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Zufriategui C, Porrini MP, Eguaras MJ, Garrido PM. Detrimental effects of amitraz exposure in honey bees (Apis mellifera) infected with Nosema ceranae. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:204. [PMID: 38709330 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08225-x] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been growing concern on the potential weakening of honey bees and their increased susceptibility to pathogens due to chronic exposure to xenobiotics. The present work aimed to study the effects on bees undergoing an infection by Nosema ceranae and being exposed to a frequently used in-hive acaricide, amitraz. To achieve this, newly emerged bees were individually infected with N. ceranae spores and/or received a sublethal concentration of amitraz in their diets under laboratory conditions. Mortality, food intake, total volume excrement, body appearance, and parasite development were registered. Bees exposed to both stressors jointly had higher mortality rates compared to bees exposed separately, with no difference in the parasite development. An increase in sugar syrup consumption was observed for all treated bees while infected bees fed with amitraz also showed a diminishment in pollen intake. These results coupled with an increase in the total number of excretion events, alterations in behavior and body surface on individuals that received amitraz could evidence the detrimental action of this molecule. To corroborate these findings under semi-field conditions, worker bees were artificially infected, marked, and released into colonies. Then, they were exposed to a commercial amitraz-based product by contact. The recovered bees showed no differences in the parasite development due to amitraz exposure. This study provides evidence to which extent a honey bee infected with N. ceranae could potentially be weakened by chronic exposure to amitraz treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Zufriategui
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM)-CONICET-UNMdP; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata-CONICET, Centro de Asociación Simple CIC PBA, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Abejas Sociales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Martín Pablo Porrini
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM)-CONICET-UNMdP; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata-CONICET, Centro de Asociación Simple CIC PBA, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Abejas Sociales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Martín Javier Eguaras
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM)-CONICET-UNMdP; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata-CONICET, Centro de Asociación Simple CIC PBA, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Abejas Sociales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Paula Melisa Garrido
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM)-CONICET-UNMdP; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata-CONICET, Centro de Asociación Simple CIC PBA, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
- Centro de Investigaciones en Abejas Sociales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
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Lin Z, Shen S, Wang K, Ji T. Biotic and abiotic stresses on honeybee health. Integr Zool 2024; 19:442-457. [PMID: 37427560 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12752] [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] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees are the most critical pollinators providing key ecosystem services that underpin crop production and sustainable agriculture. Amidst a backdrop of rapid global change, this eusocial insect encounters a succession of stressors during nesting, foraging, and pollination. Ectoparasitic mites, together with vectored viruses, have been recognized as central biotic threats to honeybee health, while the spread of invasive giant hornets and small hive beetles also increasingly threatens colonies worldwide. Cocktails of agrochemicals, including acaricides used for mite treatment, and other pollutants of the environment have been widely documented to affect bee health in various ways. Additionally, expanding urbanization, climate change, and agricultural intensification often result in the destruction or fragmentation of flower-rich bee habitats. The anthropogenic pressures exerted by beekeeping management practices affect the natural selection and evolution of honeybees, and colony translocations facilitate alien species invasion and disease transmission. In this review, the multiple biotic and abiotic threats and their interactions that potentially undermine bee colony health are discussed, while taking into consideration the sensitivity, large foraging area, dense network among related nestmates, and social behaviors of honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheguang Lin
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Siyi Shen
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ting Ji
- Apicultural Research Institute, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Glavinic U, Jovanovic NM, Dominikovic N, Lakic N, Ćosić M, Stevanovic J, Stanimirovic Z. Potential of Wormwood and Oak Bark-Based Supplement in Health Improvement of Nosema ceranae-Infected Honey Bees. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1195. [PMID: 38672343 PMCID: PMC11047348 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae, a microsporidian parasite, as one of the stressors that contribute to honey bee decline, has a significant negative impact on the longevity, productivity, and reproductive capacity of honey bee colonies. There are several different strategies for Nosema infection control, including natural-based and antibiotic-based products. In this study, we tested wormwood and oak bark-based supplement "Medenko forte" on survival, Nosema infection, oxidative stress, and expression of immune-related genes in artificially N. ceranae-infected bees. The results revealed a positive influence on the survival of Nosema-infected bees, irrespectively of the moment of supplement application (day 1, day 3, or day 6 after bee emergence), as well as reduction of Nosema loads and, consequently, Nosema-induced oxidative stress. Supplementation had no negative effects on bee immunity, but better anti-Nosema than immune-stimulating effects were affirmed based on expression levels of abaecin, defensin, hymenoptaecin, apidaecin, and vitellogenin genes. In conclusion, the tested supplement "Medenko forte" has great potential in the health protection of Nosema-infected bees. However, further investigations need to be performed to elucidate its mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uros Glavinic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (N.D.); (J.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Nemanja M. Jovanovic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nina Dominikovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (N.D.); (J.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Nada Lakic
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Milivoje Ćosić
- Institute of Forestry, Kneza Viseslava 3, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Jevrosima Stevanovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (N.D.); (J.S.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zoran Stanimirovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (N.D.); (J.S.); (Z.S.)
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Trzebny A, Nahimova O, Dabert M. High temperatures and low humidity promote the occurrence of microsporidians (Microsporidia) in mosquitoes (Culicidae). Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:187. [PMID: 38605410 PMCID: PMC11008030 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06254-0] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of climate change, a growing concern is that vector-pathogen or host-parasite interactions may be correlated with climatic factors, especially increasing temperatures. In the present study, we used a mosquito-microsporidian model to determine the impact of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind and rainfall on the occurrence rates of opportunistic obligate microparasites (Microsporidia) in hosts from a family that includes important disease vectors (Culicidae). METHODS In our study, 3000 adult mosquitoes collected from the field over 3 years were analysed. Mosquitoes and microsporidia were identified using PCR and sequencing of the hypervariable V5 region of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene and a shortened fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, respectively. RESULTS DNA metabarcoding was used to identify nine mosquito species, all of which were hosts of 12 microsporidian species. The prevalence of microsporidian DNA across all mosquito samples was 34.6%. Microsporidian prevalence in mosquitoes was more frequent during warm months (> 19 °C; humidity < 65%), as was the co-occurrence of two or three microsporidian species in a single host individual. During warm months, microsporidian occurrence was noted 1.6-fold more often than during the cold periods. Among the microsporidians found in the mosquitoes, five (representing the genera Enterocytospora, Vairimorpha and Microsporidium) were positively correlated with an increase in temperature, whereas one (Hazardia sp.) was significantly correlated with a decrease in temperature. Threefold more microsporidian co-occurrences were recorded in the warm months than in the cold months. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the susceptibility of mosquitoes to parasite occurrence is primarily determined by environmental conditions, such as, for example, temperatures > 19 °C and humidity not exceeding 62%. Collectively, our data provide a better understanding of the effects of the environment on microsporidian-mosquito interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Trzebny
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Olena Nahimova
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
- Genetics and Cytology Department, School of Biology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Miroslawa Dabert
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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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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Tersigni J, Tamim El Jarkass H, James EB, Reinke AW. Interactions between microsporidia and other members of the microbiome. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024:e13025. [PMID: 38561869 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13025] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome is the collection of microbes that are associated with a host. Microsporidia are intracellular eukaryotic parasites that can infect most types of animals. In the last decade, there has been much progress to define the relationship between microsporidia and the microbiome. In this review, we cover an increasing number of reports suggesting that microsporidia are common components of the microbiome in both invertebrates and vertebrates. These microsporidia infections can range from mutualistic to pathogenic, causing several physiological phenotypes, including death. Infection with microsporidia often causes a disruption in the normal microbiome, with both increases and decreases of bacterial, fungal, viral, and protozoan species being observed. This impact on the microbiome can occur through upregulation and downregulation of innate immunity as well as morphological changes to tissues that impact interactions with these microbes. Other microbes, particularly bacteria, can inhibit microsporidia and have been exploited to control microsporidia infections. These bacteria can function through regulating immunity, secreting anti-microsporidia compounds, and, in engineered versions, expressing double-stranded RNA targeting microsporidia genes. We end this review by discussing potential future directions to further understand the complex interactions between microsporidia and the other members of the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Tersigni
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Edward B James
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron W Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Babin A, Schurr F, Delannoy S, Fach P, Huyen Ton Nu Nguyet M, Bougeard S, de Miranda JR, Rundlöf M, Wintermantel D, Albrecht M, Attridge E, Bottero I, Cini E, Costa C, De la Rúa P, Di Prisco G, Dominik C, Dzul D, Hodge S, Klein AM, Knapp J, Knauer AC, Mänd M, Martínez-López V, Medrzycki P, Pereira-Peixoto MH, Potts SG, Raimets R, Schweiger O, Senapathi D, Serrano J, Stout JC, Tamburini G, Brown MJF, Laurent M, Rivière MP, Chauzat MP, Dubois E. Distribution of infectious and parasitic agents among three sentinel bee species across European agricultural landscapes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3524. [PMID: 38347035 PMCID: PMC10861508 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53357-w] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious and parasitic agents (IPAs) and their associated diseases are major environmental stressors that jeopardize bee health, both alone and in interaction with other stressors. Their impact on pollinator communities can be assessed by studying multiple sentinel bee species. Here, we analysed the field exposure of three sentinel managed bee species (Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris and Osmia bicornis) to 11 IPAs (six RNA viruses, two bacteria, three microsporidia). The sentinel bees were deployed at 128 sites in eight European countries adjacent to either oilseed rape fields or apple orchards during crop bloom. Adult bees of each species were sampled before their placement and after crop bloom. The IPAs were detected and quantified using a harmonised, high-throughput and semi-automatized qPCR workflow. We describe differences among bee species in IPA profiles (richness, diversity, detection frequencies, loads and their change upon field exposure, and exposure risk), with no clear patterns related to the country or focal crop. Our results suggest that the most frequent IPAs in adult bees are more appropriate for assessing the bees' IPA exposure risk. We also report positive correlations of IPA loads supporting the potential IPA transmission among sentinels, suggesting careful consideration should be taken when introducing managed pollinators in ecologically sensitive environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Babin
- ANSES, Sophia Antipolis Laboratory, Unit of Honey bee Pathology, 06902, Sophia Antipolis, France.
| | - Frank Schurr
- ANSES, Sophia Antipolis Laboratory, Unit of Honey bee Pathology, 06902, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Sabine Delannoy
- IdentyPath Genomics Platform, Food Safety Laboratory, ANSES, 94701, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Patrick Fach
- IdentyPath Genomics Platform, Food Safety Laboratory, ANSES, 94701, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Stéphanie Bougeard
- ANSES, Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Epidemiology and Welfare, France
| | - Joachim R de Miranda
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maj Rundlöf
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Dimitry Wintermantel
- Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Straße 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Albrecht
- Agroecology and Environment, Agroscope, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eleanor Attridge
- Federation of Irish Beekeepers' Associations, Tullamore, Ireland
| | - Irene Bottero
- Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elena Cini
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Cecilia Costa
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pilar De la Rúa
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Gennaro Di Prisco
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, The Italian National Research Council, Piazzale E. Ferni 1, 80055, Portici, Napoli, Italy
| | - Christophe Dominik
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Community Ecology, 06120, Halle, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniel Dzul
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Simon Hodge
- Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alexandra-Maria Klein
- Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Straße 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Knapp
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anina C Knauer
- Agroecology and Environment, Agroscope, Reckenholzstrasse 191, 8046, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marika Mänd
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Vicente Martínez-López
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Bioscience Building, L69 7ZB, Liverpool, UK
| | - Piotr Medrzycki
- CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Helena Pereira-Peixoto
- Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Straße 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon G Potts
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Risto Raimets
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Oliver Schweiger
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Community Ecology, 06120, Halle, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Deepa Senapathi
- Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - José Serrano
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jane C Stout
- Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Giovanni Tamburini
- Chair of Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Straße 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- University of Bari, Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences (DiSSPA-Entomology and Zoology), Bari, Italy
| | - Mark J F Brown
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, UK
| | - Marion Laurent
- ANSES, Sophia Antipolis Laboratory, Unit of Honey bee Pathology, 06902, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Rivière
- ANSES, Sophia Antipolis Laboratory, Unit of Honey bee Pathology, 06902, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Chauzat
- ANSES, Sophia Antipolis Laboratory, Unit of Honey bee Pathology, 06902, Sophia Antipolis, France
- Paris-Est University, ANSES, Laboratory for Animal Health, 94701, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eric Dubois
- ANSES, Sophia Antipolis Laboratory, Unit of Honey bee Pathology, 06902, Sophia Antipolis, France.
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Açık MN, Karagülle B, Yakut S, Öztürk Y, Kutlu MA, Kalın R, Çetinkaya B. Production, characterization and therapeutic efficacy of egg yolk antibodies specific to Nosema ceranae. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297864. [PMID: 38335158 PMCID: PMC10857605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Nosema disease, caused by Nosema ceranae, one of the single-celled fungal microsporidian parasites, is one of the most important and common diseases of adult honey bees. Since fumagillin, which has been used for decades in the control of Nosema disease in honey bees (Apis mellifera), poses a toxic threat and its efficacy against N. ceranae is uncertain, there is an urgent need to develop alternative prophylactic and curative strategies for the treatment of this disease. The main aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of specific egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY) on Nosema disease. For this purpose, the presence of N. ceranae was determined by microscopic and PCR methods in honey bees collected from Nosema suspicious colonies by conducting a field survey. Layered Ataks chickens, divided into four groups each containing 20 animals, were vaccinated with live and inactivated vaccines prepared from field isolates of N. ceranae. Eggs were collected weekly for 10 weeks following the last vaccination. IgY extraction was performed using the PEG precipitation method from egg yolks collected from each group, and the purity of the antibodies was determined by SDS-PAGE and Western Blot. The presence of N. ceranae-specific IgYs was investigated by Western Blot and indirect ELISA methods. It was determined that specific IgYs showed high therapeutic efficacy on Nosema disease in naturally infected bee colonies. In addition, honey bees collected from infected colonies were brought to the laboratory and placed in cages with 30 bees each, and the effectiveness of IgYs was investigated under controlled conditions. It was detected that specific IgY reduced the Nosema spore load and the number of infected bees significantly in both the field and experimental study groups treated for seven days. It was concluded that chicken IgYs, an innovative and eco-friendly method, had a significant potential for use as an alternative to antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Nuri Açık
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bingol, Bingol, Turkiye
| | - Burcu Karagülle
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkiye
| | - Seda Yakut
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bingol, Bingol, Turkiye
| | - Yasin Öztürk
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Necmettin Erbakan, Konya, Turkiye
| | - Mehmet Ali Kutlu
- Department of Plant and Animal Production, Vocational School of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, University of Bingol, Bingol, Turkiye
| | - Recep Kalın
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkiye
| | - Burhan Çetinkaya
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig, Turkiye
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Parrella P, Elikan AB, Kogan HV, Wague F, Marshalleck CA, Snow JW. Bleomycin reduces Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae infection in honey bees with some evident host toxicity. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0334923. [PMID: 38179918 PMCID: PMC10846157 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03349-23] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia cause disease in many beneficial insects, including honey bees, yet few pathogen control tools are available for protecting these important organisms against infection. Some evidence suggests that microsporidia possess a reduced number of genes encoding DNA repair proteins. We hypothesized that microsporidia would thus be susceptible to treatment with DNA-damaging agents and tested this hypothesis using a novel, rapid method for achieving robust and homogenous experimental infection of large numbers of newly emerged honey bees with one of its microsporidia pathogens, Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae. In carrying out these experiments, we found this novel V. ceranae inoculation method to have similar efficacy as other traditional methods. We show that the DNA-damaging agent bleomycin reduces V. ceranae levels, with minimal but measurable effects on honey bee survival and increased expression of midgut cellular stress genes, including those encoding SHSP. Increased expression of UpdlC suggests the occurrence of epithelial regeneration, which may contribute to host resistance to bleomycin treatment. While bleomycin does reduce infection levels, host toxicity issues may preclude its use in the field. However, with further work, bleomycin may provide a useful tool in the research setting as a potential selection agent for genetic modification of microsporidia.IMPORTANCEMicrosporidia cause disease in many beneficial insects, yet there are few tools available for control in the field or laboratory. Based on the reported paucity of DNA repair enzymes found in microsporidia genomes, we hypothesized that these obligate intracellular parasites would be sensitive to DNA damage. In support of this, we observed that the well-characterized DNA damage agent bleomycin can reduce levels of the microsporidia Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae in experimental infections in honey bees. Observation of slightly reduced honey bee survival and evidence of sublethal toxicity likely preclude the use of bleomycin in the field. However, this work identifies bleomycin as a compound that merits further exploration for use in research laboratories as a potential selection agent for generating genetically modified microsporidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker Parrella
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Helen V. Kogan
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fatoumata Wague
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, New York, New York, USA
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10
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Garrido PM, Porrini MP, Alberoni D, Baffoni L, Scott D, Mifsud D, Eguaras MJ, Di Gioia D. Beneficial Bacteria and Plant Extracts Promote Honey Bee Health and Reduce Nosema ceranae Infection. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024; 16:259-274. [PMID: 36637793 PMCID: PMC10850026 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-10025-7] [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] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The research aims to give new insights on the effect of administering selected bacterial strains, isolated from honey bee gut, and/or a commercial plant extract blend (HiveAlive®) on Nosema ceranae. Analyses were first performed under laboratory conditions such as different infective doses of N. ceranae, the effect of single strains and their mixture and the influence of pollen administration. Daily survival and feed consumption rate were recorded and pathogen development was analysed using qPCR and microscope counts. Biomarkers of immunity and physiological status were also evaluated for the different treatments tested using one bacterial strain, a mixture of all the bacteria and/or a plant extract blend as treatments. The results showed an increase of abaecin transcript levels in the midgut of the honey bees treated with the bacterial mixture and an increased expression of the protein vitellogenin in the haemolymph of honey bees treated with two separate bacterial strains (Bifidobacterium coryneforme and Apilactobacillus kunkeei). A significant effectiveness in reducing N. ceranae was shown by the bacterial mixture and the plant extract blend regardless of the composition of the diet. This bioactivity was seasonally linked. Quantitative PCR and microscope counts showed the reduction of N. ceranae under different experimental conditions. The antiparasitic efficacy of the treatments at field conditions was studied using a semi-field approach which was adapted from research on insecticides for the first time, to analyse antiparasitic activity against N. ceranae. The approach proved to be reliable and effective in validating data obtained in the laboratory. Both the mixture of beneficial bacteria and its association with Hive Alive® are effective in controlling the natural infection of N. ceranae in honey bee colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Melisa Garrido
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), CONICET, UNMdP, Centro Asoc. Simple CIC PBA, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, 7600, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales (CIAS), FCEyN, UNMdP, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, 7600, Argentina
| | - Martín Pablo Porrini
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), CONICET, UNMdP, Centro Asoc. Simple CIC PBA, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, 7600, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales (CIAS), FCEyN, UNMdP, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, 7600, Argentina
| | - Daniele Alberoni
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, Bologna, 40127, Italy.
| | - Loredana Baffoni
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, Bologna, 40127, Italy
| | - Dara Scott
- ADVANCE SCIENCE Ltd, Knocknacarra Rd, Galway, H91 XV84, Ireland
| | - David Mifsud
- Institute of Earth Systems, L-Università ta' Malta, University Ring Rd, Msida, MSD2080, Malta
| | - Matín Javier Eguaras
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), CONICET, UNMdP, Centro Asoc. Simple CIC PBA, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, 7600, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales (CIAS), FCEyN, UNMdP, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, 7600, Argentina
| | - Diana Di Gioia
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, Bologna, 40127, Italy
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11
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Sbaghdi T, Garneau JR, Yersin S, Chaucheyras-Durand F, Bocquet M, Moné A, El Alaoui H, Bulet P, Blot N, Delbac F. The Response of the Honey Bee Gut Microbiota to Nosema ceranae Is Modulated by the Probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici and the Neonicotinoid Thiamethoxam. Microorganisms 2024; 12:192. [PMID: 38258019 PMCID: PMC10819737 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The honey bee Apis mellifera is exposed to a variety of biotic and abiotic stressors, such as the highly prevalent microsporidian parasite Nosema (Vairimorpha) ceranae and neonicotinoid insecticides. Both can affect honey bee physiology and microbial gut communities, eventually reducing its lifespan. They can also have a combined effect on the insect's survival. The use of bacterial probiotics has been proposed to improve honey bee health, but their beneficial effect remains an open question. In the present study, western honey bees were experimentally infected with N. ceranae spores, chronically exposed to the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam, and/or supplied daily with the homofermentative bacterium Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5M thought to improve the honey bees' tolerance to the parasite. Deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing allowed the response of the gut microbiota to be investigated with a taxonomic resolution at the species level. All treatments induced significant changes in honey bee gut bacterial communities. Nosema ceranae infection increased the abundance of Proteus mirabilis, Frischella perrara, and Gilliamella apicola and reduced the abundance of Bifidobacterium asteroides, Fructobacillus fructosus, and Lactobacillus spp. Supplementation with P. acidilactici overturned some of these alterations, bringing back the abundance of some altered species close to the relative abundance found in the controls. Surprisingly, the exposure to thiamethoxam also restored the relative abundance of some species modulated by N. ceranae. This study shows that stressors and probiotics may have an antagonistic impact on honey bee gut bacterial communities and that P. acidilactici may have a protective effect against the dysbiosis induced by an infection with N. ceranae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thania Sbaghdi
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (A.M.); (H.E.A.)
| | - Julian R. Garneau
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Campus UNIL-Sorge, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (J.R.G.); (S.Y.)
| | - Simon Yersin
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Campus UNIL-Sorge, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (J.R.G.); (S.Y.)
| | - Frédérique Chaucheyras-Durand
- Lallemand SAS, 19 Rue des Briquetiers, BP 59, CEDEX, F-31702 Blagnac, France;
- Microbiologie Environnement Digestif et Santé, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France
| | | | - Anne Moné
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (A.M.); (H.E.A.)
| | - Hicham El Alaoui
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (A.M.); (H.E.A.)
| | - Philippe Bulet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CR Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, F-38000 Grenoble, France;
- Platform BioPark Archamps, ArchParc, F-74160 Archamps, France
| | - Nicolas Blot
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (A.M.); (H.E.A.)
| | - Frédéric Delbac
- Laboratoire “Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement”, CNRS, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (T.S.); (A.M.); (H.E.A.)
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12
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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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13
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Jovanovic NM, Glavinic U, Ristanic M, Vejnovic B, Ilic T, Stevanovic J, Stanimirovic Z. Effects of Plant-Based Supplement on Oxidative Stress of Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera) Infected with Nosema ceranae. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3543. [PMID: 38003159 PMCID: PMC10668651 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223543] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most important approaches in the prevention and treatment of nosemosis is the use of herbal preparations as food supplements for bees. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a plant-based supplement branded as "B+" on honeybees in a laboratory experiment. Four experimental groups were established: treated group (T), N. ceranae-infected and treated group (IT), N. ceranae-infected group (I) and non-infected group (NI). Survival, N. ceranae spore load and oxidative stress parameters together with expression levels of antioxidant enzyme genes and vitellogenin gene were monitored. The mortality in the T, IT and NI groups was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than in than in the I group. Within Nosema-infected groups, the IT group had a significantly lower (p < 0.001) number of N. ceranae spores than the I group. In addition, expression levels of genes for antioxidant enzymes were lower (p < 0.001) in the IT group compared to the I group. The concentration of malondialdehyde and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase) were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the IT group compared to the I group. No negative effects of the tested supplement were observed. All these findings indicate that the tested supplement exerted beneficial effects manifested in better bee survival, reduced N. ceranae spore number and reduced oxidative stress of bees (lower expression of genes for antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress parameters).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemanja M. Jovanovic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.M.J.); (T.I.)
| | - Uros Glavinic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (M.R.); (Z.S.)
| | - Marko Ristanic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (M.R.); (Z.S.)
| | - Branislav Vejnovic
- Department of Economics and Statistics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Tamara Ilic
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.M.J.); (T.I.)
| | - Jevrosima Stevanovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (M.R.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zoran Stanimirovic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bul. Oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (U.G.); (M.R.); (Z.S.)
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14
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Cook SE, Niño BD, Rivera L, Alex CE, Seshadri A, Niño EL. A practical approach to the sampling, fixation, softening, and sectioning of whole honey bees for histologic evaluation. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:630-638. [PMID: 37587755 PMCID: PMC10621542 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231191732] [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] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is economically important as the primary managed pollinator of many agricultural crops and for the production of various hive-related commodities. Honey bees are not classically or thoroughly covered in veterinary pathology training programs. Given their unique anatomic and biological differences from the other species more traditionally evaluated by veterinary pathologists, establishing routine and consistent methods for processing samples for histology ensures accurate diagnostic and research conclusions. We developed and tested several field protocols for the sampling of honey bees. We compared the tissue-quality outcomes for worker bees fixed, collected, and/or softened under the following protocols: 1) routine formalin fixation; 2) softening chitin via exposure to Nair for 2 d or 3) 5 d; 4) shortened times between formalin submersion and trimming of body segments to enhance penetration of formalin into internal tissues; 5) ethanol submersion of specimen prior to formalin fixation; 6) indirect dry ice exposure; and 7) prolonged -80°C storage. Routine formalin fixation, exposure to Nair for 2 d, indirect dry ice exposure, and trimming body segments within 2 h of formalin submersion resulted in the highest quality histologic tissue sections. The poorest quality sections resulted from softening of chitin by exposure to Nair for 5 d, submersion in ethanol for 3 d before formalin fixation, and prolonged storage at -80°C. Our results indicate that routine formalin fixation is adequate, and that immobilizing bees with indirect dry ice exposure aids in sample collection without negatively impacting the quality of histologic sections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Cook
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- SpecialtyVETPATH, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bernardo D. Niño
- USDA/ARS/WRRC, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Laura Rivera
- USDA/ARS/WRRC, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Charles E. Alex
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Zoological Health Program, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Arathi Seshadri
- USDA/ARS/WRRC, Invasive Species and Pollinator Health Research Unit, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Elina L. Niño
- Entomology and Nematology, University of California–Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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15
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Zbrozek M, Fearon ML, Weise C, Tibbetts EA. Honeybee visitation to shared flowers increases Vairimorpha ceranae prevalence in bumblebees. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10528. [PMID: 37736280 PMCID: PMC10511299 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Vairimorpha (=Nosema) ceranae is a widespread pollinator parasite that commonly infects honeybees and wild pollinators, including bumblebees. Honeybees are highly competent V. ceranae hosts and previous work in experimental flight cages suggests V. ceranae can be transmitted during visitation to shared flowers. However, the relationship between floral visitation in the natural environment and the prevalence of V. ceranae among multiple bee species has not been explored. Here, we analyzed the number and duration of pollinator visits to particular components of squash flowers-including the petals, stamen, and nectary-at six farms in southeastern Michigan, USA. We also determined the prevalence of V. ceranae in honeybees and bumblebees at each site. Our results showed that more honeybee flower contacts and longer duration of contacts with pollen and nectar were linked with greater V. ceranae prevalence in bumblebees. Honeybee visitation patterns appear to have a disproportionately large impact on V. ceranae prevalence in bumblebees even though honeybees are not the most frequent flower visitors. Floral visitation by squash bees or other pollinators was not linked with V. ceranae prevalence in bumblebees. Further, V. ceranae prevalence in honeybees was unaffected by floral visitation behaviors by any pollinator species. These results suggest that honeybee visitation behaviors on shared floral resources may be an important contributor to increased V. ceranae spillover to bumblebees in the field. Understanding how V. ceranae prevalence is influenced by pollinator behavior in the shared floral landscape is critical for reducing parasite spillover into declining wild bee populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryellen Zbrozek
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Michelle L. Fearon
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Chloe Weise
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Elizabeth A. Tibbetts
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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16
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Blot N, Clémencet J, Jourda C, Lefeuvre P, Warrit N, Esnault O, Delatte H. Geographic population structure of the honeybee microsporidian parasite Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae in the South West Indian Ocean. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12122. [PMID: 37495608 PMCID: PMC10372035 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38905-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The microsporidian Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae is one of the most common parasites of the honeybee. A single honeybee carries many parasites and therefore multiple alleles of V. ceranae genes that seem to be ubiquitous. As a consequence, nucleotide diversity analyses have not allowed discriminating genetic structure of parasite populations. We performed deep loci-targeted sequencing to monitor the haplotype frequencies of genome markers in isolates from discontinuous territories, namely the tropical islands of the South West Indian Ocean. The haplotype frequency distribution corroborated the suspected tetraploidy of the parasite. Most major haplotypes were ubiquitous in the area but with variable frequency. While oceanic isolates differed from European and Asian outgroups, parasite populations from distinct archipelagoes also differed in their haplotype distribution. Interestingly an original and very divergent Malagasy isolate was detected. The observed population structure allowed formulating hypotheses upon the natural history of V. ceranae in this oceanic area. We also discussed the usefulness of allelic distribution assessment, using multiple informative loci or genome-wide analyses, when parasite population is not clonal within a single host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Blot
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, "Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement", Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Johanna Clémencet
- Université de la Réunion, UMR Peuplements Végétaux et Bio-agresseurs en Milieu Tropical, 97410, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France
| | - Cyril Jourda
- CIRAD, UMR Peuplements Végétaux et Bio-agresseurs en Milieu Tropical, 97410, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France
| | - Pierre Lefeuvre
- CIRAD, UMR Peuplements Végétaux et Bio-agresseurs en Milieu Tropical, 97410, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France
| | - Natapot Warrit
- Center of Excellence in Entomology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Olivier Esnault
- Groupement de Défense Sanitaire de la Réunion, La Plaine des Cafres, France
| | - Hélène Delatte
- CIRAD, UMR Peuplements Végétaux et Bio-agresseurs en Milieu Tropical, 101, Antananarivo, Madagascar
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17
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Rutkowski D, Weston M, Vannette RL. Bees just wanna have fungi: a review of bee associations with nonpathogenic fungi. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2023; 99:fiad077. [PMID: 37422442 PMCID: PMC10370288 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiad077] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bee-fungus associations are common, and while most studies focus on entomopathogens, emerging evidence suggests that bees associate with a variety of symbiotic fungi that can influence bee behavior and health. Here, we review nonpathogenic fungal taxa associated with different bee species and bee-related habitats. We synthesize results of studies examining fungal effects on bee behavior, development, survival, and fitness. We find that fungal communities differ across habitats, with some groups restricted mostly to flowers (Metschnikowia), while others are present almost exclusively in stored provisions (Zygosaccharomyces). Starmerella yeasts are found in multiple habitats in association with many bee species. Bee species differ widely in the abundance and identity of fungi hosted. Functional studies suggest that yeasts affect bee foraging, development, and pathogen interactions, though few bee and fungal taxa have been examined in this context. Rarely, fungi are obligately beneficial symbionts of bees, whereas most are facultative bee associates with unknown or ecologically contextual effects. Fungicides can reduce fungal abundance and alter fungal communities associated with bees, potentially disrupting bee-fungi associations. We recommend that future study focus on fungi associated with non-honeybee species and examine multiple bee life stages to document fungal composition, abundance, and mechanistic effects on bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Rutkowski
- 367 Briggs Hall, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Makena Weston
- 367 Briggs Hall, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
| | - Rachel L Vannette
- 367 Briggs Hall, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
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18
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Peña-Chora G, Toledo-Hernández E, Sotelo-Leyva C, Damian-Blanco P, Villanueva-Flores AG, Alvarez-Fitz P, Palemón-Alberto F, Ortega-Acosta SÁ. Presence and distribution of pests and diseases of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Mexico: a review. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2023.2182920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G. Peña-Chora
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, México
| | - E. Toledo-Hernández
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, México
| | - C. Sotelo-Leyva
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, México
| | - P. Damian-Blanco
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, México
| | - A. G. Villanueva-Flores
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, México
| | - P. Alvarez-Fitz
- Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, México
| | - F. Palemón-Alberto
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Iguala de la Independencia, México
| | - S. Á. Ortega-Acosta
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Iguala de la Independencia, México
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19
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Gaubert J, Giovenazzo P, Derome N. Individual and social defenses in Apis mellifera: a playground to fight against synergistic stressor interactions. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1172859. [PMID: 37485064 PMCID: PMC10360197 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1172859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The honeybee is an important species for the agri-food and pharmaceutical industries through bee products and crop pollination services. However, honeybee health is a major concern, because beekeepers in many countries are experiencing significant colony losses. This phenomenon has been linked to the exposure of bees to multiple stresses in their environment. Indeed, several biotic and abiotic stressors interact with bees in a synergistic or antagonistic way. Synergistic stressors often act through a disruption of their defense systems (immune response or detoxification). Antagonistic interactions are most often caused by interactions between biotic stressors or disruptive activation of bee defenses. Honeybees have developed behavioral defense strategies and produce antimicrobial compounds to prevent exposure to various pathogens and chemicals. Expanding our knowledge about these processes could be used to develop strategies to shield bees from exposure. This review aims to describe current knowledge about the exposure of honeybees to multiple stresses and the defense mechanisms they have developed to protect themselves. The effect of multi-stress exposure is mainly due to a disruption of the immune response, detoxification, or an excessive defense response by the bee itself. In addition, bees have developed defenses against stressors, some behavioral, others involving the production of antimicrobials, or exploiting beneficial external factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Gaubert
- Laboratoire Derome, Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire Giovenazzo, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Giovenazzo
- Laboratoire Derome, Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Derome
- Laboratoire Derome, Département de Biologie, Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire Giovenazzo, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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20
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Lang H, Wang H, Wang H, Zhong Z, Xie X, Zhang W, Guo J, Meng L, Hu X, Zhang X, Zheng H. Engineered symbiotic bacteria interfering Nosema redox system inhibit microsporidia parasitism in honeybees. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2778. [PMID: 37210527 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38498-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is an intracellular parasite invading the midgut of honeybees, which causes serious nosemosis implicated in honeybee colony losses worldwide. The core gut microbiota is involved in protecting against parasitism, and the genetically engineering of the native gut symbionts provides a novel and efficient way to fight pathogens. Here, using laboratory-generated bees mono-associated with gut members, we find that Snodgrassella alvi inhibit microsporidia proliferation, potentially via the stimulation of host oxidant-mediated immune response. Accordingly, N. ceranae employs the thioredoxin and glutathione systems to defend against oxidative stress and maintain a balanced redox equilibrium, which is essential for the infection process. We knock down the gene expression using nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference, which targets the γ-glutamyl-cysteine synthetase and thioredoxin reductase genes of microsporidia. It significantly reduces the spore load, confirming the importance of the antioxidant mechanism for the intracellular invasion of the N. ceranae parasite. Finally, we genetically modify the symbiotic S. alvi to deliver dsRNA corresponding to the genes involved in the redox system of the microsporidia. The engineered S. alvi induces RNA interference and represses parasite gene expression, thereby inhibits the parasitism significantly. Specifically, N. ceranae is most suppressed by the recombinant strain corresponding to the glutathione synthetase or by a mixture of bacteria expressing variable dsRNA. Our findings extend our previous understanding of the protection of gut symbionts against N. ceranae and provide a symbiont-mediated RNAi system for inhibiting microsporidia infection in honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Lang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Haoqing Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaopeng Zhong
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Xianbing Xie
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenhao Zhang
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650031, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 650031, Kunming, China
| | - Liang Meng
- BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, 266555, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaosong Hu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, 100083, Beijing, China.
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21
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Kim DY, Maeng S, Cho SJ, Park HJ, Kim K, Lee JK, Srinivasan S. The Ascosphaera apis Infection (Chalkbrood Disease) Alters the Gut Bacteriome Composition of the Honeybee. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050734. [PMID: 37242403 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The declining honeybee populations are a significant risk to the productivity and security of agriculture worldwide. Although there are many causes of these declines, parasites are a significant one. Disease glitches in honeybees have been identified in recent years and increasing attention has been paid to addressing the issue. Between 30% and 40% of all managed honeybee colonies in the USA have perished annually over the past few years. American foulbrood (AFB) and European foulbrood (EFB) have been reported as bacterial diseases, Nosema as a protozoan disease, and Chalkbrood and Stonebrood as fungal diseases. The study aims to compare the bacterial community related to the Nosema ceranae and Ascosphaera apis infection on the gut of the honeybee and compare it with the weakly active honeybees. The Nosema-infected honeybees contain the phyla Proteobacteria as the significantly dominant bacterial phyla, similar to the weakly active honeybees. In contrast, the Ascosphaera (Chalkbrood) infected honeybee contains large amounts of Firmicutes rather than Proteobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Yoon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Soohyun Maeng
- Department of Bio and Environmental Technology, College of Natural Science, Seoul Women's University, Seoul 01797, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jin Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Jin Park
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungsu Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Kwon Lee
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Sathiyaraj Srinivasan
- Department of Bio and Environmental Technology, College of Natural Science, Seoul Women's University, Seoul 01797, Republic of Korea
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22
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De la Mora A, Morfin N, Tapia-Rivera JC, Macías-Macías JO, Tapia-González JM, Contreras-Escareño F, Petukhova T, Guzman-Novoa E. The Fungus Nosema ceranae and a Sublethal Dose of the Neonicotinoid Insecticide Thiamethoxam Differentially Affected the Health and Immunity of Africanized Honey Bees. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1258. [PMID: 37317233 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are affected by different biotic and abiotic stressors, such as the fungus Nosema ceranae and neonicotinoid insecticides, that negatively impact their health. However, most studies so far conducted have focused on the effect of these stressors separately and in European honey bees. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the impact of both stressors, singly and in combination, on honey bees of African descent that have demonstrated resistance to parasites and pesticides. Africanized honey bees (AHBs, Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier) were inoculated with N. ceranae (1 × 105 spores/bee) and/or chronically exposed for 18 days to a sublethal dose of thiamethoxam (0.025 ng/bee) to evaluate their single and combined effects on food consumption, survivorship, N. ceranae infection, and immunity at the cellular and humoral levels. No significant effects by any of the stressors were found for food consumption. However, thiamethoxam was the main stressor associated to a significant decrease in AHB survivorship, whereas N. ceranae was the main stressor affecting their humoral immune response by upregulating the expression of the gene AmHym-1. Additionally, both stressors, separately and combined, significantly decreased the concentration of haemocytes in the haemolymph of the bees. These findings indicate that N. ceranae and thiamethoxam differentially affect the lifespan and immunity of AHBs and do not seem to have synergistic effects when AHBs are simultaneously exposed to both stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro De la Mora
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Nuria Morfin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - José C Tapia-Rivera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Abejas, CUSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Zapotlan el Grande 49000, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José O Macías-Macías
- Centro de Investigaciones en Abejas, CUSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Zapotlan el Grande 49000, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José M Tapia-González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Abejas, CUSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Zapotlan el Grande 49000, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Francisca Contreras-Escareño
- Departamento de Producción Agricola, CUCSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Independencia Nal. 161, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Tatiana Petukhova
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
| | - Ernesto Guzman-Novoa
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada
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23
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Berbeć E, Migdał P, Cebrat M, Roman A, Murawska A. Honeybee age and inoculum concentration as factors affecting the development of Nosema ceranae infection. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2022.2121009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E. Berbeć
- Bee Division, Department of Environment, Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - P. Migdał
- Bee Division, Department of Environment, Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - M. Cebrat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - A. Roman
- Bee Division, Department of Environment, Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - A. Murawska
- Bee Division, Department of Environment, Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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Ponkit R, Naree S, Pichayangkura R, Beaurepaire A, Paxton RJ, Mayack CL, Suwannapong G. Chito-Oligosaccharide and Propolis Extract of Stingless Bees Reduce the Infection Load of Nosema ceranae in Apis dorsata (Hymenoptera: Apidae). J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:jof9010020. [PMID: 36675841 PMCID: PMC9861836 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian that infects Apis species. Recently, natural compounds have been proposed to control nosemosis and reduce its transmission among honey bees. We investigated how ethanolic extract of Tetrigona apicalis's propolis and chito-oligosaccharide (COS) impact the health of N. ceranae-infected Apis dorsata workers. Nosema ceranae spores were extracted from the guts of A. florea workers and fed 106 spores dissolved in 2 µL 50% (w/v) sucrose solution to A. dorsata individually. These bees were then fed a treatment consisting either of 0% or 50% propolis extracts or 0 ppm to 0.5 ppm COS. We found that propolis and COS significantly increased the number of surviving bees and lowered the infection ratio and spore loads of N. ceranae-infected bees 14 days post-infection. Our results suggest that propolis extract and COS could be possible alternative treatments to reduce N. ceranae infection in A. dorsata. Moreover, N. ceranae isolated from A. florea can damage the ventricular cells of A. dorsata, thereby lowering its survival. Our findings highlight the importance of considering N. ceranae infections and using alternative treatments at the community level where other honey bee species can act as a reservoir and readily transmit the pathogen among the honey bee species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujira Ponkit
- Biological Science Program, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand
| | - Sanchai Naree
- Biological Science Program, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand
| | - Rath Pichayangkura
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Alexis Beaurepaire
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robert J. Paxton
- Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Christopher L. Mayack
- Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Guntima Suwannapong
- Biological Science Program, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chon Buri 20131, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66–3810-3088
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25
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Rodríguez-Flores MS, Mazzei M, Felicioli A, Diéguez-Antón A, Seijo MC. Emerging Risk of Cross-Species Transmission of Honey Bee Viruses in the Presence of Invasive Vespid Species. INSECTS 2022; 14:6. [PMID: 36661935 PMCID: PMC9866884 DOI: 10.3390/insects14010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The increase in invasive alien species is a concern for the environment. The establishment of some of these species may be changing the balance between pathogenicity and host factors, which could alter the defense strategies of native host species. Vespid species are among the most successful invasive animals, such as the genera Vespa, Vespula and Polistes. Bee viruses have been extensively studied as an important cause of honey bee population losses. However, knowledge about the transmission of honey bee viruses in Vespids is a relevant and under-researched aspect. The role of some mites such as Varroa in the transmission of honey bee viruses is clearer than in the case of Vespidae. This type of transmission by vectors has not yet been clarified in Vespidae, with interspecific relationships being the main hypotheses accepted for the transmission of bee viruses. A majority of studies describe the presence of viruses or their replicability, but aspects such as the symptomatology in Vespids or the ability to infect other hosts from Vespids are scarcely discussed. Highlighting the case of Vespa velutina as an invader, which is causing huge losses in European beekeeping, is of special interest. The pressure caused by V. velutina leads to weakened hives that become susceptible to pathogens. Gathering this information is necessary to promote further research on the spread of bee viruses in ecosystems invaded by invasive species of Vespids, as well as to prevent the decline of bee populations due to bee viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurizio Mazzei
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Felicioli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ana Diéguez-Antón
- Department of Plant Biology and Soil Sciences, University of Vigo, Campus As Lagoas, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - María Carmen Seijo
- Department of Plant Biology and Soil Sciences, University of Vigo, Campus As Lagoas, 32004 Ourense, Spain
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26
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Baigazanov A, Tikhomirova Y, Valitova N, Nurkenova M, Koigeldinova A, Abdullina E, Zaikovskaya O, Ikimbayeva N, Zainettinova D, Bauzhanova L. Occurrence of Nosemosis in honey bee, Apis mellifera L. at the apiaries of East Kazakhstan. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14430. [PMID: 36518264 PMCID: PMC9744157 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosemosis is the most common disease in honey bee Apis mellifera L., and is a major issue related to bee health worldwide. Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to determine prevalence of microsporidia parasitic infection of the genus Nosema spp. in East Kazakhstan Region (EKR). In the years of 2018 -2021, 394 honey bee samples were collected at 30 apiaries located in four districts of East Kazakhstan Region (Katon-Karagay, Urzhar, Borodulikhinsky, and Shemonaikhinsky). In order to determine the level of infestation, firstly, the presence of Nosema spp. spores was detected using optical microscopy, and then the average amount of spores per bee was counted using a hemocytometer. The degree of nosemosis prevalence was determined in points by means of a semi-quantitative method, and as a percentage from the total of samples and of the amount of positive tests. At the outcome of the study, microsporidia of the genus Nosema spp. were detected in 23.3% of cases (92 samples). Prevalence at its low degree was found in six samples (1.5%), at an average degree in 55 samples (14%), and at a high one in 31 samples (7.9%). This research study proved that microsporidia of the genus Nosema spp. are widely spread at the apiaries of East Kazakhstan Region in different orographic and climatic conditions. Notwithstanding that it was impossible to statistically determine any significant differences between the dependence of nosemosis prevalence and the apiary location, this indicator is actually higher in the mountainous regions than in the steppe. Concurrently, a close inverse correlation was recognized between the amount of spores in one bee and the level of infestation in bee families from the duration of the vegetation season at the apiary location. This gives grounds to assert that the environmental factors have an impact on formation and development of nosemosis. The results of the research presented in the article indicate the need for further research aimed at increasing the number of studied apiaries, and above all the use of molecular biology methods to distinguish the species that cause nosemosis infection (PCR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdrakhman Baigazanov
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Management, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan,Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Yelena Tikhomirova
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Management, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Natalya Valitova
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, Ust-Kamenogorsk, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Maral Nurkenova
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Management, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan,Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Ainur Koigeldinova
- Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Elmira Abdullina
- Department of Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Management, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakhstan Region, Kazakhstan,Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Olga Zaikovskaya
- Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Nurgul Ikimbayeva
- Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Dinara Zainettinova
- Agrotechnopark Scientific Center, Veterinary and Food Safety Laboratory, Shakarim University, Semey, East Kazakstan Region, Kazakhstan
| | - Lyailya Bauzhanova
- Department of Zoo Technology, Genetics and Breeding, Toraighyrov University, Pavlodar, Pavlodar Region, Kazakhstan
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27
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Ignatieva AN, Timofeev SA, Tokarev YS, Dolgikh VV. Laboratory Cultivation of Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae (Microsporidia: Nosematidae) in Artificially Infected Worker Bees. INSECTS 2022; 13:1092. [PMID: 36555002 PMCID: PMC9784591 DOI: 10.3390/insects13121092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Nosemosis type C is a dangerous and widespread disease of the adult European honey bee Apis mellifera and is caused by the spore-forming intracellular parasite Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae. The search for new ways of therapy for this disease is complicated due to the seasonal availability of V. ceranae-infected insects as well as the lack of a developed system for the pathogen's cultivation. By carrying out trials which used different infectious dosages of the parasite, spore storage protocols, host age, and incubation temperatures, we present a simple, safe, and efficient method of V. ceranae propagation in artificially infected worker bees in the laboratory. The method is based on feeding the groups of adult worker bees with microsporidian spores and insect maintenance in plastic bottles at 33 °C. The source of the spores originated from the cadavers of infected insects from the previous round of cultivation, in which the infective spores persist for up to six months. An analysis of five independent cultivation rounds involving more than 2500 bees showed that the proposed protocol exploiting the dosage of one million spores per bee yielded over 60 million V. ceranae spores per bee, and most of the spore samples can be isolated from living insects.
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28
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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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Fan X, Zhang W, Zhang K, Zhang J, Long Q, Wu Y, Zhang K, Zhu L, Chen D, Guo R. In-depth investigation of microRNA-mediated cross-kingdom regulation between Asian honey bee and microsporidian. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1003294. [PMID: 36246221 PMCID: PMC9557207 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1003294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asian honey bee Apis cerana is the original host for Nosema ceranae, a unicellular fungal parasite that causes bee nosemosis throughout the world. Currently, interaction between A. cerana and N. ceranae is largely unknown. Our group previously prepared A. c. cerana workers’ midguts at 7 days post inoculation (dpi) and 10 dpi with N. ceranae spores as well as corresponding un-inoculated workers’ midguts, followed by cDNA library construction and a combination of RNAs-seq and small RNA-seq. Meanwhile, we previously prepared clean spores of N. ceranae, which were then subjected to cDNA library construction and deep sequencing. Here, based on the gained high-quality transcriptome datasets, N. ceranae differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmiRNAs) targeted by host DEmiRNAs, and A. c. cerana DEmRNAs targeted by microsporidian DEmiRNAs were deeply investigated, with a focus on targets involved in N. ceranae glycolysis/glyconeogenesis as well as virulence factors, and A. c. cerana energy metabolism and immune response. In A. c. cerana worker’s midguts at 7 (10) dpi (days post inoculation), eight (seven) up-regulated and six (two) down-regulated miRNAs were observed to target 97 (44) down-regulated and 60 (15) up-regulated N. ceranae mRNAs, respectively. Additionally, two up-regulated miRNAs (miR-60-y and miR-676-y) in host midgut at 7 dpi could target genes engaged in N. ceranae spore wall protein and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, indicating potential host miRNA-mediated regulation of microsporidian virulence factor and energy metabolism. Meanwhile, in N. ceranae at 7 (10) dpi, 121 (110) up-regulated and 112 (104) down-regulated miRNAs were found to, respectively, target 343 (247) down-regulated and 138 (110) down-regulated mRNAs in A. c. cerana workers’ midguts. These targets in host were relevant to several crucial cellular and humoral immune pathways, such as phagasome, endocytosis, lysosomes, regulation of autophagy, and Jak–STAT signaling pathway, indicative of the involvement of N. ceranae DEmiRNAs in regulating these cellular and humoral immune pathways. In addition, N. ceranae miR-21-x was up-regulated at 7 dpi and had a target relative to oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting that miR-21-x may be used as a weapon to modulate this pivotal energy metabolism pathway. Furthermore, potential targeting relationships between two pairs of host DEmiRNAs-microsporidian DEmRNAs and two pairs of microsporidian DEmiRNAs-host DEmRNAs were validated using RT-qPCR. Our findings not only lay a foundation for exploring the molecular mechanism underlying cross-kingdom regulation between A. c. cerana workers and N. ceranae, but also offer valuable insights into Asian honey bee-microsporidian interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Fan
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wende Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qi Long
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ying Wu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kuihao Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Leran Zhu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Dafu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- *Correspondence: Rui Guo,
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30
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Jabal-Uriel C, Barrios L, Bonjour-Dalmon A, Caspi-Yona S, Chejanovsly N, Erez T, Henriques D, Higes M, Le Conte Y, Lopes AR, Meana A, Pinto MA, Reyes-Carreño M, Soroker V, Martín-Hernández R. Epidemiology of the Microsporidium Nosema ceranae in Four Mediterranean Countries. INSECTS 2022; 13:844. [PMID: 36135545 PMCID: PMC9505483 DOI: 10.3390/insects13090844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a highly prevalent intracellular parasite of honey bees' midgut worldwide. This Microsporidium was monitored during a long-term study to evaluate the infection at apiary and intra-colony levels in six apiaries in four Mediterranean countries (France, Israel, Portugal, and Spain). Parameters on colony strength, honey production, beekeeping management, and climate were also recorded. Except for São Miguel (Azores, Portugal), all apiaries were positive for N. ceranae, with the lowest prevalence in mainland France and the highest intra-colony infection in Israel. A negative correlation between intra-colony infection and colony strength was observed in Spain and mainland Portugal. In these two apiaries, the queen replacement also influenced the infection levels. The highest colony losses occurred in mainland France and Spain, although they did not correlate with the Nosema infection levels, as parasitism was low in France and high in Spain. These results suggest that both the effects and the level of N. ceranae infection depends on location and beekeeping conditions. Further studies on host-parasite coevolution, and perhaps the interactions with other pathogens and the role of honey bee genetics, could assist in understanding the difference between nosemosis disease and infection, to develop appropriate strategies for its control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Jabal-Uriel
- Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal de Castilla La Mancha (IRIAF), CIAPA de Marchamalo (Guadalajara, Spain), 19180 Marchamalo, Spain
| | - Laura Barrios
- Unidad de Estadística, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anne Bonjour-Dalmon
- INRAE, Unité de Recherche Abeilles et Environnement, National Institute for Agricultural, Food and Environmental Research, 84000 Avignon, France
| | - Shiran Caspi-Yona
- Mina and Aberhard Gudman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Nor Chejanovsly
- Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
| | - Tal Erez
- Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
- Department of Environmental Economics and Management, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 7610001, Israel
| | - Dora Henriques
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado Para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Mariano Higes
- Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal de Castilla La Mancha (IRIAF), CIAPA de Marchamalo (Guadalajara, Spain), 19180 Marchamalo, Spain
| | - Yves Le Conte
- INRAE, Unité de Recherche Abeilles et Environnement, National Institute for Agricultural, Food and Environmental Research, 84000 Avignon, France
| | - Ana R. Lopes
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado Para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Aránzazu Meana
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Alice Pinto
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado Para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Maritza Reyes-Carreño
- INRAE, Unité de Recherche Abeilles et Environnement, National Institute for Agricultural, Food and Environmental Research, 84000 Avignon, France
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal de Castilla La Mancha (IRIAF), CIAPA de Marchamalo (Guadalajara, Spain), 19180 Marchamalo, Spain
- Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla-La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain
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Cilia G, Tafi E, Zavatta L, Caringi V, Nanetti A. The Epidemiological Situation of the Managed Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Colonies in the Italian Region Emilia-Romagna. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080437. [PMID: 36006352 PMCID: PMC9412502 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent decades witnessed the collapse of honey bee colonies at a global level. The major drivers of this collapse include both individual and synergic pathogen actions, threatening the colonies’ survival. The need to define the epidemiological pattern of the pathogens that are involved has led to the establishment of monitoring programs in many countries, Italy included. In this framework, the health status of managed honey bees in the Emilia–Romagna region (northern Italy) was assessed, throughout the year 2021, on workers from 31 apiaries to investigate the presence of major known and emerging honey bee pathogens. The prevalence and abundance of DWV, KBV, ABPV, CBPV, Nosema ceranae, and trypanosomatids (Lotmaria passim, Crithidia mellificae, Crithidia bombi) were assessed by molecular methods. The most prevalent pathogen was DWV, followed by CBPV and N. ceranae. Trypanosomatids were not found in any of the samples. Pathogens had different peaks in abundance over the months, showing seasonal trends that were related to the dynamics of both bee colonies and Varroa destructor infestation. For some of the pathogens, a weak but significant correlation was observed between abundance and geographical longitude. The information obtained in this study increases our understanding of the epidemiological situation of bee colonies in Emilia–Romagna and helps us to implement better disease prevention and improved territorial management of honey bee health.
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Li YH, Chang ZT, Yen MR, Huang YF, Chen TH, Chang JC, Wu MC, Yang YL, Chen YW, Nai YS. Transcriptome of Nosema ceranae and Upregulated Microsporidia Genes during Its Infection of Western Honey Bee ( Apis mellifera). INSECTS 2022; 13:716. [PMID: 36005340 PMCID: PMC9409478 DOI: 10.3390/insects13080716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is one of the fungal parasites of Apis mellifera. It causes physical and behavioral effects in honey bees. However, only a few studies have reported on gene expression profiling during A. mellifera infection. In this study, the transcriptome profile of mature spores at each time point of infection (5, 10, and 20 days post-infection, d.p.i.) were investigated. Based on the transcriptome and expression profile analysis, a total of 878, 952, and 981 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (fold change ≥ 2 or ≤ -2) were identified in N. ceranae spores (NcSp) at 5 d.p.i., 10 d.p.i., and 20 d.p.i., respectively. Moreover, 70 upregulated genes and 340 downregulated genes among common DEGs (so-called common DEGs) and 166 stage-specific genes at each stage of infection were identified. The Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated that the DEGs and corresponding common DEGs are involved in the functions of cytosol (GO:0005829), cytoplasm (GO:0005737), and ATP binding (GO:0005524). Furthermore, the pathway analysis found that the DEGs and common DEGs are involved in metabolism, environmental information processing, and organismal systems. Four upregulated common DEGs with higher fold-change values, highly associated with spore proteins and transcription factors, were selected for validation. In addition, the stage-specific genes are highly involved in the mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing according to GO enrichment analysis; thus, three of them showed high expression at each d.p.i. and were also subjected to validation. The relative gene expression levels showed a similar tendency as the transcriptome predictions at different d.p.i., revealing that the gene expression of N. ceranae during infection may be related to the mechanism of gene transcription, protein synthesis, and structural proteins. Our data suggest that the gene expression profiling of N. ceranae at the transcriptomic level could be a reference for the monitoring of nosemosis at the genetic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Li
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Zih-Ting Chang
- Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, National Ilan University, Yi-Lan City 26047, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ren Yen
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Feng Huang
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Yuan-Ze University, Tao-Yuan City 32003, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Han Chen
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Chun Chang
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Cheng Wu
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Liang Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei City 11529, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Center in Southern Taiwan, Academia Sinica, Tainan 711010, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Wen Chen
- Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, National Ilan University, Yi-Lan City 26047, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shin Nai
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, Taiwan
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Martínez-López V, Ruiz C, Muñoz I, Ornosa C, Higes M, Martín-Hernández R, De la Rúa P. Detection of Microsporidia in Pollinator Communities of a Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot for Wild Bees. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 84:638-642. [PMID: 34585291 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01854-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Insect pollination is crucial for the maintenance of natural and managed ecosystems but the functioning of this ecosystem service is threatened by a worldwide decline of pollinators. Key factors in this situation include the spread and interspecific transmission of pathogens worldwide through the movement of managed pollinators. Research on this field has been mainly conducted in some particular species, while studies assessing the interspecific transmission of pathogens at a community level are scarce. However, this information is pivotal to design strategies to protect pollinators. Herein, we analysed the prevalence of two common microsporidia pathogens of managed honey bees (Nosema ceranae and N. apis) in bee communities of semiarid Mediterranean areas from the Southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Our results confirm the ability of N. ceranae to disperse across wild bee communities in semiarid Mediterranean ecosystems since it was detected in 36 Apoidea species (39% of the sampling; for the first time in nine genera). The prevalence of the pathogen did not show any phylogenetic signal which suggests a superfamily host range of the pathogen or that wild bees may be acting only as vectors of N. ceranae. In addition, N. apis was detected in an Eucera species, which is the second time it has been detected by molecular techniques in a host other than the honey bee. Our study represents the primary assessment of the prevalence of microsporidia at community level in Mediterranean areas and provides outstanding results on the ability of Nosema pathogens to spread across the landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Martínez-López
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain.
| | - Carlos Ruiz
- Department of Animal Biology and Edaphology and Geology, University of La Laguna, San Cristobal de la Laguna, 38200, Spain
| | - Irene Muñoz
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Concepción Ornosa
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Complutense University, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Mariano Higes
- Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Honey Bee Pathology Laboratory, Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Marchamalo, 19180, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Honey Bee Pathology Laboratory, Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Marchamalo, 19180, Guadalajara, Spain
- Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT, ESF), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Albacete, Albacete, 02006, Spain
| | - Pilar De la Rúa
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
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Antifungal activity of "HO21-F", a formulation based on Olea europaea plant extract, in honey bees infected with Nosema ceranae. J Invertebr Pathol 2022; 193:107801. [PMID: 35863438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2022.107801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a microsporidium parasite that silently affects honey bees, causing a disease called nosemosis. This parasite produces resistant spores and germinates in the midgut of honey bees, extrudes a polar tubule that injects an infective sporoplasm in the host cell epithelium, proliferates, and produces intestinal disorders that shorten honey bee lifespan. The rapid extension of this disease has been reported to be widespread among adult bees, and treatments are less effective and counterproductive weakening colonies. This work aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of a prototype formulation based on a non-toxic plant extract (HO21-F) against N. ceranae. In laboratory, honey bees were infected artificially, kept in cages for 17 days and samples were taken at 7 and 14 days post infection (dpi). At the same time, in field conditions we evaluated the therapeutic effect of HO21-F for 28 days in naturally infected colonies. The effectiveness of the treatment has been demonstrated by a reduction of 83.6 % of the infection levels observed in laboratory conditions at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 g/L without affecting the survival rate. Besides, in-field conditions we reported a reduction of 88 % of the infection level at a concentration of 2.5 g/L, obtaining better antifungal effectiveness in comparison to other commercially available treatments. As a result, we observed that the use of HO21-F led to an increase in population size and honey production, both parameters associated with colony strength. The reported antifungal activity of HO21-F against N. ceranae, with a significant control of spore proliferation in worker bees, suggests the promising commercial application use of this product against nosemosis, and it will encourage new research studies to understand the mechanism of action, whether related to the spore-inhibition effect and/or a stimulating effect in natural response of colonies to counteract the disease.
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Ramos-Cuellar AK, De la Mora A, Contreras-Escareño F, Morfin N, Tapia-González JM, Macías-Macías JO, Petukhova T, Correa-Benítez A, Guzman-Novoa E. Genotype, but Not Climate, Affects the Resistance of Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera) to Viral Infections and to the Mite Varroa destructor. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070358. [PMID: 35878375 PMCID: PMC9320602 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to analyze the effect of genotype and climate on the resistance of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies to parasitic and viral diseases. The prevalence and intensity of parasitism by Varroa destructor, or infection by Nosema spp., and four honey bee viruses were determined in 365 colonies of predominantly European or African ancestry (descendants of A. m. scutellata) in subtropical and temperate regions of Mexico. Varroa destructor was the most prevalent parasite (95%), whilst N. ceranae was the least prevalent parasite (15%). Deformed wing virus (DWV) and black queen cell virus (BQCV) were the only viruses detected, at frequencies of 38% and 66%, respectively. Varroa destructor was significantly more prevalent in colonies of European ancestry (p < 0.05), and the intensity of parasitism by V. destructor or infection by DWV and BQCV was also significantly higher in colonies of European descent than in African descent colonies (p < 0.01), although no genotype−parasite associations were found for N. ceranae. Additionally, significant and positive correlations were found between V. destructor and DWV levels, and the abundance of these pathogens was negatively correlated with the African ancestry of colonies (p < 0.01). However, there were no significant effects of environment on parasitism or infection intensity for the colonies of both genotypes. Therefore, it is concluded that the genotype of honey bee colonies, but not climate, influences their resistance to DWV, BQCV, and V. destructor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana K. Ramos-Cuellar
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Abejas, FMVZ, UNAM, Cd. Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.K.R.-C.); (A.C.-B.)
| | - Alvaro De la Mora
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.D.l.M.); (N.M.)
| | - Francisca Contreras-Escareño
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola, CUCSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Independencia Nal. 161, Autlan 48900, Mexico;
| | - Nuria Morfin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.D.l.M.); (N.M.)
| | - José M. Tapia-González
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, CUSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Ciudad Guzman 49000, Mexico; (J.M.T.-G.); (J.O.M.-M.)
| | - José O. Macías-Macías
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, CUSUR, Universidad de Guadalajara, Enrique Arreola Silva 883, Ciudad Guzman 49000, Mexico; (J.M.T.-G.); (J.O.M.-M.)
| | - Tatiana Petukhova
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Adriana Correa-Benítez
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Abejas, FMVZ, UNAM, Cd. Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (A.K.R.-C.); (A.C.-B.)
| | - Ernesto Guzman-Novoa
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; (A.D.l.M.); (N.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Cilia G, Flaminio S, Zavatta L, Ranalli R, Quaranta M, Bortolotti L, Nanetti A. Occurrence of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Pathogens in Wild Pollinators in Northern Italy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:907489. [PMID: 35846743 PMCID: PMC9280159 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.907489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases contribute to the decline of pollinator populations, which may be aggravated by the interspecific transmission of honey bee pests and pathogens. Flowers increase the risk of transmission, as they expose the pollinators to infections during the foraging activity. In this study, both the prevalence and abundance of 21 honey bee pathogens (11 viruses, 4 bacteria, 3 fungi, and 3 trypanosomatids) were assessed in the flower-visiting entomofauna sampled from March to September 2021 in seven sites in the two North-Italian regions, Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont. A total of 1,028 specimens were collected, identified, and analysed. Of the twenty-one pathogens that were searched for, only thirteen were detected. Altogether, the prevalence of the positive individuals reached 63.9%, with Nosema ceranae, deformed wing virus (DWV), and chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) as the most prevalent pathogens. In general, the pathogen abundance averaged 5.15 * 106 copies, with CBPV, N. ceranae, and black queen cell virus (BQCV) as the most abundant pathogens, with 8.63, 1.58, and 0.48 * 107 copies, respectively. All the detected viruses were found to be replicative. The sequence analysis indicated that the same genetic variant was circulating in a specific site or region, suggesting that interspecific transmission events among honey bees and wild pollinators are possible. Frequently, N. ceranae and DWV were found to co-infect the same individual. The circulation of honey bee pathogens in wild pollinators was never investigated before in Italy. Our study resulted in the unprecedented detection of 72 wild pollinator species as potential hosts of honey bee pathogens. Those results encourage the implementation of monitoring actions aiming to improve our understanding of the environmental implications of such interspecific transmission events, which is pivotal to embracing a One Health approach to pollinators’ welfare.
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Lopes AR, Martín-Hernández R, Higes M, Segura SK, Henriques D, Pinto MA. Colonisation Patterns of Nosema ceranae in the Azores Archipelago. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9070320. [PMID: 35878337 PMCID: PMC9323992 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9070320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosema ceranae is a highly prevalent pathogen of Apis mellifera, which is distributed worldwide. However, there may still exist isolated areas that remain free of N. ceranae. Herein, we used molecular tools to survey the Azores to detect N. ceranae and unravel its colonisation patterns. To that end, we sampled 474 colonies from eight islands in 2014/2015 and 91 from four islands in 2020. The findings revealed that N. ceranae was not only present but also the dominant species in the Azores. In 2014/2015, N. apis was rare and N. ceranae prevalence varied between 2.7% in São Jorge and 50.7% in Pico. In 2020, N. ceranae prevalence increased significantly (p < 0.001) in Terceira and São Jorge also showing higher infection levels. The spatiotemporal patterns suggest that N. ceranae colonised the archipelago recently, and it rapidly spread across other islands, where at least two independent introductions might have occurred. Flores and Santa Maria have escaped the N. ceranae invasion, and it is remarkable that Santa Maria is also free of Varroa destructor, which makes it one of the last places in Europe where the honey bee remains naive to these two major biotic stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Lopes
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; (A.R.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, IRIAF—Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de San Martín, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (R.M.-H.); (M.H.)
- Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT-FSE/EC-ESF), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla—La Mancha, 02006 Albacete, Spain
| | - Mariano Higes
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, IRIAF—Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Camino de San Martín, 19180 Marchamalo, Spain; (R.M.-H.); (M.H.)
| | - Sara Kafafi Segura
- Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28014 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Dora Henriques
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; (A.R.L.); (D.H.)
| | - Maria Alice Pinto
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; (A.R.L.); (D.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Nosemosis in Honeybees: A Review Guide on Biology and Diagnostic Methods. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12125890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae are dangerous parasites of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). N. ceranae is more pathogenic and, nowadays, more widespread than N. apis. There are also cases of mixed infections or infections of only N. apis. Both N. apis and N. ceranae can lead to the weakening or death of A. mellifera colonies. It is crucial to make a fast and reliable diagnosis to monitor the disease and to start the correct treatment. Additionally, there is a need for further research on the pathogenicity of Nosema spp. and also on their prevalence in different regions of the world. In this paper, we present reliable diagnostic methods for Nosema spp. infection in honey bees and list the advantages and disadvantages of each method. We have also included basic information about nosemosis and the majority of diagnostic methods in order to provide a source of knowledge for veterinarians and researchers.
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Diet Supplementation Helps Honey Bee Colonies in Combat Infections by Enhancing their Hygienic Behaviour. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2022-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The hygienic behavior in honey bees is a complex polygenic trait that serves as a natural defense mechanism against bacterial and fungal brood diseases and Varroa destructor mites infesting brood cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary amino acids and vitamins supplement “BEEWELL AminoPlus” on hygienic behavior of Apis mellifera colonies combating microsporidial and viral infections. The experiment was performed during a one-year period on 40 colonies alloted to five groups: one supplemented and infected with Nosema ceranae and four viruses (Deformed wing virus - DWV, Acute bee paralysis virus - ABPV, Chronic bee paralysis virus - CBPV and Sacbrood virus – SBV), three not supplemented, but infected with N. ceranae and/ or viruses, and one negative control group. Beside the l isted pathogens, honey bee trypanosomatids were also monitored in all groups.
The supplement “BEEWELL AminoPlus” induced a significant and consistent increase of the hygienic behavior in spite of the negative effects of N. ceranae and viral infections. N. ceranae and viruses significantly and consistently decreased hygienic behavior, but also threatened the survival of bee colonies. The tested supplement showed anti-Nosema effect, since the N. ceranae infection level significantly and consistently declined only in the supplemented group. Among infected groups, only the supplemented one remained Lotmaria passim-free throughout the study. In conclusion, diet supplementation enhances hygienic behavior of honey bee colonies and helps them fight the most common infections of honey bees.
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Paromomycin Reduces Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae Infection in Honey Bees but Perturbs Microbiome Levels and Midgut Cell Function. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061107. [PMID: 35744625 PMCID: PMC9231153 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Paromomycin is a naturally occurring aminoglycoside antibiotic that has effects on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes. However, previous reports have indicated that it has little effect on microsporidia, including Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae, in cell culture models. V. ceranae is one of a number of microsporidia species that cause disease in honey bees and substantial efforts to find new treatment strategies for bees that are infected with these pathogens are ongoing. When testing compounds for potential activity against V. ceranae in whole organisms, we found that paromomycin reduces the infection intensity of this parasite. Critically, the necessary doses of paromomycin have high activity against the bacteria of the honey bee microbiome and cause evident stress in bees. Microsporidia have been shown to lack an essential binding site on the ribosome that is known to allow for maximal inhibition by paromomycin. Thus, it is possible that paromomycin impacts parasite levels through non-cell autonomous effects on microsporidia infection levels via effects on the microbiome or midgut cellular function. As paromomycin treatment could cause widespread honey bee health issues in agricultural settings, it does not represent an appropriate anti-microsporidia agent for use in the field.
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Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Arthropod, Fungal, Protozoan, Bacterial and Viral Pathogens of Honeybees. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050221. [PMID: 35622749 PMCID: PMC9145064 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The honeybee Apis mellifera is highly appreciated worldwide because of its products, but also as it is a pollinator of crops and wild plants. The beehive is vulnerable to infections due to arthropods, fungi, protozoa, bacteria and/or viruses that manage to by-pass the individual and social immune mechanisms of bees. Due to the close proximity of bees in the beehive and their foraging habits, infections easily spread within and between beehives. Moreover, international trade of bees has caused the global spread of infections, several of which result in significant losses for apiculture. Only in a few cases can infections be diagnosed with the naked eye, by direct observation of the pathogen in the case of some arthropods, or by pathogen-associated distinctive traits. Development of molecular methods based on the amplification and analysis of one or more genes or genomic segments has brought significant progress to the study of bee pathogens, allowing for: (i) the precise and sensitive identification of the infectious agent; (ii) the analysis of co-infections; (iii) the description of novel species; (iv) associations between geno- and pheno-types and (v) population structure studies. Sequencing of bee pathogen genomes has allowed for the identification of new molecular targets and the development of specific genotypification strategies.
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Recent Advances in the Biocontrol of Nosemosis in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.). J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050424. [PMID: 35628680 PMCID: PMC9145624 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosemosis is a disease triggered by the single-celled spore-forming fungi Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae, which can cause extensive colony losses in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.). Fumagillin is an effective antibiotic treatment to control nosemosis, but due to its toxicity, it is currently banned in many countries. Accordingly, in the beekeeping sector, there is a strong demand for alternative ecological methods that can be used for the prevention and therapeutic control of nosemosis in honey bee colonies. Numerous studies have shown that plant extracts, RNA interference (RNAi) and beneficial microbes could provide viable non-antibiotic alternatives. In this article, recent scientific advances in the biocontrol of nosemosis are summarized.
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Effects of Thiamethoxam-Dressed Oilseed Rape Seeds and Nosema ceranae on Colonies of Apis mellifera iberiensis, L. under Field Conditions of Central Spain. Is Hormesis Playing a Role? INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13040371. [PMID: 35447813 PMCID: PMC9032297 DOI: 10.3390/insects13040371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The collapse of the honey bee colonies is a complex phenomenon in which different factors may participate in an interrelated manner (e.g., pathogen interactions, exposure to chemicals, beekeeping practices, climatology, etc.). In light of the current debate regarding the interpretation of field and monitoring studies in prospective risk assessments, here we studied how exposure to thiamethoxam affects honey bee colonies in Central Spain when applied as a seed treatment to winter oilseed rape, according to the good agricultural practice in place prior to the EU restrictions. Under the experimental conditions, exposure to thiamethoxam, alone or in combination with other stressors, did not generate and maintain sufficient chronic stress as to provoke honey bee colony collapse. The stress derived from exposure to thiamethoxam and honey bee pathogens was compensated by adjustments in the colony’s dynamics, and by an increase in the worker bee population, a behavior known as hormesis. An analysis of the factors underlying this phenomenon should be incorporated into the prospective risk assessment of plant protection products in order to improve the future interpretation of field studies and management practices. Abstract To study the influence of thiamethoxam exposure on colony strength and pathogen prevalence, an apiary (5 colonies) was placed in front of a plot sown with winter oilseed rape (wOSR), just before the flowering phase. Before sowing, the seeds were treated with an equivalent application of 18 g thiamethoxam/ha. For comparison, a second apiary (5 colonies) was located in front of a separate 750 m plot sown with untreated wOSR. Dead foragers at the entrance of hives were assessed every 2–3 days throughout the exposure period, while the colony strength (number of combs covered with adult honey bees and brood) and pathogens were monitored each month until the following spring. Foraging on the wOSR crop was confirmed by melissopalynology determination of the corbicular pollen collected periodically, while the chemical analysis showed that exposure to thiamethoxam was mainly through nectar. There was an increase in the accumulation of dead bees in the apiary exposed to thiamethoxam relating with the control, which was coped with an increment of bee brood surface and adult bee population. However, we did not find statistically significant differences between apiaries (α = 0.05) in terms of the evolution of pathogens. We discuss these results under hormesis perspective.
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Heterologous expression of scFv fragment against Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae hexokinase in Sf9 cell culture inhibits microsporidia intracellular growth. J Invertebr Pathol 2022; 191:107755. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2022.107755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Marín-García PJ, Peyre Y, Ahuir-Baraja AE, Garijo MM, Llobat L. The Role of Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia: Nosematidae) in Honey Bee Colony Losses and Current Insights on Treatment. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030130. [PMID: 35324858 PMCID: PMC8952814 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Honeybee populations have locally and temporally declined in the last few years because of both biotic and abiotic factors. Among the latter, one of the most important reasons is infection by the microsporidia Nosema ceranae, which is the etiological agent of type C nosemosis. This species was first described in Asian honeybees (Apis cerana). Nowadays, domestic honeybees (Apis mellifera) worldwide are also becoming infected due to globalization. Type C nosemosis can be asymptomatic or can cause important damage to bees, such as changes in temporal polyethism, energy and oxidative stress, immunity loss, and decreased average life expectancy. It causes drastic reductions in workers, numbers of broods, and honey production, finally leading to colony loss. Common treatment is based on fumagillin, an antibiotic with side effects and relatively poor efficiency, which is banned in the European Union. Natural products, probiotics, food supplements, nutraceuticals, and other veterinary drugs are currently under study and might represent alternative treatments. Prophylaxis and management of affected colonies are essential to control the disease. While N. ceranae is one potential cause of bee losses in a colony, other factors must also be considered, especially synergies between microsporidia and the use of insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Jesús Marín-García
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (P.J.M.-G.); (A.E.A.-B.)
| | - Yoorana Peyre
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Ana Elena Ahuir-Baraja
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (P.J.M.-G.); (A.E.A.-B.)
| | - María Magdalena Garijo
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (P.J.M.-G.); (A.E.A.-B.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.); (L.L.)
| | - Lola Llobat
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain; (P.J.M.-G.); (A.E.A.-B.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.G.); (L.L.)
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Borba RS, Hoover SE, Currie RW, Giovenazzo P, Guarna MM, Foster LJ, Zayed A, Pernal SF. Phenomic analysis of the honey bee pathogen-web and its dynamics on colony productivity, health and social immunity behaviors. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263273. [PMID: 35100308 PMCID: PMC8803170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many pathogens and parasites have evolved to overwhelm and suppress their host's immune system. Nevertheless, the interactive effects of these agents on colony productivity and wintering success have been relatively unexplored, particularly in large-scale phenomic studies. As a defense mechanism, honey bees have evolved remarkable social behaviors to defend against pathogen and parasite challenges, which reduce the impact of disease and improve colony health. To investigate the complex role of pathogens, parasites and social immunity behaviors in relation to colony productivity and outcomes, we extensively studied colonies at several locations across Canada for two years. In 2016 and 2017, colonies founded with 1-year-old queens of diverse genetic origin were evaluated, which represented a generalized subset of the Canadian bee population. During each experimental year (May through April), we collected phenotypic data and sampled colonies for pathogen analysis in a standardized manner. Measures included: colony size and productivity (colony weight, cluster size, honey production, and sealed brood population), social immunity traits (hygienic behavior, instantaneous mite population growth rate, and grooming behavior), as well as quantification of gut parasites (Nosema spp., and Lotmaria passim), viruses (DWV-A, DWV-B, BQCV and SBV) and external parasites (Varroa destructor). Our goal was to examine: 1) correlations between pathogens and colony phenotypes; 2) the dynamics of pathogens and parasites on colony phenotypes and productivity traits; and 3) the effects of social immunity behaviors on colony pathogen load. Our results show that colonies expressing high levels of some social immunity behaviors were associated with low levels of pathogens/parasites, including viruses, Nosema spp., and V. destructor. In addition, we determined that elevated viral and Nosema spp. levels were associated with low levels of colony productivity, and that five out of six pathogenic factors measured were negatively associated with colony size and weight in both fall and spring periods. Finally, this study also provides information about the incidence and abundance of pathogens, colony phenotypes, and further disentangles their inter-correlation, so as to better understand drivers of honey bee colony health and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata S. Borba
- Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shelley E. Hoover
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert W. Currie
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Pierre Giovenazzo
- Département de Biologie, faculté des sciences et génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - M. Marta Guarna
- Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Leonard J. Foster
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amro Zayed
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen F. Pernal
- Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Beaverlodge Research Farm, Beaverlodge, Alberta, Canada
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Jabal-Uriel C, Albarracín VN, Calatayud J, Higes M, Martín-Hernández R. Age and Season Effect the Timing of Adult Worker Honeybee Infection by Nosema ceranae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:823050. [PMID: 35155274 PMCID: PMC8836290 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.823050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidia Nosema ceranae is an intracellular parasite of honeybees’ midgut, highly prevalent in Apis mellifera colonies for which important epidemiological information is still unknown. Our research aimed at understanding how age and season influence the onset of infection in honeybees and its development in the colony environment. Adult worker honeybees of less than 24h were marked and introduced into 6 different colonies in assays carried out in spring and autumn. Bees of known age were individually analyzed by PCR for Nosema spp. infection and those resulting positive were studied to determine the load by Real Time-qPCR. The age of onset and development of infection in each season was studied on a total of 2401 bees and the probability and the load of infection for both periods was established with two statistical models. First N. ceranae infected honeybees were detected at day 5 post emergence (p.e.; spring) and at day 4 p.e. (autumn) and in-hive prevalence increased from that point onwards, reaching the highest mean infection on day 18 p.e. (spring). The probability of infection increased significantly with age in both periods although the age variable better correlated in spring. The N. ceranae load tended to increase with age in both periods, although the age-load relationship was clearer in spring than in autumn. Therefore, age and season play an important role on the probability and the development of N. ceranae infection in honeybees, bringing important information to understand how it spreads within a colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Jabal-Uriel
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Marchamalo, Spain
| | - Verónica N. Albarracín
- Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Joaquín Calatayud
- Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química inorgánica, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariano Higes
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Marchamalo, Spain
| | - Raquel Martín-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Patología Apícola, Centro de Investigación Apícola y Agroambiental (CIAPA), Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Consejería de Agricultura de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Marchamalo, Spain
- Instituto de Recursos Humanos para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (INCRECYT – ESF/EC-FSE), Fundación Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Castilla – La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- *Correspondence: Raquel Martín-Hernández,
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Houdelet C, Arafah K, Bocquet M, Bulet P. Molecular histoproteomy by MALDI mass spectrometry imaging to uncover markers of the impact of Nosema on Apis mellifera. Proteomics 2022; 22:e2100224. [PMID: 34997678 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202100224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) is a powerful technology used to investigate the spatio-temporal distribution of a huge number of molecules throughout a body/tissue section. In this paper, we report the use of MALDI IMS to follow the molecular impact of an experimental infection of Apis mellifera with the microsporidia Nosema ceranae. We performed representative molecular mass fingerprints of selected tissues obtained by dissection. This was followed by MALDI IMS workflows optimization including specimen embedding and positioning as well as washing and matrix application. We recorded the local distribution of peptides/proteins within different tissues from experimentally infected versus non infected honeybees. As expected, a distinction in these molecular profiles between the two conditions was recorded from different anatomical sections of the gut tissue. More importantly, we observed differences in the molecular profiles in the brain, thoracic ganglia, hypopharyngeal glands, and hemolymph. We introduced MALDI IMS as an effective approach to monitor the impact of N. ceranae infection on A. mellifera. This opens perspectives for the discovery of molecular changes in peptides/proteins markers that could contribute to a better understanding of the impact of stressors and toxicity on different tissues of a bee in a single experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Houdelet
- CR Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France.,Saint Julien-en Genevois, Plateforme BioPark d'Archamps, France
| | - Karim Arafah
- Saint Julien-en Genevois, Plateforme BioPark d'Archamps, France
| | | | - Philippe Bulet
- CR Université Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France.,Saint Julien-en Genevois, Plateforme BioPark d'Archamps, France
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Tamim El Jarkass H, Mok C, Schertzberg MR, Fraser AG, Troemel ER, Reinke AW. An intestinally secreted host factor promotes microsporidia invasion of C. elegans. eLife 2022; 11:72458. [PMID: 34994689 PMCID: PMC8806185 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are ubiquitous obligate intracellular pathogens of animals. These parasites often infect hosts through an oral route, but little is known about the function of host intestinal proteins that facilitate microsporidia invasion. To identify such factors necessary for infection by Nematocida parisii, a natural microsporidian pathogen of Caenorhabditis elegans, we performed a forward genetic screen to identify mutant animals that have a Fitness Advantage with Nematocida (Fawn). We isolated four fawn mutants that are resistant to Nematocida infection and contain mutations in T14E8.4, which we renamed aaim-1 (Antibacterial and Aids invasion by Microsporidia). Expression of AAIM-1 in the intestine of aaim-1 animals restores N. parisii infectivity and this rescue of infectivity is dependent upon AAIM-1 secretion. N. parisii spores in aaim-1 animals are improperly oriented in the intestinal lumen, leading to reduced levels of parasite invasion. Conversely, aaim-1 mutants display both increased colonization and susceptibility to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and overexpression ofaaim-1 reduces P. aeruginosa colonization. Competitive fitness assays show that aaim-1 mutants are favored in the presence of N. parisii but disadvantaged on P. aeruginosa compared to wild-type animals. Together, this work demonstrates how microsporidia exploits a secreted protein to promote host invasion. Our results also suggest evolutionary trade-offs may exist to optimizing host defense against multiple classes of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Calvin Mok
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Andrew G Fraser
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Emily R Troemel
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Aaron W Reinke
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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