O. Box 173, Hartland, VT 05048, USA; Honey Bee Veterinary Consortium, 3912 Battleground Avenue, Suite 112 PMB# 154, Greensboro, NC 27410, USA.
| | - Jeffrey R Applegate
- Nautilus Avian and Exotics Veterinary Specialists, 1010 Falkenberg Road, Brick, NJ 08724, USA; Honey Bee Veterinary Consortium, 3912 Battleground Avenue, Suite 112 PMB# 154, Greensboro, NC 27410, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1060 William Moore Drive Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Don I Hopkins
- 381 Griffin Rd, Snow Camp, NC 27349, USA; North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division, 1001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1001, USA
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17
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Piot N, Eeraerts M, Pisman M, Claus G, Meeus I, Smagghe G. More is less: mass-flowering fruit tree crops dilute parasite transmission between bees. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:777-785. [PMID: 33811913 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Parasites influence wild bee population dynamics and are regarded as one of the main drivers of wild bee decline. Most of these parasites are mainly transmitted between bee species via the use of shared floral resources. Disturbance of the plant-pollinator network at a location can hence disturb the transmission of these parasites. Expansion and intensification of agriculture, another major driver of wild bee decline, often disturbs local plant-pollinator networks by altering the availability and diversity of floral resources. Mass-flowering crops are an extreme example as they provide an abundance of floral resources for a short period of time, substantially altering the present plant-pollinator network. This likely has repercussions on parasite transmission in the pollinator community. Using the bloom of mass-flowering crops we tested the hypothesis that an increase in floral resources can dilute parasite transmission in the pollinator community. To test this, we analysed the presence of parasites in the pollen of the brood cell provisions of Osmia spp., collected from trap nests placed in apple and sweet cherry orchards. We collected pollen at several time intervals during and after mass bloom, and found that pollen collected during mass bloom had significantly lower parasite prevalence compared with pollen collected after mass bloom. Furthermore, using pollen barcoding data we found that the presence of MFCs in pollen was a good predictor for lower parasite prevalence. Taken together, our results indicate that an increase in flower availability can reduce parasite transmission between bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Piot
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure links 653, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Maxime Eeraerts
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure links 653, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Matti Pisman
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure links 653, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gregor Claus
- Laboratory of Crop Protection Chemistry, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure links 653, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ivan Meeus
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure links 653, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure links 653, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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18
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MacInnis CI, Keddie BA, Pernal SF. Nosema ceranae (Microspora: Nosematidae): A Sweet Surprise? Investigating the Viability and Infectivity of N. ceranae Spores Maintained in Honey and on Beeswax. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 113:2069-2078. [PMID: 32882034 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaa170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nosema disease is a prominent malady among adult honey bees [Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)], caused by the microsporidian parasites, Nosema apis Zander (Microspora: Nosematidae) and N. ceranae Fries et al. 1996. The biology of N. apis is well understood, as this parasite was first described over a century ago. As N. ceranae is an emerging parasite of the honey bee, we do not yet understand how long spores of this parasite survive in honey bee colonies, or all the potential modes of transmission among bees. We investigated the viability and infectivity of N. ceranae spores in honey and on beeswax over time after exposure to 33, 20, -12, and -20°C. Spores in honey maintained viability at freezing temperatures for up to 1 yr and remained viable considerably longer than those on beeswax. Based on this evidence, honey may act as an important reservoir for infective spores to initiate or perpetuate N. ceranae infections in honey bee colonies. This work provides information that may help enhance current management recommendations for apiculturalists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney I MacInnis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, Beaverlodge, AB, Canada
| | - B Andrew Keddie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Stephen F Pernal
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, Beaverlodge, AB, Canada
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19
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Extracts from Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim. Roots: A New Hope Against Honeybee Death Caused by Nosemosis. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25194452. [PMID: 32998304 PMCID: PMC7582972 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pollinators, the cornerstones of our terrestrial ecosystem, have been at the very core of our anxiety. This is because we can nowadays observe a dangerous decline in the number of insects. With the numbers of pollinators dramatically declining worldwide, the scientific community has been growing more and more concerned about the future of insects as fundamental elements of most terrestrial ecosystems. Trying to address this issue, we looked for substances that might increase bee resistance. To this end, we checked the effects of plant-based adaptogens on honeybees in laboratory tests and during field studies on 30 honeybee colonies during two seasons. In this study, we have tested extracts obtained from: Eleutherococcus senticosus, Garcinia cambogia, Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Schisandra chinensis, and Camellia sinensis. The 75% ethanol E. senticosus root extract proved to be the most effective, both as a cure and in the prophylaxis of nosemosis. Therefore, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and its active compounds, eleutherosides, are considered the most powerful adaptogens, in the pool of all extracts that were selected for screening, for supporting immunity and improving resistance of honeybees. The optimum effective concentration of 0.4 mg/mL E. senticosus extract responded to c.a. 5.76, 2.56 and 0.07 µg/mL of eleutheroside B, eleutheroside E and naringenin, respectively. The effect of E. senticosus extracts on honeybees involved a similar adaptogenic response as on other animals, including humans. In this research, we show for the first time such an adaptogenic impact on invertebrates, i.e., the effect on honeybees stressed by nosemosis. We additionally hypothesised that these adaptogenic properties were connected with eleutherosides-secondary metabolites found exclusively in the Eleutherococcus genus and undetected in other studied extracts. As was indicated in this study, eleutherosides are very stable chemically and can be found in extracts in similar amounts even after two years from extraction. Considering the role bees play in nature, we may conclude that demonstrating the adaptogenic properties which plant extracts have in insects is the most significant finding resulting from this research. This knowledge might bring to fruition numerous economic and ecological benefits.
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Applegate JR, Petritz OA. Common and Emerging Infectious Diseases of Honeybees (Apis mellifera). Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2020; 23:285-297. [PMID: 32327036 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Most honeybee diseases are not newly emerging diseases; however, honeybee veterinary medicine and disease understanding are emerging concepts for veterinarians in the United States. Beekeepers in the hobby and commercial sectors need a prescription or veterinary feed directive from a veterinarian to obtain medically important antibiotics for administration to their honeybees. Medically important antibiotics such as oxytetracycline, lincomycin, and tylosin were removed from over-the-counter availability for use in honeybees. There are many other aspects of beekeeping that allow veterinarians to build a strong veterinarian-client patient relationship, and fulfill an integral role alongside apiarists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Applegate
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 602 Higgins Avenue, Suite 1-302, Brielle, NJ 08730, USA.
| | - Olivia A Petritz
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
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21
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Seasonality of Nosema ceranae Infections and Their Relationship with Honey Bee Populations, Food Stores, and Survivorship in a North American Region. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7030131. [PMID: 32911814 PMCID: PMC7558054 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7030131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is an emerging pathogen of the western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.), and thus its seasonality and impact on bee colonies is not sufficiently documented for North America. This study was conducted to determine the infection intensity, prevalence, and viability of N. ceranae in >200 honey bee colonies during spring, summer, and fall, in a North American region. We also determined the relationship of N. ceranae infections with colony populations, food stores, bee survivorship, and overwinter colony mortality. The highest rates of N. ceranae infection, prevalence, and spore viability were found in the spring and summer, while the lowest were recorded in the fall. N. ceranae spore viability was significantly correlated with its prevalence and infection intensity in bees. Threshold to high levels of N. ceranae infections (>1,000,000 spores/bee) were significantly associated with reduced bee populations and food stores in colonies. Furthermore, worker bee survivorship was significantly reduced by N. ceranae infections, although no association between N. ceranae and winter colony mortality was found. It is concluded that N. ceranae infections are highest in spring and summer and may be detrimental to honey bee populations and colony productivity. Our results support the notion that treatment is justified when infections of N. ceranae exceed 1,000,000 spores/bee.
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22
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Comper JR, Eberl HJ. Mathematical modelling of population and food storage dynamics in a honey bee colony infected with Nosema ceranae. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04599. [PMID: 32904273 PMCID: PMC7452510 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Unusually high wintering losses of Apis mellifera in recent years has raised concerns regarding the well-being and productivity of honey bees across the globe. While these losses are likely multi-factorial, a proposed contributor are diseases, including those caused by parasites. We formulate and present a mathematical model for a colony of Apis mellifera honey bees infected with the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae. The model is numerically analyzed to determine the effects of N. ceranae infection on population and food storage dynamics and their subsequent implications towards colony survival and annual honey yield. Depending on the strength of disease, it is possible for either parasite fadeout, co-existence between bees and N. ceranae, or colony failure to occur. In all cases, the yield of honey collected by the beekeeper is reduced. We further extend the model to include various treatment schemes with the, now discontinued, antimicrobial fumagillin. Treatment with fumagillin can reduce the risk of colony failure and will increase honey yield compared to when no treatment is applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Reilly Comper
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Hermann J. Eberl
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics University of Guelph, Guelph ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Papežíková I, Palíková M, Syrová E, Zachová A, Somerlíková K, Kováčová V, Pecková L. Effect of Feeding Honey Bee (Apis mellifera Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies With Honey, Sugar Solution, Inverted Sugar, and Wheat Starch Syrup on Nosematosis Prevalence and Intensity. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 113:26-33. [PMID: 31560397 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toz251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Here, we present the results of a 2-year field trial aimed at testing the effect of overwintering on different feeds on the course of Nosema ceranae infection. In August 2015, four experimental bee colony groups were established. After the last honey harvest, each colony was provided with 20 kg of feed, either honey, sugar (3:2 solution in tap water), inverted syrup made of sucrose, or wheat starch syrup. Samples of live bees were collected from each beehive in August (before feeding), November, and May. The following year, feeding and sampling were performed in the same way. Bees were examined microscopically to estimate the percentage of Nosema-infected individuals in the sample and the spore number per bee. Fitness parameters were also measured in all colonies. In all hives, presence of N. ceranae was confirmed through polymerase chain reaction. Nosema apis was not detected in the apiary. Significant differences in nosematosis prevalence and/or intensity were observed between the experimental groups. For most parameters, best results were recorded in the group fed with honey. Worst fitness and highest nosematosis prevalence and intensity were found in colonies fed with wheat starch syrup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Papežíková
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees; Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslava Palíková
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees; Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Syrová
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees; Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Zachová
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees; Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Somerlíková
- Department of Regional and Business Economics; Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Kováčová
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees; Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Pecková
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees; Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého, Brno, Czech Republic
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Robust Transcriptional Response to Heat Shock Impacting Diverse Cellular Processes despite Lack of Heat Shock Factor in Microsporidia. mSphere 2019; 4:4/3/e00219-19. [PMID: 31118302 PMCID: PMC6531884 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00219-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of fungal species prefer the 12° to 30°C range, and relatively few species tolerate temperatures higher than 35°C. Our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the ability of some species to grow at higher temperatures is incomplete. Nosema ceranae is an obligate intracellular fungal parasite that infects honey bees and can cause individual mortality and contribute to colony collapse. Despite a reduced genome, this species is strikingly thermotolerant, growing optimally at the colony temperature of 35°C. In characterizing the heat shock response (HSR) in N. ceranae, we found that this and other microsporidian species have lost the transcriptional regulator HSF and possess a reduced set of putative core HSF1-dependent HSR target genes. Despite these losses, N. ceranae demonstrates robust upregulation of the remaining HSR target genes after heat shock. In addition, thermal stress leads to alterations in genes involved in various metabolic pathways, ribosome biogenesis and translation, and DNA repair. These results provide important insight into the stress responses of microsporidia. Such a new understanding will allow new comparisons with other pathogenic fungi and potentially enable the discovery of novel treatment strategies for microsporidian infections affecting food production and human health.IMPORTANCE We do not fully understand why some fungal species are able to grow at temperatures approaching mammalian body temperature. Nosema ceranae, a microsporidium, is a type of fungal parasite that infects honey bees and grows optimally at the colony temperature of 35°C despite possessing cellular machinery for responding to heat stress that is notably simpler than that of other fungi. We find that N. ceranae demonstrates a robust and broad response to heat shock. These results provide important insight into the stress responses of this type of fungus, allow new comparisons with other pathogenic fungi, and potentially enable the discovery of novel treatment strategies for this type of fungus.
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25
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Burnham AJ. Scientific Advances in Controlling Nosema ceranae ( Microsporidia) Infections in Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera). Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:79. [PMID: 30931319 PMCID: PMC6428737 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are agriculturally important pollinators that have been recently at risk to severe colony losses. A variety of parasites and pathogens have been linked to colony decline, including the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae. While fumagillin has been used to control nosemosis in managed honey bee colonies for decades, research shows that this antibiotic poses a toxic threat and that its efficacy against N. ceranae is uncertain. There is certainly a demand for a new veterinary medication to treat honey bee colonies infected with N. ceranae. In this review, recent scientific advances in controlling N. ceranae infections in honey bees are summarized.
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Mortensen AN, Jack CJ, Bustamante TA, Schmehl DR, Ellis JD. Effects of Supplemental Pollen Feeding on Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colony Strength and Nosema spp. Infection. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 112:60-66. [PMID: 30388242 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toy341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Beekeepers commonly supplement honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies' nutrition with commercial pollen and nectar substitutes in an effort to encourage growth and reduce colony losses. However, there is a broad lack of understanding regarding the extent to which supplemental protein feeding affects honey bee colony health. We conducted a field study to determine if feeding protein substitutes affected colony strength and Nosema spp. spore intensity in commercially managed honey bee colonies. Seventy-five honey bee colonies were randomly assigned to one of six treatments (no supplemental protein, one of four commercially available protein supplements, or wildflower pollen supplement). The number of adult bees, the number of capped brood cells, and Nosema intensity were assessed prior to-, 4 wk post-, and 8 wk post-treatment. There was an overall decrease in Nosema intensity across all treatments over time. However, there were no statistically detectable differences in colony strength or Nosema intensity between any of the pollen feeding treatments and those of the negative control treatment. Thus far, multiple investigations regarding supplemental protein feeding have failed to provide a clear consensus on the impact that this practice has on honey bee colony strength or productivity. Additional research is needed to determine the impact, if any, that diet supplementation, including microbial and nutritional supplements, has on colony health, to better inform beekeepers' management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Mortensen
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Building, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL
| | - Cameron J Jack
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Building, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL
| | - Tomas A Bustamante
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Building, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL
| | - Daniel R Schmehl
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Building, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL
| | - James D Ellis
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Building, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL
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Comb Irradiation Has Limited, Interactive Effects on Colony Performance or Pathogens in Bees, Varroa destructor and Wax Based on Two Honey Bee Stocks. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10010015. [PMID: 30626028 PMCID: PMC6359134 DOI: 10.3390/insects10010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic mites and pathogens compromise honey bee health. Development of sustainable and integrative methods of managing these problems will minimize their detrimental impact on honey bees. Here, we aimed to determine if the combination of using mite-resistant stocks along with gamma-irradiated combs influences colony health and productivity. The major finding concerned honey bee genotype confirming that Russian honey bees are more resistant to Varroa destructor than Italian honey bees. The effect of comb irradiation was inconsistent showing a significant increase in adult bee population and amount of stored pollen in 2015, but not in 2016. The increased amount of stored pollen was probably associated with larger adult population in colonies with irradiated combs in September 2015 regardless of honey bee stock. Nevertheless, the ability of bees to collect and store more pollen in the irradiated group does not appear to compensate the negative impacts of mite parasitism on honey bees especially in the Italian bees, which consistently suffered significant colony losses during both years. Results of viral analyses of wax, newly emerged bees, and Varroa and their pupal hosts showed common detections of Deformed wing virus (DWV), Varroa destructor virus (VDV-1), Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), and Black queen cell virus (BQCV). Wax samples had on average ~4 viruses or pathogens detected in both irradiated and non-irradiated combs. Although pathogen levels varied by month, some interesting effects of honey bee stock and irradiation treatment were notable, indicating how traits of mite resistance and alternative treatments may have additive effects. Further, this study indicates that wax may be a transmission route of viral infection. In addition, pupae and their infesting mites from Italian colonies exhibited higher levels of DWV than those from Russian colonies suggesting potential DWV resistance by Russian honey bees. CBPV levels were also reduced in mites from Russian colonies in general and in mites, mite-infested pupae, and newly emerged bees that were collected from irradiated combs. However, BQCV levels were not reduced by comb irradiation. Overall, the contribution of irradiating comb in improving honey bee health and colony survival appears to be subtle, but may be useful as part of an integrated pest management strategy with the addition of using mite-resistant stocks.
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Rodríguez-García C, Evans JD, Li W, Branchiccela B, Li JH, Heerman MC, Banmeke O, Zhao Y, Hamilton M, Higes M, Martín-Hernández R, Chen YP. Nosemosis control in European honey bees, Apis mellifera, by silencing the gene encoding Nosema ceranae polar tube protein 3. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.184606. [PMID: 30135088 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.184606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a post-transcriptional gene silencing mechanism triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that is homologous in sequence to the silenced gene and is conserved in a wide range of eukaryotic organisms. The RNAi mechanism has provided unique opportunities for combating honey bee diseases caused by various parasites and pathogens. Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite of European honey bees, Apis mellifera, and has been associated with honey bee colony losses in some regions of the world. Here we explored the possibility of silencing the expression of a N. ceranae putative virulence factor encoding polar tube protein 3 (ptp3) which is involved in host cell invasion as a therapeutic strategy for controlling Nosema parasites in honey bees. Our studies showed that the oral ingestion of a dsRNA corresponding to the sequences of N. ceranae ptp3 could effectively suppress the expression of the ptp3 gene in N. ceranae-infected bees and reduce Nosema load. In addition to the knockdown of ptp3 gene expression, ingestion of ptp3-dsRNA also led to improved innate immunity in bees infected with N. ceranae along with an improvement in physiological performance and lifespan compared with untreated control bees. These results strongly suggest that RNAi-based therapeutics hold real promise for the effective treatment of honey bee diseases in the future, and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rodríguez-García
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Bldg 306, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.,Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental, IRIAF, Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, 19180, Marchamalo, Spain
| | - Jay D Evans
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Bldg 306, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Wenfeng Li
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Bldg 306, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Belén Branchiccela
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Department of Microbiology, Avda Italia 3318, 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jiang Hong Li
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Bldg 306, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Matthew C Heerman
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Bldg 306, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Olubukola Banmeke
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Bldg 306, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Yazhou Zhao
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Bldg 306, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Michele Hamilton
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Bldg 306, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Mariano Higes
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental, IRIAF, Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, 19180, Marchamalo, Spain
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental, IRIAF, Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, 19180, Marchamalo, Spain.,Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT-FEDER), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Albacete, 02006 Albacete, Spain
| | - Yan Ping Chen
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Bldg 306, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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Ptaszyńska AA, Gancarz M, Hurd PJ, Borsuk G, Wiącek D, Nawrocka A, Strachecka A, Załuski D, Paleolog J. Changes in the bioelement content of summer and winter western honeybees (Apis mellifera) induced by Nosema ceranae infection. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200410. [PMID: 30044811 PMCID: PMC6060561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper bioelement content is crucial for the health and wellness of all
organisms, including honeybees. However, the situation is more complicated in
these important pollinators due to the fact that they change their physiology
during winter in order to survive the relatively harsh climatic conditions.
Additionally, honeybees are susceptible to many diseases such as
nosemosis, which during winter can depopulate an entire
colony. Here we show that summer bees have a markedly higher content of
important bioelements such as: Al, Cu, P, V, (physiologically essential); Ca, K,
Mg, (electrolytic); Cr, Se, Zn, (enzymatic); As, Hg, (toxic). In contrast, a
markedly higher content of: Fe (physiologically essential); Mn, Ni, (enzymatic);
Cd (exclusively toxic) were present in winter bees. Importantly,
N. ceranae infection resulted in an
increased honeybee bioelement content of: S, Sr (physiologically essential) and
Pb (exclusively toxic), whereas the Nosema-free worker-bees had
higher amounts of B and Si (physiologically essential). We propose that the
shortages of Fe, Mn, Ni, and Na observed in Nosema-infected
bees, could be the reason for the higher mortality of
Nosema-infected bees throughout overwintering. In addition, a
shortage of bioelements such as B and Si may be a reason for accelerated aging
in foragers that is observed following N.
ceranae infection. Therefore, in winter, bioelement content
was more strongly affected by N. ceranae
infection than during summer. We found a strong correlation between the
bioelement content of bees and seasons (summer or winter) and also with
Nosema infection. We conclude that the balance of
bioelements in the honeybee is altered by both seasonal affects and by
Nosema infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta A. Ptaszyńska
- Department of Botany and Mycology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry,
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin,
Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Marek Gancarz
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lublin,
Poland
| | - Paul J. Hurd
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of
London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Grzegorz Borsuk
- Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Apidologie, Institute of
Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Biology, Animal Sciences and
Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin,
Poland
| | - Dariusz Wiącek
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lublin,
Poland
| | | | - Aneta Strachecka
- Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Apidologie, Institute of
Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Biology, Animal Sciences and
Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin,
Poland
| | - Daniel Załuski
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus
Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Jerzy Paleolog
- Department of Zoology, Ecology and Wildlife Management, Life Science
University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Chemurot M, De Smet L, Brunain M, De Rycke R, de Graaf DC. Nosema neumanni n. sp. (Microsporidia, Nosematidae), a new microsporidian parasite of honeybees, Apis mellifera in Uganda. Eur J Protistol 2017; 61:13-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Retschnig G, Williams GR, Schneeberger A, Neumann P. Cold Ambient Temperature Promotes Nosema spp. Intensity in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera). INSECTS 2017; 8:E20. [PMID: 28208761 PMCID: PMC5371948 DOI: 10.3390/insects8010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between parasites and environmental factors have been implicated in the loss of managed Western honey bee (=HB, Apis mellifera) colonies. Although laboratory data suggest that cold temperature may limit the spread of Nosema ceranae, an invasive species and now ubiquitous endoparasite of Western HBs, the impact of weather conditions on the distribution of this microsporidian in the field is poorly understood. Here, we conducted a survey for Nosema spp. using 18 Swiss apiaries (four colonies per apiary) over a period of up to 18 months. Samples consisting of 60 workers were collected monthly from each colony to estimate Nosema spp. intensity, i.e., the number of spores in positive samples using microscopy. Ambient apiary temperature was measured daily to estimate the proportion of days enabling HB flight (>10 °C at midday). The results show that Nosema spp. intensities were negatively correlated with the proportion of days enabling HB flight, thereby suggesting a significant and unexpected positive impact of cold ambient temperature on intensities, probably via regulation of defecation opportunities for infected hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Retschnig
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3003, Switzerland.
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern 3003, Switzerland.
| | - Geoffrey R Williams
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3003, Switzerland.
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern 3003, Switzerland.
- Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Annette Schneeberger
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3003, Switzerland.
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3003, Switzerland.
- Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern 3003, Switzerland.
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Ptaszyńska AA, Paleolog J, Borsuk G. Nosema ceranae Infection Promotes Proliferation of Yeasts in Honey Bee Intestines. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164477. [PMID: 27736915 PMCID: PMC5063367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nosema ceranae infection not only damages honey bee (Apis melifera) intestines, but we believe it may also affect intestinal yeast development and its seasonal pattern. In order to check our hypothesis, infection intensity versus intestinal yeast colony forming units (CFU) both in field and cage experiments were studied. Methods/Findings Field tests were carried out from March to October in 2014 and 2015. N. ceranae infection intensity decreased more than 100 times from 7.6 x 108 in March to 5.8 x 106 in October 2014. A similar tendency was observed in 2015. Therefore, in the European eastern limit of its range, N. ceranae infection intensity showed seasonality (spring peak and subsequent decline in the summer and fall), however, with an additional mid-summer peak that had not been recorded in other studies. Due to seasonal changes in the N. ceranae infection intensity observed in honey bee colonies, we recommend performing studies on new therapeutics during two consecutive years, including colony overwintering. A natural decrease in N. ceranae spore numbers observed from March to October might be misinterpreted as an effect of Nosema spp. treatment with new compounds. A similar seasonal pattern was observed for intestinal yeast population size in field experiments. Furthermore, cage experiments confirmed the size of intestinal yeast population to increase markedly together with the increase in the N. ceranae infection intensity. Yeast CFUs amounted to respectively 2,025 (CV = 13.04) and 11,150 (CV = 14.06) in uninfected and N. ceranae-infected workers at the end of cage experiments. Therefore, honey bee infection with N. ceranae supported additional opportunistic yeast infections, which may have resulted in faster colony depopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta A. Ptaszyńska
- Department of Botany and Mycology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20–033 Lublin, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Jerzy Paleolog
- Department of Zoology, Ecology and Wildlife Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20–950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Borsuk
- Department of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Biology and Animal Breeding, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20–950 Lublin, Poland
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Abstract
Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae are responsible for nosemosis in the honey bee (Apis mellifera). The aim of the study was to identify Nosema spp. during the honey flow season in bee colonies, for co-infection or no infection with Nosema apis/Nosema ceranae. Hive bees, forager bees, pollen grains brought by them, and bee bread were analysed. In the infected group, 12 of 30 samples of hive bees were infected with Nosema ceranae, 7 were co-infected, 3 were infected with Nosema apis. In samples of forager bees, 21 of 30 were co-infected, 8 were infected with Nosema ceranae. The analysis of pollen demonstrated that only 2 of 30 samples were infected with Nosema ceranae, 3 of 30 samples of bee bread were infected with Nosema ceranae, 3 were co-infected and 1 of 30 were infected with Nosema apis. In the uninfected group, 13 of 30 samples of hive bees were co-infected, 2 were infected with Nosema ceranae. In the forager bees group, 12 of 30 samples were co-infected, 2 were infected with Nosema ceranae. Only 1 pollen sample was infected with Nosema ceranae and 1 was co-infected, 2 of 30 samples of bee bread were co-infected, 2 were infected with Nosema ceranae. The study demonstrated that during the honey flow season, infection by microsporidian species occurs mainly in forager bees. Pollen and bee bread may be a source of spores mainly at the beginning of the honey flow season.
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Jack CJ, Lucas HM, Webster TC, Sagili RR. Colony Level Prevalence and Intensity of Nosema ceranae in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163522. [PMID: 27658258 PMCID: PMC5033419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a widely prevalent microsporidian parasite in the western honey bee. There is considerable uncertainty regarding infection dynamics of this important pathogen in honey bee colonies. Understanding the infection dynamics at the colony level may aid in development of a reliable sampling protocol for N. ceranae diagnosis, and provide insights into efficient treatment strategies. The primary objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence (proportion of the sampled bees found infected) and intensity (number of spores per bee) of N. ceranae infection in bees from various age cohorts in a colony. We examined N. ceranae infection in both overwintered colonies that were naturally infected with N. ceranae and in quadruple cohort nucleus colonies that were established and artificially inoculated with N. ceranae. We also examined and quantified effects of N. ceranae infection on hypopharyngeal gland protein content and gut pH. There was no correlation between the prevalence and intensity of N. ceranae infection in composite samples (pooled bee samples used for analysis). Our results indicated that the prevalence and intensity of N. ceranae infection is significantly influenced by honey bee age. The N. ceranae infection prevalence values from composite samples of background bees (unmarked bees collected from four different locations in a colony) were not significantly different from those pertaining to marked-bee age cohorts specific to each sampling date. The foraging-aged bees had a higher prevalence of N. ceranae infection when compared to nurse-aged bees. N. ceranae did not have a significant effect on hypopharyngeal gland protein content. Further, there was no significant difference in mean gut pH of N. ceranae infected bees and non-infected bees. This study provides comprehensive insights into N. ceranae infection dynamics at the colony level, and also demonstrates the effects of N. ceranae infection on hypopharyngeal gland protein content and midgut pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J. Jack
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Hannah M. Lucas
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Thomas C. Webster
- College of Agriculture, Food Science & Sustainable Systems, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Ramesh R. Sagili
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
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Holt HL, Grozinger CM. Approaches and Challenges to Managing Nosema (Microspora: Nosematidae) Parasites in Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 109:1487-503. [PMID: 27340190 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tow103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The microsporidia Nosema apis (Zander) and Nosema ceranae (Fries) are common intestinal parasites in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies. Though globally prevalent, there are mixed reports of Nosema infection costs, with some regions reporting high parasite virulence and colony losses, while others REPORT high Nosema prevalence but few costs. Basic and applied studies are urgently needed to help beekeepers effectively manage Nosema spp., ideally through an integrated pest management approach that allows beekeepers to deploy multiple strategies to control Nosema when Nosema is likely to cause damage to the colonies, rather than using prophylactic treatments. Beekeepers need practical and affordable technologies that facilitate disease diagnosis and science-backed guidelines that recommend when, if at all, to treat infections. In addition, new treatment methods are needed, as there are several problems associated with the chemical use of fumagillin (the only currently extensively studied, but not globally available treatment) to control Nosema parasites. Though selective breeding of Nosema-resistant or tolerant bees may offer a long-term, sustainable solution to Nosema management, other treatments are needed in the interim. Furthermore, the validation of alternative treatment efficacy in field settings is needed along with toxicology assays to ensure that treatments do not have unintended, adverse effects on honey bees or humans. Finally, given variation in Nosema virulence, development of regional management guidelines, rather than universal guidelines, may provide optimal and cost-effective Nosema management, though more research is needed before regional plans can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly L Holt
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, The Pennsylvania State University, 3A Chemical Ecology Laboratory, University Park, PA, 16802 Current Affiliation: Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, The University of Minnesota, Skok Hall, St. Paul, MN, 55108
| | - Christina M Grozinger
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 1A Chemical Ecology Laboratory, University Park, PA, 16802
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Porrini C, Mutinelli F, Bortolotti L, Granato A, Laurenson L, Roberts K, Gallina A, Silvester N, Medrzycki P, Renzi T, Sgolastra F, Lodesani M. The Status of Honey Bee Health in Italy: Results from the Nationwide Bee Monitoring Network. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155411. [PMID: 27182604 PMCID: PMC4868308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In Italy a nation-wide monitoring network was established in 2009 in response to significant honey bee colony mortality reported during 2008. The network comprised of approximately 100 apiaries located across Italy. Colonies were sampled four times per year, in order to assess the health status and to collect samples for pathogen, chemical and pollen analyses. The prevalence of Nosema ceranae ranged, on average, from 47-69% in 2009 and from 30-60% in 2010, with strong seasonal variation. Virus prevalence was higher in 2010 than in 2009. The most widespread viruses were BQCV, DWV and SBV. The most frequent pesticides in all hive contents were organophosphates and pyrethroids such as coumaphos and tau-fluvalinate. Beeswax was the most frequently contaminated hive product, with 40% of samples positive and 13% having multiple residues, while 27% of bee-bread and 12% of honey bee samples were contaminated. Colony losses in 2009/10 were on average 19%, with no major differences between regions of Italy. In 2009, the presence of DWV in autumn was positively correlated with colony losses. Similarly, hive mortality was higher in BQCV infected colonies in the first and second visits of the year. In 2010, colony losses were significantly related to the presence of pesticides in honey bees during the second sampling period. Honey bee exposure to poisons in spring could have a negative impact at the colony level, contributing to increase colony mortality during the beekeeping season. In both 2009 and 2010, colony mortality rates were positively related to the percentage of agricultural land surrounding apiaries, supporting the importance of land use for honey bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Porrini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie (DipSA), Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Franco Mutinelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, NRL for beekeeping, Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - Laura Bortolotti
- CRA-API, Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Granato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, NRL for beekeeping, Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | | | | | - Albino Gallina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, NRL for beekeeping, Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - Nicholas Silvester
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, NRL for beekeeping, Legnaro (Padova), Italy
| | - Piotr Medrzycki
- CRA-API, Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Bologna, Italy
| | - Teresa Renzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie (DipSA), Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Sgolastra
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie (DipSA), Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Lodesani
- CRA-API, Consiglio per la Ricerca e la Sperimentazione in Agricoltura, Bologna, Italy
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Bahreini R, Currie RW. The influence of Nosema (Microspora: Nosematidae) infection on honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) defense against Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae). J Invertebr Pathol 2015; 132:57-65. [PMID: 26283465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2015.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to quantify the costs and benefits of co-parasitism with Varroa (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman) and Nosema (Nosema ceranae Fries and Nosema apis Zander) on honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) with different defense levels. Newly-emerged worker bees from either high-mite-mortality-rate (high-MMR) bees or low-mite-mortality-rate (low-MMR) bees were confined in forty bioassay cages which were either inoculated with Nosema spores [Nosema (+) group] or were left un-inoculated [Nosema (-) group]. Caged-bees were then inoculated with Varroa mites [Varroa (+) group] or were left untreated [Varroa (-) group]. This established four treatment combinations within each Nosema treatment group: (1) low-MMR Varroa (-), (2) high-MMR Varroa (-), (3) low-MMR Varroa (+) and (4) high-MMR Varroa (+), each with five replicates. Overall mite mortality in high-MMR bees (0.12±0.02 mites per day) was significantly greater than in the low-MMR bees (0.06±0.02 mites per day). In the Nosema (-) groups bee mortality was greater in high-MMR bees than low-MMR bees but only when bees had a higher mite burden. Overall, high-MMR bees in the Nosema (-) group showed greater reductions in mean abundance of mites over time compared with low-MMR bees, when inoculated with additional mites. However, high-MMR bees could not reduce mite load as well as in the Nosema (-) group when fed with Nosema spores. Mean abundance of Nosema spores in live bees and dead bees of both strains of bees was significantly greater in the Nosema (+) group. Molecular analyses confirmed the presence of both Nosema species in inoculated bees but N. ceranae was more abundant than N. apis and unlike N. apis increased over the course of the experiment. Collectively, this study showed differential mite mortality rates among different genotypes of bees, however, Nosema infection restrained Varroa removal success in high-MMR bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rassol Bahreini
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Robert W Currie
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada.
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Doublet V, Labarussias M, de Miranda JR, Moritz RFA, Paxton RJ. Bees under stress: sublethal doses of a neonicotinoid pesticide and pathogens interact to elevate honey bee mortality across the life cycle. Environ Microbiol 2014; 17:969-83. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Doublet
- Institut für Biologie; Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg; Halle (Saale) Germany
| | - Maureen Labarussias
- Institut für Biologie; Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg; Halle (Saale) Germany
| | | | - Robin F. A. Moritz
- Institut für Biologie; Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg; Halle (Saale) Germany
- German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv); Halle-Jena-Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Robert J. Paxton
- Institut für Biologie; Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg; Halle (Saale) Germany
- German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv); Halle-Jena-Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
- School of Biological Sciences; Queen's University Belfast; Belfast UK
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Retschnig G, Williams GR, Mehmann MM, Yañez O, de Miranda JR, Neumann P. Sex-specific differences in pathogen susceptibility in honey bees (Apis mellifera). PLoS One 2014; 9:e85261. [PMID: 24465518 PMCID: PMC3894969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-related differences in susceptibility to pathogens are a common phenomenon in animals. In the eusocial Hymenoptera the two female castes, workers and queens, are diploid and males are haploid. The haploid susceptibility hypothesis predicts that haploid males are more susceptible to pathogen infections compared to females. Here we test this hypothesis using adult male (drone) and female (worker) honey bees (Apis mellifera), inoculated with the gut endoparasite Nosema ceranae and/or black queen cell virus (BQCV). These pathogens were chosen due to previously reported synergistic interactions between Nosema apis and BQCV. Our data do not support synergistic interactions between N. ceranae and BQCV and also suggest that BQCV has limited effect on both drone and worker health, regardless of the infection level. However, the data clearly show that, despite lower levels of N. ceranae spores in drones than in workers, Nosema-infected drones had both a higher mortality and a lower body mass than non-infected drones, across all treatment groups, while the mortality and body mass of worker bees were largely unaffected by N. ceranae infection, suggesting that drones are more susceptible to this pathogen than workers. In conclusion, the data reveal considerable sex-specific differences in pathogen susceptibility in honey bees and highlight the importance of ultimate measures for determining susceptibility, such as mortality and body quality, rather than mere infection levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Retschnig
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Research Station Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux ALP-HARAS, Bern, Switzerland ; Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Geoffrey R Williams
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Research Station Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux ALP-HARAS, Bern, Switzerland ; Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland ; Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Marion M Mehmann
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Research Station Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux ALP-HARAS, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Orlando Yañez
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Research Station Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux ALP-HARAS, Bern, Switzerland ; Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim R de Miranda
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Neumann
- Swiss Bee Research Centre, Research Station Agroscope Liebefeld-Posieux ALP-HARAS, Bern, Switzerland ; Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland ; Social Insect Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Martin SJ, Hardy J, Villalobos E, Martín-Hernández R, Nikaido S, Higes M. Do the honeybee pathogens Nosema ceranae and deformed wing virus act synergistically? ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2013; 5:506-10. [PMID: 23864563 PMCID: PMC3806273 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The honeybee pathogens Nosema ceranae and deformed wing virus (DWV) cause the collapse of honeybee colonies. Therefore, it is plausible that these two pathogens act synergistically to increase colony losses, since N.ceranae causes damage to the mid-gut epithelial ventricular cells and actively suppresses the honeybees' immune response, either of which could increase the virulence of viral pathogens within the bee. To test this hypothesis we exploited 322 Hawaiian honeybee colonies for which DWV prevalence and load is known. We determined via PCR that N.ceranae was present in 89-95% of these colonies, with no Nosema apis being detected. We found no significant difference in spore counts in colonies infected with DWV and those in which DWV was not detected, either on any of the four islands or across the entire honeybee population. Furthermore, no significant correlation between DWV loads (ΔCT levels) and N.ceranae spore counts was found, so these two pathogens are not acting synergistically. Although the Hawaiian honeybees have the highest known prevalence of N.ceranae in the world, with average number of spores been 2.7 million per bee, no acute Nosema related problems i.e. large-scale colony deaths, have been reported by Hawaiian beekeepers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Martin
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4WT, UK.
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Botías C, Martín-Hernández R, Barrios L, Meana A, Higes M. Nosema spp. infection and its negative effects on honey bees (Apis mellifera iberiensis) at the colony level. Vet Res 2013; 44:25. [PMID: 23574888 PMCID: PMC3640932 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-44-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosemosis caused by the microsporidia Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae are among the most common pathologies affecting adult honey bees. N. apis infection has been associated with a reduced lifespan of infected bees and increased winter mortality, and its negative impact on colony strength and productivity has been described in several studies. By contrast, when the effects of nosemosis type C, caused by N. ceranae infection, have been analysed at the colony level, these studies have largely focused on collapse as a response to infection without addressing the potential sub-clinical effects on colony strength and productivity. Given the spread and prevalence of N. ceranae worldwide, we set out here to characterize the sub-clinical and clinical signs of N. ceranae infection on colony strength and productivity. We evaluated the evolution of 50 honey bee colonies naturally infected by Nosema (mainly N. ceranae) over a one year period. Under our experimental conditions, N. ceranae infection was highly pathogenic for honey bee colonies, producing significant reductions in colony size, brood rearing and honey production. These deleterious effects at the colony level may affect beekeeping profitability and have serious consequences on pollination. Further research is necessary to identify possible treatments or beekeeping techniques that will limit the rapid spread of this dangerous emerging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Botías
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro Apícola Regional, CAR, Junta de Comunidades de Castilla La Mancha, Marchamalo 19180, Spain.
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Goblirsch M, Huang ZY, Spivak M. Physiological and behavioral changes in honey bees (Apis mellifera) induced by Nosema ceranae infection. PLoS One 2013; 8:e58165. [PMID: 23483987 PMCID: PMC3590174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent exposure to mite pests, poor nutrition, pesticides, and pathogens threaten honey bee survival. In healthy colonies, the interaction of the yolk precursor protein, vitellogenin (Vg), and endocrine factor, juvenile hormone (JH), functions as a pacemaker driving the sequence of behaviors that workers perform throughout their lives. Young bees perform nursing duties within the hive and have high Vg and low JH; as older bees transition to foraging, this trend reverses. Pathogens and parasites can alter this regulatory network. For example, infection with the microsporidian, Nosema apis, has been shown to advance behavioral maturation in workers. We investigated the effects of infection with a recent honey bee pathogen on physiological factors underlying the division of labor in workers. Bees infected with N. ceranae were nearly twice as likely to engage in precocious foraging and lived 9 days less, on average, compared to controls. We also show that Vg transcript was low, while JH titer spiked, in infected nurse-aged bees in cages. This pattern of expression is atypical and the reverse of what would be expected for healthy, non-infected bees. Disruption of the basic underpinnings of temporal polyethism due to infection may be a contributing factor to recent high colony mortality, as workers may lose flexibility in their response to colony demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Goblirsch
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.
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Higes M, Meana A, Bartolomé C, Botías C, Martín-Hernández R. Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia), a controversial 21st century honey bee pathogen. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2013; 5:17-29. [PMID: 23757127 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide beekeeping sector has been facing a grave threat, with losses up to 100-1000 times greater than those previously reported. Despite the scale of this honey bee mortality, the causes underlying this phenomenon remain unclear, yet they are thought to be multifactorial processes. Nosema ceranae, a microsporidium recently detected in the European bee all over the world, has been implicated in the global phenomenon of colony loss, although its role remains controversial. A review of the current knowledge about this pathogen is presented focussing on discussion related with divergent results, trying to analyse the differences specially based on different methodologies applied and divisive aspects on pathology while considering a biological or veterinarian point of view. For authors, the disease produced by N. ceranae infection cannot be considered a regional problem but rather a global one, as indicated by the wide prevalence of this parasite in multiple hosts. Not only does this type of nosemosis causes a clear pathology on honeybees at both the individual and colony levels, but it also has significant effects on the production of honeybee products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Higes
- Centro Apícola Regional CAR, Dirección General de la Producción Agropecuaria, Consejería de Agricultura, Junta de Castilla-La Mancha, Spain.
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Mulholland GE, Traver BE, Johnson NG, Fell RD. Individual Variability of Nosema ceranae Infections in Apis mellifera Colonies. INSECTS 2012; 3:1143-55. [PMID: 26466731 PMCID: PMC4553568 DOI: 10.3390/insects3041143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Since 2006, beekeepers have reported increased losses of Apis mellifera colonies, and one factor that has been potentially implicated in these losses is the microsporidian Nosema ceranae. Since N. ceranae is a fairly recently discovered parasite, there is little knowledge of the variation in infection levels among individual workers within a colony. In this study we examined the levels of infection in individual bees from five colonies over three seasons using both spore counting and quantitative real-time PCR. The results show considerable intra-colony variation in infection intensity among individual workers with a higher percentage of low-level infections detected by PCR than by spore counting. Colonies generally had the highest percentage of infected bees in early summer (June) and the lowest levels in the fall (September). Nosema apis was detected in only 16/705 bees (2.3%) and always as a low-level co-infection with N. ceranae. The results also indicate that intra-colony variation in infection levels could influence the accuracy of Nosema diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Mulholland
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, 324 Price Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Brenna E Traver
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, 324 Price Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Nels G Johnson
- Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA), Department of Statistics, Virginia Tech, 405 Hutcheson Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Richard D Fell
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, 324 Price Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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