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Mok C, Xiao MA, Wan YC, Zhao W, Ahmed SM, Luallen RJ, Reinke AW. High-throughput phenotyping of infection by diverse microsporidia species reveals a wild C. elegans strain with opposing resistance and susceptibility traits. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011225. [PMID: 36893187 PMCID: PMC10030041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals are under constant selective pressure from a myriad of diverse pathogens. Microsporidia are ubiquitous animal parasites, but the influence they exert on shaping animal genomes is mostly unknown. Using multiplexed competition assays, we measured the impact of four different species of microsporidia on 22 wild isolates of Caenorhabditis elegans. This resulted in the identification and confirmation of 13 strains with significantly altered population fitness profiles under infection conditions. One of these identified strains, JU1400, is sensitive to an epidermal-infecting species by lacking tolerance to infection. JU1400 is also resistant to an intestinal-infecting species and can specifically recognize and destroy this pathogen. Genetic mapping of JU1400 demonstrates that these two opposing phenotypes are caused by separate loci. Transcriptional analysis reveals the JU1400 sensitivity to epidermal microsporidia infection results in a response pattern that shares similarity to toxin-induced responses. In contrast, we do not observe JU1400 intestinal resistance being regulated at the transcriptional level. The transcriptional response to these four microsporidia species is conserved, with C. elegans strain-specific differences in potential immune genes. Together, our results show that phenotypic differences to microsporidia infection amongst C. elegans are common and that animals can evolve species-specific genetic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Mok
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meng A. Xiao
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yin C. Wan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Winnie Zhao
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shanzeh M. Ahmed
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert J. Luallen
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Aaron W. Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Wei X, Zheng J, Evans JD, Huang Q. Transgenerational genomic analyses reveal allelic oscillation and purifying selection in a gut parasite Nosema ceranae. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:927892. [PMID: 36386715 PMCID: PMC9664190 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.927892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Standing genetic variation is the predominant source acted on by selection. Organisms with high genetic diversity generally show faster responses toward environmental change. Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite of honey bees, infecting midgut epithelial cells. High genetic diversity has been found in this parasite, but the mechanism for the parasite to maintain this diversity remains unclear. This study involved continuous inoculation of N. ceranae to honey bees. We found that the parasites slowly increased genetic diversity over three continuous inoculations. The number of lost single nucleotide variants (SNVs) was balanced with novel SNVs, which were mainly embedded in coding regions. Classic allele frequency oscillation was found at the regional level along the genome, and the associated genes were enriched in apoptosis regulation and ATP binding. The ratio of synonymous and non-synonymous substitution suggests a purifying selection, and our results provide novel insights into the evolutionary dynamics in microsporidian parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Wei
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China,Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jialan Zheng
- College of Forestry, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jay D. Evans
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Qiang Huang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China,Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Qiang Huang,
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3
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Jara L, Ruiz C, Martín-Hernández R, Muñoz I, Higes M, Serrano J, De la Rúa P. The Effect of Migratory Beekeeping on the Infestation Rate of Parasites in Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera) Colonies and on Their Genetic Variability. Microorganisms 2020; 9:microorganisms9010022. [PMID: 33374609 PMCID: PMC7822443 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Migratory beekeeping is a widely extended practice aimed at increasing the yield of products and pollination services of honey bee colonies. However, it represents a stress factor, as it facilitates the dissemination of diseases and may compromise the genetic identity of the colonies involved. To analyze the extent of these effects, pathogens infestation rate and genetic composition were monitored in a field experiment comparing stationary and migratory colonies sharing the same environmental conditions but differing in management (stationary vs. migratory) and genetic background. We studied the pathogens infestation rate (Varroa destructor, Nosema spp., and Deformed Wing Virus (DWV)) at four different times: before migratory operation, two weeks later, at the end of the migratory period, and two weeks after the return of the migratory hives. An increased incidence of V. destructor and Nosema ceranae and a lower DWV viral load were found in migratory colonies. Temporary changes in genetic diversity were detected regardless of colony type, suggesting that stressors other than management affect the genetic diversity of the colonies. Our study demonstrates that migratory practices have variable effects on the health and genetic diversity of honey bee colonies, which should be taken into account for the development of sustainable beekeeping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jara
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.J.); (C.R.); (I.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Carlos Ruiz
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.J.); (C.R.); (I.M.); (J.S.)
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38206 La Laguna, 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, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (R.M.-H.); (M.H.)
- Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT, ESF), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Albacete, 02006 Albacete, Spain
| | - Irene Muñoz
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.J.); (C.R.); (I.M.); (J.S.)
| | - 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, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (R.M.-H.); (M.H.)
| | - José Serrano
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.J.); (C.R.); (I.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Pilar De la Rúa
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.J.); (C.R.); (I.M.); (J.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-868-884-908
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4
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Alonso-Prados E, Muñoz I, De la Rúa P, Serrano J, Fernández-Alba AR, García-Valcárcel AI, Hernando MD, Alonso Á, Alonso-Prados JL, Bartolomé C, Maside X, Barrios L, Martín-Hernández R, Higes M. The toxic unit approach as a risk indicator in honey bees surveillance programmes: A case of study in Apis mellifera iberiensis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 698:134208. [PMID: 31505351 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The influence of genetic diversity and exposure to xenobiotics on the prevalence of pathogens was studied within the context of a voluntary epidemiological study in Spanish apiaries of Apis mellifera iberiensis, carried out during the spring season of years 2014 and 2015. As such, the evolutionary lineages of the honey bee colonies were identified, a multiresidue analysis of xenobiotics was carried out in beebread and worker bee samples, and the Toxic Unit (TUm) was estimated for each sampled apiary. The relationship between lineages and the most prevalent pathogens (Nosema ceranae, Varroa destructor, trypanosomatids, Black Queen Cell Virus; and Deformed Wing Virus) was analysed with contingency tables, and the possible relationships between TUm and the prevalence of these pathogens were studied by using a factor analysis. The statistical analysis supported the associations between V. destructor and Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), and between N. ceranae and Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), but the association between these pathogens and trypanosomatids was not observed. TUm values varied between 5.5 × 10-6 and 3.65 × 10-1. When TUm < 3.35 × 10-4, it was mainly determined by coumaphos, tau-fluvalinate and/or chlorfenvinphos. At higher values, other insecticides also contributed to TUm, although a clear predominance was not seen up to TUm ≥ 1.83 × 10-2, when it was mainly defined by acrinathrin, spinosad and/or imidacloprid. The possible cumulative effect from the joint action of xenobiotics was >10% in the 63% of the cases. The prevalence of pathogens did not appear to be influenced by the distribution of evolutionary lineages and, while the prevalence of V. destructor was not found to be determined by TUm, there was a trend towards an increasing prevalence of N. ceranae when TUm ≥ 23 10-4. This study is an example of using TUm approach beyond the field of the ecotoxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Alonso-Prados
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, INIA, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Irene Muñoz
- Área de Biología Animal, Dpto. Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar De la Rúa
- Área de Biología Animal, Dpto. Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Serrano
- Área de Biología Animal, Dpto. Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Amadeo R Fernández-Alba
- Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Almería, European Union Reference Laboratory for Pesticide Residues in Fruit & Vegetables, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | | | - María Dolores Hernando
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, INIA, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles Alonso
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, INIA, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José L Alonso-Prados
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, INIA, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Bartolomé
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain; Grupo de Xenómica Comparada de Parásitos Humanos, IDIS, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Xulio Maside
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain; Grupo de Xenómica Comparada de Parásitos Humanos, IDIS, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain; Departamento de Ciencias Forenses, Anatomía Patolóxica, Xinecoloxía e Obstetricia, e Pediatría, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Laura Barrios
- Departamento de Estadística, CTI. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT-FEDER), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla - La Mancha, Spain; 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, Camino de San Martín s/n, 19180 Marchamalo, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Mariano Higes
- Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT-FEDER), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla - La Mancha, Spain
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5
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Odemer R, Nilles L, Linder N, Rosenkranz P. Sublethal effects of clothianidin and Nosema spp. on the longevity and foraging activity of free flying honey bees. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:527-538. [PMID: 29556938 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-018-1925-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Neonicotinoids alone or in combination with pathogens are considered to be involved in the worldwide weakening of honey bees. We here present a new approach for testing sublethal and/or synergistic effects in free flying colonies. In our experiment individually marked honey bees were kept in free flying mini-hives and chronically exposed to sublethal doses of the neonicotinoid clothianidin. Additional groups of bees were challenged with Nosema infections or with combinations of the pesticide and pathogens. Longevity and flight activity of the differentially treated bees were monitored for a period of 18 days. In contrast to previous laboratory studies, no effect of the neonicotinoid treatment on mortality or flight activity could be observed. Although the lifespan of Nosema infected bees were significantly reduced compared to non-infected bees a combination of pesticide and pathogen did not reveal any synergistic effect. Our results indicate that individual bees are less impaired by neonicotinoids if kept within the social environment of the colony. The effect of such a "social buffering" should be considered in future risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Odemer
- Apicultural State Institute, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, 70593, Germany.
| | - Lisa Nilles
- Apicultural State Institute, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, 70593, Germany
| | - Nadine Linder
- Apicultural State Institute, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, 70593, Germany
| | - Peter Rosenkranz
- Apicultural State Institute, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, 70593, Germany
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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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7
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Mendoza Y, Diaz-Cetti S, Ramallo G, Santos E, Porrini M, Invernizzi C. Nosema ceranae Winter Control: Study of the Effectiveness of Different Fumagillin Treatments and Consequences on the Strength of Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 110:1-5. [PMID: 28025388 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tow228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OVERVIEW In Uruguay, colonies of honey bees moving to Eucalyptus grandis plantation in autumn habitually become infected with the microsporidian Nosema ceranae , a parasite that attacks the digestive system of bees. Beekeepers attributed to N. ceranae depopulation of the colonies that often occurs at the end of the blooming period, and many use the antibiotic fumagillin to reduce the level of infection. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of four different fumagillin treatments and determine how this antibiotic affects the strength of the colonies during the winter season. The colonies treated with fumagillin in July showed less spore load at the end of applications, being the most effective the following treatments: the four applications sprayed over bees of 30 mg of fumagillin in 100 ml of sugar syrup 1:1, and four applications of 90 mg of fumagillin in 250 ml of sugar syrup 1:1 using a feeder. However, 2 month after the treatment applications, the colonies treated with fumagillin were the same size as the untreated colonies. In September, the colonies treated and not treated with fumagillin did not differ in colony strength (adult bee population and brood area) or spores abundance. Our study demonstrates that fumagillin treatment temporarily decreased the spore load of N. ceranae , but this was not reflected in either the size of the colonies or the probability of surviving the winter regardless of the dose or the administration strategy applied. Given the results obtained, we suggest to not perform the pharmacological treatment under the conditions described in the experiment. RESUMEN En Uruguay las colonias de abejas melíferas que se trasladan a las forestaciones de Eucalyptus grandis en otoño indefectiblemente se infectan con el microsporido Nosema ceranae , parásito que ataca el sistema digestivo de las abejas. Los apicultores atribuyen a N. ceranae el despoblamiento de las colonias que ocurre con frecuencia al terminar el periodo de floración y muchos emplean el antibiótico fumagilina para reducir el nivel de infección. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la eficacia de cuatro tratamientos diferentes con fumagilina y determinar cómo incide en la fortaleza de las colonias durante la invernada. Las colonias tratadas con fumagilina en julio presentaron una menor carga de esporas al terminar las aplicaciones, siendo los tratamientos más eficaces el de 4 aplicaciones mediante asperjado sobre las abejas de 30 mg de fumagilina en 100 ml de jarabe de azúcar 1:1, y el de 4 aplicaciones de 90 mg de fumagilina en 250 ml de jarabe de azúcar 1:1 utilizando un alimentador. Sin embargo, durante el período de experimentación, las colonias tratadas con antibiótico presentaron igual tamaño que las colonias no tratadas. En setiembre, las colonias tratadas y no tratadas con fumagilina no se diferenciaron en la intensidad de infección ni en su tamaño. En las condiciones en que se realizó el estudio, la aplicación de fumagilina disminuyó temporalmente la carga de esporas de N. ceranae pero esto no se reflejó en el tamaño de las colonias ni en la probabilidad de sobrevivir el invierno.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Mendoza
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Apicultura, Uruguay
| | - S Diaz-Cetti
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Apicultura, Uruguay
| | - G Ramallo
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Apicultura, Uruguay
| | - E Santos
- Sección Etología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - M Porrini
- Departamento de Biología, Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Invernizzi
- Sección Etología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
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8
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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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9
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Piiroinen S, Botías C, Nicholls E, Goulson D. No effect of low-level chronic neonicotinoid exposure on bumblebee learning and fecundity. PeerJ 2016; 4:e1808. [PMID: 27014515 PMCID: PMC4806594 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, many pollinators have declined in abundance and diversity worldwide, presenting a potential threat to agricultural productivity, biodiversity and the functioning of natural ecosystems. One of the most debated factors proposed to be contributing to pollinator declines is exposure to pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, a widely used class of systemic insecticide. Also, newly emerging parasites and diseases, thought to be spread via contact with managed honeybees, may pose threats to other pollinators such as bumblebees. Compared to honeybees, bumblebees could be particularly vulnerable to the effects of stressors due to their smaller and more short-lived colonies. Here, we studied the effect of field-realistic, chronic clothianidin exposure and inoculation with the parasite Nosema ceranae on survival, fecundity, sugar water collection and learning using queenless Bombus terrestris audax microcolonies in the laboratory. Chronic exposure to 1 ppb clothianidin had no significant effects on the traits studied. Interestingly, pesticide exposure in combination with additional stress caused by harnessing bees for Proboscis Extension Response (PER) learning assays, led to an increase in mortality. In contrast to previous findings, the bees did not become infected by N. ceranae after experimental inoculation with the parasite spores, suggesting variability in host resistance or parasite virulence. However, this treatment induced a slight, short-term reduction in sugar water collection, potentially through stimulation of the immune system of the bees. Our results suggest that chronic exposure to 1 ppb clothianidin does not have adverse effects on bumblebee fecundity or learning ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saija Piiroinen
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Botías
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dave Goulson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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10
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Nosema spp. infections cause no energetic stress in tolerant honeybees. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2381-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4988-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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11
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Four Categories of Viral Infection Describe the Health Status of Honey Bee Colonies. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140272. [PMID: 26448627 PMCID: PMC4598008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bee virus prevalence data are an essential prerequisite for managing epidemic events in a population. A survey study was carried out for seven viruses in colonies representing a healthy Danish honey bee population. In addition, colonies from apiaries with high level Varroa infestation or high level of winter mortality were also surveyed. Results from RT-qPCR showed a considerable difference of virus levels between healthy and sick colonies. In the group of healthy colonies, no virus was detected in 36% of cases, while at least one virus was found in each of the sick colonies. Virus titers varied among the samples, and multiple virus infections were common in both groups with a high prevalence of Sacbrood virus (SBV), Black queen cell virus (BQCV) and Deformed wing virus (DWV). Based on the distribution of virus titers, we established four categories of infection: samples free of virus (C = 0), samples with low virus titer (estimated number of virus copies 0 < C < 103), samples with medium virus titer (103 ≤ C < 107) and samples with high virus titer (C ≥ 107). This allowed us to statistically compare virus levels in healthy and sick colonies. Using categories to communicate virus diagnosis results to beekeepers may help them to reach an informed decision on management strategies to prevent further spread of viruses among colonies.
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Grozinger CM, Robinson GE. The power and promise of applying genomics to honey bee health. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 10:124-132. [PMID: 26273565 PMCID: PMC4528376 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
New genomic tools and resources are now being used to both understand honey bee health and develop tools to better manage it. Here, we describe the use of genomic approaches to identify and characterize bee parasites and pathogens, examine interactions among these parasites and pathogens, between them and their bee hosts, and to identify genetic markers for improved breeding of more resilient bee stocks. We also discuss several new genomic techniques that can be used to more efficiently study, monitor and improve bee health. In the case of using RNAi-based technologies to mitigate diseases in bee populations, we highlight advantages, disadvantages and strategies to reduce risk. The increased use of genomic analytical tools and manipulative technologies has already led to significant advances, and holds great promise for improvements in the health of honey bees and other critical pollinator species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Grozinger
- Department of Entomology, Center for Pollinator Research, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16803
| | - Gene E. Robinson
- Department of Entomology, Neuroscience Program, Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 61801
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Schwarz RS, Huang Q, Evans JD. Hologenome theory and the honey bee pathosphere. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 10:1-7. [PMID: 29587997 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent research has provided improved genome-level views of diversity across global honey bee populations, the gut microbiota residing within them, and the expanding pathosphere challenging honey bees. Different combinations of bee/microbiota/pathosphere genome complexes may explain regional variation in apiculture productivity and mortality. To understand this, we must consider management and research approaches in light of a hologenome paradigm: that honey bee fitness is determined by the composite bee and microbiota genomes. Only by considering the hologenome can we truly interpret and address impacts from the pathosphere, pesticides, toxins, nutrition, climate and other stressors affecting bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Schwarz
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - East, Bldg. 306, US Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
| | - Qiang Huang
- Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - East, Bldg. 306, US Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Jay D Evans
- Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center - East, Bldg. 306, US Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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Lattorff HMG, Buchholz J, Fries I, Moritz RFA. A selective sweep in a Varroa destructor resistant honeybee (Apis mellifera) population. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 31:169-76. [PMID: 25660040 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The mite Varroa destructor is one of the most dangerous parasites of the Western honeybee (Apis mellifera) causing enormous colony losses worldwide. Various chemical treatments for the control of the Varroa mite are currently in use, which, however, lead to residues in bee products and often to resistance in mites. This facilitated the exploration of alternative treatment methods and breeding for mite resistant honeybees has been in focus for breeders in many parts of the world with variable results. Another approach has been applied to a honeybee population on Gotland (Sweden) that was exposed to natural selection and survived Varroa-infestation for more than 10years without treatment. Eventually this population became resistant to the parasite by suppressing the reproduction of the mite. A previous QTL mapping study had identified a region on chromosome 7 with major loci contributing to the mite resistance. Here, a microsatellite scan of the significant candidate QTL regions was used to investigate potential footprints of selection in the original population by comparing the study population on Gotland before (2000) and after selection (2007). Genetic drift had caused an extreme loss of genetic diversity in the 2007 population for all genetic markers tested. In addition to this overall reduction of heterozygosity, two loci on chromosome 7 showed an even stronger and significant reduction in diversity than expected from genetic drift alone. Within the selective sweep eleven genes are annotated, one of them being a putative candidate to interfere with reduced mite reproduction. A glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductase (GMCOX18) might be involved in changing volatiles emitted by bee larvae that might be essential to trigger oogenesis in Varroa.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Michael G Lattorff
- Institut für Biologie, Tierphysiologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Domplatz 4, 06099 Halle (Saale), Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Josephine Buchholz
- Institut für Biologie, Molekulare Ökologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, 06099 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ingemar Fries
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7044, Uppsala 750-05, Sweden
| | - Robin F A Moritz
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Institut für Biologie, Molekulare Ökologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 4, 06099 Halle (Saale), Germany; Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
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