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Published on: August 26, 2020
Localization of deformed wing virus (DWV) in the brains of the honeybee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus
Karan S Shah1, Elizabeth C Evans, Marie C Pizzorno
1Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA. karan.shah@bucknell.edu
Background:
Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a positive-strand RNA virus that infects European honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) and has been isolated from the brains of aggressive bees in Japan. DWV is known to be transmitted both vertically and horizontally between bees in a colony and can lead to both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections in bees. In environmentally stressful conditions, DWV can contribute to the demise of a honeybee colony. The purpose of the current study is to identify regions within the brains of honeybees where DWV replicates using in-situ hybridization.
Results:
In-situ hybridizations were conducted with both sense and antisense probes on the brains of honeybees that were positive for DWV as measured by real-time RT-PCR. The visual neuropils demonstrated detectable levels of the DWV positive-strand genome. The mushroom bodies and antenna lobe neuropils also showed the presence of the viral genome. Weaker staining with the sense probe in the same regions demonstrates that the antigenome is also present and that the virus is actively replicating in these regions of the brain.
Conclusion:
These results demonstrate that in bees infected with DWV the virus is replicating in critical regions of the brain, including the neuropils responsible for vision and olfaction. Therefore DWV infection of the brain could adversely affect critical sensory functions and alter normal bee behavior.
Insights
Deformed wing virus (DWV) replicates in critical honeybee brain regions, including those for vision and olfaction. This viral replication may impair sensory functions and alter bee behavior, impacting colony health.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Virology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Deformed wing virus (DWV) infects European honeybees (Apis mellifera L.), causing colony losses under stress.
- DWV is transmitted horizontally and vertically, leading to symptomatic and asymptomatic infections.
- The virus has been found in the brains of aggressive honeybees.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pinpoint brain regions where DWV actively replicates in honeybees.
- Utilizing in-situ hybridization to map viral presence and activity.
Main Methods:
- In-situ hybridization with sense and antisense probes on honeybee brains.
- Real-time RT-PCR to confirm DWV presence in sampled bees.
Main Results:
- DWV positive-strand RNA genome detected in visual neuropils.
- Viral genome also found in mushroom bodies and antenna lobe neuropils.
- Presence of antigenome indicates active viral replication in these brain regions.
Conclusions:
- DWV actively replicates within critical honeybee brain regions, including those governing vision and olfaction.
- Brain infection by DWV can negatively impact sensory functions and normal bee behavior.
- Understanding DWV's neural tropism is crucial for addressing honeybee health and colony survival.
