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Preparation of Virus-Enriched Inoculum for Oral Infection of Honey Bees Apis mellifera
Published on: August 26, 2020
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DISTRIBUTION OF RNA-CONTAINING BEE VIRUSES IN HONEY BEE (APIS MELLIFERA) IN SEVERAL REGIONS OF RUSSIA
Molekuliarnaia Genetika, Mikrobiologiia I Virusologiia
|December 19, 2018
Summary
RNA-containing bee viruses are widespread in Russia, transmitted by the Varroa destructor mite. This co-infection causes significant honey bee mortality and economic losses in beekeeping.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Virology
- Entomology
Background:
- Honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations face threats from RNA-containing viruses.
- The Varroa destructor mite is a known vector for several bee pathogens.
- Previous research indicates a correlation between mite infestation and increased virus prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and prevalence of RNA-containing bee viruses in Russian apiaries.
- To determine the association between Varroa destructor mite infestation and virus transmission.
- To characterize the genetic diversity of detected viruses.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect RNA-containing viruses in honey bees and Varroa mites.
- Samples were collected from multiple apiaries across different regions of Russia.
- Sequencing of amplified viral fragments was performed and registered in Genbank.
Main Results:
- A broad distribution of RNA-containing bee viruses was confirmed in Russian apiaries.
- Bee viruses, including Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV), were detected in Varroa destructor mites.
- An average of 50% of mite-infested bee families exhibited infection with multiple viruses (2-6 simultaneously), including Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), DWV, Small Bee ভাইরাস (SBV), ABPV, Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV), and Kashmir Bee Virus (KBV).
Conclusions:
- Varroa destructor mite infestation facilitates the transmission of RNA-containing bee viruses.
- Co-infection with multiple viruses poses a significant threat to honey bee health, leading to mass mortality and economic losses.
- The genetic data of BQCV, DWV, and SBV contribute to a better understanding of viral diversity in honey bees.
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