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Lau E, Maccaro J, McFrederick QS, Nieh JC. Exploring the interactions between Nosema ceranae infection and the honey bee gut microbiome. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20037. [PMID: 39198535 PMCID: PMC11358482 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67796-y] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Managed colonies of the European honey bee, Apis mellifera, have faced considerable losses in recent years. A widespread contributing factor is a microsporidian pathogen, Nosema ceranae, which occurs worldwide, is increasingly resistant to antibiotic treatment, and can alter the host's immune response and nutritional uptake. These obligate gut pathogens share their environment with a natural honey bee microbiome whose composition can affect pathogen resistance. We tested the effect of N. ceranae infection on this microbiome by feeding 5 day-old adult bees that had natural, fully developed microbiomes with live N. ceranae spores (40,000 per bee) or a sham inoculation, sterile 2.0 M sucrose solution. We caged and reared these bees in a controlled lab environment and tracked their mortality over 12 d, after which we dissected them, measured their infection levels (gut spore counts), and analyzed their microbiomes. Bees fed live spores had two-fold higher mortality by 12 d and 36.5-fold more spores per bee than controls. There were also strong colony effects on infection levels, and 9% of spore-inoculated bees had no spore counts at all (defined as fed-spores-but-not-infected). Nosema ceranae infection had significant but subtle effects on the gut microbiomes of experimentally infected bees, bees with different infection levels, and fed-spores-but-not-infected vs. bees with gut spores. Specific bacteria, including Gilliamella ASVs, were positively associated with infection, indicating that multiple strains of core gut microbes either facilitate or resist N. ceranae infection. Future studies on the interactions between bacterial, pathogen, and host genotypes would be illuminating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Lau
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jessica Maccaro
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Quinn S McFrederick
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
| | - James C Nieh
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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2
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Shamaev ND, Shuralev EA, Mukminov MN. Current status of Nosema spp. infection cases in apis mellifera in eurasian countries and Ptp3 gene haplotypes in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:2691-2698. [PMID: 38644458 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10383-3] [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: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The current status of Nosema spp. infections in A. mellifera throughout Eurasia was characterized using electronic databases. Although N. ceranae was predominantly detected in southwestern and south-central regions and N. apis in northwestern and north-central areas, most studies reported the occurrence of both species in Eurasia. In addition, the occurrence of Nosema spp. and Ptp3 gene haplotypes was investigated in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. Most of the examined honey bees were infected with both N. apis and N. ceranae. N. apis and N. ceranae isolates were either heterozygous or belonged to different strains and showed infection with more than one strain. New haplotypes were found for N. apis and N. ceranae in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. This study expands the data regarding existing haplotypes of Nosema species: there are currently 9 shared and 56 unique Ptp3 nucleotide sequence haplotypes of N. ceranae, and 2 shared and 7 unique haplotypes of N. apis, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai D Shamaev
- Central Research Laboratory, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education (Kazan State Medical Academy Branch), Republic of Tatarstan, 36 Butlerova St, Kazan, 420012, Russia.
- Department of Applied Ecology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Kazan Federal University, Republic of Tatarstan, 18 Kremlyovskaya St, Kazan, 420008, Russia.
- Kazan State Medical University, Republic of Tatarstan, 49 Butlerova St, Kazan, 420012, Russia.
| | - Eduard A Shuralev
- Central Research Laboratory, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education (Kazan State Medical Academy Branch), Republic of Tatarstan, 36 Butlerova St, Kazan, 420012, Russia
- Department of Applied Ecology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Kazan Federal University, Republic of Tatarstan, 18 Kremlyovskaya St, Kazan, 420008, Russia
- Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine named after N.E. Bauman, Republic of Tatarstan, 35 Sibirskiy tract St, 420029, Kazan, Russia
| | - Malik N Mukminov
- Central Research Laboratory, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education (Kazan State Medical Academy Branch), Republic of Tatarstan, 36 Butlerova St, Kazan, 420012, Russia
- Department of Applied Ecology, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Kazan Federal University, Republic of Tatarstan, 18 Kremlyovskaya St, Kazan, 420008, Russia
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3
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Hurná B, Sučik M, Staroň M, Tutka Š, Maková Z, Galajda R, Valenčáková A. Molecular Detection of Nosema spp. in Three Eco Regions of Slovakia. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4814-4825. [PMID: 37367055 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45060306] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are unicellular obligate intracellular parasitic fungi that infect a wide range of vertebrates and invertebrates. There are two known species of microsporidia infecting honey bees in Slovakia- first Nosema apis and also Nosema ceranae. Our aim was to examine samples of honey bees collected from bee queen breeders in three ecoregions of the Slovak Republic in 2021 and 2022. First, microscopic diagnostics were used, and then randomly selected samples were examined using molecular methods. There were 4018 samples examined using microscopic diagnostics and the positivity was demonstrated in 922 samples. From the microscopically diagnosed positive samples, 507 samples were randomly selected, and using molecular methods, the positivity was proved in 488 samples. After sequencing the positive PCR products and comparing the sequences (BLAST) with the sequences stored in the gene bank, the Nosema ceranae species was detected in all positive samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta Hurná
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Monika Sučik
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Staroň
- VÚŽV Nitra-Institute of Apiculture Liptovský Hrádok, Gašperíkova 599, 033 80 Liptovský Hrádok, Slovakia
| | - Štefan Tutka
- VÚŽV Nitra-Institute of Apiculture Liptovský Hrádok, Gašperíkova 599, 033 80 Liptovský Hrádok, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Maková
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Richard Galajda
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Valenčáková
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
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Kim DY, Maeng S, Cho SJ, Park HJ, Kim K, Lee JK, Srinivasan S. The Ascosphaera apis Infection (Chalkbrood Disease) Alters the Gut Bacteriome Composition of the Honeybee. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050734. [PMID: 37242403 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The declining honeybee populations are a significant risk to the productivity and security of agriculture worldwide. Although there are many causes of these declines, parasites are a significant one. Disease glitches in honeybees have been identified in recent years and increasing attention has been paid to addressing the issue. Between 30% and 40% of all managed honeybee colonies in the USA have perished annually over the past few years. American foulbrood (AFB) and European foulbrood (EFB) have been reported as bacterial diseases, Nosema as a protozoan disease, and Chalkbrood and Stonebrood as fungal diseases. The study aims to compare the bacterial community related to the Nosema ceranae and Ascosphaera apis infection on the gut of the honeybee and compare it with the weakly active honeybees. The Nosema-infected honeybees contain the phyla Proteobacteria as the significantly dominant bacterial phyla, similar to the weakly active honeybees. In contrast, the Ascosphaera (Chalkbrood) infected honeybee contains large amounts of Firmicutes rather than Proteobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Yoon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Soohyun Maeng
- Department of Bio and Environmental Technology, College of Natural Science, Seoul Women's University, Seoul 01797, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jin Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Jin Park
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungsu Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Kwon Lee
- Department of Biology Education, College of Education, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Sathiyaraj Srinivasan
- Department of Bio and Environmental Technology, College of Natural Science, Seoul Women's University, Seoul 01797, Republic of Korea
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High-throughput small molecule screen identifies inhibitors of microsporidia invasion and proliferation in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5653. [PMID: 36163337 PMCID: PMC9513054 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33400-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a diverse group of fungal-related obligate intracellular parasites that infect most animal phyla. Despite the emerging threat that microsporidia represent to humans and agricultural animals, few reliable treatment options exist. Here, we develop a high-throughput screening method for the identification of chemical inhibitors of microsporidia infection, using liquid cultures of Caenorhabditis elegans infected with the microsporidia species Nematocida parisii. We screen a collection of 2560 FDA-approved compounds and natural products, and identify 11 candidate microsporidia inhibitors. Five compounds prevent microsporidia infection by inhibiting spore firing, whereas one compound, dexrazoxane, slows infection progression. The compounds have in vitro activity against several other microsporidia species, including those known to infect humans. Together, our results highlight the effectiveness of C. elegans as a model host for drug discovery against intracellular pathogens, and provide a scalable high-throughput system for the identification and characterization of microsporidia inhibitors.
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Nosemosis in Honeybees: A Review Guide on Biology and Diagnostic Methods. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12125890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae are dangerous parasites of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). N. ceranae is more pathogenic and, nowadays, more widespread than N. apis. There are also cases of mixed infections or infections of only N. apis. Both N. apis and N. ceranae can lead to the weakening or death of A. mellifera colonies. It is crucial to make a fast and reliable diagnosis to monitor the disease and to start the correct treatment. Additionally, there is a need for further research on the pathogenicity of Nosema spp. and also on their prevalence in different regions of the world. In this paper, we present reliable diagnostic methods for Nosema spp. infection in honey bees and list the advantages and disadvantages of each method. We have also included basic information about nosemosis and the majority of diagnostic methods in order to provide a source of knowledge for veterinarians and researchers.
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Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Arthropod, Fungal, Protozoan, Bacterial and Viral Pathogens of Honeybees. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050221. [PMID: 35622749 PMCID: PMC9145064 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The honeybee Apis mellifera is highly appreciated worldwide because of its products, but also as it is a pollinator of crops and wild plants. The beehive is vulnerable to infections due to arthropods, fungi, protozoa, bacteria and/or viruses that manage to by-pass the individual and social immune mechanisms of bees. Due to the close proximity of bees in the beehive and their foraging habits, infections easily spread within and between beehives. Moreover, international trade of bees has caused the global spread of infections, several of which result in significant losses for apiculture. Only in a few cases can infections be diagnosed with the naked eye, by direct observation of the pathogen in the case of some arthropods, or by pathogen-associated distinctive traits. Development of molecular methods based on the amplification and analysis of one or more genes or genomic segments has brought significant progress to the study of bee pathogens, allowing for: (i) the precise and sensitive identification of the infectious agent; (ii) the analysis of co-infections; (iii) the description of novel species; (iv) associations between geno- and pheno-types and (v) population structure studies. Sequencing of bee pathogen genomes has allowed for the identification of new molecular targets and the development of specific genotypification strategies.
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Mráz P, Hýbl M, Kopecký M, Bohatá A, Hoštičková I, Šipoš J, Vočadlová K, Čurn V. Screening of Honey Bee Pathogens in the Czech Republic and Their Prevalence in Various Habitats. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12121051. [PMID: 34940139 PMCID: PMC8706798 DOI: 10.3390/insects12121051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is one of the most important pollinators in the world. Thus, a recent honey bee health decline and frequent honey bee mass losses have drawn attention and concern. Honey bee fitness is primarily reduced by pathogens, parasites, and viral load, exposure to pesticides and their residues, and inadequate nutrition from both the quality and amount of food resources. This study evaluated the prevalence of the most common honey bee pathogens and viruses in different habitats across the Czech Republic. The agroecosystems, urban ecosystems, and national park were chosen for sampling from 250 colonies in 50 apiaries. Surprisingly, the most prevalent honey bee pathogens belong to the family Trypanosomatidae including Lotmaria passim and Crithidia mellificae. As expected, the most prevalent viruses were DWV, followed by ABPV. Additionally, the occurrence of DWV-B and DWV-C were correlated with honey bee colony mortality. From the habitat point of view, most pathogens occurred in the town habitat, less in the agroecosystem and least in the national park. The opposite trend was observed in the occurrence of viruses. However, the prevalence of viruses was not affected by habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Mráz
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Studentska 1668, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.H.); (M.K.); (A.B.); (I.H.); (K.V.); (V.Č.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marian Hýbl
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Studentska 1668, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.H.); (M.K.); (A.B.); (I.H.); (K.V.); (V.Č.)
| | - Marek Kopecký
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Studentska 1668, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.H.); (M.K.); (A.B.); (I.H.); (K.V.); (V.Č.)
| | - Andrea Bohatá
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Studentska 1668, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.H.); (M.K.); (A.B.); (I.H.); (K.V.); (V.Č.)
| | - Irena Hoštičková
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Studentska 1668, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.H.); (M.K.); (A.B.); (I.H.); (K.V.); (V.Č.)
| | - Jan Šipoš
- Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Kateřina Vočadlová
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Studentska 1668, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.H.); (M.K.); (A.B.); (I.H.); (K.V.); (V.Č.)
| | - Vladislav Čurn
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Studentska 1668, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; (M.H.); (M.K.); (A.B.); (I.H.); (K.V.); (V.Č.)
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Vairimorpha ceranae was the only detected microsporidian species from Iranian honey bee colonies: a molecular and phylogenetic study. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:355-366. [PMID: 34792656 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07381-8] [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: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Nosemosis caused by Vairimorpha ceranae is one of the most important threats to honeybee colonies worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of Vairimorpha infection in different types of colonies and locations in Iran. In October 2017 and May 2018, 376 colonies from 97 apiaries were selected for each month according to a randomly clustered design. By considering 3-5 colonies for each apiary, 20 adult bees as pooled samples were collected from each colony. In microscopic analysis, 46.52% and 46.1% of samples in May and October showed Vairimorpha spores, respectively. The infection intensities in May and October were 5.94 ± 0.19 (× 106) and 5.86 ± 0.23 (× 106) spores/bee in a pooled sample, respectively. The mean infection intensity ranged from 1.8 to 12.5 (× 106) spores/bee. Statistically, there were no significant differences in the prevalence and intensity of V. ceranae infection between May and October samples. No significant differences were found among the prevalence rates of infection in the types of colonies; however, the intensity was significantly higher in migratory and mountainous colonies in May and only in migratory colonies in October. There was a significant correlation between the prevalence and intensity of V. ceranae infection (r2 = 0.695). PCR analysis showed that the samples were only infected with V. ceranae. No intraspecific variation to V. ceranae was found by direct sequencing of the amplified fragment of 16S rRNA. The obtained sequence was mainly 100% similar to those of V. ceranae isolates from European countries.
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Kaczmarek A, Boguś MI. Fungi of entomopathogenic potential in Chytridiomycota and Blastocladiomycota, and in fungal allies of the Oomycota and Microsporidia. IMA Fungus 2021; 12:29. [PMID: 34635188 PMCID: PMC8504053 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-021-00074-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between entomopathogenic fungi and their insect hosts is a classic example of the co-evolutionary arms race between pathogen and target host. The present review describes the entomopathogenic potential of Chytridiomycota and Blastocladiomycota fungi, and two groups of fungal allies: Oomycota and Microsporidia. The Oomycota (water moulds) are considered as a model biological control agent of mosquito larvae. Due to their shared ecological and morphological similarities, they had long been considered a part of the fungal kingdom; however, phylogenetic studies have since placed this group within the Straminipila. The Microsporidia are parasites of economically-important insects, including grasshoppers, lady beetles, bumblebees, colorado potato beetles and honeybees. They have been found to display some fungal characteristics, and phylogenetic studies suggest that they are related to fungi, either as a basal branch or sister group. The Blastocladiomycota and Chytridiomycota, named the lower fungi, historically were described together; however, molecular phylogenetic and ultrastructural research has classified them in their own phylum. They are considered parasites of ants, and of the larval stages of black flies, mosquitoes and scale insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kaczmarek
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Mieczysława I Boguś
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818, Warsaw, Poland
- Biomibo, Strzygłowska 15, 04-872, Warsaw, Poland
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Honey Bee Health. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8070127. [PMID: 34357919 PMCID: PMC8310213 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8070127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Naudi S, Šteiselis J, Jürison M, Raimets R, Tummeleht L, Praakle K, Raie A, Karise R. Variation in the Distribution of Nosema Species in Honeybees ( Apis mellifera Linnaeus) between the Neighboring Countries Estonia and Latvia. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8040058. [PMID: 33915951 PMCID: PMC8066546 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8040058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The unicellular spore-forming parasites Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae are considered to be one of the causes of increased honey bee mortality in recent years. These pathogens attack their honey bee hosts through their gut, causing changes in behavioral stress responses and possibly resulting in decreased honey yield and increased honey bee mortality. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Nosema spp. (nosemosis) in Estonia and Latvia, as well as the persistence of the disease in previously infected hives. Currently, N. ceranae is considered the most virulent species and is predominant worldwide. However, in some regions, usually with colder climates, N. apis is still prevalent. To achieve better disease control, it is important to determine the species distribution. For this purpose, we selected 30 apiaries in Estonia and 60 in Latvia that were positive for Nosema spp. in the EPILOBEE (2012–2014) study, which was 5 years prior to the present study. The results show that, while both species are present in Estonia and Latvia, N. apis is dominant in Estonia (43%), and N. ceranae is dominant in Latvia (47%). We also found that the pathogens are very persistent, since 5 years later, only 33% of infected apiaries in Estonia and 20% of infected apiaries in Latvia, we could not detect any pathogens at the time of sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigmar Naudi
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwaldi 1a, 51014 Tartu, Estonia; (M.J.); (R.R.); (R.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +372-5688-4696
| | - Juris Šteiselis
- Latvian Beekeepers Association, Rīgas iela 22, LV-3004 Jelgava, Latvia;
| | - Margret Jürison
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwaldi 1a, 51014 Tartu, Estonia; (M.J.); (R.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Risto Raimets
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwaldi 1a, 51014 Tartu, Estonia; (M.J.); (R.R.); (R.K.)
| | - Lea Tummeleht
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (L.T.); (K.P.)
| | - Kristi Praakle
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia; (L.T.); (K.P.)
| | - Arvi Raie
- Estonian Ministry of Rural Affairs, Lai tn 39, 15056 Tallinn, Estonia;
| | - Reet Karise
- Chair of Plant Health, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwaldi 1a, 51014 Tartu, Estonia; (M.J.); (R.R.); (R.K.)
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Ostroverkhova NV. Association between the Microsatellite Ap243, AC117 and SV185 Polymorphisms and Nosema Disease in the Dark Forest Bee Apis mellifera mellifera. Vet Sci 2020; 8:vetsci8010002. [PMID: 33383841 PMCID: PMC7823830 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidian Nosema parasites, primarily Nosema ceranae, remain critical threats to the health of the honey bee Apis mellifera. One promising intervention approach is the breeding of Nosema-resistant honey bee colonies using molecular technologies, for example marker-assisted selection (MAS). For this, specific genetic markers used in bee selection should be developed. The objective of the paper is to search for associations between some microsatellite markers and Nosema disease in a dark forest bee Apis mellifera mellifera. For the dark forest bee, the most promising molecular genetic markers for determining resistance to nosemosis are microsatellite loci AC117, Ap243 and SV185, the alleles of which (“177”, “263” and “269”, respectively) were associated with a low level of Nosema infection. This article is the first associative study aimed at finding DNA loci of resistance to nosemosis in the dark forest bee. Nevertheless, microsatellite markers identified can be used to predict the risk of developing the Nosema disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda V. Ostroverkhova
- Invertebrate Zoology Department, Biology Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, 36 Lenina Avenue, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; ; Tel.: +7-3822-529-461
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Siberian State Medical University, 2 Moskovsky Trakt, 634055 Tomsk, Russia
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