scholarly journals Multiple Virus Infections in Western Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) Ejaculate Used for Instrumental Insemination

Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Prodělalová ◽  
Romana Moutelíková ◽  
Dalibor Titěra
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Multiple Infection ◽  
Single Infection ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Instrumental Insemination ◽  
Helicase Gene ◽  
Multiple Virus ◽  
Queen Cell

Instrumental insemination of Apis mellifera L. queens is a widely employed technique used in honeybee breeding that enables the effective control of mating. However, drone semen represents a potential source of honeybee viruses. In this study, 43 semen doses collected from apparently healthy drones, and consequently used in instrumental insemination, were analysed using PCR or RT-PCR to detect the presence of viral genome of 11 honeybee viruses. In 91% of samples, viral infection was detected. The survey revealed genomes of five viruses, namely Deformed wing virus (DWV), Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), Black queen cell virus (BQCV), Sacbrood virus (SBV), and A. mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) in 84%, 19%, 14%, 2%, and 67% of samples, respectively. Single infection (30% of samples) as well as multiple infection (61% of samples) of two, three or four pathogens were also evaluated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing the presence of the BQCV and SBV genome sequence in drone ejaculate. Phylogenetic analysis of BQCV partial helicase gene sequence revealed the high similarity of nucleotide sequence of described Czech strains, which varied from 91.4% to 99.6%. The findings of our study indicate the possibility of venereal transmission of BQCV and SBV.

scholarly journals Deformed Wing Virus Implicated in Overwintering Honeybee Colony Losses

2009 ◽  
Vol 75 (22) ◽  
pp. 7212-7220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea C. Highfield ◽  
Aliya El Nagar ◽  
Luke C. M. Mackinder ◽  
Laure M.-L. J. No�l ◽  
Matthew J. Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Varroa Mite ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Clear Explanation ◽  
Multiple Virus ◽  
Queen Cell ◽  
Colony Collapse ◽  
Varroa Mites

ABSTRACT The worldwide decline in honeybee colonies during the past 50 years has often been linked to the spread of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and its interaction with certain honeybee viruses. Recently in the United States, dramatic honeybee losses (colony collapse disorder) have been reported; however, there remains no clear explanation for these colony losses, with parasitic mites, viruses, bacteria, and fungal diseases all being proposed as possible candidates. Common characteristics that most failing colonies share is a lack of overt disease symptoms and the disappearance of workers from what appears to be normally functioning colonies. In this study, we used quantitative PCR to monitor the presence of three honeybee viruses, deformed wing virus (DWV), acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), and black queen cell virus (BQCV), during a 1-year period in 15 asymptomatic, varroa mite-positive honeybee colonies in Southern England, and 3 asymptomatic colonies confirmed to be varroa mite free. All colonies with varroa mites underwent control treatments to ensure that mite populations remained low throughout the study. Despite this, multiple virus infections were detected, yet a significant correlation was observed only between DWV viral load and overwintering colony losses. The long-held view has been that DWV is relatively harmless to the overall health status of honeybee colonies unless it is in association with severe varroa mite infestations. Our findings suggest that DWV can potentially act independently of varroa mites to bring about colony losses. Therefore, DWV may be a major factor in overwintering colony losses.

scholarly journals Presence and Prevalence of Viruses in Local and Migratory Honeybees (Apis mellifera) in Massachusetts

2009 ◽  
Vol 75 (24) ◽  
pp. 7862-7865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Welch ◽  
Francis Drummond ◽  
Sunil Tewari ◽  
Anne Averill ◽  
John P. Burand
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Black Queen Cell Virus ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Sacbrood Virus ◽  
Queen Cell ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Migratory and local bees in Massachusetts were analyzed for seven viruses. Three were detected: black queen cell virus (BQCV), deformed wing virus (DWV), and sacbrood virus (SBV). DWV was most common, followed closely by BQCV and then by SBV. BQCV and SBV were present at significantly higher rates in the migratory bees assayed, bringing into question the impact that these bees have on the health of local bee populations.

scholarly journals Virus infections of honeybees Apis Mellifera

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppina Tantillo ◽  
Marilisa Bottaro ◽  
Angela Di Pinto ◽  
Vito Martella ◽  
Pietro Di Pinto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Invasive Organisms ◽  
Queen Cell ◽  
Kashmir Bee Virus ◽  
Paralysis Virus

The health and vigour of honeybee colonies are threatened by numerous parasites (such as <em>Varroa destructor</em> and <em>Nosema</em> spp.) and pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa. Among honeybee pathogens, viruses are one of the major threats to the health and wellbeing of honeybees and cause serious concern for researchers and beekeepers. To tone down the threats posed by these invasive organisms, a better understanding of bee viral infections will be of crucial importance in developing effective and environmentally benign disease control strategies. Here we summarize recent progress in the understanding of the morphology, genome organization, transmission, epidemiology and pathogenesis of eight honeybee viruses: Deformed wing virus (DWV) and Kakugo virus (KV); Sacbrood virus (SBV); Black Queen cell virus (BQCV); Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV); Kashmir bee virus (KBV); Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV); Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV). The review has been designed to provide researchers in the field with updated information about honeybee viruses and to serve as a starting point for future research.

scholarly journals Diversity and Global Distribution of Viruses of the Western Honey Bee, Apis mellifera

Insects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Beaurepaire ◽  
Niels Piot ◽  
Vincent Doublet ◽  
Karina Antunez ◽  
Ewan Campbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Pollination Services ◽  
Colony Losses ◽  
New Host ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Bee Colony ◽  
Queen Cell

In the past centuries, viruses have benefited from globalization to spread across the globe, infecting new host species and populations. A growing number of viruses have been documented in the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. Several of these contribute significantly to honey bee colony losses. This review synthetizes the knowledge of the diversity and distribution of honey-bee-infecting viruses, including recent data from high-throughput sequencing (HTS). After presenting the diversity of viruses and their corresponding symptoms, we surveyed the scientific literature for the prevalence of these pathogens across the globe. The geographical distribution shows that the most prevalent viruses (deformed wing virus, sacbrood virus, black queen cell virus and acute paralysis complex) are also the most widely distributed. We discuss the ecological drivers that influence the distribution of these pathogens in worldwide honey bee populations. Besides the natural transmission routes and the resulting temporal dynamics, global trade contributes to their dissemination. As recent evidence shows that these viruses are often multihost pathogens, their spread is a risk for both the beekeeping industry and the pollination services provided by managed and wild pollinators.

scholarly journals Feral and managed honey bees, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae), in southern California have similar levels of viral pathogens

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy C Geffre ◽  
Dillon Travis ◽  
Joshua Kohn ◽  
James Nieh
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Southern California ◽  
Multiple Stressors ◽  
Pollination Services ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Viral Pathogen ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Native Bee ◽  
Queen Cell

Bees provide critical pollination services but are threatened by multiple stressors, including viral pathogens. Most studies of pollinator health focus on managed honey bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus) (MHB) or native bee species, but a third player, the feral honey bee (FHB), requires further study. Spillover and spillback of viral pathogens between these managed, feral, and native bees is generating increasing interest. In this case study, we provide evidence suggesting that FHB colonies play an important role in viral pathogen dynamics of southern California pollinator communities because they act as reservoirs, of viral pathogens such as acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), and deformed wing virus (DWV). Surprisingly, even though FHB are not treated for diseases or parasites, they harbor similar pathogen loads to MHB, which are usually highly treated, suggesting the need for future studies to determine if FHB resist or are more resilient to viruses.

scholarly journals Feeding by Tropilaelaps mercedesae on pre- and post-capped brood increases damage to Apis mellifera colonies

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patcharin Phokasem ◽  
Lilia I. de Guzman ◽  
Kitiphong Khongphinitbunjong ◽  
Amanda M. Frake ◽  
Panuwan Chantawannakul
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Brood Production ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Queen Cell ◽  
Tropilaelaps Mercedesae ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
Mite Infestations

Abstract Tropilaelaps mercedesae parasitism can cause Apis mellifera colony mortality in Asia. Here, we report for the first time that tropilaelaps mites feed on both pre- and post-capped stages of honey bees. Feeding on pre-capped brood may extend their survival outside capped brood cells, especially in areas where brood production is year-round. In this study, we examined the types of injury inflicted by tropilaelaps mites on different stages of honey bees, the survival of adult honey bees, and level of honey bee viruses in 4th instar larvae and prepupae. The injuries inflicted on different developing honey bee stages were visualised by staining with trypan blue. Among pre-capped stages, 4th instar larvae sustained the highest number of wounds (4.6 ± 0.5/larva) while 2nd-3rd larval instars had at least two wounds. Consequently, wounds were evident on uninfested capped brood (5th-6th instar larvae = 3.91 ± 0.64 wounds; prepupae = 5.25 ± 0.73 wounds). Tropilaelaps mite infestations resulted in 3.4- and 6-fold increases in the number of wounds in 5th-6th instar larvae and prepupae as compared to uninfested capped brood, respectively. When wound-inflicted prepupae metamorphosed to white-eyed pupae, all wound scars disappeared with the exuviae. This healing of wounds contributed to the reduction of the number of wounds (≤10) observed on the different pupal stages. Transmission of mite-borne virus such as Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) was also enhanced by mites feeding on early larval stages. DWV and Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV) were detected in all 4th instar larvae and prepupae analysed. However, viral levels were more pronounced in scarred 4th instar larvae and infested prepupae. The remarkably high numbers of wounds and viral load on scarred or infested developing honey bees may have caused significant weight loss and extensive injuries observed on the abdomen, wings, legs, proboscis and antennae of adult honey bees. Together, the survival of infested honey bees was significantly compromised. This study demonstrates the ability of tropilaelaps mites to inflict profound damage on A. mellifera hosts. Effective management approaches need to be developed to mitigate tropilaelaps mite problems.

scholarly journals Resistance of native honey bees from Rhodope Mountains and lowland regions of Bulgaria to Nosema ceranae and viral pathogens

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-217
Author(s):  
R. Shumkova ◽  
B. Neov ◽  
A. Georgieva ◽  
D. Teofanova ◽  
G. Radoslavov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Queen Cell ◽  
Kashmir Bee Virus ◽  
Paralysis Virus ◽  
Bee Viruses

The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L., Hymenoptera: Apidae) is a species of fundamental economic, agricultural and environmental importance. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of some parasitic and viral pathogens in local honey bees from the Rodope Mountains and plain regions. To achieve this goal, molecular screening for two of the most distributed Nosema spp. and molecular identification of six honey bee viruses – Deformed wing virus (DWV), Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), Sacbrood virus (SBV), Kashmir bee virus (KBV), and Black queen cell virus (BQCV) was performed. Molecular analysis was carried out on 168 honey bee samples from apiaries situated in three different parts of the country where a mix of different honey bee subspecies were reared. In South Bulgaria (the Rhodope Mountains), a local honey bee called Apis mellifera rodopica (a local ecotype of A. m. macedonica) was bred, while in the other two regions (plains) different introduced subspecies existed. The results showed that the samples from the lowland regions in the country were outlined with the highest prevalence (70.5%) of N. ceranae, while those from the mountainous parts had the lowest rate (5.2%). Four of the honey bee viruses were identified – DWV (10/5.9%), followed by SBV (6/3.6%) and ABPV (2/1.2%), and one case of BQCV. In conclusion, the local honey bee A. m. rodopica (despite the higher number of samples) has shown lower prevalence of both nosemosis and viral infections. Therefore, this honey bee has to be preserved as a part of the national biodiversity.

scholarly journals Viral infections in queen bees (Apis mellifera carnica) from rearing apiaries

2012 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleš Gregorc ◽  
Tamás Bakonyi
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Apis Mellifera Carnica ◽  
Queen Rearing ◽  
Queen Cell ◽  
Queen Bees ◽  
Acute Bee Paralysis Virus

Viral infection could have an impact on the success of queen rearing and a potential effect on reduced queen quality. Newly mated honey bee (Apis mellifera carnica) queens were collected from mating nuclei in queen rearing operations in Slovenia. Altogether, 81 queens were sampled from 27 rearing apiaries in 2006 and 72 queens from 24 apiaries in 2008. Queens were analysed for the presence of four viruses: acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), sacbrood virus (SBV) and deformed wing virus (DWV) by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In 2006, 12%, 9% and 1% prevalence was found for ABPV, DWV and SBV, respectively; BQCV was not detected. Two years later, DWV, BQCV, SBV and ABPV were detected in 58%, 24%, 11% and 10% bee queens, respectively. In 2006, fourteen out of twenty-seven apaiaries were virus free, whereas in 2008 only three out of twenty-four apiaries were virus free. This is the first evidence of virus infection occurring in newly mated queens from mating nuclei in rearing apiaries. The possible impacts of queen rearing technology and epidemiological influences on virus infection are discussed in this study.

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