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Published on: March 17, 2015
Protein nutrition governs within-host race of honey bee pathogens
Manuel Tritschler1,2, Jutta J Vollmann3, Orlando Yañez1
1Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Multiple infections are common in honey bees, Apis mellifera, but the possible role of nutrition in this regard is poorly understood. Microsporidian infections, which are promoted by protein-fed, can negatively correlate with virus infections, but the role of protein nutrition for the microsporidian-virus interface is unknown. Here, we challenged naturally deformed wing virus - B (DWV-B) infected adult honey bee workers fed with or without pollen ( = protein) in hoarding cages, with the microsporidian Nosema ceranae. Bee mortality was recorded for 14 days and N. ceranae spore loads and DWV-B titers were quantified. Amongst the groups inoculated with N. ceranae, more spores were counted in protein-fed bees. However, N. ceranae infected bees without protein-diet had reduced longevity compared to all other groups. N. ceranae infection had no effect on protein-fed bee's longevity, whereas bees supplied only with sugar-water showed reduced survival. Our data also support that protein-feeding can have a significant negative impact on virus infections in insects. The negative correlation between N. ceranae spore loads and DWV-B titers was stronger expressed in protein-fed hosts. Proteins not only enhance survival of infected hosts, but also significantly shape the microsporidian-virus interface, probably due to increased spore production and enhanced host immunity.
Insights
Honey bee nutrition impacts disease. Protein-rich diets improve survival against Nosema ceranae and reduce deformed wing virus-B (DWV-B) infections.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Insect Pathology
- Animal Nutrition
Background:
- Multiple infections are prevalent in honey bees (Apis mellifera).
- The influence of nutrition on these coinfections, particularly the interplay between microsporidian and virus infections, remains unclear.
- Protein availability is known to influence microsporidian infections, but its role in the microsporidian-virus dynamic is uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of protein nutrition in modulating the interactions between Nosema ceranae (microsporidian) and deformed wing virus-B (DWV-B) in adult honey bees.
- To determine how protein availability affects honey bee longevity and pathogen loads when coinfected with N. ceranae and DWV-B.
Main Methods:
- Adult honey bee workers were experimentally infected with DWV-B.
- Following infection, bees were housed in cages and fed either a protein-rich diet (pollen) or a sugar-water only diet.
- Bees were subsequently challenged with Nosema ceranae, and mortality, N. ceranae spore loads, and DWV-B titers were monitored over 14 days.
Main Results:
- Bees infected with N. ceranae and fed a protein-rich diet exhibited higher N. ceranae spore loads.
- However, protein-fed bees infected with N. ceranae showed significantly increased longevity compared to bees fed only sugar-water.
- Protein supplementation strengthened the negative correlation between N. ceranae spore loads and DWV-B titers, suggesting an impact on the virus-microsporidian interface.
Conclusions:
- Protein nutrition plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome of multiple infections in honey bees.
- Protein availability enhances honey bee survival during N. ceranae infection and can suppress virus replication.
- Dietary protein significantly modulates the complex interactions between microsporidian and viral pathogens in honey bees, likely through enhanced host immunity and increased pathogen loads.
