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Histopathological Features of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Honeybees Naturally Infected by Deformed Wing Virus
Karen Power1, Manuela Martano1, Gennaro Altamura1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples "Federico II", Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Deformed wing virus (DWV) is capable of infecting honeybees at every stage of development causing symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. To date, very little is known about the histopathological lesions caused by the virus. Therefore, 40 honeybee samples were randomly collected from a naturally DWV infected hive and subjected to anatomopathological examination to discriminate between symptomatic (29) and asymptomatic (11) honeybees. Subsequently, 15 honeybee samples were frozen at -80° and analyzed by PCR and RTqPCR to determinate the presence/absence of the virus and the relative viral load, while 25 honeybee samples were analyzed by histopathological techniques. Biomolecular results showed a fragment of the expected size (69bp) of DWV in all samples and the viral load was higher in symptomatic honeybees compared to the asymptomatic group. Histopathological results showed degenerative alterations of the hypopharyngeal glands (19/25) and flight muscles (6/25) in symptomatic samples while 4/25 asymptomatic samples showed an inflammatory response in the midgut and the hemocele. Results suggest a possible pathogenic action of DWV in both symptomatic and asymptomatic honeybees, and a role of the immune response in keeping under control the virus in asymptomatic individuals.
Insights
Deformed wing virus (DWV) infects honeybees, causing varied symptoms. Histopathology reveals tissue damage in symptomatic bees and immune responses in asymptomatic ones, suggesting DWV
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Insect Pathology
- Virology
Background:
- Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a significant honeybee pathogen, affecting all life stages.
- Histopathological effects of DWV infections remain largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding DWV's impact is crucial for honeybee health and colony survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histopathological lesions associated with DWV in honeybees.
- To compare viral load and tissue damage in symptomatic versus asymptomatic DWV-infected bees.
- To explore the role of the immune response in asymptomatic DWV infections.
Main Methods:
- Collection and anatomopathological examination of 40 naturally DWV-infected honeybees.
- PCR and RT-qPCR analysis for DWV presence and viral load determination in 15 samples.
- Histopathological analysis of 25 honeybee samples to identify tissue alterations.
Main Results:
- DWV was detected in all analyzed honeybee samples.
- Symptomatic bees exhibited higher viral loads and degenerative changes in hypopharyngeal glands and flight muscles.
- Asymptomatic bees showed inflammatory responses in the midgut and hemocele, indicating immune activity.
Conclusions:
- DWV exerts pathogenic effects in both symptomatic and asymptomatic honeybees.
- The immune response may play a critical role in controlling DWV in asymptomatic individuals.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay between DWV, host pathology, and immune mechanisms in honeybees.
