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Preparation of Virus-Enriched Inoculum for Oral Infection of Honey Bees Apis mellifera
Published on: August 26, 2020
Virus Infections of Honeybees Apis Mellifera
Giuseppina Tantillo1, Marilisa Bottaro1, Angela Di Pinto1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari , Valenzano, Italy.
Abstract:
The health and vigour of honeybee colonies are threatened by numerous parasites (such as Varroa destructor and Nosema spp.) and pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa. Among honeybee pathogens, viruses are one of the major threats to the health and well-being of honeybees and cause serious concern for researchers and beekeepers. To tone down the threats posed by these invasive organisms, a better understanding of bee viral infections will be of crucial importance in developing effective and environmentally benign disease control strategies. Here we summarize recent progress in the understanding of the morphology, genome organization, transmission, epidemiology and pathogenesis of eight honeybee viruses: Deformed wing virus (DWV) and Kakugo virus (KV); Sacbrood virus (SBV); Black Queen cell virus (BQCV); Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV); Kashmir bee virus (KBV); Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV); Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV). The review has been designed to provide researchers in the field with updated information about honeybee viruses and to serve as a starting point for future research.
Insights
Honeybee viruses pose a significant threat to colony health. Understanding their transmission and pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective disease control strategies for beekeepers and researchers.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture and Veterinary Entomology
- Virology
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- Honeybee colonies face threats from parasites and pathogens, with viruses being a major concern for researchers and beekeepers.
- Effective disease control strategies are needed to mitigate the impact of honeybee viruses on colony health and productivity.
Approach:
- This review summarizes recent advancements in understanding eight key honeybee viruses.
- Information on virus morphology, genome organization, transmission, epidemiology, and pathogenesis is compiled.
Key Points:
- Deformed wing virus (DWV) and Kakugo virus (KV)
- Sacbrood virus (SBV)
- Black Queen cell virus (BQCV)
- Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV)
- Kashmir bee virus (KBV)
- Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV)
- Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV)
Conclusions:
- Updated information on honeybee viruses is provided for researchers.
- This review serves as a foundation for future research into honeybee viral diseases.

