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Mixed infections reveal virulence differences between host-specific bee pathogens.

Ellen G Klinger¹, Svjetlana Vojvodic², Gloria DeGrandi-Hoffman³

¹USDA-ARS Pollinating Insect Research Unit, 1410 North 800 East, Logan, UT 84341, United States; Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, United States.

Journal of Invertebrate Pathology

|May 19, 2015

Summary

Mixed fungal infections in bees show host-specific dynamics. The outcome of superinfection versus co-infection depends on the bee species, impacting pathogen growth but not overall survival.

Keywords:

Alfalfa leafcutting bee Ascosphaera Chalkbrood Honey bee Multiple infections

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Area of Science:

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Microbiology
Entomology

Background:

Host-pathogen interactions are complex, especially in mixed infections, influencing host and pathogen evolution.
Mathematical models aid understanding, but empirical data are crucial for validating assumptions about mixed infections.
Fungal pathogens pose significant threats to bee populations, necessitating research into their interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine whether superinfection or co-infection models best describe interactions among three fungal bee pathogens.
To investigate the impact of mixed fungal infections on the survival and fungal growth within two bee hosts.
To assess host specificity in the competitive outcomes of mixed bee fungal pathogen infections.

Main Methods:

Tested three fungal species (Ascosphaera apis, A. aggregata, A. larvis) in two bee hosts (Apis mellifera, Megachile rotundata).
Compared outcomes of mixed infections against solo infections with the most virulent pathogen.
Analyzed bee survival rates and fungal pathogen presence/growth within hosts post-infection.

Main Results:

Bee survival was not significantly different between mixed and solo infections with the most virulent pathogen.
Fungal growth within hosts was significantly altered by mixed infections.
Apis mellifera showed superinfection dynamics (only the most virulent pathogen persisted), while Megachile rotundata exhibited co-infection dynamics (multiple pathogens co-existed).

Conclusions:

Mixed fungal infections in bees are host-specific, with outcomes differing between Apis mellifera and Megachile rotundata.
The competitive dynamics of fungal pathogens are strongly influenced by the specific bee host, indicating significant host specificity.
Understanding these host-pathogen interactions is vital for bee health and conservation efforts.