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Detection of Spiroplasma melliferum in honey bee colonies in the US
Huo-Qing Zheng1, Yan Ping Chen2
1College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China; USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
Abstract:
Spiroplasma infections in honey bees have been reported in Europe and Asia quite recently, due to intensive studies on the epidemiology of honey bee diseases. The situation in the US is less well analyzed. Here, we examined the honey bee colonies in Beltsville, MD, where Spiroplasmamelliferum was originally reported and found S. melliferum infection in honey bees. Our data showed high variation of S. melliferum infection in honey bees with a peak prevalence in May during the course of one-year study period. The colony prevalence increased from 5% in February to 68% in May and then decreased to 25% in June and 22% in July. Despite that pathogenicity of spiroplasmas in honey bee colonies remains to be determined, our results indicated that spiroplasma infections need to be included for the consideration of the impacts on honey bee health.
Insights
Spiroplasma melliferum infections in honey bees were studied in Maryland, revealing a significant seasonal prevalence peaking in May. These findings highlight the importance of considering Spiroplasma for honey bee health management.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture and Bee Health
- Insect Pathology
- Microbial Epidemiology
Background:
- Spiroplasma infections in honey bees are increasingly reported globally, particularly in Europe and Asia.
- The epidemiological status of Spiroplasma in US honey bee populations remains underexplored.
- Spiroplasma melliferum was initially reported in honey bees in Beltsville, Maryland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and seasonal dynamics of Spiroplasma melliferum in honey bee colonies in Beltsville, Maryland.
- To assess the occurrence of S. melliferum infections in a US honey bee population.
- To inform future considerations regarding the impact of Spiroplasma on honey bee health.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a year-long study examining honey bee colonies in Beltsville, MD.
- Monitored colony prevalence of Spiroplasma melliferum infection over time.
- Analyzed infection rates from February through July.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the presence of Spiroplasma melliferum infection in honey bees in the study area.
- Observed high variation in S. melliferum infection rates throughout the year.
- Documented a peak colony prevalence of 68% in May, decreasing to 25% in June and 22% in July.
Conclusions:
- Spiroplasma melliferum infection is present and exhibits significant seasonal variation in US honey bee colonies.
- The high prevalence observed, particularly in May, warrants attention.
- Further research into the pathogenicity of spiroplasmas is needed, but current findings suggest their inclusion in honey bee health assessments.
