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Parrella P, Elikan AB, Snow JW. Pathogen- and host-directed pharmacologic strategies for control of Vairimorpha (Nosema) spp. infection in honey bees. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13026. [PMID: 38572630 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13026] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites of the Fungal Kingdom that cause widespread infections in nature, with important effects on invertebrates involved in food production systems. The two microsporidian species Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae (and the less common Vairimorpha (Nosema) apis) can cause individual disease in honey bees and contribute to colony collapse. The efficacy, safety, and availability of fumagillin, the only drug currently approved to treat microsporidia infection in bees, is uncertain. In this review, we will discuss some of the most promising alternative strategies for the mitigation of Vairimorpha spp. with an emphasis on infection by V. ceranae, now the dominant species infecting bees. We will focus on pharmacologic interventions where the mechanism of action is known and examine both pathogen-directed and host-directed approaches. As limiting toxicity to host cells has been especially emphasized in treating bees that are already facing numerous stressors, strategies that disrupt pathogen-specific targets may be especially advantageous. Therefore, efforts to increase the knowledge and tools for facilitating the discovery of such targets and pharmacologic agents directed against them should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker Parrella
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Jonathan W Snow
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, New York, New York, USA
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2
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Peirson M, Ibrahim A, Ovinge LP, Hoover SE, Guarna MM, Melathopoulos A, Pernal SF. The effects of protein supplementation, fumagillin treatment, and colony management on the productivity and long-term survival of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0288953. [PMID: 38489327 PMCID: PMC10942092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we intensively measured the longitudinal productivity and survival of 362 commercially managed honey bee colonies in Canada, over a two-year period. A full factorial experimental design was used, whereby two treatments were repeated across apiaries situated in three distinct geographic regions: Northern Alberta, Southern Alberta and Prince Edward Island, each having unique bee management strategies. In the protein supplemented treatment, colonies were continuously provided a commercial protein supplement containing 25% w/w pollen, in addition to any feed normally provided by beekeepers in that region. In the fumagillin treatment, colonies were treated with the label dose of Fumagilin-B® each year during the fall. Neither treatment provided consistent benefits across all sites and dates. Fumagillin was associated with a large increase in honey production only at the Northern Alberta site, while protein supplementation produced an early season increase in brood production only at the Southern Alberta site. The protein supplement provided no long-lasting benefit at any site and was also associated with an increased risk of death and decreased colony size later in the study. Differences in colony survival and productivity among regions, and among colonies within beekeeping operations, were far larger than the effects of either treatment, suggesting that returns from extra feed supplements and fumagillin were highly contextually dependent. We conclude that use of fumagillin is safe and sometimes beneficial, but that beekeepers should only consider excess protein supplementation when natural forage is limiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Peirson
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Abdullah Ibrahim
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lynae P. Ovinge
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lethbridge Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shelley E. Hoover
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lethbridge Research Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - M. Marta Guarna
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andony Melathopoulos
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Stephen F. Pernal
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada
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3
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MacInnis CI, Luong LT, Pernal SF. A tale of two parasites: Responses of honey bees infected with Nosema ceranae and Lotmaria passim. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22515. [PMID: 38110440 PMCID: PMC10728187 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49189-9] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae and Lotmaria passim are two commonly encountered digestive tract parasites of the honey bee that have been associated with colony losses in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Though honey bees can be co-infected with these parasites, we still lack basic information regarding how they impact bee health at the individual and colony level. Using locally-isolated parasite strains, we investigated the effect of single and co-infections of these parasites on individual honey bee survival, and their responsiveness to sucrose. Results showed that a single N. ceranae infection is more virulent than both single L. passim infections and co-infections. Honey bees singly infected with N. ceranae reached < 50% survival eight days earlier than those inoculated with L. passim alone, and four days earlier than those inoculated with both parasites. Honey bees infected with either one, or both, parasites had increased responsiveness to sucrose compared to uninfected bees, which could correspond to higher levels of hunger and increased energetic stress. Together, these findings suggest that N. ceranae and L. passim pose threats to bee health, and that the beekeeping industry should monitor for both parasites in an effort correlate pathogen status with changes in colony-level productivity and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney I MacInnis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, P.O. Box 29, Beaverlodge, AB, T0H 0C0, Canada.
| | - Lien T Luong
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Stephen F Pernal
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, P.O. Box 29, Beaverlodge, AB, T0H 0C0, Canada.
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Martinez A, Calhoun AC, Sadd BM. Investigating the influence of diet diversity on infection outcomes in a bumble bee ( Bombus impatiens) and microsporidian ( Nosema bombi) host-pathogen system. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 3:1207058. [PMID: 38469464 PMCID: PMC10926413 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2023.1207058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Diet can have an array of both direct and indirect effects on an organism's health and fitness, which can influence the outcomes of host-pathogen interactions. Land use changes, which could impact diet quantity and quality, have imposed foraging stress on important natural and agricultural pollinators. Diet related stress could exacerbate existing negative impacts of pathogen infection. Accounting for most of its nutritional intake in terms of protein and many micronutrients, pollen can influence bee health through changes in immunity, infection, and various aspects of individual and colony fitness. We investigate how adult pollen consumption, pollen type, and pollen diversity influence bumble bee Bombus impatiens survival and infection outcomes for a microsporidian pathogen Nosema (Vairimorpha) bombi. Experimental pathogen exposures of larvae occurred in microcolonies and newly emerged adult workers were given one of three predominantly monofloral, polyfloral, or no pollen diets. Workers were assessed for size, pollen consumption, infection 8-days following adult-eclosion, survival, and the presence of extracellular microsporidian spores at death. Pollen diet treatment, specifically absence of pollen, and infection independently reduced survival, but we saw no effects of pollen, pollen type, or pollen diet diversity on infection outcomes. The latter suggests infection outcomes were likely already set, prior to differential diets. Although infection outcomes were not altered by pollen diet in our study, it highlights both pathogen infection and pollen availability as important for bumble bee health, and these factors may interact at different stages of bumble bee development, at the colony level, or under different dietary regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ben M. Sadd
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, United States
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Carvajal RI, Silva-Mieres F, Ilabaca A, Rocha J, Arellano-Arriagada L, Zuniga Arbalti FA, García-Cancino A. Isolation and characterization of Lactobacillus casei A14.2, a strain with immunomodulating activity on Apis mellifera. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103612. [PMID: 36936701 PMCID: PMC10020679 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the economic and environmental role played by bees and their present threats it is necessary to develop food supplements favoring their health. The aim of this work was to isolate and characterize an immunomodulating probiotic capable to improve the health of honeybee colonies. For this purpose, bacterial strains were isolated from Apis mellifera bees (N = 180) obtained at three apiaries. A total of 44 strains were isolated and 9 of them were identified as Lactobacillus having the capacity to grow under saccharose osmotic stress, at pH 4.0 and possessing a wide susceptibility to antibiotics. Results allowed to select two strains but finally only one of them, strain A14.2 showed a very significant immunomodulating activity. This strain increased the expression of mRNA codifying the antimicrobial peptides 24 h post-administration. We evaluated its growth kinetics under aerobic and microaerobic conditions and its survival in the presence of high concentrations of saccharose. Results demonstrated that Lactobacillus casei A14.2 strain was highly tolerant to oxygen and that it was able to adapt to saccharose enriched environments (50% and 100% w/v). Finally, L. casei A14.2 strain was administered monthly during summer and early fall to 4 honeybee colonies (2 controls and 2 treatments). The results showed a gradual sustained decrease of infestation (p < 0.05) by the pathogenic Nosema spp. but no reduction in the infestation by the mite Varroa destructor. These results suggest that the administration of this potential probiotic, may increase the resistance of honeybee colonies to infectious diseases caused by Nosema spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina I. Carvajal
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede Concepción, Lientur 1457, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Fabiola Silva-Mieres
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Center for Excellence in Translational Medicine (CEMT), Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
| | - Alejandra Ilabaca
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Jorge Rocha
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Luciano Arellano-Arriagada
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Felipe A. Zuniga Arbalti
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - Apolinaria García-Cancino
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Víctor Lamas 1290, Concepción 4030000, Chile
- Corresponding author.
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Honey bees reared in isolation adhere to normal age-related division of labor when reintroduced into a colony. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Gekière A, Michez D, Vanderplanck M. Bumble Bee Breeding on Artificial Pollen Substitutes. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:1423-1431. [PMID: 36000563 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bumble bees are important pollinators for many temperate crops. Because of the growing demand for food from entomophilous crops, bumble bee colonies are commercially reared and placed in fields or greenhouses to guarantee sufficient pollination services. Besides, commercial colonies are increasingly used in laboratories for various bioassays under controlled conditions. For both usages, bumble bee colonies are commonly provided with sugar solution and honey bee-collected pollen pellets. However, the latter display several disadvantages since they may contain pollutants, pathogens, or toxic phytochemicals. Consequently, companies have developed pollen-free artificial diets to sustain colonies. Such diets are designed to boost worker health in the field, in complement of floral pollen collected by workers outside the colonies, but their suitability in 'closed' systems without access to floral pollen, such as in laboratory bioassays, is arguable. Here, we used microcolonies of the commercially important bumble bee Bombus terrestris L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) to assess the suitability of five artificial pollen substitutes and three mixed diets. We also assessed the evaporation rate of the different diets as it could impact their suitability. At the end of the bioassays, microcolonies fed the artificial diets showed a reduced offspring development when compared to microcolonies fed natural pollen, which was partly offset by mixing these diets with natural pollen. By contrast, the artificial diets did not have deleterious effects on worker's health. We discuss the potential nutritional and physical causes of artificial diets unsuitability for offspring development and encourage further research to accordingly establish appropriate pollen-free diets for bumble bee breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Gekière
- Laboratory de Zoology, Research institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Denis Michez
- Laboratory de Zoology, Research institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
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Noordyke ER, Ellis JD. Reviewing the Efficacy of Pollen Substitutes as a Management Tool for Improving the Health and Productivity of Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Colonies. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.772897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Western honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) collect pollen from flowers as their source of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Beekeepers feed pollen substitutes to their honey bee colonies to mitigate a lack of natural pollen resources in the environment. Despite their widespread use, it is unclear if pollen substitutes are beneficial to colony health and productivity. Herein, we review the literature regarding pollen substitute efficacy in four major categories: (1) consumption/palatability of pollen substitutes, (2) colony productivity, (3) pest and disease response, and (4) physiological response. Collectively, the literature shows a mix of positive, neutral, and negative impacts of pollen substitutes on honey bee colony health. Additionally, we recommend areas for improvement in pollen substitute research. We hope this review will lead to more research on pollen substitutes given nutrition is a key factor impacting the health of managed honey bees globally.
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Zhang Y, Su M, Wang L, Huang S, Su S, Huang WF. Vairimorpha ( Nosema) ceranae Infection Alters Honey Bee Microbiota Composition and Sustains the Survival of Adult Honey Bees. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10090905. [PMID: 34571782 PMCID: PMC8464679 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The gut microbiota, in addition to the hosts and the pathogens, has become the third factor involved in gut disease developments, including honey bees. Interestingly, various studies reported positive associations between the gut bacteria and the most commonly found microsporidian pathogen instead of negative associations. To investigate the positive associations, a prebiotic that also exists in honey was added in the trials. Bees fed the prebiotics have slightly higher pathogen counts but lower mortalities. Microbiota analyses suggested that bees with the infection have a microbiota composition similar to that of bees with a longer lifespan, and the prebiotic seemed to enhance the similarities. Since microsporidia typically cause chronic infections, the positive associations may serve to sustain the host lifespans which is the optimal outcome for the pathogen that the survived bees can withstand pathogen proliferation and transmit the pathogens. Although the mechanisms underlying the associations were not revealed, this study indicated that nosema disease management in bees through changes in microbiota may shorten the lifespans or enhance both the infection and the bee population. Such results have appeared in recent field studies. More studies will be needed for the disease management using bee gut microbiota. Abstract Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae is the most common eukaryotic gut pathogen in honey bees. Infection is typically chronic but may result in mortality. Gut microbiota is a factor that was recently noted for gut infectious disease development. Interestingly, studies identified positive, instead of negative, associations between core bacteria of honey bee microbiota and V. ceranae infection. To investigate the effects of the positive associations, we added isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), a prebiotic sugar also found in honey, to enhance the positive associations, and we then investigated the infection and the gut microbiota alterations using qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that infected bees fed IMO had significantly higher V. ceranae spore counts but lower mortalities. In microbiota comparisons, V. ceranae infections alone significantly enhanced the overall microbiota population in the honey bee hindgut and feces; all monitored core bacteria significantly increased in the quantities but not all in the population ratios. The microbiota alterations caused by the infection were enhanced with IMO, and these alterations were similar to the differences found in bees that naturally have longer lifespans. Although our results did not clarify the causations of the positive associations between the infections and microbiota, the associations seemed to sustain the host survival and benefit the pathogen. Enhancing indigenous gut microbe to control nosema disease may result in an increment of bee populations but not the control of the pathogen. This interaction between the pathogen and microbiota potentially enhances disease transmission and avoids the social immune responses that diseased bees die prematurely to curb the disease from spreading within colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakun Zhang
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.Z.); (M.S.); (L.W.); (S.H.); (S.S.)
| | - Meiling Su
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.Z.); (M.S.); (L.W.); (S.H.); (S.S.)
| | - Long Wang
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.Z.); (M.S.); (L.W.); (S.H.); (S.S.)
| | - Shaokang Huang
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.Z.); (M.S.); (L.W.); (S.H.); (S.S.)
- Fujian Honey Bee Biology Observation Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Songkun Su
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.Z.); (M.S.); (L.W.); (S.H.); (S.S.)
| | - Wei-Fone Huang
- College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.Z.); (M.S.); (L.W.); (S.H.); (S.S.)
- Fujian Honey Bee Biology Observation Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Correspondence:
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Gómez-Moracho T, Durand T, Pasquaretta C, Heeb P, Lihoreau M. Artificial Diets Modulate Infection Rates by Nosema ceranae in Bumblebees. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010158. [PMID: 33445614 PMCID: PMC7827189 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites alter the physiology and behaviour of their hosts. In domestic honey bees, the microsporidia Nosema ceranae induces energetic stress that impairs the behaviour of foragers, potentially leading to colony collapse. Whether this parasite similarly affects wild pollinators is little understood because of the low success rates of experimental infection protocols. Here, we present a new approach for infecting bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) with controlled amounts of N. ceranae by briefly exposing individual bumblebees to parasite spores before feeding them with artificial diets. We validated our protocol by testing the effect of two spore dosages and two diets varying in their protein to carbohydrate ratio on the prevalence of the parasite (proportion of PCR-positive bumblebees), the intensity of parasites (spore count in the gut and the faeces), and the survival of bumblebees. Overall, insects fed a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet showed the highest parasite prevalence (up to 70%) but lived the longest, suggesting that immunity and survival are maximised at different protein to carbohydrate ratios. Spore dosage did not affect parasite infection rate and host survival. The identification of experimental conditions for successfully infecting bumblebees with N. ceranae in the lab will facilitate future investigations of the sub-lethal effects of this parasite on the behaviour and cognition of wild pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Gómez-Moracho
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), CNRS, University Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France; (T.D.); (C.P.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tristan Durand
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), CNRS, University Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France; (T.D.); (C.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Cristian Pasquaretta
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), CNRS, University Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France; (T.D.); (C.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Philipp Heeb
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR 5174 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paul Sabatier, ENSFEA, 31062 Toulouse, France;
| | - Mathieu Lihoreau
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), CNRS, University Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France; (T.D.); (C.P.); (M.L.)
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11
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Al Naggar Y, Paxton RJ. The novel insecticides flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor do not act synergistically with viral pathogens in reducing honey bee (Apis mellifera) survival but sulfoxaflor modulates host immunocompetence. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:227-240. [PMID: 32985125 PMCID: PMC7888445 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The decline of insect pollinators threatens global food security. A major potential cause of decline is considered to be the interaction between environmental stressors, particularly between exposure to pesticides and pathogens. To explore pesticide-pathogen interactions in an important pollinator insect, the honey bee, we used two new nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist insecticides (nACHRs), flupyradifurone (FPF) and sulfoxaflor (SULF), at sublethal and field-realistic doses in a fully crossed experimental design with three common viral honey bee pathogens, Black queen cell virus (BQCV) and Deformed wing virus (DWV) genotypes A and B. Through laboratory experiments in which treatments were administered singly or in combination to individual insects, we recorded harmful effects of FPF and pathogens on honey bee survival and immune gene expression. Though we found no evidence of synergistic interactions among stressors on either honey bee survival or viral load, the combined treatment SULF and DWV-B led to a synergistic upregulation of dicer-like gene expression. We conclude that common viral pathogens pose a major threat to honey bees, while co-exposure to these novel nACHR insecticides does not significantly exacerbate viral impacts on host survival in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya Al Naggar
- General ZoologyInstitute for BiologyMartin Luther University Halle‐WittenbergHoher Weg 8Halle (Saale)06120Germany
- Zoology DepartmentFaculty of ScienceTanta UniversityTanta31527Egypt
| | - Robert J. Paxton
- General ZoologyInstitute for BiologyMartin Luther University Halle‐WittenbergHoher Weg 8Halle (Saale)06120Germany
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Ostroverkhova NV. Association between the Microsatellite Ap243, AC117 and SV185 Polymorphisms and Nosema Disease in the Dark Forest Bee Apis mellifera mellifera. Vet Sci 2020; 8:vetsci8010002. [PMID: 33383841 PMCID: PMC7823830 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidian Nosema parasites, primarily Nosema ceranae, remain critical threats to the health of the honey bee Apis mellifera. One promising intervention approach is the breeding of Nosema-resistant honey bee colonies using molecular technologies, for example marker-assisted selection (MAS). For this, specific genetic markers used in bee selection should be developed. The objective of the paper is to search for associations between some microsatellite markers and Nosema disease in a dark forest bee Apis mellifera mellifera. For the dark forest bee, the most promising molecular genetic markers for determining resistance to nosemosis are microsatellite loci AC117, Ap243 and SV185, the alleles of which (“177”, “263” and “269”, respectively) were associated with a low level of Nosema infection. This article is the first associative study aimed at finding DNA loci of resistance to nosemosis in the dark forest bee. Nevertheless, microsatellite markers identified can be used to predict the risk of developing the Nosema disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda V. Ostroverkhova
- Invertebrate Zoology Department, Biology Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, 36 Lenina Avenue, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; ; Tel.: +7-3822-529-461
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Siberian State Medical University, 2 Moskovsky Trakt, 634055 Tomsk, Russia
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Jousse C, Dalle C, Abila A, Traikia M, Diogon M, Lyan B, El Alaoui H, Vidau C, Delbac F. A combined LC-MS and NMR approach to reveal metabolic changes in the hemolymph of honeybees infected by the gut parasite Nosema ceranae. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 176:107478. [PMID: 33027624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is an emerging and invasive gut pathogen in Apis mellifera and is considered as a factor contributing to the decline of honeybee populations. Here, we used a combined LC-MS and NMR approach to reveal the metabolomics changes in the hemolymph of honeybees infected by this obligate intracellular parasite. For metabolic profiling, hemolymph samples were collected from both uninfected and N. ceranae-infected bees at two time points, 2 days and 10 days after the experimental infection of emergent bees. Hemolymph samples were individually analyzed by LC-MS, whereas each NMR spectrum was obtained from a pool of three hemolymphs. Multivariate statistical PLS-DA models clearly showed that the age of bees was the parameter with the strongest effect on the metabolite profiles. Interestingly, a total of 15 biomarkers were accurately identified and were assigned as candidate biomarkers representative of infection alone or combined effect of age and infection. These biomarkers included carbohydrates (α/β glucose, α/β fructose and hexosamine), amino acids (histidine and proline), dipeptides (Glu-Thr, Cys-Cys and γ-Glu-Leu/Ile), metabolites involved in lipid metabolism (choline, glycerophosphocholine and O-phosphorylethanolamine) and a polyamine compound (spermidine). Our study demonstrated that this untargeted metabolomics-based approach may be useful for a better understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of the honeybee infection by N. ceranae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Jousse
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Sigma-Clermont, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Plateforme d'Exploration du Métabolisme, Université Clermont Auvergne & I.N.R.A site de Theix, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Céline Dalle
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Sigma-Clermont, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Plateforme d'Exploration du Métabolisme, Université Clermont Auvergne & I.N.R.A site de Theix, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Angélique Abila
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Sigma-Clermont, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Plateforme d'Exploration du Métabolisme, Université Clermont Auvergne & I.N.R.A site de Theix, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mounir Traikia
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Sigma-Clermont, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Plateforme d'Exploration du Métabolisme, Université Clermont Auvergne & I.N.R.A site de Theix, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marie Diogon
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Laboratoire "Microorganismes : Génome et Environnement", F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bernard Lyan
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Sigma-Clermont, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Plateforme d'Exploration du Métabolisme, Université Clermont Auvergne & I.N.R.A site de Theix, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hicham El Alaoui
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Laboratoire "Microorganismes : Génome et Environnement", F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cyril Vidau
- ITSAP, UMT PrADE, Inra - Acta, 228 route de l'aérodrome, F-84000 Avignon, France(1)
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Laboratoire "Microorganismes : Génome et Environnement", F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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14
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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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15
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Daisley BA, Chmiel JA, Pitek AP, Thompson GJ, Reid G. Missing Microbes in Bees: How Systematic Depletion of Key Symbionts Erodes Immunity. Trends Microbiol 2020; 28:1010-1021. [PMID: 32680791 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pesticide exposure, infectious disease, and nutritional stress contribute to honey bee mortality and a high rate of colony loss. This realization has fueled a decades-long investigation into the single and combined effects of each stressor and their overall bearing on insect physiology. However, one element largely missing from this research effort has been the evaluation of underlying microbial communities in resisting environmental stressors and their influence on host immunity and disease tolerance. In humans, multigenerational bombardment by antibiotics is linked with many contemporary diseases. Here, we draw a parallel conclusion for the case in honey bees and suggest that chronic exposure to antimicrobial xenobiotics can systematically deplete honey bees of their microbes and hamper cross-generational preservation of host-adapted symbionts that are crucial to health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan A Daisley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada; Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics Research, London, ON, N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - John A Chmiel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada; Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics Research, London, ON, N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Andrew P Pitek
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Graham J Thompson
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Gregor Reid
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada; Canadian Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotics Research, London, ON, N6C 2R5, Canada; Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada.
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16
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Gage SL, Calle S, Jacobson N, Carroll M, DeGrandi-Hoffman G. Pollen Alters Amino Acid Levels in the Honey Bee Brain and This Relationship Changes With Age and Parasitic Stress. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:231. [PMID: 32265638 PMCID: PMC7105889 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pollen nutrition is necessary for proper growth and development of adult honey bees. Yet, it is unclear how pollen affects the honey bee brain and behavior. We investigated whether pollen affects amino acids in the brains of caged, nurse-aged bees, and what the behavioral consequences might be. We also tested whether parasitic stress altered this relationship by analyzing bees infected with prevalent stressor, Nosema ceranae. Levels of 18 amino acids in individual honey bee brains were measured using Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry at two different ages (Day 7 and Day 11). We then employed the proboscis extension reflex to test odor learning and memory. We found that the honey bee brain was highly responsive to pollen. Many amino acids in the brain were elevated and were present at higher concentration with age. The majority of these amino acids were non-essential. Without pollen, levels of amino acids remained consistent, or declined. Nosema-infected bees showed a different profile. Infection altered amino acid levels in a pollen-dependent manner. The majority of amino acids were lower when pollen was given, but higher when pollen was deprived. Odor learning and memory was not affected by feeding pollen to uninfected bees; but pollen did improve performance in Nosema-infected bees. These results suggest that pollen in early adulthood continues to shape amino acid levels in the brain with age, which may affect neural circuitry and behavior over time. Parasitic stress by N. ceranae modifies this relationship revealing an interaction between infection, pollen nutrition, and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Gage
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Samantha Calle
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Natalia Jacobson
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Mark Carroll
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Gloria DeGrandi-Hoffman
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Tucson, AZ, United States
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17
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Walsh EM, Sweet S, Knap A, Ing N, Rangel J. Queen honey bee (Apis mellifera) pheromone and reproductive behavior are affected by pesticide exposure during development. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-020-2810-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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18
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Daisley BA, Pitek AP, Chmiel JA, Al KF, Chernyshova AM, Faragalla KM, Burton JP, Thompson GJ, Reid G. Novel probiotic approach to counter Paenibacillus larvae infection in honey bees. THE ISME JOURNAL 2020; 14:476-491. [PMID: 31664160 PMCID: PMC6976702 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-019-0541-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
American foulbrood (AFB) is a highly virulent disease afflicting honey bees (Apis mellifera). The causative organism, Paenibacillus larvae, attacks honey bee brood and renders entire hives dysfunctional during active disease states, but more commonly resides in hives asymptomatically as inactive spores that elude even vigilant beekeepers. The mechanism of this pathogenic transition is not fully understood, and no cure exists for AFB. Here, we evaluated how hive supplementation with probiotic lactobacilli (delivered through a nutrient patty; BioPatty) affected colony resistance towards a naturally occurring AFB outbreak. Results demonstrated a significantly lower pathogen load and proteolytic activity of honey bee larvae from BioPatty-treated hives. Interestingly, a distinctive shift in the microbiota composition of adult nurse bees occurred irrespective of treatment group during the monitoring period, but only vehicle-supplemented nurse bees exhibited higher P. larvae loads. In vitro experiments utilizing laboratory-reared honey bee larvae showed Lactobacillus plantarum Lp39, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, and Lactobacillus kunkeei BR-1 (contained in the BioPatty) could reduce pathogen load, upregulate expression of key immune genes, and improve survival during P. larvae infection. These findings suggest the usage of a lactobacilli-containing hive supplement, which is practical and affordable for beekeepers, may be effective for reducing enzootic pathogen-related hive losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan A Daisley
- Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotic Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew P Pitek
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - John A Chmiel
- Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotic Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kait F Al
- Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotic Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Anna M Chernyshova
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jeremy P Burton
- Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotic Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Graham J Thompson
- Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Gregor Reid
- Centre for Human Microbiome and Probiotic Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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19
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Smart MD, Otto CRV, Lundgren JG. Nutritional status of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) workers across an agricultural land-use gradient. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16252. [PMID: 31700140 PMCID: PMC6838345 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52485-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Land use, habitat, and forage quality have emerged as critical factors influencing the health, productivity, and survival of honey bee colonies. However, characterization of the mechanistic relationship between differential land-use conditions and ultimate outcomes for honey bee colonies has been elusive. We assessed the physiological health of individual worker honey bees in colonies stationed across a gradient of agricultural land use to ask whether indicators of nutritional physiology including glycogen, total sugar, lipids, and protein were associated with land-use conditions over the growing season and colony population size the subsequent spring during almond pollination. Across the observed land-use gradient, we found that September lipid levels related to growing-season land use, with honey bees from apiaries surrounded by more favorable land covers such as grassland, pasture, conservation land, and fallow fields having greater lipid reserves. Further, we observed a significant relationship between total protein during September and population size of colonies during almond pollination the following February. We demonstrate and discuss the utility of quantifying nutritional biomarkers to infer land-use quality and predict colony population size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Smart
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND, 58401, USA.
- University of Nebraska, Department of Entomology, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
| | - Clint R V Otto
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND, 58401, USA
| | - Jonathan G Lundgren
- Ecdysis Foundation and the Blue Dasher Farm Initiative, 46958 188th St, Estelline, SD, 57234, USA
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20
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Burnham AJ. Scientific Advances in Controlling Nosema ceranae ( Microsporidia) Infections in Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera). Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:79. [PMID: 30931319 PMCID: PMC6428737 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are agriculturally important pollinators that have been recently at risk to severe colony losses. A variety of parasites and pathogens have been linked to colony decline, including the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae. While fumagillin has been used to control nosemosis in managed honey bee colonies for decades, research shows that this antibiotic poses a toxic threat and that its efficacy against N. ceranae is uncertain. There is certainly a demand for a new veterinary medication to treat honey bee colonies infected with N. ceranae. In this review, recent scientific advances in controlling N. ceranae infections in honey bees are summarized.
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21
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Mortensen AN, Jack CJ, Bustamante TA, Schmehl DR, Ellis JD. Effects of Supplemental Pollen Feeding on Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colony Strength and Nosema spp. Infection. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 112:60-66. [PMID: 30388242 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toy341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Beekeepers commonly supplement honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies' nutrition with commercial pollen and nectar substitutes in an effort to encourage growth and reduce colony losses. However, there is a broad lack of understanding regarding the extent to which supplemental protein feeding affects honey bee colony health. We conducted a field study to determine if feeding protein substitutes affected colony strength and Nosema spp. spore intensity in commercially managed honey bee colonies. Seventy-five honey bee colonies were randomly assigned to one of six treatments (no supplemental protein, one of four commercially available protein supplements, or wildflower pollen supplement). The number of adult bees, the number of capped brood cells, and Nosema intensity were assessed prior to-, 4 wk post-, and 8 wk post-treatment. There was an overall decrease in Nosema intensity across all treatments over time. However, there were no statistically detectable differences in colony strength or Nosema intensity between any of the pollen feeding treatments and those of the negative control treatment. Thus far, multiple investigations regarding supplemental protein feeding have failed to provide a clear consensus on the impact that this practice has on honey bee colony strength or productivity. Additional research is needed to determine the impact, if any, that diet supplementation, including microbial and nutritional supplements, has on colony health, to better inform beekeepers' management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Mortensen
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Building, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL
| | - Cameron J Jack
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Building, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL
| | - Tomas A Bustamante
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Building, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL
| | - Daniel R Schmehl
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Building, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL
| | - James D Ellis
- Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, Entomology & Nematology Department, University of Florida, Building, Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL
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22
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Azzouz-Olden F, Hunt A, DeGrandi-Hoffman G. Transcriptional response of honey bee (Apis mellifera) to differential nutritional status and Nosema infection. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:628. [PMID: 30134827 PMCID: PMC6106827 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bees are confronting several environmental challenges, including the intermingled effects of malnutrition and disease. Intuitively, pollen is the healthiest nutritional choice, however, commercial substitutes, such as Bee-Pro and MegaBee, are widely used. Herein we examined how feeding natural and artificial diets shapes transcription in the abdomen of the honey bee, and how transcription shifts in combination with Nosema parasitism. Results Gene ontology enrichment revealed that, compared with poor diet (carbohydrates [C]), bees fed pollen (P > C), Bee-Pro (B > C), and MegaBee (M > C) showed a broad upregulation of metabolic processes, especially lipids; however, pollen feeding promoted more functions, and superior proteolysis. The superiority of the pollen diet was also evident through the remarkable overexpression of vitellogenin in bees fed pollen instead of MegaBee or Bee-Pro. Upregulation of bioprocesses under carbohydrates feeding compared to pollen (C > P) provided a clear poor nutritional status, uncovering stark expression changes that were slight or absent relatively to Bee-Pro (C > B) or MegaBee (C > M). Poor diet feeding (C > P) induced starvation response genes and hippo signaling pathway, while it repressed growth through different mechanisms. Carbohydrate feeding (C > P) also elicited ‘adult behavior’, and developmental processes suggesting transition to foraging. Finally, it altered the ‘circadian rhythm’, reflecting the role of this mechanism in the adaptation to nutritional stress in mammals. Nosema-infected bees fed pollen compared to carbohydrates (PN > CN) upheld certain bioprocesses of uninfected bees (P > C). Poor nutritional status was more apparent against pollen (CN > PN) than Bee-Pro (CN > BN) or MegaBee (CN > MN). Nosema accentuated the effects of malnutrition since more starvation-response genes and stress response mechanisms were upregulated in CN > PN compared to C > P. The bioprocess ‘Macromolecular complex assembly’ was also enriched in CN > PN, and involved genes associated with human HIV and/or influenza, thus providing potential candidates for bee-Nosema interactions. Finally, the enzyme Duox emerged as essential for guts defense in bees, similarly to Drosophila. Conclusions These results provide evidence of the superior nutritional status of bees fed pollen instead of artificial substitutes in terms of overall health, even in the presence of a pathogen. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5007-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arthur Hunt
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
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23
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The effects of artificial rearing environment on the behavior of adult honey bees, Apis mellifera L. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2507-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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24
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Paris L, El Alaoui H, Delbac F, Diogon M. Effects of the gut parasite Nosema ceranae on honey bee physiology and behavior. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 26:149-154. [PMID: 29764655 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2018.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The common and widespread parasite Nosema ceranae is considered a major threat to the Western honey bee at both the individual and colony levels. Several studies demonstrated that infection by this parasite may affect physiology, behavior, and survival of honey bees. N. ceranae infection impairs midgut integrity and alters the energy demand in honey bees. The infection can also significantly suppress the bee immune response and modify pheromone production in worker and queen honey bees leading to precocious foraging. However, the presence of N. ceranae is not systematically associated with colony weakening and honey bee mortality. This variability depends upon parasite or host genetics, nutrition, climate or interactions with other stressors such as environmental contaminants or other parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurianne Paris
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LMGE, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hicham El Alaoui
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LMGE, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LMGE, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Marie Diogon
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LMGE, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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25
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Gage SL, Kramer C, Calle S, Carroll M, Heien M, DeGrandi-Hoffman G. Nosema ceranae parasitism impacts olfactory learning and memory and neurochemistry in honey bees ( Apis mellifera). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.161489. [PMID: 29361577 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.161489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nosema sp. is an internal parasite of the honey bee, Apis mellifera, and one of the leading contributors to colony losses worldwide. This parasite is found in the honey bee midgut and has profound consequences for the host's physiology. Nosema sp. impairs foraging performance in honey bees, yet, it is unclear whether this parasite affects the bee's neurobiology. In this study, we examined whether Nosema sp. affects odor learning and memory and whether the brains of parasitized bees show differences in amino acids and biogenic amines. We took newly emerged bees and fed them with Nosema ceranae At approximate nurse and forager ages, we employed an odor-associative conditioning assay using the proboscis extension reflex and two bioanalytical techniques to measure changes in brain chemistry. We found that nurse-aged bees infected with N. ceranae significantly outperformed controls in odor learning and memory, suggestive of precocious foraging, but by forager age, infected bees showed deficits in learning and memory. We also detected significant differences in amino acid concentrations, some of which were age specific, as well as altered serotonin, octopamine, dopamine and l-dopa concentrations in the brains of parasitized bees. These findings suggest that N. ceranae infection affects honey bee neurobiology and may compromise behavioral tasks. These results yield new insight into the host-parasite dynamic of honey bees and N. ceranae, as well as the neurochemistry of odor learning and memory under normal and parasitic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Gage
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA .,Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Catherine Kramer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Samantha Calle
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Mark Carroll
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Michael Heien
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Gloria DeGrandi-Hoffman
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA.,Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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26
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de Mattos IM, Soares AEE, Tarpy DR. Mitigating effects of pollen during paraquat exposure on gene expression and pathogen prevalence in Apis mellifera L. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:32-44. [PMID: 29067534 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-017-1868-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) populations have been experiencing notable mortality in Europe and North America. No single cause has been identified for these dramatic losses, but rather multiple interacting factors are likely responsible (such as pesticides, malnutrition, habitat loss, and pathogens). Paraquat is one of the most widely used non-selective herbicides, especially in developing countries. This herbicide is considered slightly toxic to honey bees, despite being reported as a highly effective inducer of oxidative stress in a wide range of living systems. Here, we test the effects of paraquat on the expression of detoxification and antioxidant-related genes, as well as on the dynamics of pathogen titers. Moreover, we tested the effects of pollen as mitigating factor to paraquat exposure. Our results show significant changes in the expression of several antioxidant-related and detoxification-related genes in the presence of paraquat, as well as an increase of pathogens titers. Finally, we demonstrate a mitigating effect of pollen through the up-regulation of specific genes and improvement of survival of bees exposed to paraquat. The presence of pollen in the diet was also correlated with a reduced prevalence of Nosema and viral pathogens. We discuss the importance of honey bees' nutrition, especially the availability of pollen, on colony losses chronically reported in the USA and Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Medici de Mattos
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14.049-900, Brazil.
| | - Ademilson E E Soares
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14.049-900, Brazil
| | - David R Tarpy
- Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
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Glavinic U, Stankovic B, Draskovic V, Stevanovic J, Petrovic T, Lakic N, Stanimirovic Z. Dietary amino acid and vitamin complex protects honey bee from immunosuppression caused by Nosema ceranae. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187726. [PMID: 29117233 PMCID: PMC5678887 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidium Nosema ceranae is well known for exerting a negative impact on honey bee health, including down-regulation of immunoregulatory genes. Protein nutrition has been proven to have beneficial effects on bee immunity and other aspects of bee health. Bearing this in mind, the aim of our study was to evaluate the potential of a dietary amino acid and vitamin complex “BEEWELL AminoPlus” to protect honey bees from immunosuppression induced by N. ceranae. In a laboratory experiment bees were infected with N. ceranae and treated with supplement on first, third, sixth and ninth day after emergence. The expression of genes for immune-related peptides (abaecin, apidaecin, hymenoptaecin, defensin and vitellogenin) was compared between groups. The results revealed significantly lower (p<0.01 or p<0.001) numbers of Nosema spores in supplemented groups than in the control especially on day 12 post infection. With the exception of abacein, the expression levels of immune-related peptides were significantly suppressed (p<0.01 or p<0.001) in control group on the 12th day post infection, compared to bees that received the supplement. It was supposed that N. ceranae had a negative impact on bee immunity and that the tested amino acid and vitamin complex modified the expression of immune-related genes in honey bees compromised by infection, suggesting immune-stimulation that reflects in the increase in resistance to diseases and reduced bee mortality. The supplement exerted best efficacy when applied simultaneously with Nosema infection, which can help us to assume the most suitable period for its application in the hive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uros Glavinic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- * E-mail:
| | - Biljana Stankovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Draskovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jevrosima Stevanovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tamas Petrovic
- Scientific Veterinary Institute “Novi Sad”, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nada Lakic
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran Stanimirovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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28
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Zhu K, Liu M, Fu Z, Zhou Z, Kong Y, Liang H, Lin Z, Luo J, Zheng H, Wan P, Zhang J, Zen K, Chen J, Hu F, Zhang CY, Ren J, Chen X. Plant microRNAs in larval food regulate honeybee caste development. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006946. [PMID: 28859085 PMCID: PMC5578494 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The major environmental determinants of honeybee caste development come from larval nutrients: royal jelly stimulates the differentiation of larvae into queens, whereas beebread leads to worker bee fate. However, these determinants are not fully characterized. Here we report that plant RNAs, particularly miRNAs, which are more enriched in beebread than in royal jelly, delay development and decrease body and ovary size in honeybees, thereby preventing larval differentiation into queens and inducing development into worker bees. Mechanistic studies reveal that amTOR, a stimulatory gene in caste differentiation, is the direct target of miR162a. Interestingly, the same effect also exists in non-social Drosophila. When such plant RNAs and miRNAs are fed to Drosophila larvae, they cause extended developmental times and reductions in body weight and length, ovary size and fecundity. This study identifies an uncharacterized function of plant miRNAs that fine-tunes honeybee caste development, offering hints for understanding cross-kingdom interaction and co-evolution. How caste has formed in honeybees is an enduring puzzle. The prevailing view is that royal jelly stimulates the differentiation of larvae into queen. Here, we uncover a new mechanism that plant miRNAs in worker bee’s food postpone larval development, thereby inducing sterile worker bees. Thus, the theories about honeybee caste formation need to be re-examined from a new angle besides the traditional focus on royal jelly and its components. Furthermore, since miRNAs are transmitted between species of different kingdoms and can contribute to the phenotype regulation, this new model of horizontal miRNA transfer may open up a new avenue to further study the molecular mechanisms underlying cross-kingdom interaction and co-evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kegan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Minghui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheguang Lin
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Luo
- Model Animal Research Center and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huoqing Zheng
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Wan
- Model Animal Research Center and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Zen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Model Animal Research Center and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (XC); (JR); (CZ); (FH); (JC)
| | - Fuliang Hu
- College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (XC); (JR); (CZ); (FH); (JC)
| | - Chen-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (XC); (JR); (CZ); (FH); (JC)
| | - Jie Ren
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XC); (JR); (CZ); (FH); (JC)
| | - Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (XC); (JR); (CZ); (FH); (JC)
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Maes PW, Rodrigues PAP, Oliver R, Mott BM, Anderson KE. Diet-related gut bacterial dysbiosis correlates with impaired development, increased mortality and Nosema disease in the honeybee (Apis mellifera). Mol Ecol 2016; 25:5439-5450. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W. Maes
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Entomology and Insect Science; University of Arizona; PO Box 210036 Tucson AZ 85721 USA
- Department of Entomology; University of Arizona; PO Box 210036 Tucson AZ 85721 USA
| | - Pedro A. P. Rodrigues
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Entomology and Insect Science; University of Arizona; PO Box 210036 Tucson AZ 85721 USA
- Department of Entomology; University of Arizona; PO Box 210036 Tucson AZ 85721 USA
| | - Randy Oliver
- ScientificBeekeeping.com; 14744 Meadow Drive Grass Valley CA 95945 USA
| | - Brendon M. Mott
- USDA-ARS Carl Hayden Bee Research Center; 2000 East Allen Road Tucson AZ 85719 USA
| | - Kirk E. Anderson
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Entomology and Insect Science; University of Arizona; PO Box 210036 Tucson AZ 85721 USA
- Department of Entomology; University of Arizona; PO Box 210036 Tucson AZ 85721 USA
- USDA-ARS Carl Hayden Bee Research Center; 2000 East Allen Road Tucson AZ 85719 USA
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30
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Jack CJ, Lucas HM, Webster TC, Sagili RR. Colony Level Prevalence and Intensity of Nosema ceranae in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163522. [PMID: 27658258 PMCID: PMC5033419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a widely prevalent microsporidian parasite in the western honey bee. There is considerable uncertainty regarding infection dynamics of this important pathogen in honey bee colonies. Understanding the infection dynamics at the colony level may aid in development of a reliable sampling protocol for N. ceranae diagnosis, and provide insights into efficient treatment strategies. The primary objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence (proportion of the sampled bees found infected) and intensity (number of spores per bee) of N. ceranae infection in bees from various age cohorts in a colony. We examined N. ceranae infection in both overwintered colonies that were naturally infected with N. ceranae and in quadruple cohort nucleus colonies that were established and artificially inoculated with N. ceranae. We also examined and quantified effects of N. ceranae infection on hypopharyngeal gland protein content and gut pH. There was no correlation between the prevalence and intensity of N. ceranae infection in composite samples (pooled bee samples used for analysis). Our results indicated that the prevalence and intensity of N. ceranae infection is significantly influenced by honey bee age. The N. ceranae infection prevalence values from composite samples of background bees (unmarked bees collected from four different locations in a colony) were not significantly different from those pertaining to marked-bee age cohorts specific to each sampling date. The foraging-aged bees had a higher prevalence of N. ceranae infection when compared to nurse-aged bees. N. ceranae did not have a significant effect on hypopharyngeal gland protein content. Further, there was no significant difference in mean gut pH of N. ceranae infected bees and non-infected bees. This study provides comprehensive insights into N. ceranae infection dynamics at the colony level, and also demonstrates the effects of N. ceranae infection on hypopharyngeal gland protein content and midgut pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J. Jack
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Hannah M. Lucas
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Thomas C. Webster
- College of Agriculture, Food Science & Sustainable Systems, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Ramesh R. Sagili
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
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31
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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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32
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Jack CJ, Uppala SS, Lucas HM, Sagili RR. Effects of pollen dilution on infection of Nosema ceranae in honey bees. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 87:12-19. [PMID: 26802559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Multiple stressors are currently threatening honey bee health, including pests and pathogens. Among honey bee pathogens, Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian found parasitizing the western honey bee (Apis mellifera) relatively recently. Honey bee colonies are fed pollen or protein substitute during pollen dearth to boost colony growth and immunity against pests and pathogens. Here we hypothesize that N. ceranae intensity and prevalence will be low in bees receiving high pollen diets, and that honey bees on high pollen diets will have higher survival and/or increased longevity. To test this hypothesis we examined the effects of different quantities of pollen on (a) the intensity and prevalence of N. ceranae and (b) longevity and nutritional physiology of bees inoculated with N. ceranae. Significantly higher spore intensities were observed in treatments that received higher pollen quantities (1:0 and 1:1 pollen:cellulose) when compared to treatments that received relatively lower pollen quantities. There were no significant differences in N. ceranae prevalence among different pollen diet treatments. Interestingly, the bees in higher pollen quantity treatments also had significantly higher survival despite higher intensities of N. ceranae. Significantly higher hypopharyngeal gland protein was observed in the control (no Nosema infection, and receiving a diet of 1:0 pollen:cellulose), followed by 1:0 pollen:cellulose treatment that was inoculated with N. ceranae. Here we demonstrate that diet with higher pollen quantity increases N. ceranae intensity, but also enhances the survival or longevity of honey bees. The information from this study could potentially help beekeepers formulate appropriate protein feeding regimens for their colonies to mitigate N. ceranae problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Jack
- Oregon State University, Dept. of Horticulture, 4017 ALS Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Sai Sree Uppala
- Oregon State University, Dept. of Horticulture, 4017 ALS Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Hannah M Lucas
- Oregon State University, Dept. of Horticulture, 4017 ALS Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Ramesh R Sagili
- Oregon State University, Dept. of Horticulture, 4017 ALS Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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