Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 28, 2025
Discovery of New Intracellular Pathogens by Amoebal Coculture and Amoebal Enrichment Approaches
Published on: October 27, 2013
Epidemiology of the Microsporidium Nosema ceranae in Four Mediterranean Countries
Clara Jabal-Uriel1, Laura Barrios2, Anne Bonjour-Dalmon3
1Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal de Castilla La Mancha (IRIAF), CIAPA de Marchamalo (Guadalajara, Spain), 19180 Marchamalo, Spain.
Abstract:
Nosema ceranae is a highly prevalent intracellular parasite of honey bees' midgut worldwide. This Microsporidium was monitored during a long-term study to evaluate the infection at apiary and intra-colony levels in six apiaries in four Mediterranean countries (France, Israel, Portugal, and Spain). Parameters on colony strength, honey production, beekeeping management, and climate were also recorded. Except for São Miguel (Azores, Portugal), all apiaries were positive for N. ceranae, with the lowest prevalence in mainland France and the highest intra-colony infection in Israel. A negative correlation between intra-colony infection and colony strength was observed in Spain and mainland Portugal. In these two apiaries, the queen replacement also influenced the infection levels. The highest colony losses occurred in mainland France and Spain, although they did not correlate with the Nosema infection levels, as parasitism was low in France and high in Spain. These results suggest that both the effects and the level of N. ceranae infection depends on location and beekeeping conditions. Further studies on host-parasite coevolution, and perhaps the interactions with other pathogens and the role of honey bee genetics, could assist in understanding the difference between nosemosis disease and infection, to develop appropriate strategies for its control.
Insights
Nosema ceranae, a honey bee parasite, was studied across Mediterranean apiaries. Infection levels varied by location and management, impacting colony strength differently, suggesting location-specific control strategies are needed.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Nosema ceranae is a widespread intracellular parasite affecting honey bee midguts globally.
- Understanding its prevalence and impact across diverse environments is crucial for bee health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Nosema ceranae infection levels at apiary and intra-colony scales.
- To evaluate the correlation between Nosema ceranae infection, colony strength, honey production, and beekeeping management across different Mediterranean regions.
Main Methods:
- Long-term monitoring of six apiaries in France, Israel, Portugal, and Spain.
- Recording colony strength, honey production, beekeeping practices, and climate data.
- Analyzing Nosema ceranae prevalence and intra-colony infection rates.
Main Results:
- Nosema ceranae was detected in all studied apiaries except São Miguel (Portugal).
- Lowest prevalence was observed in mainland France, highest intra-colony infection in Israel.
- A negative correlation between infection and colony strength was noted in Spain and Portugal; queen replacement affected infection levels.
- Highest colony losses occurred in France and Spain, but did not directly correlate with Nosema infection levels.
Conclusions:
- Nosema ceranae infection dynamics and impact are influenced by geographical location and beekeeping conditions.
- Further research into host-parasite coevolution, pathogen interactions, and honey bee genetics is needed.
- Developing targeted control strategies requires a deeper understanding of Nosema infection versus disease manifestation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
01:24Nose and Nasal Cavity