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Global honey bee viral landscape altered by a parasitic mite

Stephen J Martin1, Andrea C Highfield, Laura Brettell

  • 1Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. s.j.martin@sheffield.ac.uk

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 9, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The parasitic Varroa mite invasion dramatically increased honey bee deformed wing virus (DWV) prevalence and viral load. This mite-induced selection pressure led to a loss of DWV diversity, favoring a single dominant strain.

Area of Science:

  • Apiculture and Bee Health
  • Virology
  • Insect Pathology

Background:

  • Emerging infectious diseases pose significant threats to global honey bee populations.
  • Predicting the emergence and spread of honey bee pathogens is challenging.
  • The parasitic Varroa mite is a major vector for honey bee viruses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of Varroa mite introduction on honey bee virus dynamics.
  • To analyze changes in viral prevalence, load, and strain diversity following mite infestation.
  • To understand the evolutionary selection pressures on honey bee viruses mediated by Varroa mites.

Main Methods:

  • Field study monitoring honey bee populations post-Varroa mite introduction.
  • Quantification of viral prevalence and titer using molecular techniques.
  • Analysis of viral strain diversity through sequencing.

Main Results:

  • Varroa mite infestation led to a surge in deformed wing virus (DWV) prevalence from approximately 10% to 100%.
  • A millionfold increase in viral titer was observed in infected honey bees.
  • DWV strain diversity drastically reduced, with a single dominant strain emerging.

Conclusions:

  • Varroa mites act as a significant selective pressure on honey bee viruses, particularly DWV.
  • The spread of Varroa mites has driven the evolution of highly virulent and contagious DWV strains.
  • Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing honey bee health and mitigating viral disease impacts.

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