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Sevim A, Akpınar R, Öztürk SH, Yılmaz F, Kayaboynu Ü, Sevim E, Ese H, Karataş Ü, Buldağ M, Umur Ş. PCR-Based Screening of Pathogens in Bombus terrestris Populations of Turkey. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:275-282. [PMID: 38041724 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00743-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Bumblebees are an important group of insects in the pollination of various vegetables, fruits, oilseeds, legumes, and the fodder crops. Compared to honeybees, they have a wider choice of hosts and a longer flight period. These bees are used especially for the pollination of plants in greenhouses and are commercially produced for this purpose. Recently, serious decreases have been occurring in bumblebee populations due to various reasons such as pathogens, and some of species are even threatened with extinction. Due to the worldwide decline in pollinator insects, determining the distribution and prevalence of bumblebee pathogens is of great importance. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the incidence and prevalence of pathogens in Turkish bumblebee populations and how much of each pathogen was in bumblebee samples. METHODS A total of 172 Bombus terrestris (Linnaeus,1758) samples (21 samples from commercial enterprises, 79 samples from greenhouses and 72 samples from nature) were randomly collected from 3 provinces (Antalya, Mersin and İzmir) where greenhouse cultivation is intensively carried out in Turkey. Eighty-nine of these samples were collected in the spring and eighty-three in the autumn. The presence of four pathogens (Nosema bombi, Crithidia bombi, Apicystis bombi, and Locustacarus buchneri) was investigated by PCR using universal primers. RESULTS The overall prevalence of Nosema bombi, Crithidia bombi, Apicystis bombi, and Locustacarus buchneri was determined as 7.55%, 9.3%, 11.62%, and 4.65%, respectively. Co-infections (5.81%) were only detected in wild-caught (nature) samples. C. bombi and A. bombi infections were detected at higher rates in the spring samples than in the autumn samples (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the spring and autumn samples with respect to the presence of N. bombi and L. buchneri (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The results obtained could be important in determining the prevalence and spread rates of the bumblebee diseases in Turkey and to determine appropriate protection measures. The information gathered should increase our knowledge about the presence of these pathogens in Turkey and could contribute to improve apiarist's practice. More studies are needed to determine the transmission pathways of these pathogens between the populations. Also, complex pathogen interactions in bumblebee populations should be considered in the future to improve bumblebee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Sevim
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, 40100, Turkey.
| | - Rahşan Akpınar
- Honeybee Diseases Laboratory, T.C Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Samsun Veterinary Control Institute, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Seyit Hasan Öztürk
- T.C Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ordu Apiculture Research Institute, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Fatih Yılmaz
- T.C Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ordu Apiculture Research Institute, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Ümit Kayaboynu
- T.C Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ordu Apiculture Research Institute, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Elif Sevim
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, 40100, Turkey
| | - Hasan Ese
- T.C Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ordu Apiculture Research Institute, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Ümit Karataş
- T.C Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ordu Apiculture Research Institute, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Mücahit Buldağ
- T.C Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ordu Apiculture Research Institute, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Şinasi Umur
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
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Yanagisawa T, Kato Y, Inoue MN. Infection Prevalence of Microsporidia Vairimorpha ( Nosema) spp. in Japanese Bumblebees. INSECTS 2023; 14:340. [PMID: 37103155 PMCID: PMC10145284 DOI: 10.3390/insects14040340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidia are spore-forming intracellular parasites of various invertebrates and vertebrates. Vairimorpha bombi negatively affects the fitness of bumblebees and its prevalence correlates with declining bumblebee populations. The invasive alien species Bombus terrestris colonized Japan and possibly introduced new parasites. To assess the infection prevalence of V. bombi in Japanese bumblebees and B. terrestris, we investigated V. bombi infections using PCR and microscopy. The prevalence of sporulating V. bombi infections in three Bombus s. str. species/subspecies was low, whereas that of non/low-sporulating Vairimorpha sp. infections in three Diversobombus species/subspecies was high. Invasive B. terrestris showed low prevalence of non/low-sporulating V. bombi infections and shared the same V. bombi haplotype with B. hypocrita found in Hokkaido, where B. terrestris is present, and in Honshu, where B. terrestris is absent. Although V. bombi may have been introduced with B. terrestris colonies imported from Europe, it seems to be originally distributed in Japan. Furthermore, a new Vairimorpha sp. was found in Japanese bumblebee species. V. bombi and Vairimorpha sp. showed different organ and host specificities in bumblebees. There are no reports on the specific effects of other Vairimorpha spp. on bumblebees; further studies are needed to clarify the individual characteristics of Vairimorpha spp.
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Christman ME, Spears LR, Koch JBU, Lindsay TTT, Strange JP, Barnes CL, Ramirez RA. Captive Rearing Success and Critical Thermal Maxima of Bombus griseocollis (Hymenoptera: Apidae): A Candidate for Commercialization? JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2022; 22:2. [PMID: 36398850 PMCID: PMC9673274 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Commercialized bumble bees (Bombus) are primary pollinators of several crops within open field and greenhouse settings. However, the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens Cresson, 1863) is the only species widely available for purchase in North America. As an eastern species, concerns have been expressed over their transportation outside of their native range. Therefore, there is a need to identify regionally appropriate candidates for commercial crop pollination services, especially in the western U.S.A. In this study, we evaluated the commercialization potential of brown-belted bumble bees (Bombus griseocollis De Geer, 1773), a broadly distributed species throughout the U.S.A., by assessing nest initiation and establishment rates of colonies produced from wild-caught gynes, creating a timeline of colony development, and identifying lab-reared workers' critical thermal maxima (CTMax) and lethal temperature (ecological death). From 2019 to 2021, 70.6% of the wild-caught B. griseocollis gynes produced brood in a laboratory setting. Of these successfully initiated nests, 74.8% successfully established a nest (produced a worker), providing guidance for future rearing efforts. Additionally, lab-reared workers produced from wild-caught B. griseocollis gynes had an average CTMax of 43.5°C and an average lethal temperature of 46.4°C, suggesting B. griseocollis can withstand temperatures well above those commonly found in open field and greenhouse settings. Overall, B. griseocollis should continue to be evaluated for commercial purposes throughout the U.S.A.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lori R Spears
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Jonathan B U Koch
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Pollinating Insect – Biology, Management, Systematics Research Unit, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Thuy-Tien T Lindsay
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Pollinating Insect – Biology, Management, Systematics Research Unit, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - James P Strange
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Cody L Barnes
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - Ricardo A Ramirez
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
- Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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Babin A, Schurr F, Rivière MP, Chauzat MP, Dubois E. Specific detection and quantification of three microsporidia infecting bees, Nosema apis, Nosema ceranae, and Nosema bombi, using probe-based real-time PCR. Eur J Protistol 2022; 86:125935. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2022.125935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Brown MJF. Complex networks of parasites and pollinators: moving towards a healthy balance. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210161. [PMID: 35491603 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasites are viewed as a major threat to wild pollinator health. While this may be true for epidemics driven by parasite spillover from managed or invasive species, the picture is more complex for endemic parasites. Wild pollinator species host and share a species-rich, generalist parasite community. In contrast to the negative health impacts that these parasites impose on individual hosts, at a community level they may act to reduce competition from common and abundant pollinator species. By providing rare species with space in which to exist, this will act to support and maintain a diverse and thus healthier pollinator community. At this level, and perhaps paraxodically, parasites may be good for pollinators. This stands in clear contrast to the obvious negative impacts of epidemic and spillover parasites on wild pollinator communities. Research into floral resources that control parasites could be best employed to help design landscapes that provide pollinators with the opportunity to moderate their parasite community, rather than attempting to eliminate specific parasites from wild pollinator communities. This article is part of the theme issue 'Natural processes influencing pollinator health: from chemistry to landscapes'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J F Brown
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham TW20 0EX, UK
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6
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Siviter H, Matthews AJ, Brown MJF. A Combined LD50 for Agrochemicals and Pathogens in Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris [Hymenoptera: Apidae]). ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 51:378-384. [PMID: 35021185 PMCID: PMC9032631 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvab139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Neonicotinoid insecticides are the most commonly used insecticide in the world and can have significant sub-lethal impacts on beneficial insects, including bumblebees, which are important pollinators of agricultural crops and wild-flowers. This has led to bans on neonicotinoid use in the EU and has resulted in repeated calls for the agrochemical regulatory process to be modified. For example, there is increasing concern about 1) the underrepresentation of wild bees, such as bumblebees, in the regulatory process, and 2) the failure to determine how agrochemicals, such as neonicotinoids, interact with other commonly occurring environmental stressors, such as parasites. Here, we modify an OECD approved lethal dose (LD50) experimental design and coexpose bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) to the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam and the highly prevalent trypanosome parasite Crithidia bombi, in a fully crossed design. We found no difference in the LD50 of thiamethoxam on bumblebees that had or had not been inoculated with the parasite (Crithidia bombi). Furthermore, thiamethoxam dosage did not appear to influence the parasite intensity of surviving bumblebees, and there was no effect of either parasite or insecticide on sucrose consumption. The methodology used demonstrates how existing ring-tested experimental designs can be effectively modified to include other environmental stressors such as parasites. Moving forward, the regulatory process should implement methodologies that assess the interactions between agrochemicals and parasites on non-Apis bees and, in cases when this is not practical, should implement post-regulatory monitoring to better understand the real-world consequences of agrochemical use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark J F Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Behaviour, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, United Kingdom
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7
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Averill AL, Couto AV, Andersen JC, Elkinton JS. Parasite Prevalence May Drive the Biotic Impoverishment of New England (USA) Bumble Bee Communities. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12100941. [PMID: 34680710 PMCID: PMC8539347 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Here we discuss widespread changes in the community structure of bumble bees (Bombus spp.) found in the coastal-zone community of New England. One species in particular, Bombus impatiens Cresson, 1863, has increased in relative abundance nearly 45% since the 1990s to become the dominant species in the region, representing nearly 75% of all Bombus individuals collected in our studies. These changes in abundance may be, in part, due to differences in infection rates by microparasites, with B. impatiens having significantly fewer microparasites than several other less common and declining Bombus species. We discuss the possible role of microparasites in influencing the community composition of Bombus species in our region, and how these infections might be compounding declines in conjunction with habitat loss and climate change. Abstract Numerous studies have reported a diversity of stressors that may explain continental-scale declines in populations of native pollinators, particularly those in the genus Bombus. However, there has been little focus on the identification of the local-scale dynamics that may structure currently impoverished Bombus communities. For example, the historically diverse coastal-zone communities of New England (USA) now comprise only a few species and are primarily dominated by a single species, B. impatiens. To better understand the local-scale factors that might be influencing this change in community structure, we examined differences in the presence of parasites in different species of Bombus collected in coastal-zone communities. Our results indicate that Bombus species that are in decline in this region were more likely to harbor parasites than are B. impatiens populations, which were more likely to be parasite-free and to harbor fewer intense infections or co-infections. The contrasting parasite burden between co-occurring winners and losers in this community may impact the endgame of asymmetric contests among species competing for dwindling resources. We suggest that under changing climate and landscape conditions, increasing domination of communities by healthy, synanthropic Bombus species (such as B. impatiens) may be another factor hastening the further erosion of bumble bee diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L. Averill
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (J.C.A.); (J.S.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-413-545-1054
| | - Andrea V. Couto
- Department of Computer Science, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA 02324, USA;
| | - Jeremy C. Andersen
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (J.C.A.); (J.S.E.)
| | - Joseph S. Elkinton
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (J.C.A.); (J.S.E.)
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Burnham PA, Alger SA, Case B, Boncristiani H, Hébert‐Dufresne L, Brody AK. Flowers as dirty doorknobs: Deformed wing virus transmitted between
Apis mellifera
and
Bombus impatiens
through shared flowers. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Alexander Burnham
- Department of Biology University of Vermont Burlington VT USA
- Vermont Complex Systems Center University of Vermont Burlington VT USA
| | - Samantha A. Alger
- Plant and Soil Science University of Vermont Burlington VT USA
- Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc South Burlington VT USA
| | - Brendan Case
- Vermont Complex Systems Center University of Vermont Burlington VT USA
- Computer Science Department University of Vermont Burlington VT USA
| | - Humberto Boncristiani
- Honeybee Research and Extension Laboratory Entomology and Nematology Department University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | - Laurent Hébert‐Dufresne
- Vermont Complex Systems Center University of Vermont Burlington VT USA
- Computer Science Department University of Vermont Burlington VT USA
| | - Alison K. Brody
- Department of Biology University of Vermont Burlington VT USA
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9
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Rahmatzaei B, Hajiqanbar H, Mortazavi A, Husemann M. Global distribution and host range of the endoparasitic mite genus Locustacarus (Acari: Podapolipidae) with description of a new species from Iran parasitizing grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Syst Parasitol 2021; 98:487-501. [PMID: 34215970 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-021-09991-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mites (Acari) represent important parasites for a diverse range of hosts. Within the Acari, the Prostigmata represent a diverse suborder of the order Trombidiformes with about 20 000 species, including parasitic forms on both vertebrates and invertebrates. Within the Prostigmata, the genus Locustacarus (Heterostigmata: Podapolipidae) is particularly known as an intratracheal parasite of bumblebees and grasshoppers. In a survey on prostigmatic mites (Acari: Trombidiformes: Prostigmata) associated with insects in the eastern parts of Iran, one new species of the endoparasitic Locustacarus was collected associated to the grasshopper Aiolopus thalassinus (Fabricius) (Orthoptera: Acrididae). This new species, Locustacarus aiolopi Rahmatzaei & Hajiqanbar n. sp., is described here and compared morphologically with other species of the genus. This new species represents the first record of a grasshopper-associated Locustacarus species in the Palearctic. We further provide a comprehensive review of the global distribution of this genus as well as its host range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahman Rahmatzaei
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Hajiqanbar
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abdolazim Mortazavi
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Martin Husemann
- University of Hamburg, Center for Natural History, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
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10
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Salvarrey S, Antúnez K, Arredondo D, Plischuk S, Revainera P, Maggi M, Invernizzi C. Parasites and RNA viruses in wild and laboratory reared bumble bees Bombus pauloensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from Uruguay. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249842. [PMID: 33901226 PMCID: PMC8075198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are important pollinators insects involved in the maintenance of natural ecosystems and food production. Bombus pauloensis is a widely distributed species in South America, that recently began to be managed and commercialized in this region. The movement of colonies within or between countries may favor the dissemination of parasites and pathogens, putting into risk while populations of B. pauloensis and other native species. In this study, wild B. pauloensis queens and workers, and laboratory reared workers were screened for the presence of phoretic mites, internal parasites (microsporidia, protists, nematodes and parasitoids) and RNA viruses (Black queen cell virus (BQCV), Deformed wing virus (DWV), Acute paralysis virus (ABCV) and Sacbrood virus (SBV)). Bumble bee queens showed the highest number of mite species, and it was the only group where Conopidae and S. bombi were detected. In the case of microsporidia, a higher prevalence of N. ceranae was detected in field workers. Finally, the bumble bees presented the four RNA viruses studied for A. mellifera, in proportions similar to those previously reported in this species. Those results highlight the risks of spillover among the different species of pollinators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karina Antúnez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Daniela Arredondo
- Departamento de Microbiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Plischuk
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE) (CONICET- UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Pablo Revainera
- Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales (CIAS), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Matías Maggi
- Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales (CIAS), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Mar del Plata, Argentina
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Grupe AC, Quandt CA. A growing pandemic: A review of Nosema parasites in globally distributed domesticated and native bees. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008580. [PMID: 32555676 PMCID: PMC7302437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur C. Grupe
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - C. Alisha Quandt
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
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12
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Sinpoo C, Disayathanoowat T, Williams PH, Chantawannakul P. Prevalence of infection by the microsporidian Nosema spp. in native bumblebees (Bombus spp.) in northern Thailand. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213171. [PMID: 30845178 PMCID: PMC6405097 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bumblebees (tribe Bombini, genus Bombus Latreille) play a pivotal role as pollinators in mountain regions for both native plants and for agricultural systems. In our survey of northern Thailand, four species of bumblebees (Bombus (Megabombus) montivagus Smith, B. (Alpigenobombus) breviceps Smith, B. (Orientalibombus) haemorrhoidalis Smith and B. (Melanobombus) eximius Smith), were present in 11 localities in 4 provinces (Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Nan). We collected and screened 280 foraging worker bumblebees for microsporidia (Nosema spp.) and trypanosomes (Crithidia spp.). Our study is the first to demonstrate the parasite infection in bumblebees in northern Thailand. We found N. ceranae in B. montivagus (5.35%), B. haemorrhoidalis (4.76%), and B. breviceps (14.28%) and N. bombi in B. montivagus (14.28%), B. haemorrhoidalis (11.64%), and B. breviceps (28.257%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chainarong Sinpoo
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Graduate School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Terd Disayathanoowat
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Paul H. Williams
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Panuwan Chantawannakul
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Environmental Science Research Center (ESRC), Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Thailand
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13
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Koch JB, Rodriguez J, Pitts JP, Strange JP. Phylogeny and population genetic analyses reveals cryptic speciation in the Bombus fervidus species complex (Hymenoptera: Apidae). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207080. [PMID: 30462683 PMCID: PMC6248958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bumble bees (Bombus Latrielle) are significant pollinators of flowering plants due to their large body size, abundant setae, and generalist foraging strategies. However, shared setal coloration patterns among closely and distantly related bumble bee species makes identification notoriously difficult. The advent of molecular genetic techniques has increased our understanding of bumble bee evolution and taxonomy, and enables effective conservation policy and management. Individuals belonging to the North American Bombus fervidus species-complex (SC) are homogenous in body structure but exhibit significant body color phenotype variation across their geographic distribution. Given the uncertainty of the genealogical boundaries within the SC, some authors have synonymized all members of the B. fervidus SC within a single taxon, while others propose an alternative two taxa hypothesis. Operating under the phylogenetic species concept, our analysis supports the hypothesis that there are two independent lineages of bumble bees within the B. fervidus SC. With the current evidence, however, it is not possible to assign valid names to either of them, because both lineages include the color phenotypes found in the original species descriptions of B. fervidus and B. californicus. Cryptic speciation does not seem to be the product of Müllerian mimicry between the clades, because diverging coloration patterns are observed when the distribution of the clades overlaps. Furthermore, within each lineage there is evidence for strong population differentiation that is correlated with geographic distribution rather than color phenotype. In our study, we demonstrate the importance of obtaining a broad sample of multiple populations when conducting lower-level phylogenetic analyses. In addition to improving our knowledge of bumble bee diversification patterns, characterizing the evolutionary history of these pollinators provides the foundation needed to guide contemporary conservation assessments and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B. Koch
- Department of Biology & Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Services, Pollinating Insects-Biology, Management, and Systematics Research Laboratory, Logan, Utah, United States of America
| | - Juanita Rodriguez
- Australian National Insect Collection, National Research Collections Australia, CSIRO National Facilities and Collections, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - James P. Pitts
- Department of Biology & Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, United States of America
| | - James P. Strange
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Services, Pollinating Insects-Biology, Management, and Systematics Research Laboratory, Logan, Utah, United States of America
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Martin CD, Fountain MT, Brown MJF. Bumblebee olfactory learning affected by task allocation but not by a trypanosome parasite. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5809. [PMID: 29643344 PMCID: PMC5895637 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasites can induce behavioural changes in their host organisms. Several parasite species are known to infect bumblebees, an important group of pollinators. Task allocation within bumblebee colonies can also cause differences in behaviour. Thus, task allocation may lead to context-dependent impacts of parasites on host behaviour. This study uses Bombus terrestris and its gut trypanosome Crithidia bombi, to investigate the effects of parasitism, task allocation (foraging or nest-work) and their interactions, on olfactory learning. Prior to undergoing the olfactory learning task, bees were orally infected with a field-realistic dose of C. bombi, and observed to determine task allocation. Parasitism did not significantly affect olfactory learning, but task allocation did, with foragers being significantly more likely to learn than nest bees. There was no significant interaction between parasitism and task. These results suggest that C. bombi is unlikely to affect pollination services via changes in olfactory learning of its host if bees are under no environmental or nutritional stress. However, wild and commercial colonies are likely to face such stressors. Future studies in the field are needed to extrapolate our results to real world effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum D Martin
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Mark J F Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom
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Brown MJF. Microsporidia: An Emerging Threat to Bumblebees? Trends Parasitol 2017; 33:754-762. [PMID: 28663099 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia may cause emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) in bumblebees. Two drivers - commercial bumblebees and managed honey bees - have been identified as possible sources of pathogen spillover. In addition, declines in bumblebee populations may have led to lower genetic diversity and subsequent higher susceptibility to infection, enabling microsporidia to increase in prevalence. There is strong evidence for relatively recent increases in the prevalence of Nosema bombi in North America. However, the lack of definitive data on spillover by microsporidia, in North America or elsewhere, makes it difficult to identify the causes of such increases. Phylogenomic studies are urgently needed to identify the global population structure of microsporidia in bumblebees, and thus identify the source of current and future epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J F Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, TW20 0EX, UK.
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Trapp J, McAfee A, Foster LJ. Genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics: enabling insights into social evolution and disease challenges for managed and wild bees. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:718-739. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Trapp
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Michael Smith Laboratories; University of British Columbia; 2125 East Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Alison McAfee
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Michael Smith Laboratories; University of British Columbia; 2125 East Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Leonard J. Foster
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Michael Smith Laboratories; University of British Columbia; 2125 East Mall Vancouver BC V6T 1Z4 Canada
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17
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Commercial Bombus impatiens as reservoirs of emerging infectious diseases in central México. Biol Invasions 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-015-0859-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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18
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Kwak KW, Yoon HJ, Choi Y, Park K, Hwang J, Kim H, Nam S. Identification, Characterization, and DNA Sequencing of Nosema bombi in Bumblebees from Gangwon Province, Korea. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.7852/ijie.2013.27.2.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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19
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Gillespie SD, Adler LS. Indirect effects on mutualisms: parasitism of bumble bees and pollination service to plants. Ecology 2013; 94:454-64. [DOI: 10.1890/12-0406.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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20
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Koch JB, Strange JP. The Status ofBombus occidentalisandB. moderatusin Alaska with Special Focus onNosema bombiIncidence. NORTHWEST SCIENCE 2012. [DOI: 10.3955/046.086.0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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21
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Ruiz-González MX, Bryden J, Moret Y, Reber-Funk C, Schmid-Hempel P, Brown MJF. DYNAMIC TRANSMISSION, HOST QUALITY, AND POPULATION STRUCTURE IN A MULTIHOST PARASITE OF BUMBLEBEES. Evolution 2012; 66:3053-66. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2012.01655.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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22
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Cordes N, Huang WF, Strange JP, Cameron SA, Griswold TL, Lozier JD, Solter LF. Interspecific geographic distribution and variation of the pathogens Nosema bombi and Crithidia species in United States bumble bee populations. J Invertebr Pathol 2012; 109:209-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2011] [Revised: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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23
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Li J, Chen W, Wu J, Peng W, An J, Schmid-Hempel P, Schmid-Hempel R. Diversity of Nosema associated with bumblebees (Bombus spp.) from China. Int J Parasitol 2011; 42:49-61. [PMID: 22138016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Revised: 10/23/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) are important pollinators of many economically important crops and microsporidia are among the most important infections of these hosts. Using molecular markers, we screened a large sample (n=1,009 bees) of workers of 27 different Bombus spp. from China (Sichuan, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, and Gansu provinces). The results showed that 62 individuals representing 12 Bombus spp. were infected by microsporidia with an overall prevalence of 6.1%. Based on the haplotypes (ssrRNA sequences), we confirmed the presence of Nosema bombi, Nosema ceranae and (likely) Nosema thomsoni. In addition, four new putatively novel taxa were identified by phylogenetic reconstruction: Nosema A, Nosema B-complex, Nosema C-complex and Nosema D-complex. In many cases, hosts were infected by more than one Nosema taxon. Possible caveats of sequence analyses are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilian Li
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Xiangshan, Beijing 100093, China
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