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Updated: May 11, 2026
On-site DNA Detection of Trypanosomatid Parasites and Nosema ceranae Through Alkaline Lysis Coupled to RPA/CRISPR/Cas12a System
Published on: July 18, 2025
Nosema ceranae induced mortality in honey bees (Apis mellifera) depends on infection methods
Meghan O Milbrath1, Xianbing Xie, Zachary Y Huang
1Department of Entomology, 243 Natural Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. milbrat2@msu.edu
Abstract:
Nosema ceranae infection can reduce survival of the Western honey bee, Apis mellifera, but experiments examining its virulence have highly variable results. This variation may arise from differences in experimental techniques. We examined survival effects of two techniques: Nosema infection at day 1 without anesthesia and infection at day 5 using CO2 anesthesia. All bees infected with the latter method had poorer survival. Interestingly, these bees also had significantly fewer spores than bees infected without anesthesia. These results indicate that differences in Nosema ceranae-induced mortality in honey bees may be partially due to differences in experimental techniques.
Insights
Nosema ceranae infection impacts honey bee survival. Experimental methods significantly influence observed virulence, with CO2 anesthesia leading to poorer survival and fewer spores in Apis mellifera.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Apiculture
- Microbial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Nosema ceranae is a pathogen affecting Western honey bees (Apis mellifera).
- Previous studies on N. ceranae virulence show inconsistent results.
- Experimental methodology is a potential source of this variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different experimental techniques affect the observed virulence of Nosema ceranae.
- To compare the survival rates and spore loads of honey bees infected using two distinct methods.
Main Methods:
- Infection of honey bees with Nosema ceranae at day 1 without anesthesia.
- Infection of honey bees with Nosema ceranae at day 5 using CO2 anesthesia.
- Monitoring of bee survival and quantification of N. ceranae spores.
Main Results:
- Honey bees infected using CO2 anesthesia exhibited significantly poorer survival rates.
- Bees subjected to CO2 anesthesia also showed significantly lower spore counts.
- The experimental technique appears to influence both mortality and pathogen load.
Conclusions:
- Variability in Nosema ceranae virulence experiments may be attributed to differences in methodology.
- CO2 anesthesia, a common technique, negatively impacts honey bee survival and N. ceranae infection dynamics.
- Standardizing experimental protocols is crucial for accurate assessment of N. ceranae pathogenicity.
