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Foster LJ, Tsvetkov N, McAfee A. Mechanisms of Pathogen and Pesticide Resistance in Honey Bees. Physiology (Bethesda) 2024; 39:0. [PMID: 38411571 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00033.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bees are the most important insect pollinators of the crops humans grow, and Apis mellifera, the Western honey bee, is the most commonly managed species for this purpose. In addition to providing agricultural services, the complex biology of honey bees has been the subject of scientific study since the 18th century, and the intricate behaviors of honey bees and ants, fellow hymenopterans, inspired much sociobiological inquest. Unfortunately, honey bees are constantly exposed to parasites, pathogens, and xenobiotics, all of which pose threats to their health. Despite our curiosity about and dependence on honey bees, defining the molecular mechanisms underlying their interactions with biotic and abiotic stressors has been challenging. The very aspects of their physiology and behavior that make them so important to agriculture also make them challenging to study, relative to canonical model organisms. However, because we rely on A. mellifera so much for pollination, we must continue our efforts to understand what ails them. Here, we review major advancements in our knowledge of honey bee physiology, focusing on immunity and detoxification, and highlight some challenges that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard J Foster
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Michael Smith LaboratoriesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nadejda Tsvetkov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Michael Smith LaboratoriesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alison McAfee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Michael Smith LaboratoriesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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2
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Jobart B, Delatte H, Lebreton G, Cazanove N, Esnault O, Clémencet J, Blot N. Parasite and virus dynamics in the honeybee Apis mellifera unicolor on a tropical island recently invaded by Varroa destructor. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 204:108125. [PMID: 38705353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
In La Réunion, the established honeybee subspecies Apis mellifera unicolor, an endemic subspecies of African lineage, is facing considerable challenges. Since the introduction of the Varroa destructor mite in 2017 high colony losses have been recorded. We investigated the dynamics of V. destructor and two viruses, the Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), known to be transmitted by the mite, and the Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV), in A. m. unicolor. Colonies from two apiaries located at 300 and 900 m a.s.l were monitored twice for one year without any acaricide treatment. The brood area, V. destructor infestation rates, DWV and CBPV prevalence and load were recorded monthly. A. m. unicolor maintained brood rearing throughout the year. Varroa destructor infestation resulted in high colony mortality (up to 85 %) and high phoretic mite rates (up to 52 mites per hundred bees). The establishment of DWV in colonies occurred after that of V. destructor and the mite infestation rate had a significant effect on the virus prevalence and load. CBPV appeared only transiently throughout the surveys. The data showed that, in tropical colonies with permanent brood rearing, V. destructor and DWV can reach high levels, but are still subject to seasonal variations that appear to be influenced by environmental conditions. This suggests that beekeeping practices could be adapted by favouring sites and periods for transhumance or acaricide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Jobart
- CIRAD, UMR PVBMT, F-97410 Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France; Université de La Réunion, UMR PVBMT, F-97400 Saint Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Hélène Delatte
- CIRAD, UMR PVBMT, F-97410 Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France
| | | | | | - Olivier Esnault
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PVBMT, F-97400 Saint Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Johanna Clémencet
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PVBMT, F-97400 Saint Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Nicolas Blot
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Laboratoire "Microorganismes: Génome Et Environnement, Clermont-Ferrand, France; UMR PVBMT, F-97410 Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France.
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3
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Dobelmann J, Manley R, Wilfert L. Caught in the act: the invasion of a viral vector changes viral prevalence and titre in native honeybees and bumblebees. Biol Lett 2024; 20:20230600. [PMID: 38715462 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0600] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel transmission routes change pathogen landscapes and may facilitate disease emergence. The varroa mite is a virus vector that switched to western honeybees at the beginning of the last century, leading to hive mortality, particularly in combination with RNA viruses. A recent invasion of varroa on the French island of Ushant introduced vector-mediated transmission to one of the last varroa-naive native honeybee populations and caused rapid changes in the honeybee viral community. These changes were characterized by a drastic increase in deformed wing virus type B prevalence and titre in honeybees, as well as knock-on effects in bumblebees, particularly in the year following the invasion. Slow bee paralysis virus also appeared in honeybees and bumblebees, with a 1 year delay, while black queen cell virus declined in honeybees. This study highlights the rapid and far-reaching effects of vector-borne transmission that can extend beyond the directly affected host species, and that the direction of the effect depends on the pathogen's virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Dobelmann
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11 , Ulm 89081, Germany
| | | | - Lena Wilfert
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11 , Ulm 89081, Germany
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Zhang Z, Villalobos EM, Nikaido S, Martin SJ. Seasonal Variability in the Prevalence of DWV Strains in Individual Colonies of European Honeybees in Hawaii. INSECTS 2024; 15:219. [PMID: 38667349 PMCID: PMC11050578 DOI: 10.3390/insects15040219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The most prevalent viral pathogen of honeybees is Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and its two most widely studied and common master-variants are DWV-A and DWV-B. The prevalence of DWV variants in the UK and in the US is changing, with the prevalence of the DWV-A strain declining and DWV-B increasing over time. In 2012, only DWV-A was detected on the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu. In this study we focused on a colony-level survey of DWV strains in a single apiary and examined the prevalence of DWV variants over the course of two years. In 2018 and 2019, a total of 16 colonies underwent viral testing in January, May, and September. Of those 16 colonies, four were monitored in both 2018 and 2019. Individual colonies showed variability of DWV master variants throughout the sampling period. DWV-A was consistently detected; however, the detection of DWV-B was variable across time in individual colonies. Ultimately, this study demonstrated a seasonal variation in both viral prevalence and load for DWV-B, providing a perspective on the dynamic nature of DWV master variants emerging in Hawaii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhening Zhang
- Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii, 3050 Maile Way, 310 Gilmore Hall, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (E.M.V.); (S.N.)
| | - Ethel M. Villalobos
- Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii, 3050 Maile Way, 310 Gilmore Hall, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (E.M.V.); (S.N.)
| | - Scott Nikaido
- Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii, 3050 Maile Way, 310 Gilmore Hall, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (E.M.V.); (S.N.)
| | - Stephen J. Martin
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, The University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK;
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García-Vicente EJ, Benito-Murcia M, Martín M, Rey-Casero I, Pérez A, González M, Alonso JM, Risco D. Evaluation of the Potential Effect of Postbiotics Obtained from Honey Bees against Varroa destructor and Their Combination with Other Organic Products. INSECTS 2024; 15:67. [PMID: 38249073 PMCID: PMC10816111 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The Varroa destructor mite infests Apis mellifera colonies and causes significant harm. Traditional treatments have become less effective because of mite resistance development and can also generate residues inside beehives. This study aimed to gauge the efficacy of a beehive-derived postbiotic in reducing V. destructor viability and to explore its synergies with organic compounds. Four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus helsingborgensis, Bacillus velezensis, and Apilactobacillus kunkeei, were isolated and tested in a postbiotic form (preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components) via bioassays. L. mesenteroides, L. helsingborgensis, and B. velezensis notably reduced the mite viability compared to the control, and they were further tested together as a single postbiotic product (POS). Further bioassays were performed to assess the impact of the POS and its combinations with oxalic acid and oregano essential oil. The simple products and combinations (POS/Oregano, POS/Oxalic, Oregano/Oxalic, and POS/Oregano/Oxalic) decreased the mite viability. The most effective were the oxalic acid combinations (POS/Oregano/Oxalic, Oxalic/Oregano, POS/Oxalic), showing significant improvements compared to the individual products. These findings highlight the potential of combining organic products as a vital strategy for controlling V. destructor infection. This study suggests that these combinations could serve as essential tools for combating the impact of mites on bee colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo José García-Vicente
- Neobéitar S.L., Av. de Alemania, 6 1ºB, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (M.B.-M.); (M.M.); (I.R.-C.); (A.P.); (M.G.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10001 Cáceres, Spain;
| | - María Benito-Murcia
- Neobéitar S.L., Av. de Alemania, 6 1ºB, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (M.B.-M.); (M.M.); (I.R.-C.); (A.P.); (M.G.)
| | - María Martín
- Neobéitar S.L., Av. de Alemania, 6 1ºB, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (M.B.-M.); (M.M.); (I.R.-C.); (A.P.); (M.G.)
| | - Ismael Rey-Casero
- Neobéitar S.L., Av. de Alemania, 6 1ºB, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (M.B.-M.); (M.M.); (I.R.-C.); (A.P.); (M.G.)
| | - Ana Pérez
- Neobéitar S.L., Av. de Alemania, 6 1ºB, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (M.B.-M.); (M.M.); (I.R.-C.); (A.P.); (M.G.)
| | - María González
- Neobéitar S.L., Av. de Alemania, 6 1ºB, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (M.B.-M.); (M.M.); (I.R.-C.); (A.P.); (M.G.)
| | - Juan Manuel Alonso
- Department of Animal Health, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10001 Cáceres, Spain;
| | - David Risco
- Department of Animal Medicine, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10001 Cáceres, Spain;
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Doublet V, Oddie MAY, Mondet F, Forsgren E, Dahle B, Furuseth-Hansen E, Williams GR, De Smet L, Natsopoulou ME, Murray TE, Semberg E, Yañez O, de Graaf DC, Le Conte Y, Neumann P, Rimstad E, Paxton RJ, de Miranda JR. Shift in virus composition in honeybees ( Apis mellifera) following worldwide invasion by the parasitic mite and virus vector Varroa destructor. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231529. [PMID: 38204792 PMCID: PMC10776227 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Invasive vectors can induce dramatic changes in disease epidemiology. While viral emergence following geographical range expansion of a vector is well known, the influence a vector can have at the level of the host's pathobiome is less well understood. Taking advantage of the formerly heterogeneous spatial distribution of the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor that acts as potent virus vector among honeybees Apis mellifera, we investigated the impact of its recent global spread on the viral community of honeybees in a retrospective study of historical samples. We hypothesized that the vector has had an effect on the epidemiology of several bee viruses, potentially altering their transmissibility and/or virulence, and consequently their prevalence, abundance, or both. To test this, we quantified the prevalence and loads of 14 viruses from honeybee samples collected in mite-free and mite-infested populations in four independent geographical regions. The presence of the mite dramatically increased the prevalence and load of deformed wing virus, a cause of unsustainably high colony losses. In addition, several other viruses became more prevalent or were found at higher load in mite-infested areas, including viruses not known to be actively varroa-transmitted, but which may increase opportunistically in varroa-parasitized bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Doublet
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 061200, Germany
| | - Melissa A. Y. Oddie
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala 750 07, Sweden
- Norwegian Beekeepers Association, Kløfta 2040, Norway
| | - Fanny Mondet
- INRAE, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, Avignon 84914, France
| | - Eva Forsgren
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala 750 07, Sweden
| | - Bjørn Dahle
- Norwegian Beekeepers Association, Kløfta 2040, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Furuseth-Hansen
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås 1432, Norway
| | - Geoffrey R. Williams
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3097, Switzerland
- Entomology & Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36832, USA
| | - Lina De Smet
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Myrsini E. Natsopoulou
- Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 061200, Germany
| | - Tomás E. Murray
- Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 061200, Germany
| | - Emilia Semberg
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala 750 07, Sweden
| | - Orlando Yañez
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3097, Switzerland
| | - Dirk C. de Graaf
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Yves Le Conte
- INRAE, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, Avignon 84914, France
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3097, Switzerland
| | - Espen Rimstad
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås 1432, Norway
| | - Robert J. Paxton
- Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale) 061200, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Joachim R. de Miranda
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala 750 07, Sweden
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Damayo JE, McKee RC, Buchmann G, Norton AM, Ashe A, Remnant EJ. Virus replication in the honey bee parasite, Varroa destructor. J Virol 2023; 97:e0114923. [PMID: 37966226 PMCID: PMC10746231 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01149-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The parasitic mite Varroa destructor is a significant driver of worldwide colony losses of our most important commercial pollinator, the Western honey bee Apis mellifera. Declines in honey bee health are frequently attributed to the viruses that mites vector to honey bees, yet whether mites passively transmit viruses as a mechanical vector or actively participate in viral amplification and facilitate replication of honey bee viruses is debated. Our work investigating the antiviral RNA interference response in V. destructor demonstrates that key viruses associated with honey bee declines actively replicate in mites, indicating that they are biological vectors, and the host range of bee-associated viruses extends to their parasites, which could impact virus evolution, pathogenicity, and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E. Damayo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca C. McKee
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gabriele Buchmann
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Amanda M. Norton
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Academic Support Unit, Research and Advanced Instrumentation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alyson Ashe
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emily J. Remnant
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Ray AM, Gordon EC, Seeley TD, Rasgon JL, Grozinger CM. Signatures of adaptive decreased virulence of deformed wing virus in an isolated population of wild honeybees ( Apis mellifera). Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231965. [PMID: 37876196 PMCID: PMC10598435 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive host-pathogen interactions is critical for combating epidemics and conserving species. The Varroa destructor mite and deformed wing virus (DWV) are two synergistic threats to Western honeybee (Apis mellifera) populations across the globe. Distinct honeybee populations have been found to self-sustain despite Varroa infestations, including colonies within the Arnot Forest outside Ithaca, NY, USA. We hypothesized that in these bee populations, DWV has been selected to produce an avirulent infection phenotype, allowing for the persistence of both host and disease-causing agents. To investigate this, we assessed the titre of viruses in bees from the Arnot Forest and managed apiaries, and assessed genomic variation and virulence differences between DWV isolates. Across groups, we found viral abundance was similar, but DWV genotypes were distinct. We also found that infections with isolates from the Arnot Forest resulted in higher survival and lower rates of symptomatic deformed wings, compared to analogous isolates from managed colonies, providing preliminary evidence to support the hypothesis of adaptive decreased viral virulence. Overall, this multi-level investigation of virus genotype and phenotype indicates that host ecological context can be a significant driver of viral evolution and host-pathogen interactions in honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson M. Ray
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-1503, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240-0002, USA
| | - Emma C. Gordon
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-1503, USA
| | - Thomas D. Seeley
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Jason L. Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-1503, USA
| | - Christina M. Grozinger
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-1503, USA
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Xiao Y, Fei D, Li M, Ma Y, Ma M. Establishment and Application of CRISPR-Cas12a-Based Recombinase Polymerase Amplification and a Lateral Flow Dipstick and Fluorescence for the Detection and Distinction of Deformed Wing Virus Types A and B. Viruses 2023; 15:2041. [PMID: 37896818 PMCID: PMC10612068 DOI: 10.3390/v15102041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Deformed wing virus (DWV) is one of the important pathogens of the honey bee (Apis mellifera), which consists of three master variants: types A, B, and C. Among them, DWV types A (DWV-A) and B (DWV-B) are the most prevalent variants in honey bee colonies and have been linked to colony decline. DWV-A and DWV-B have different virulence, but it is difficult to distinguish them via traditional methods. In this study, we established a visual detection assay for DWV-A and DWV-B using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and a lateral flow dipstick (LFD) coupled with the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) 12a fluorescence system (RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a-LFD). The limit of detection of this system was ~6.5 × 100 and 6.2 × 101 copies/μL for DWV-A and DWV-B, respectively. The assays were specific and non-cross-reactive against other bee viruses, and the results could be visualized within 1 h. The assays were validated by extracting cDNA from 36 clinical samples of bees that were suspected to be infected with DWV. The findings were consistent with those of traditional reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a assay showed the specific, sensitive, simple, and appropriate detection of DWV-A and DWV-B. This method can facilitate the visual and qualitative detection of DWV-A and DWV-B as well as the monitoring of different subtypes, thereby providing potentially better control and preventing current and future DWV outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Xiao
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China; (Y.X.); (M.L.)
| | - Dongliang Fei
- Experimental Animal Center of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China; (D.F.); (Y.M.)
| | - Ming Li
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China; (Y.X.); (M.L.)
| | - Yueyu Ma
- Experimental Animal Center of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China; (D.F.); (Y.M.)
| | - Mingxiao Ma
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121000, China; (Y.X.); (M.L.)
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Chantaphanwattana T, Shafiey H, Phokasem P, Disayathanoowat T, Paxton RJ. The presence of identical deformed wing virus sequence variants in co-occurring Apis species in Northern Thailand may represent a potential epidemiological threat to native honey bees of Southeast Asia. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 200:107957. [PMID: 37364674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Widespread native honey bee species in South and East Asia (Apis cerana, Apis dorsata and Apis florea) and the imported western honey bee (Apis mellifera) share habitats and potentially also share pathogens. Chief among the threats facing A. mellifera in Europe and North America is deformed wing virus (DWV), including its two principal genotypes: A and B (DWV-A and DWV-B respectively). Though DWV-A has been recorded in Asia's native Apis species, it is not known if DWV-B, or both DWV-A and DWV-B, are currently widespread in Asia and, if so, whether viral transmission is primarily intraspecific or interspecific. This study aims to fill these knowledge gaps by (i) determining the DWV genotype in four co-occurring Apis host species using qPCR and (ii) inferring viral transmission between them using nucleotide sequences of DWV from Apis host species collected at three independent localities in Northern Thailand. We found DWV-A and -B in all four Apis species, the exotic A. mellifera and the native A. cerana, A. dorsata and A. florea. That DWV-A sequences were identical across Apis species at the same locality, with a similar pattern for DWV-B sequences, suggests that DWV's epidemiology is largely driven by ongoing interspecific transmission (spillover) of DWV across co-occurring native and exotic Apis species. Both genotypes of DWV represent a serious threat to Asia's exotic and native honey bee species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thunyarat Chantaphanwattana
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Graduate School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Hassan Shafiey
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle, (Saale), Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Patcharin Phokasem
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Terd Disayathanoowat
- Bee Protection Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Research Center in Deep Technology Associated with Beekeeping and Bee Products for Sustainable Development Goals, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Robert J Paxton
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle, (Saale), Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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Beims H, Janke M, von der Ohe W, Steinert M. Influence of virus abundances in donor colonies and nurse hives on queens of Apis mellifera during the rearing process. Open Vet J 2023; 13:879-893. [PMID: 37614729 PMCID: PMC10443816 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2023.v13.i7.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Honeybees are one of the three most important animals for mankind. In order to be safe and increase number of bee colonies for pollination, the breeding of queens is necessary. For several decades, bees were selected on economic and behavioral aspects. With the appearance of the neozootic mite Varroa destructor beekeepers were forced to adapt their methods. Varroa destructor can act as a vector for many different bee pathogenic viruses and by this potentiates its devastating impact. Aim Methods of rearing queens were not evaluated since the mites' appearance. Besides scientific approaches, viruses received too little attention in regard to the rearing process of honeybee queens. Herein, we present a detailed analysis of virus abundances [Aparavirus, acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV); Triatovirus, black queen cell virus (BQCV); Cripavirus, chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV); and Iflaviruses, deformed wings virus (DWV), Sacbrood virus (SBV), VDV-1] in breeding hives, donating first instar larvae, hives that are nursing these larvae until the pupa stage, and on queens of Apis mellifera in a breeding apiary. Methods Nurse and donor colonies of the queen-rearing process were sampled in the year 2020 and analyzed by RT qPCR. Virus quantifications were correlated with queen mortalities and seasonal effects. Results Virus detections increased in reared queens, however, the elevated virus titers did not increase the mortality of the queens until their exclosure. Moreover, we observed a lower interrelation between virus abundance in queens and their original donor colonies, than between nurse hives and their nursed queens. Conclusion The bee pathogenic viruses ABPV, BQCV, CBPV, DWV, SBV, and VDV-1 do not influence the mortality of bee queens during the rearing process. Whether respective virus loads result in sublethal or long-term effects remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Beims
- Bezirk Oberbayern, Fachberatung für Imkerei, München, Germany
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Institute for Apiculture, Celle, Germany
- Institut für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Martina Janke
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Institute for Apiculture, Celle, Germany
| | - Werner von der Ohe
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Institute for Apiculture, Celle, Germany
| | - Michael Steinert
- Institut für Mikrobiologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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12
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Woodford L, Steketee PC, Evans DJ. Doomed drones? Using passage experiments and mathematical modelling to determine Deformed wing virus population dynamics in male honeybees. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231010. [PMID: 37339741 PMCID: PMC10281807 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Varroa destructor is an ectoparasitic mite of honeybees which vectors a range of pathogenic viruses, the most notable being Deformed wing virus (DWV). Mites parasitise bees during pupal development and male honeybees, drones, have a longer development cycle than female workers (24 versus 21 days), allow for more progeny mites to develop per foundress (1.6-2.5 compared to 0.7-1.45). How this longer exposure time influences evolution of the transmitted virus population is unknown. Using uniquely tagged viruses recovered from cDNA we investigated the replication, competition and morbidity of DWV genotypes in drones. Assays examining virus replication and morbidity revealed drones are highly susceptible to both predominant genotypes of DWV. In virus passage studies using an equimolar inocula of major DNA genotypes and their recombinants, the recombinant form dominated but did not reach 100% of the virus population within 10 passages. Using an in-silico model of the virus-mite-bee system we examined bottlenecks during virus acquisition by the mite and subsequent injection of viruses into the host, which may play a significant role in shaping virus diversity. This study furthers our understanding of the variables influencing DWV diversity changes and provides insight into areas of future research in the mite-virus-bee system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Woodford
- Department of Biology, University of St. Andrews, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, St. Andrews, None KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Pieter C. Steketee
- The Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - David J. Evans
- Department of Biology, University of St. Andrews, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, St. Andrews, None KY16 9ST, UK
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13
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Durand T, Bonjour-Dalmon A, Dubois E. Viral Co-Infections and Antiviral Immunity in Honey Bees. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051217. [PMID: 37243302 DOI: 10.3390/v15051217] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, honey bees have been facing an increasing number of stressors. Beyond individual stress factors, the synergies between them have been identified as a key factor in the observed increase in colony mortality. However, these interactions are numerous and complex and call for further research. Here, in line with our need for a systemic understanding of the threats that they pose to bee health, we review the interactions between honey bee viruses. As viruses are obligate parasites, the interactions between them not only depend on the viruses themselves but also on the immune responses of honey bees. Thus, we first summarise our current knowledge of the antiviral immunity of honey bees. We then review the interactions between specific pathogenic viruses and their interactions with their host. Finally, we draw hypotheses from the current literature and suggest directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Durand
- National Research Institute for Agriculture Food and Environement, INRAE, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon, France
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety, ANSES, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Anne Bonjour-Dalmon
- National Research Institute for Agriculture Food and Environement, INRAE, UR 406 Abeilles et Environnement, Site Agroparc, 84914 Avignon, France
| | - Eric Dubois
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety, ANSES, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France
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14
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Gebrezgiher GB, Makundi RH, Katakweba AAS, Belmain SR, Lyimo CM, Meheretu Y. Arthropod Ectoparasites of Two Rodent Species Occurring in Varied Elevations on Tanzania’s Second Highest Mountain. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030394. [PMID: 36979086 PMCID: PMC10045264 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Climate change causes organisms, including species that act as parasite reservoirs and vectors, to shift their distribution to higher altitudes, affecting wildlife infestation patterns. We studied how ectoparasite distributions varied with altitude using two rodent species, Montemys delectorum and Rhabdomys dilectus, at different elevations (1500–3500 m). The ectoparasites infesting the two rodent species were influenced by the host sex, species, and temperature. We expected host density to predict parasite infestation patterns, because hosts in higher densities should have more parasites due to increased contact between individuals. However, temperature, not host density, affected ectoparasite distribution. Since temperatures decrease with elevation, parasite prevalences and abundances were lower at higher elevations, highlighting that the cold conditions at higher elevations limit reproduction and development—this shows that higher elevation zones are ideal for conservation. The rodents and ectoparasite species described in this study have been reported as vectors of diseases of medical and veterinary importance, necessitating precautions. Moreover, Mount Meru is a refuge for a number of endemic and threatened species on the IUCN Red List. Thus, the parasitic infection can also be an additional risk to these critical species as well as biodiversity in general. Therefore, our study lays the groundwork for future wildlife disease surveillance and biodiversity conservation management actions. The study found a previously uncharacterized mite species in the Mesostigmata group that was previously known to be a parasite of honeybees. Further investigations may shed light into the role of this mite species on Mount Meru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genet B. Gebrezgiher
- African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
- Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
- Department of Wildlife Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3073, Tanzania
- Department of Biology, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+255-710-421-237
| | - Rhodes H. Makundi
- African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
- Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
| | - Abdul A. S. Katakweba
- African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
- Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
| | - Steven R. Belmain
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Charles M. Lyimo
- Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3004, Tanzania
| | - Yonas Meheretu
- Department of Biology, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
- Institute of Mountain Research and Development, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 3102, Ethiopia
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83 Umea, Sweden
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15
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Schüler V, Liu YC, Gisder S, Horchler L, Groth D, Genersch E. Significant, but not biologically relevant: Nosema ceranae infections and winter losses of honey bee colonies. Commun Biol 2023; 6:229. [PMID: 36859713 PMCID: PMC9977864 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04587-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Western honey bee Apis mellifera, which provides about 90% of commercial pollination, is under threat from diverse abiotic and biotic factors. The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor vectoring deformed wing virus (DWV) has been identified as the main biotic contributor to honey bee colony losses worldwide, while the role of the microsporidium Nosema ceranae is still controversially discussed. In an attempt to solve this controversy, we statistically analyzed a unique data set on honey bee colony health collected from a cohort of honey bee colonies over 15 years and comprising more than 3000 data sets on mite infestation levels, Nosema spp. infections, and winter losses. Multivariate statistical analysis confirms that V. destructor is the major cause of colony winter losses. Although N. ceranae infections are also statistically significantly correlated with colony losses, determination of the effect size reveals that N. ceranae infections are of no or low biological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Schüler
- Institute for Bee Research, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Bee Diseases, Friedrich-Engels-Str. 32, 16540, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
| | - Yuk-Chien Liu
- Institute for Bee Research, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Bee Diseases, Friedrich-Engels-Str. 32, 16540, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
- University of Potsdam, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Sebastian Gisder
- Institute for Bee Research, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Bee Diseases, Friedrich-Engels-Str. 32, 16540, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
| | - Lennart Horchler
- Institute for Bee Research, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Bee Diseases, Friedrich-Engels-Str. 32, 16540, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
| | - Detlef Groth
- University of Potsdam, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, 14476, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Elke Genersch
- Institute for Bee Research, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Bee Diseases, Friedrich-Engels-Str. 32, 16540, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany.
- Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7, 14163, Berlin, Germany.
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16
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Kandel M, Paxton RJ, Al Naggar Y. Nationwide Screening for Bee Viruses in Apis mellifera Colonies in Egypt. INSECTS 2023; 14:172. [PMID: 36835740 PMCID: PMC9964814 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Honey bees are essential for crop and wild plant pollination. However, many countries have reported high annual colony losses caused by multiple possible stressors. Diseases, particularly those caused by viruses, are a major cause of colony losses. However, little is known about the prevalence of honey bee pathogens, particularly virus prevalence, in Egyptian honey bees. To address this shortfall, we determined the prevalence of widespread bee viruses in honey bee colonies in Egypt-whether it is affected by geography, the season, or infestation with Varroa destructor (varroa) mites. Honey bee worker samples were collected from 18 geographical regions across Egypt during two seasons: winter and summer of 2021. Three apiaries were chosen in each region, and a pooled sample of 150 worker bees was collected from five colonies in each apiary then screened by qPCR for 10 viral targets: acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), deformed wing virus (DWV) genotypes A (DWV-A), B (DWV-B) and D (Egyptian bee virus), Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), Kashmir bee virus (KBV), sacbrood virus (SBV), and slow bee paralysis virus (SBPV). Our results revealed that DWV-A was the most prevalent virus, followed by BQCV and ABPV; the DWV genotype now spreading across the world, DWV-B, was not detected. There was no difference in varroa infestation rates as well as virus prevalence between winter and summer. However, colonies infected with BQCV had a significantly higher varroa count (adjusted p < 0.05) in the winter season, indicating that there is a seasonal association between the intensity of infestation by varroa and the presence of this virus. We provide data on the current virus prevalence in Egypt, which could assist in the protection of Egypt's beekeeping industry. Moreover, our study aids in the systematic assessment of the global honey bee virome by filling a knowledge gap about the prevalence of honey bee viruses in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Kandel
- Plant Protection and Molecular Diagnosis, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Alexandria 21934, Egypt
| | - Robert J. Paxton
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Yahya Al Naggar
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
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17
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Eliash N, Suenaga M, Mikheyev AS. Vector-virus interaction affects viral loads and co-occurrence. BMC Biol 2022; 20:284. [PMID: 36527054 PMCID: PMC9758805 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01463-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vector-borne viral diseases threaten human and wildlife worldwide. Vectors are often viewed as a passive syringe injecting the virus. However, to survive, replicate and spread, viruses must manipulate vector biology. While most vector-borne viral research focuses on vectors transmitting a single virus, in reality, vectors often carry diverse viruses. Yet how viruses affect the vectors remains poorly understood. Here, we focused on the varroa mite (Varroa destructor), an emergent parasite that can carry over 20 honey bee viruses, and has been responsible for colony collapses worldwide, as well as changes in global viral populations. Co-evolution of the varroa and the viral community makes it possible to investigate whether viruses affect vector gene expression and whether these interactions affect viral epidemiology. RESULTS Using a large set of available varroa transcriptomes, we identified how abundances of individual viruses affect the vector's transcriptional network. We found no evidence of competition between viruses, but rather that some virus abundances are positively correlated. Furthermore, viruses that are found together interact with the vector's gene co-expression modules in similar ways, suggesting that interactions with the vector affect viral epidemiology. We experimentally validated this observation by silencing candidate genes using RNAi and found that the reduction in varroa gene expression was accompanied by a change in viral load. CONCLUSIONS Combined, the meta-transcriptomic analysis and experimental results shed light on the mechanism by which viruses interact with each other and with their vector to shape the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Eliash
- grid.18098.380000 0004 1937 0562Shamir Research Institute, University of Haifa, Katzrin, Israel ,grid.250464.10000 0000 9805 2626Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495 Japan
| | - Miyuki Suenaga
- grid.250464.10000 0000 9805 2626Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495 Japan
| | - Alexander S. Mikheyev
- grid.250464.10000 0000 9805 2626Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495 Japan ,grid.1001.00000 0001 2180 7477Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600 Australia
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18
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Water provisioning increases caged worker bee lifespan and caged worker bees are living half as long as observed 50 years ago. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18660. [PMID: 36376353 PMCID: PMC9663547 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21401-2] [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: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The high loss rates of honey bee colonies drive research for solutions aimed to mitigate these losses. While honey bee colonies are superorganisms, experiments that measure the response to stressors often use caged individuals to allow for inference in a controlled setting. In an initial experiment, we showed that caged honey bees provisioned with various types of water (deionized, 1%NaCl in deionized, or tap) have greater median lifespans than those that did not. While researching the history of water provisioning in cage studies, we observed that the median lifespan of caged honey bees has been declining in the US since the 1970's, from an average of 34.3 days to 17.7 days. In response to this, we again turned to historical record and found a relationship between this trend and a decline in the average amount of honey produced per colony per year in the US over the last 5 decades. To understand the relationship between individual bee lifespan and colony success we used an established honey bee population model (BEEHAVE) to simulate the predicted effects of decreased worker lifespans. Declines in downstream measures of colony population, overall honey production, and colony lifespan resulted from reduced worker bee lifespans. Modeled colony lifespans allowed us to estimate colony loss rates in a beekeeping operation where lost colonies are replaced annually. Resulting loss rates were reflective of what beekeepers' experience today, which suggests the average lifespan of individual bees plays an important role in colony success.
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19
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Transmission of deformed wing virus between Varroa destructor foundresses, mite offspring and infested honey bees. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:333. [PMID: 36151583 PMCID: PMC9502634 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05463-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Varroa destructor is the major ectoparasite of the western honey bee (Apis mellifera). Through both its parasitic life-cycle and its role as a vector of viral pathogens, it can cause major damage to honey bee colonies. The deformed wing virus (DWV) is the most common virus transmitted by this ectoparasite, and the mite is correlated to increased viral prevalence and viral loads in infested colonies. DWV variants A and B (DWV-A and DWV-B, respectively) are the two major DWV variants, and they differ both in their virulence and transmission dynamics. Methods We studied the transmission of DWV between bees, parasitic mites and their offspring by quantifying DWV loads in bees and mites collected in in vitro and in situ environments. In vitro, we artificially transmitted DWV-A to mites and quantified both DWV-A and DWV-B in mites and bees. In situ, we measured the natural presence of DWV-B in bees, mites and mites’ offspring. Results Bee and mite viral loads were correlated, and mites carrying both variants were associated with higher mortality of the infected host. Mite infestation increased the DWV-B loads and decreased the DWV-A loads in our laboratory conditions. In situ, viral quantification in the mite offspring showed that, after an initially non-infected egg stage, the DWV-B loads were more closely correlated with the foundress (mother) mites than with the bee hosts. Conclusions The association between mites and DWV-B was highlighted in this study. The parasitic history of a mite directly impacts its DWV infection potential during the rest of its life-cycle (in terms of variant and viral loads). Regarding the mite’s progeny, we hypothesize that the route of contamination is likely through the feeding site rather than by vertical transmission, although further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05463-9.
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20
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Ryabov EV, Posada-Florez F, Rogers C, Lamas ZS, Evans JD, Chen Y, Cook SC. The vectoring competence of the mite Varroa destructor for deformed wing virus of honey bees is dynamic and affects survival of the mite. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 2:931352. [PMID: 38468796 PMCID: PMC10926515 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2022.931352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor and the viruses it vectors, including types A and B of Deformed wing virus (DWV), pose a major threat to honey bees, Apis mellifera. Analysis of 256 mites collected from the same set of field colonies on five occasions from May to October 2021 showed that less than a half of them, 39.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 34.0 - 46.0%), were able to induce a high (overt) level DWV infection with more than 109 viral genomes per bee in the pupa after 6 days of feeding, with both DWV-A and DWV-B being vectored at similar rates. To investigate the effect of the phoretic (or dispersal) stage on adult bees on the mites' ability to vector DWV, the mites from two collection events were divided into two groups, one of which was tested immediately for their infectiveness, and the other was kept with adult worker bees in cages for 12 days prior to testing their infectiveness. We found that while 39.2% (95% CI: 30.0 - 49.1%) of the immediately tested mites induced overt-level infections, 12-day passage on adult bees significantly increased the infectiousness to 89.8% (95% CI: 79.2 - 95.6%). It is likely that Varroa mites that survive brood interruptions in field colonies are increasingly infectious. The mite lifespan was affected by the DWV type it transmitted to pupae. The mites, which induced high DWV-B but not DWV-A infection had an average lifespan of 15.5 days (95% CI: 11.8 - 19.2 days), which was significantly shorter than those of the mites which induced high DWV-A but not DWV-B infection, with an average lifespan of 24.3 days (95% CI: 20.2 - 28.5), or the mites which did not induce high levels of DWV-A or DWV-B, with an average survival of 21.2 days (95% CI: 19.0 - 23.5 days). The mites which transmitted high levels of both DWV-A and DWV-B had an intermediate average survival of 20.5 days (95% CI: 15.1 - 25.9 days). The negative impact of DWV-B on mite survival could be a consequence of the ability of DWV-B, but not DWV-A to replicate in Varroa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene V. Ryabov
- United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Francisco Posada-Florez
- United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Curtis Rogers
- United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Zachary S. Lamas
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Jay D. Evans
- United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Yanping Chen
- United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Steven C. Cook
- United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States
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Paxton RJ, Schäfer MO, Nazzi F, Zanni V, Annoscia D, Marroni F, Bigot D, Laws-Quinn ER, Panziera D, Jenkins C, Shafiey H. Epidemiology of a major honey bee pathogen, deformed wing virus: potential worldwide replacement of genotype A by genotype B. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 18:157-171. [PMID: 35592272 PMCID: PMC9112108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is of major economic and ecological importance, with elevated rates of colony losses in temperate regions over the last two decades thought to be largely caused by the exotic ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor and deformed wing virus (DWV), which the mite transmits. DWV currently exists as two main genotypes: the formerly widespread DWV-A and the more recently described and rapidly expanding DWV-B. It is an excellent system to understand viral evolution and the replacement of one viral variant by another. Here we synthesise published results on the distribution and prevalence of DWV-A and -B over the period 2008-2021 and present novel data for Germany, Italy and the UK to suggest that (i) DWV-B has rapidly expanded worldwide since its first description in 2004 and (ii) that it is potentially replacing DWV-A. Both genotypes are also found in wild bee species. Based on a simple mathematical model, we suggest that interference between viral genotypes when co-infecting the same host is key to understanding their epidemiology. We finally discuss the consequences of genotype replacement for beekeeping and for wild pollinator species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Paxton
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marc O. Schäfer
- Institute of Infectology Medicine, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Francesco Nazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Virginia Zanni
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Desiderato Annoscia
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Fabio Marroni
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Diane Bigot
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Eoin R. Laws-Quinn
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Delphine Panziera
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christina Jenkins
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Hassan Shafiey
- General Zoology, Institute for Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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22
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Multiple benefits of breeding honey bees for hygienic behavior. J Invertebr Pathol 2022; 193:107788. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2022.107788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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23
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Penn HJ, Simone-Finstrom MD, Chen Y, Healy KB. Honey Bee Genetic Stock Determines Deformed Wing Virus Symptom Severity but not Viral Load or Dissemination Following Pupal Exposure. Front Genet 2022; 13:909392. [PMID: 35719388 PMCID: PMC9204523 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.909392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Honey bees exposed to Varroa mites incur substantial physical damage in addition to potential exposure to vectored viruses such as Deformed wing virus (DWV) that exists as three master variants (DWV-A, DWV-B, and DWV-C) and recombinants. Although mite-resistant bees have been primarily bred to mitigate the impacts of Varroa mites, mite resistance may be associated with increased tolerance or resistance to the vectored viruses. The goal of our study is to determine if five honey bee stocks (Carniolan, Italian, Pol-Line, Russian, and Saskatraz) differ in their resistance or tolerance to DWV based on prior breeding for mite resistance. We injected white-eyed pupae with a sublethal dose (105) of DWV or exposed them to mites and then evaluated DWV levels and dissemination and morphological symptoms upon adult emergence. While we found no evidence of DWV resistance across stocks (i.e., similar rates of viral replication and dissemination), we observed that some stocks exhibited reduced symptom severity suggestive of differential tolerance. However, DWV tolerance was not consistent across mite-resistant stocks as Russian bees were most tolerant, while Pol-Line exhibited the most severe symptoms. DWV variants A and B exhibited differential dissemination patterns that interacted significantly with the treatment group but not bee stock. Furthermore, elevated DWV-B levels reduced adult emergence time, while both DWV variants were associated with symptom likelihood and severity. These data indicate that the genetic differences underlying bee resistance to Varroa mites are not necessarily correlated with DWV tolerance and may interact differentially with DWV variants, highlighting the need for further work on mechanisms of tolerance and bee stock–specific physiological interactions with pathogen variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J. Penn
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Sugarcane Research Unit, Houma, LA, United States
- *Correspondence: Hannah J. Penn, ; Michael D. Simone-Finstrom,
| | - Michael D. Simone-Finstrom
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Research Unit, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
- *Correspondence: Hannah J. Penn, ; Michael D. Simone-Finstrom,
| | - Yanping Chen
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Kristen B. Healy
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University and AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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24
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Lester PJ, Felden A, Baty JW, Bulgarella M, Haywood J, Mortensen AN, Remnant EJ, Smeele ZE. Viral communities in the parasite Varroa destructor and in colonies of their honey bee host (Apis mellifera) in New Zealand. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8809. [PMID: 35614309 PMCID: PMC9133037 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12888-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitic mite Varroa destructor is a leading cause of mortality for Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies around the globe. We sought to confirm the presence and likely introduction of only one V. destructor haplotype in New Zealand, and describe the viral community within both V. destructor mites and the bees that they parasitise. A 1232 bp fragment from mitochondrial gene regions suggests the likely introduction of only one V. destructor haplotype to New Zealand. Seventeen viruses were found in bees. The most prevalent and abundant was the Deformed wing virus A (DWV-A) strain, which explained 95.0% of the variation in the viral community of bees. Black queen cell virus, Sacbrood virus, and Varroa destructor virus 2 (VDV-2) played secondary roles. DWV-B and the Israeli acute paralysis virus appeared absent from New Zealand. Ten viruses were observed in V. destructor, with > 99.9% of viral reads from DWV-A and VDV-2. Substantially more variation in viral loads was observed in bees compared to mites. Where high levels of VDV-2 occurred in mites, reduced DWV-A occurred in both the mites and the bees co-occurring within the same hive. Where there were high loads of DWV-A in mites, there were typically high viral loads in bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Lester
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand.
| | - Antoine Felden
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - James W Baty
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - Mariana Bulgarella
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - John Haywood
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - Ashley N Mortensen
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 3230, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
| | - Emily J Remnant
- Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Science Road, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Zoe E Smeele
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
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25
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Piot N, Smagghe G. Critical View on the Importance of Host Defense Strategies on Virus Distribution of Bee Viruses: What Can We Learn from SARS-CoV-2 Variants? Viruses 2022; 14:503. [PMID: 35336909 PMCID: PMC8951442 DOI: 10.3390/v14030503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bees, both wild and domesticated ones, are hosts to a plethora of viruses, with most of them infecting a wide range of bee species and genera. Although viral discovery and research on bee viruses date back over 50 years, the last decade is marked by a surge of new studies, new virus discoveries, and reports on viral transmission in and between bee species. This steep increase in research on bee viruses was mainly initiated by the global reports on honeybee colony losses and the worldwide wild bee decline, where viruses are regarded as one of the main drivers. While the knowledge gained on bee viruses has significantly progressed in a short amount of time, we believe that integration of host defense strategies and their effect on viral dynamics in the multi-host viral landscape are important aspects that are currently still missing. With the large epidemiological dataset generated over the last two years on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the role of these defense mechanisms in shaping viral dynamics has become eminent. Integration of these dynamics in a multi-host system would not only greatly aid the understanding of viral dynamics as a driver of wild bee decline, but we believe bee pollinators and their viruses provide an ideal system to study the multi-host viruses and their epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Piot
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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26
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de Miranda JR, Brettell LE, Chejanovsky N, Childers AK, Dalmon A, Deboutte W, de Graaf DC, Doublet V, Gebremedhn H, Genersch E, Gisder S, Granberg F, Haddad NJ, Kaden R, Manley R, Matthijnssens J, Meeus I, Migdadi H, Milbrath MO, Mondet F, Remnant EJ, Roberts JMK, Ryabov EV, Sela N, Smagghe G, Somanathan H, Wilfert L, Wright ON, Martin SJ, Ball BV. Cold case: The disappearance of Egypt bee virus, a fourth distinct master strain of deformed wing virus linked to honeybee mortality in 1970's Egypt. Virol J 2022; 19:12. [PMID: 35033134 PMCID: PMC8760790 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01740-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In 1977, a sample of diseased adult honeybees (Apis mellifera) from Egypt was found to contain large amounts of a previously unknown virus, Egypt bee virus, which was subsequently shown to be serologically related to deformed wing virus (DWV). By sequencing the original isolate, we demonstrate that Egypt bee virus is in fact a fourth unique, major variant of DWV (DWV-D): more closely related to DWV-C than to either DWV-A or DWV-B. DWV-A and DWV-B are the most common DWV variants worldwide due to their close relationship and transmission by Varroa destructor. However, we could not find any trace of DWV-D in several hundred RNA sequencing libraries from a worldwide selection of honeybee, varroa and bumblebee samples. This means that DWV-D has either become extinct, been replaced by other DWV variants better adapted to varroa-mediated transmission, or persists only in a narrow geographic or host range, isolated from common bee and beekeeping trade routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim R de Miranda
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750-07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Laura E Brettell
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Renrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.,School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, UK.,Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Nor Chejanovsky
- Institute of Plant Protection, The Volcani Center, PO Box 15159, 7528809, Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | - Anna K Childers
- Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Anne Dalmon
- Abeilles et Environnement, INRAE, 84914, Avignon, France
| | - Ward Deboutte
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Stübeweg 51, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dirk C de Graaf
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vincent Doublet
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK.,Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Haftom Gebremedhn
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Tigray Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 492, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Elke Genersch
- Institut Für Mikrobiologie Und Tierseuchen, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Bee Diseases, Institute for Bee Research, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Gisder
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Bee Diseases, Institute for Bee Research, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany
| | - Fredrik Granberg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750-07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nizar J Haddad
- Bee Research Department, National Agricultural Research Center, Baq'a, Jordan
| | - Rene Kaden
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750-07, Uppsala, Sweden.,Clinical Microbiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 753 09, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robyn Manley
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Jelle Matthijnssens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, University of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivan Meeus
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hussein Migdadi
- Bee Research Department, National Agricultural Research Center, Baq'a, Jordan
| | - Meghan O Milbrath
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750-07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fanny Mondet
- Abeilles et Environnement, INRAE, 84914, Avignon, France
| | - Emily J Remnant
- Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) Lab, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006, Australia
| | - John M K Roberts
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, 2601, Australia
| | - Eugene V Ryabov
- Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Noa Sela
- Institute of Plant Protection, The Volcani Center, PO Box 15159, 7528809, Rishon Lezion, Israel
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hema Somanathan
- School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695551, India
| | - Lena Wilfert
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK.,Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Owen N Wright
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Stephen J Martin
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, UK.,Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - Brenda V Ball
- Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK
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27
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Standard Methods for Dissection of Varroa destructor Females. INSECTS 2021; 13:insects13010037. [PMID: 35055880 PMCID: PMC8781925 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) is known as a major pest of Apis mellifera L, especially in the Northern Hemisphere where its effects can be deleterious. As an obligate parasite, this mite relies entirely on its host to reproduce and complete its cycle. Studies focusing on isolated organs are needed to better comprehend this organism. To conduct such targeted molecular or physiological studies, the dissection of V. destructor mites is crucial as it allows the extraction of specific organs. Here, we propose a technical article showing detailed steps of females V. destructor dissection, illustrated with pictures and videos. These illustrated guidelines will represent a helpful tool to go further in V. destructor research.
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28
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Gusachenko ON, Woodford L, Balbirnie-Cumming K, Evans DJ. First come, first served: superinfection exclusion in Deformed wing virus is dependent upon sequence identity and not the order of virus acquisition. THE ISME JOURNAL 2021; 15:3704-3713. [PMID: 34193965 PMCID: PMC8630095 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-01043-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Deformed wing virus (DWV) is the most important globally distributed pathogen of honey bees and, when vectored by the ectoparasite Varroa destructor, is associated with high levels of colony losses. Divergent DWV types may differ in their pathogenicity and are reported to exhibit superinfection exclusion upon sequential infections, an inevitability in a Varroa-infested colony. We used a reverse genetic approach to investigate competition and interactions between genetically distinct or related virus strains, analysing viral load over time, tissue distribution with reporter gene-expressing viruses and recombination between virus variants. Transient competition occurred irrespective of the order of virus acquisition, indicating no directionality or dominance. Over longer periods, the ability to compete with a pre-existing infection correlated with the genetic divergence of the inoculae. Genetic recombination was observed throughout the DWV genome with recombinants accounting for ~2% of the population as determined by deep sequencing. We propose that superinfection exclusion, if it occurs at all, is a consequence of a cross-reactive RNAi response to the viruses involved, explaining the lack of dominance of one virus type over another. A better understanding of the consequences of dual- and superinfection will inform development of cross-protective honey bee vaccines and landscape-scale DWV transmission and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olesya N. Gusachenko
- grid.11914.3c0000 0001 0721 1626Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Luke Woodford
- grid.11914.3c0000 0001 0721 1626Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Katharin Balbirnie-Cumming
- grid.11914.3c0000 0001 0721 1626Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, St. Andrews, UK
| | - David J. Evans
- grid.11914.3c0000 0001 0721 1626Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, St. Andrews, UK
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29
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Brettell LE, Martin SJ, Riegler M, Cook JM. Vulnerability of island insect pollinator communities to pathogens. J Invertebr Pathol 2021; 186:107670. [PMID: 34560107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2021.107670] [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: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Island ecosystems, which often contain undescribed insects and small populations of single island endemics, are at risk from diverse threats. The spread of pathogens is a major factor affecting not just pollinator species themselves, but also posing significant knock-on effects to often fragile island ecosystems through disruption of pollination networks. Insects are vulnerable to diverse pathogens and these can be introduced to islands in a number of ways, e.g. via the introduction of infected managed pollinator hosts (e.g. honey bees and their viruses, in particular Deformed wing virus), long-range migrants (e.g. monarch butterflies and their protozoan parasite, Ophryocystit elektroscirrha) and invasive species (e.g. social wasps are common invaders and are frequently infected with multi-host viruses such as Kashmir bee virus and Moku virus). Furthermore, these introductions can negatively affect island ecosystems through outcompeting native taxa for resources. As such, the greatest threat to island pollinator communities is not one particular pathogen, but the combination of pathogens and introduced and invasive insects that will likely carry them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Brettell
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Stephen J Martin
- School of Environment and life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
| | - Markus Riegler
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - James M Cook
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
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30
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Vilarem C, Piou V, Vogelweith F, Vétillard A. Varroa destructor from the Laboratory to the Field: Control, Biocontrol and IPM Perspectives-A Review. INSECTS 2021; 12:800. [PMID: 34564240 PMCID: PMC8465918 DOI: 10.3390/insects12090800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Varroa destructor is a real challenger for beekeepers and scientists: fragile out of the hive, tenacious inside a bee colony. From all the research done on the topic, we have learned that a better understanding of this organism in its relationship with the bee but also for itself is necessary. Its biology relies mostly on semiochemicals for reproduction, nutrition, or orientation. Many treatments have been developed over the years based on hard or soft acaricides or even on biocontrol techniques. To date, no real sustainable solution exists to reduce the pressure of the mite without creating resistances or harming honeybees. Consequently, the development of alternative disruptive tools against the parasitic life cycle remains open. It requires the combination of both laboratory and field results through a holistic approach based on health biomarkers. Here, we advocate for a more integrative vision of V. destructor research, where in vitro and field studies are more systematically compared and compiled. Therefore, after a brief state-of-the-art about the mite's life cycle, we discuss what has been done and what can be done from the laboratory to the field against V. destructor through an integrative approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Vilarem
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR5174, CNRS-Université de Toulouse III-IRD, INU Jean-François Champollion, Université Paul Sabatier, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.V.); (V.P.)
- M2i Biocontrol–Entreprise SAS, 46140 Parnac, France;
| | - Vincent Piou
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR5174, CNRS-Université de Toulouse III-IRD, INU Jean-François Champollion, Université Paul Sabatier, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.V.); (V.P.)
| | | | - Angélique Vétillard
- Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR5174, CNRS-Université de Toulouse III-IRD, INU Jean-François Champollion, Université Paul Sabatier, 31077 Toulouse, France; (C.V.); (V.P.)
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31
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McMenamin AJ, Parekh F, Lawrence V, Flenniken ML. Investigating Virus-Host Interactions in Cultured Primary Honey Bee Cells. INSECTS 2021; 12:653. [PMID: 34357313 PMCID: PMC8329929 DOI: 10.3390/insects12070653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Honey bee (Apis mellifera) health is impacted by viral infections at the colony, individual bee, and cellular levels. To investigate honey bee antiviral defense mechanisms at the cellular level we further developed the use of cultured primary cells, derived from either larvae or pupae, and demonstrated that these cells could be infected with a panel of viruses, including common honey bee infecting viruses (i.e., sacbrood virus (SBV) and deformed wing virus (DWV)) and an insect model virus, Flock House virus (FHV). Virus abundances were quantified over the course of infection. The production of infectious virions in cultured honey bee pupal cells was demonstrated by determining that naïve cells became infected after the transfer of deformed wing virus or Flock House virus from infected cell cultures. Initial characterization of the honey bee antiviral immune responses at the cellular level indicated that there were virus-specific responses, which included increased expression of bee antiviral protein-1 (GenBank: MF116383) in SBV-infected pupal cells and increased expression of argonaute-2 and dicer-like in FHV-infected hemocytes and pupal cells. Additional studies are required to further elucidate virus-specific honey bee antiviral defense mechanisms. The continued use of cultured primary honey bee cells for studies that involve multiple viruses will address this knowledge gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. McMenamin
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (A.J.M.); (F.P.); (V.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
- Pollinator Health Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Fenali Parekh
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (A.J.M.); (F.P.); (V.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
- Pollinator Health Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Verena Lawrence
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (A.J.M.); (F.P.); (V.L.)
- Pollinator Health Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Michelle L. Flenniken
- Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA; (A.J.M.); (F.P.); (V.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
- Pollinator Health Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
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32
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Deformed wing virus variant shift from 2010 to 2016 in managed and feral UK honey bee colonies. Arch Virol 2021; 166:2693-2702. [PMID: 34275024 PMCID: PMC8421296 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05162-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Deformed wing virus (DWV) has been linked to the global decline of honey bees. DWV exists as three master variants (DWV-A, DWV-B, and DWV-C), each with differing outcomes for the honey bee host. Research in the USA showed a shift from DWV-A to DWV-B between 2010 to 2016 in honey bee colonies. Likewise, in the UK, a small study in 2007 found only DWV-A, whereas in 2016, DWV-B was the most prevalent variant. This suggests a shift from DWV-A to DWV-B might have occurred in the UK between 2007 and 2016. To investigate this further, data from samples collected in 2009/10 (n = 46) were compared to existing data from 2016 (n = 42). These samples also allowed a comparison of DWV variants between Varroa-untreated (feral) and Varroa-treated (managed) colonies. The results revealed that, in the UK, DWV-A was far more prevalent in 2009/10 (87%) than in 2016 (43%). In contrast, DWV-B was less prevalent in 2009/10 (76%) than in 2016 (93%). Regardless if colonies had been treated for Varroa (managed) or not (feral), the same trend from DWV-A to DWV-B occurred. Overall, the results reveal a decrease in DWV-A and an increase in DWV-B in UK colonies.
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Bouuaert DC, De Smet L, de Graaf DC. Breeding for Virus Resistance and Its Effects on Deformed Wing Virus Infection Patterns in Honey Bee Queens. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061074. [PMID: 34199957 PMCID: PMC8228329 DOI: 10.3390/v13061074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses, and in particular the deformed wing virus (DWV), are considered as one of the main antagonists of honey bee health. The 'suppressed in ovo virus infection' trait (SOV) described for the first time that control of a virus infection can be achieved from genetically inherited traits and that the virus state of the eggs is indicative for this. This research aims to explore the effect of the SOV trait on DWV infections in queens descending from both SOV-positive (QDS+) and SOV-negative (QDS-) queens. Twenty QDS+ and QDS- were reared from each time four queens in the same starter-finisher colony. From each queen the head, thorax, ovaries, spermatheca, guts and eviscerated abdomen were dissected and screened for the presence of the DWV-A and DWV-B genotype using qRT-PCR. Queens descending from SOV-positive queens showed significant lower infection loads for DWV-A and DWV-B as well as a lower number of infected tissues for DWV-A. Surprisingly, differences were less expressed in the reproductive tissues, the ovaries and spermatheca. These results confirm that selection on the SOV trait is associated with increased virus resistance across viral genotypes and that this selection drives DWV towards an increased tissue specificity for the reproductive tissues. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying the interaction between the antiviral response and DWV.
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Grindrod I, Kevill JL, Villalobos EM, Schroeder DC, Martin SJ. Ten Years of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) in Hawaiian Honey Bees ( Apis mellifera), the Dominant DWV-A Variant Is Potentially Being Replaced by Variants with a DWV-B Coding Sequence. Viruses 2021; 13:969. [PMID: 34073733 PMCID: PMC8225128 DOI: 10.3390/v13060969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of Deformed wing virus (DWV) and Varroa destructor is arguably one of the greatest threats currently facing western honey bees, Apis mellifera. Varroa's association with DWV has decreased viral diversity and increased loads of DWV within honey bee populations. Nowhere has this been better studied than in Hawaii, where the arrival of Varroa progressively led to the dominance of the single master variant (DWV-A) on both mite-infested Hawaiian Islands of Oahu and Big Island. Now, exactly 10 years following the original study, we find that the DWV population has changed once again, with variants containing the RdRp coding sequence pertaining to the master variant B beginning to co-dominate alongside variants with the DWV-A RdRp sequence on the mite-infested islands of Oahu and Big Island. In speculation, based on other studies, it appears this could represent a stage in the journey towards the complete dominance of DWV-B, a variant that appears better adapted to be transmitted within honey bee colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel Grindrod
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WX, UK;
| | - Jessica L. Kevill
- Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA;
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK;
| | - Ethel M. Villalobos
- College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, 3050 Maile Way, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA;
| | - Declan C. Schroeder
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK;
- Environmental Biology (Virology), School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AH, UK
| | - Stephen John Martin
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WX, UK;
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Norton AM, Remnant EJ, Tom J, Buchmann G, Blacquiere T, Beekman M. Adaptation to vector-based transmission in a honeybee virus. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:2254-2267. [PMID: 33844844 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Global pollinator declines as a result of emerging infectious diseases are of major concern. Managed honeybees Apis mellifera are susceptible to numerous parasites and pathogens, many of which appear to be transmissible to sympatric non-Apis taxa. The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is considered to be the most significant threat to honeybees due to its role in vectoring RNA viruses, particularly Deformed wing virus (DWV). Vector transmission of DWV has resulted in the accumulation of high viral loads in honeybees and is often associated with colony death. DWV has two main genotypes, A and B. DWV-A was more prevalent during the initial phase of V. destructor establishment. In recent years, the global prevalence of DWV-B has increased, suggesting that DWV-B is better adapted to vector transmission than DWV-A. We aimed to determine the role vector transmission plays in DWV genotype prevalence at a colony level. We experimentally increased or decreased the number of V. destructor mites in honeybee colonies, and tracked DWV-A and DWV-B loads over a period of 10 months. Our results show that the two DWV genotypes differ in their response to mite numbers. DWV-A accumulation in honeybees was positively correlated with mite numbers yet DWV-A was largely undetected in the absence of the mite. In contrast, colonies had high loads of DWV-B even when mite numbers were low. DWV-B loads persisted in miticide-treated colonies, indicating that this genotype has a competitive advantage over DWV-A irrespective of mite numbers. Our findings suggest that the global increase in DWV-B prevalence is not driven by selective pressure by the vector. Rather, DWV-B is able to persist in colonies at higher viral loads relative to DWV-A in the presence and absence of V. destructor. The interplay between V. destructor and DWV genotypes within honeybee colonies may have broad consequences upon viral diversity in sympatric taxa as a result of spillover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Norton
- Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) Laboratory, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily J Remnant
- Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) Laboratory, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jolanda Tom
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriele Buchmann
- Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) Laboratory, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Madeleine Beekman
- Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) Laboratory, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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