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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; 69:1538-1546. [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [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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de Oliveira AH, Rubinger MMM, da Silva Rabello A, Albuini-Oliveira NM, Vidigal AEC, de Oliveira MRL, Tavares EDC, Serrão JE. Action of dithiocarbimates salts on the honey bee and its pathogen Nosema ceranae. AMB Express 2024; 14:82. [PMID: 39023846 PMCID: PMC11258116 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-024-01734-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Apis mellifera, crucial pollinators for both native and cultivated plants, also yield various products such as honey, wax, royal jelly, and propolis, extensively utilized in the food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. Nosema ceranae, a prevalent microsporidian worldwide, stands as a significant pathogen for A. mellifera, showing resistance to conventional antibiotics. Consequently, the exploration of novel compounds for N. ceranae control becomes imperative. Dithiocarbimate derivatives emerge as promising antifungal candidates under evaluation for combating various pathogens, particularly those affecting plants. This study assessed the toxicity profile of six dithiocarbimate derivatives on A. mellifera worker survival and N. ceranae pathogen. Among these, four compounds exhibited minimal bee mortality and proceeded to further evaluation against N. ceranae. In vitro assays demonstrated their inhibitory effects on spore germination. Remarkably, the most potent compound suppressed N. ceranae spores by 62% at a concentration of 20 µmol L-1in vivo. Thus, these dithiocarbimate derivatives represent promising new antifungal agents for combatting nosemosis in honey bee populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Eder do Couto Tavares
- Instituto de Física e Química, Universidade Federal de Itajubá, Itajubá, 37500-906, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Serrão
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, 36570-977, Brazil.
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Farhadi Z, Sadeghi AA, Motamedi Sedeh F, Chamani M. The effects of thymol, oxalic acid (Api-Bioxal) and hops extract (Nose-Go) on viability, the Nosema sp. spore load and the expression of vg and sod-1 genes in infected honey bees. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:4736-4745. [PMID: 36905146 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2187409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was done to investigate the effects of thymol, fumagillin, oxalic acid (Api-Bioxal) and hops extract (Nose-Go) on Nosema sp. spore load, the expression of vitellogenin (vg) and superoxide-dismutase-1 (sod-1) genes and mortality of bees infected with N. ceranae. Five healthy colonies were assigned as the negative control, and 25 Nosema sp. infected colonies were assigned to five treatment groups including: the positive control: no additive to sirup; fumagillin 26.4 mg/L, thymol 0.1 g/L, Api-Bioxal 0.64 g/L and Nose-Go 5.0 g/L sirup. The reduction in the number of Nosema sp. spores in fumagillin, thymol, Api-Bioxal and Nose-Go compared to the positive control was 54, 25, 30 and 58%, respectively. Nosema sp. infection in all infected groups increased (p < .05) Escherichia coli population compared to the negative control. Nose-Go had a negative effect on lactobacillus population compared to other substances. Nosema sp. infection decreased vg and sod-1 genes expression in all infected groups compared to the negative control. Fumagillin and Nose-Go increased the expression of vg gene, and Nose-Go and thymol increased the expression of sod-1 gene than the positive control. Nose-Go has the potential to treat nosemosis if the necessary lactobacillus population is provided in the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Farhadi
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Sadeghi
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Motamedi Sedeh
- Nuclear Agriculture Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Chamani
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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De la Mora A, Morfin N, Tapia-Rivera JC, Macías-Macías JO, Tapia-González JM, Contreras-Escareño F, Petukhova T, Guzman-Novoa E. The Fungus Nosema ceranae and a Sublethal Dose of the Neonicotinoid Insecticide Thiamethoxam Differentially Affected the Health and Immunity of Africanized Honey Bees. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1258. [PMID: 37317233 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are affected by different biotic and abiotic stressors, such as the fungus Nosema ceranae and neonicotinoid insecticides, that negatively impact their health. However, most studies so far conducted have focused on the effect of these stressors separately and in European honey bees. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the impact of both stressors, singly and in combination, on honey bees of African descent that have demonstrated resistance to parasites and pesticides. Africanized honey bees (AHBs, Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier) were inoculated with N. ceranae (1 × 105 spores/bee) and/or chronically exposed for 18 days to a sublethal dose of thiamethoxam (0.025 ng/bee) to evaluate their single and combined effects on food consumption, survivorship, N. ceranae infection, and immunity at the cellular and humoral levels. No significant effects by any of the stressors were found for food consumption. However, thiamethoxam was the main stressor associated to a significant decrease in AHB survivorship, whereas N. ceranae was the main stressor affecting their humoral immune response by upregulating the expression of the gene AmHym-1. Additionally, both stressors, separately and combined, significantly decreased the concentration of haemocytes in the haemolymph of the bees. These findings indicate that N. ceranae and thiamethoxam differentially affect the lifespan and immunity of AHBs and do not seem to have synergistic effects when AHBs are simultaneously exposed to both stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro De la Mora
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Nuria Morfin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - José C Tapia-Rivera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Abejas, CUSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Zapotlan el Grande 49000, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José O Macías-Macías
- Centro de Investigaciones en Abejas, CUSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Zapotlan el Grande 49000, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José M Tapia-González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Abejas, CUSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Zapotlan el Grande 49000, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Francisca Contreras-Escareño
- Departamento de Producción Agricola, CUCSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Independencia Nal. 161, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Tatiana Petukhova
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Ernesto Guzman-Novoa
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
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Ignatieva AN, Timofeev SA, Tokarev YS, Dolgikh VV. Laboratory Cultivation of Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae (Microsporidia: Nosematidae) in Artificially Infected Worker Bees. INSECTS 2022; 13:1092. [PMID: 36555002 PMCID: PMC9784591 DOI: 10.3390/insects13121092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Nosemosis type C is a dangerous and widespread disease of the adult European honey bee Apis mellifera and is caused by the spore-forming intracellular parasite Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae. The search for new ways of therapy for this disease is complicated due to the seasonal availability of V. ceranae-infected insects as well as the lack of a developed system for the pathogen's cultivation. By carrying out trials which used different infectious dosages of the parasite, spore storage protocols, host age, and incubation temperatures, we present a simple, safe, and efficient method of V. ceranae propagation in artificially infected worker bees in the laboratory. The method is based on feeding the groups of adult worker bees with microsporidian spores and insect maintenance in plastic bottles at 33 °C. The source of the spores originated from the cadavers of infected insects from the previous round of cultivation, in which the infective spores persist for up to six months. An analysis of five independent cultivation rounds involving more than 2500 bees showed that the proposed protocol exploiting the dosage of one million spores per bee yielded over 60 million V. ceranae spores per bee, and most of the spore samples can be isolated from living insects.
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Bahreini R, Nasr M, Docherty C, de Herdt O, Feindel D, Muirhead S. In Vivo Inhibitory Assessment of Potential Antifungal Agents on Nosema ceranae Proliferation in Honey Bees. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111375. [PMID: 36422626 PMCID: PMC9695399 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae Fries, 1996, causes contagious fungal nosemosis disease in managed honey bees, Apis mellifera L. It is associated around the world with winter losses and colony collapse disorder. We used a laboratory in vivo screening assay to test curcumin, fenbendazole, nitrofurazone and ornidazole against N. ceranae in honey bees to identify novel compounds with anti-nosemosis activity compared to the commercially available medication Fumagilin-B®. Over a 20-day period, Nosema-inoculated bees in Plexiglas cages were orally treated with subsequent dilutions of candidate compounds, or Fumagilin-B® at the recommended dose, with three replicates per treatment. Outcomes indicated that fenbendazole suppressed Nosema spore proliferation, resulting in lower spore abundance in live bees (0.36 ± 1.18 million spores per bee) and dead bees (0.03 ± 0.25 million spores per bee), in comparison to Fumagilin-B®-treated live bees (3.21 ± 2.19 million spores per bee) and dead bees (3.5 ± 0.6 million spores per bee). Our findings suggest that Fumagilin-B® at the recommended dose suppressed Nosema. However, it was also likely responsible for killing Nosema-infected bees (24% mortality). Bees treated with fenbendazole experienced a greater survival probability (71%), followed by ornidazole (69%), compared to Nosema-infected non-treated control bees (20%). This research revealed that among screened compounds, fenbendazole, along with ornidazole, has potential effective antifungal activities against N. ceranae in a controlled laboratory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rassol Bahreini
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Medhat Nasr
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada
- Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission, Prince Albert, SK S6V 6Z2, Canada
| | - Cassandra Docherty
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada
| | - Olivia de Herdt
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada
| | - David Feindel
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada
| | - Samantha Muirhead
- Plant and Bee Health Surveillance Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3, Canada
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Snow JW. Nosema apis and N. ceranae Infection in Honey bees: A Model for Host-Pathogen Interactions in Insects. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:153-177. [PMID: 35544003 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There has been increased focus on the role of microbial attack as a potential cause of recent declines in the health of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. The Nosema species, N. apis and N. ceranae, are microsporidian parasites that are pathogenic to honey bees, and infection by these species has been implicated as a key factor in honey bee losses. Honey bees infected with both Nosema spp. display significant changes in their biology at the cellular, tissue, and organismal levels impacting host metabolism, immune function, physiology, and behavior. Infected individuals lead to colony dysfunction and can contribute to colony disease in some circumstances. The means through which parasite growth and tissue pathology in the midgut lead to the dramatic physiological and behavioral changes at the organismal level are only partially understood. In addition, we possess only a limited appreciation of the elements of the host environment that impact pathogen growth and development. Critical for answering these questions is a mechanistic understanding of the host and pathogen machinery responsible for host-pathogen interactions. A number of approaches are already being used to elucidate these mechanisms, and promising new tools may allow for gain- and loss-of-function experiments to accelerate future progress.
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MacInnis CI, Keddie BA, Pernal SF. Honey bees with a drinking problem: potential routes of Nosema ceranae spore transmission. Parasitology 2021; 149:1-8. [PMID: 35241188 PMCID: PMC10090605 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nosema apis and N. ceranae are the two causative agents of Nosema disease in adult honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Nosema apis has been a recognized parasite for over a century and its epizootiology is well known. In contrast, N. ceranae is an emerging parasite of honey bees, which is now globally prevalent and the dominant Nosema spp. in many parts of the world. Despite this, many gaps in our knowledge exist regarding this species. For example, we do not fully understand all of the routes of transmission of N. ceranae among bees, or how long this parasite is capable of surviving in honey bee colonies. Here we investigated the viability and infectivity of N. ceranae spores in water and 2 M sucrose over time after storage at 33, 20, −12 and −20°C. Spores in both 2 M sucrose and water maintained high viability, except in water at −20°C over the course of the 6-week experiment. Infectivity was variable for spores after storage at all four temperatures, but all were infective at the last time point. The results provide evidence for cold tolerance and suggest that both water and 2 M sucrose (fall bee feed) could act as routes of transmission for N. ceranae. This work also contains information that may help influence management recommendations for the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney I. MacInnis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaT6G 2E9
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, P.O. Box 29, Beaverlodge, Alberta, CanadaT0H 0C0
| | - B. Andrew Keddie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaT6G 2E9
| | - Stephen F. Pernal
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, P.O. Box 29, Beaverlodge, Alberta, CanadaT0H 0C0
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Effect of feeding chitosan or peptidoglycan on Nosema ceranae infection and gene expression related to stress and the innate immune response of honey bees (Apis mellifera). J Invertebr Pathol 2021; 185:107671. [PMID: 34563551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2021.107671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite that causes nosema disease, an infection of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) midgut. Two pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), chitosan and peptidoglycan, and N. ceranae spores were fed to worker bees in sucrose syrup and compared to non-inoculated and N. ceranae-inoculated bees without PAMPs. Both chitosan and peptidoglycan significantly increased bee survivorship and reduced spore numbers due to N. ceranae infection. To determine if these results were related to changes in health status, expression of the immune-related genes, hymenoptaecin and defensin2, and the stress tolerance-related gene, blue cheese, was compared to that of control bees. Compared to the inoculated control, bees with the dose of chitosan that significantly reduced N. ceranae spore numbers showed lower expression of hymenoptaecin and defensin2 early after infection, higher expression mid-infection of defensin2 and lower expression of all three genes late in infection. In contrast, higher expression of defensin2 early in the infection and all three genes late in the infection was observed with peptidoglycan treatment. Changes late in the parasite multiplication stage when mature spores would be released from ruptured host cells are less likely to have contributed to reduced spore production. Based on these results, it is concluded that feeding bees chitosan or peptidoglycan can reduce N. ceranae infection, which is at least partially related to altering the health of the bee by inducing immune and stress-related gene expression.
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Pașca C, Matei IA, Diaconeasa Z, Rotaru A, Erler S, Dezmirean DS. Biologically Active Extracts from Different Medicinal Plants Tested as Potential Additives against Bee Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10080960. [PMID: 34439010 PMCID: PMC8388991 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10080960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) perform pollination service for many agricultural crops and contribute to the global economy in agriculture and bee products. However, honey bee health is an ongoing concern, as illustrated by persistent local population decline, caused by some severe bee diseases (e.g., nosemosis, AFB, EFB, chalkbrood). Three natural recipes are in development based on the bioactive compounds of different plants extract (Agastache foeniculum, Artemisia absinthium, Evernia prunastri, Humulus lupulus, Laurus nobilis, Origanum vulgare and Vaccinium myrtillus), characterised by HPLC-PDA. The antimicrobial activity of these recipes was tested in vitro against Paenibacillus larvae, Paenibacillus alvei, Brevibacillus laterosporus, Enterococcus faecalis, Ascosphaera apis and in vivo against Nosema ceranae. A mix of 20% blueberry, 40% absinthium, 10% oakmoss, 10% oregano, 10% Brewers Gold hops, 5% bay laurel and 5% anise hyssop extract showed the strongest antibacterial and antifungal activity. Combing several highly active plant extracts might be an alternative treatment against bee-disease-associated parasites and pathogens, in particular to replace synthetic antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pașca
- Department of Apiculture and Sericulture, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-73-369-6413
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Zorița Diaconeasa
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Ancuța Rotaru
- Department of Fundamental Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Silvio Erler
- Julius Kühn Institute (JKI)-Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Bee Protection, Messeweg 11-12, 38104 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Daniel Severus Dezmirean
- Department of Apiculture and Sericulture, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Effects of Prebiotics and Probiotics on Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera) Infected with the Microsporidian Parasite Nosema ceranae. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030481. [PMID: 33668904 PMCID: PMC7996622 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian fungus that parasitizes the midgut epithelial cells of honey bees, Apis mellifera. Due to the role that midgut microorganisms play in bee health and immunity, food supplementation with prebiotics and probiotics may assist in the control of N. ceranae. The dietary fiber prebiotics acacia gum, inulin, and fructooligosaccharides, as well as the commercial probiotics Vetafarm Probotic, Protexin Concentrate single-strain (Enterococcus faecium), and Protexin Concentrate multi-strain (Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. delbrueckii, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus salivarius, and E. faecium) were tested for their effect on N. ceranae spore loads and honey bee survivorship. Bees kept in cages were inoculated with N. ceranae spores and single-dose treatments were administered in sugar syrup. Acacia gum caused the greatest reduction in N. ceranae spore numbers (67%) but also significantly increased bee mortality (62.2%). However, Protexin Concentrate single-strain gave similarly reduced spore numbers (59%) without affecting the mortality. In a second experiment, multiple doses of the probiotics revealed significantly reduced spore numbers with 2.50 mg/mL Vetafarm Probotic, and 0.25, 1.25, and 2.50 mg/mL Protexin Concentrate single-strain. Mortality was also significantly reduced with 1.25 mg/mL Protexin Concentrate single-strain. N. ceranae-inoculated bees fed 3.75 mg/mL Vetafarm Probotic had higher survival than N. ceranae-inoculated bees, which was similar to that of non-inoculated bees, while N. ceranae-inoculated bees fed 2.50 mg/mL Protexin Concentrate single-strain, had significantly higher survival than both N. ceranae-inoculated and non-inoculated bees. Protexin Concentrate single-strain is promising as it can reduce N. ceranae proliferation and increase bee survivorship of infected bees, even compared to healthy, non-infected bees.
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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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Nosema ceranae causes cellular immunosuppression and interacts with thiamethoxam to increase mortality in the stingless bee Melipona colimana. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17021. [PMID: 33046792 PMCID: PMC7550335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae and neonicotinoid insecticides affect the health of honey bees (Apis mellifera). However, there is limited information about the effect of these stressors on other pollinators such as stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini). We examined the separate and combined effects of N. ceranae and the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam at field-exposure levels on the survivorship and cellular immunity (hemocyte concentration) of the stingless bee Melipona colimana. Newly-emerged bees were subjected to four treatments provided in sucrose syrup: N. ceranae spores, thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam and N. ceranae, and control (bees receiving only syrup). N. ceranae developed infections of > 467,000 spores/bee in the group treated with spores only. However, in the bees subjected to both stressors, infections were < 143,000 spores/bee, likely due to an inhibitory effect of thiamethoxam on the microsporidium. N. ceranae infections did not affect bee survivorship, but thiamethoxam plus N. ceranae significantly increased mortality. Hemocyte counts were significantly lower in N. ceranae infected-bees than in the other treatments. These results suggest that N. ceranae may infect, proliferate and cause cellular immunosuppression in stingless bees, that exposure to sublethal thiamethoxam concentrations is toxic to M. colimana when infected with N. ceranae, and that thiamethoxam restrains N. ceranae proliferation. These findings have implications on pollinators' conservation.
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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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Effect of Immune Inducers on Nosema ceranae Multiplication and Their Impact on Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera L.) Survivorship and Behaviors. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11090572. [PMID: 32858847 PMCID: PMC7563691 DOI: 10.3390/insects11090572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Nosema disease of honey bees is caused by the fungus Nosema ceranae, which multiplies and damages cells lining the digestive tract, impairing food digestion and debilitating the bees. Current control involves using antibiotics, which is undesirable because of possible antibiotic resistance of the fungus and contamination of honey. In this study, the natural compounds flagellin, zymosan, chitosan and peptidoglycan were investigated as alternatives for controlling Nosema ceranae infections and for their effect on bee survivorship and behaviors. Chitosan and peptidoglycan reduced infection and increased survivorship of infected bees. However, neither compound altered the bees’ hygienic behavior, which was also not affected by the infection. Chitosan treated bees collected more pollen and nectar than healthy and infected bees. Memory in the bees was temporarily impaired by chitosan but was not affected by peptidoglycan, nor was it affected by Nosema ceranae. This study shows that chitosan and peptidoglycan provide benefits by partially reducing Nosema ceranae infection while increasing survivorship of honey bees. Also, chitosan and peptidoglycan increased the collection of pollen and nectar, which may improve bee health and colony productivity. These benefits could result in more honey produced, more crops pollinated and more healthy bee colonies. Abstract Nosema disease is a major disease of honey bees caused by two species of microsporidia, Nosema apis and N. ceranae. Current control involves using antibiotics, which is undesirable because of possible antibiotic resistance and contamination. In this study, flagellin, zymosan, chitosan, and peptidoglycan were investigated as alternatives for controlling N. ceranae infections and for their effect on bee survivorship and behaviors. Chitosan and peptidoglycan significantly reduced the infection, and significantly increased survivorship of infected bees, with chitosan being more effective. However, neither compound altered the bees’ hygienic behavior, which was also not affected by the infection. Chitosan significantly increased pollen foraging and both compounds significantly increased non-pollen foraging compared to healthy and infected bees. Memory retention, evaluated with the proboscis extension reflex assay, was temporarily impaired by chitosan but was not affected by peptidoglycan, nor was it affected by N. ceranae infection compared to the non-infected bees. This study indicates that chitosan and peptidoglycan provide benefits by partially reducing N. ceranae spore numbers while increasing survivorship compared to N. ceranae infected bees. Also, chitosan and peptidoglycan improved aspects of foraging behavior even more than in healthy bees, showing that they may act as stimulators of important honey bee behaviors.
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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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Buczek K, Trytek M, Deryło K, Borsuk G, Rybicka-Jasińska K, Gryko D, Cytryńska M, Tchórzewski M. Bioactivity studies of porphyrinoids against microsporidia isolated from honeybees. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11553. [PMID: 32665695 PMCID: PMC7360595 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68420-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidian infections are dangerous to honeybees due to the absence of an efficient treatment for nosemosis. In the present work, the abilities of several porphyrins to directly inactivate microsporidia derived from Nosema-infected honeybees were studied in vitro. Amide derivatives of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) conjugated with one and two amino acid moieties were synthesized, and their activities were compared with those of two cationic porphyrins, TMePyP and TTMePP. The most active porphyrins, PP[Lys-Asp]2, PP[Lys-TFA]2, PP[Asp(ONa)2]2 and PP[Lys-Lys]2 at concentrations as low as 10–50 µM exerted significant effects on microsporidia, reducing the number of spores by 67–80% compared to the control. Live-cell imaging of the spores treated with porphyrins showed that only 1.6% and 3.0% of spores remained alive after 24 h-incubation with 50 µM PP[Asp(ONa)2]2 and PP[Lys-Asp]2, respectively. The length of the amino acid side chains and their identity in the PPIX molecules affected the bioactivity of the porphyrin. Importantly, the irradiation of the porphyrins did not enhance their potency in destroying Nosema spores. We showed that the porphyrins accumulated inside the living spores but not inside dead spores, thus the destruction of the microsporidia by non-metallated porphyrins is not dependent on photosensitization, but is associated with their active transport into the spore cell. When administered to honeybees in vivo, PPIX[Lys-TFA]2 and PPIX[Lys-Lys]2 reduced spore loads by 69–76% in infected individuals. They both had no toxic effect on honeybees, in contrast to zinc-coordinated porphyrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Buczek
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mariusz Trytek
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Kamil Deryło
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Borsuk
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Biology, Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Dorota Gryko
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Tchórzewski
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
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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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Borges D, Guzman-Novoa E, Goodwin PH. Control of the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae in honey bees (Apis mellifera) using nutraceutical and immuno-stimulatory compounds. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227484. [PMID: 31923212 PMCID: PMC6953808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite that causes nosemosis in the honey bee (Apis mellifera). As alternatives to the antibiotic fumagillin, ten nutraceuticals (oregano oil, thymol, carvacrol, trans-cinnmaldehyde, tetrahydrocurcumin, sulforaphane, naringenin, embelin, allyl sulfide, hydroxytyrosol) and two immuno-stimulatory compounds (chitosan, poly I:C) were examined for controlling N. ceranae infections. Caged bees were inoculated with N. ceranae spores, and treatments were administered in sugar syrup. Only two compounds did not significantly reduce N. ceranae spore counts compared to the infected positive control, but the most effective were sulforaphane from cruciferous vegetables, carvacrol from oregano oil, and naringenin from citrus fruit. When tested at several concentrations, the highest sulforaphane concentration reduced spore counts by 100%, but also caused 100% bee mortality. For carvacrol, the maximum reduction in spore counts was 57% with an intermediate concentration and the maximum bee mortality was 23% with the highest concentration. For naringenin, the maximum reduction in spore counts was 64% with the highest concentration, and the maximum bee mortality was only 15% with an intermediate concentration. In the longevity experiment, naringenin-fed bees lived as long as Nosema-free control bees, both of which lived significantly longer than infected positive control bees. While its antimicrobial properties may be promising, reducing sulforaphane toxicity to bees is necessary before it can be considered as a candidate for controlling N. ceranae. Although further work on formulation is needed with naringenin, its effect on extending longevity in infected bees may give it an additional value as a potential additive for bee feed in honey bee colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Borges
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ernesto Guzman-Novoa
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Paul H. Goodwin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Urbieta-Magro A, Higes M, Meana A, Barrios L, Martín-Hernández R. Age and Method of Inoculation Influence the Infection of Worker Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera) by Nosema ceranae. INSECTS 2019; 10:E417. [PMID: 31766667 PMCID: PMC6956240 DOI: 10.3390/insects10120417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae is a highly prevalent, global honey bee pathogen. Apis mellifera is considered to be a relatively recent host for this microsporidia, which raises questions as to how it affects its host's physiology, behavior and longevity, both at the individual and colony level. As such, honey bees were inoculated with fresh purified spores of this pathogen, both individually (Group A) or collectively (Group B) and they were studied from 0 to 15 days post-emergence (p.e.) to evaluate the effect of bee age and the method of inoculation at 7 days post-infection. The level of infection was analyzed individually by qPCR by measuring the relative amount of the N. ceranae polar tubule protein 3 (PTP3) gene. The results show that the bee's age and the method of infection directly influence parasite load, and thus, early disease development. Significant differences were found regarding bee age at the time of infection, whereby the youngest bees (new-born and 1 day p.e.) developed the highest parasite load, with this load decreasing dramatically in bees infected at 2 days p.e. before increasing again in bees infected at 3-4 days p.e. The parasite load in bees infected when older than 4 days p.e. diminished as they aged. When the age cohort data was pooled and grouped according to the method of infection, a significantly higher mean concentration and lower variation in N. ceranae infection was evident in Group A, indicating greater variation in experimental infection when spores were administered collectively to bees through their food. In summary, these data indicate that both biological and experimental factors should be taken into consideration when comparing data published in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almudena Urbieta-Magro
- IRIAF. Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de San Martín s/n, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (A.U.-M.); (M.H.)
| | - Mariano Higes
- IRIAF. Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de San Martín s/n, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (A.U.-M.); (M.H.)
| | - Aránzazu Meana
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Laura Barrios
- Statistics Department, Computing Center SGAI-CSIC, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- IRIAF. Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de San Martín s/n, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (A.U.-M.); (M.H.)
- Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT-FEDER), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla—La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain
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Sulborska A, Horecka B, Cebrat M, Kowalczyk M, Skrzypek TH, Kazimierczak W, Trytek M, Borsuk G. Microsporidia Nosema spp. - obligate bee parasites are transmitted by air. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14376. [PMID: 31591451 PMCID: PMC6779873 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50974-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia Nosema are transferred among bees via the faecal-oral route. Nosema spp. spores have been detected on flowers and transferred to hives along with the bee pollen. The aim of the present study was to determine whether Nosema microsporidia are transferred by air in an apiary, in a control area (without the presence of bee colonies), and/or in a laboratory during cage experiments with artificially infected bees. The novel way of transmission by air was investigated by the volumetric method using a Hirst-type aerobiological sampler located on the ground in the apiary, in the Botanical Garden and on the laboratory floor. Concurrently, the mean rate of Nosema infections in the foragers in the apiary was estimated with the Bürker haemocytometer method. Spore-trapping tapes were imaged by means of light microscopy, Nomarski interference contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The highest concentration of Nosema spores per 1m3 of air (4.65) was recorded in August, while the lowest concentration (2.89) was noted in July. This was confirmed by a Real-Time PCR analysis. The presence of N. apis as well as N. ceranae was detected in each of the tested tapes from the apiary. The average copy number of N. apis was estimated at 14.4 × 104 copies per 1 cm2 of the tape; whereas the number of N. ceranae was 2.24 × 104 copies per tape per 1 cm2. The results indicate that Nosema microsporidia were transferred by the wind in the apiary, but not in the Botanical Garden and laboratory by air. This was confirmed by genetic analyses. DNA from immobilised biological material was isolated and subjected to a PCR to detect the Nosema species. A fragment of the 16S rRNA gene, characteristic of Nosema apis and N. ceranae, was detected. Our research adds knowledge about the transfer of Nosema spp. microsporidia in the natural environment and indicates the season associated with the greatest risk of a bee colony infection with Nosema spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Sulborska
- Department of Botany, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 15, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | - Beata Horecka
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production; Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Cebrat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Kowalczyk
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production; Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz H Skrzypek
- Laboratory of Confocal and Electron Microscopy, Department of Biotechnology and Environment Sciences Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Kraśnicka 102, 29-718, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar Kazimierczak
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Laboratory of Biocontrol, Production and Application of EPN, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1J, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mariusz Trytek
- Department of Industrial Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Borsuk
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production; Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950, Lublin, Poland.
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22
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Martín-Hernández R, Bartolomé C, Chejanovsky N, Le Conte Y, Dalmon A, Dussaubat C, García-Palencia P, Meana A, Pinto MA, Soroker V, Higes M. Nosema ceranaeinApis mellifera: a 12 years postdetectionperspective. Environ Microbiol 2018; 20:1302-1329. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola. Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental de Marchamalo, (CIAPA-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-FEDER), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla - La Mancha; Spain
| | - Carolina Bartolomé
- Medicina Xenómica, CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Xenómica Comparada de Parásitos Humanos, IDIS, 15782 Santiago de Compostela; Galicia Spain
| | - Nor Chejanovsky
- Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center; Rishon LeZion Israel
| | - Yves Le Conte
- INRA, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement; F-84000 Avignon France
| | - Anne Dalmon
- INRA, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement; F-84000 Avignon France
| | | | | | - Aranzazu Meana
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid; Spain
| | - M. Alice Pinto
- Mountain Research Centre (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança; 5300-253 Bragança Portugal
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center; Rishon LeZion Israel
| | - Mariano Higes
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola. Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental de Marchamalo, (CIAPA-IRIAF), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha; Marchamalo Spain
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23
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Norris LJ, Watral V, Kent ML. Survival of Bacterial and Parasitic Pathogens from Zebrafish (Danio rerio) After Cryopreservation and Thawing. Zebrafish 2018; 15:188-201. [PMID: 29369747 PMCID: PMC5878546 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2017.1528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is a common method used to preserve the sperm of various animal species, and it is widely used with zebrafish (Danio rerio). As with other animals, there is a possibility of paternal pathogen transmission through sperm. We evaluated the ability of five common and important pathogens of zebrafish to survive cryopreservation as used with zebrafish sperm and freezing without cryopreservant. We evaluated Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium marinum, and Edwardsiella ictaluri, each originally isolated from zebrafish, eggs of Pseuodocapillaria tomentosa, and spores of Pseudoloma neurophilia. Each mycobacterial isolate showed relatively minimal reduction in survival after freezing and thawing, particularly when subjected to cryopreservation. E. ictaluri also showed survival after cryopreservation, but exhibited a several log reduction after freezing at -80°C without cryopreservant. With P. neurophilia, two separate experiments conducted 3 years apart yielded very similar results, showing some, but reduced, survival of spores by using three different viability assays: SYTOX stain, Fungi-Fluor stain, and presence of a spore vacuole. Eggs of P. tomentosa showed no survival based on larvation of eggs when subjected to either freezing method. Given that four of the five pathogens exhibited survival after cryopreservation, we recommend that sperm samples or donor male zebrafish fish be tested for pathogens when sperm are to be stored by using cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Norris
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Virginia Watral
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Michael L Kent
- 1 Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
- 2 Department of Biomedical Science, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon
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