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Published on: January 19, 2021
Molecular detection of Lotmaria passim in honeybees in Japan
Satomi Yamamoto1, Sakure Nakamura2, Kazuhiko Nakayama2
1Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan.
Abstract:
Crithidia mellificae (C. mellificae) and Lotmaria passim (L. passim) are trypanosomatids that infect Apis mellifera. We analyzed the prevalence of C. mellificae and L. passim in six regions of Japan from 2018 to 2019. The detection rate of C. mellificae was 0.0% in all regions, whereas L. passim was detected in 16.7%-66.7% of the honeybees. L. passim was detected at a significantly lower rate in the Cyugoku-Shikoku region than in other regions. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) locus of related species was performed. All the samples in this study could be assigned to the L. passim clade. This study reveals that L. passim infection is predominantly prevalent in Japan. Further epidemiological surveys are needed to clarify the prevalence of C. mellificae infection in honeybees in Japan.
Insights
Lotmaria passim (L. passim) is prevalent in Japanese honeybees, detected in up to 66.7% of bees. Crithidia mellificae (C. mellificae) was not detected, indicating L. passim is the dominant trypanosomatid infection in Japan.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Honeybee (Apis mellifera) populations are threatened by various pathogens.
- Trypanosomatids, such as Crithidia mellificae and Lotmaria passim, are known honeybee parasites.
- Understanding the prevalence of these parasites is crucial for bee health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Crithidia mellificae and Lotmaria passim in honeybees across Japan.
- To perform phylogenetic analysis of detected trypanosomatids.
- To assess regional differences in infection rates.
Main Methods:
- Sample collection from honeybees in six Japanese regions (2018-2019).
- Molecular detection of C. mellificae and L. passim.
- Phylogenetic analysis using the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) locus.
Main Results:
- Crithidia mellificae was not detected in any sampled regions (0.0% prevalence).
- Lotmaria passim prevalence ranged from 16.7% to 66.7% across regions.
- Significantly lower L. passim detection rates were observed in the Cyugoku-Shikoku region.
- Phylogenetic analysis confirmed all positive samples belonged to the L. passim clade.
Conclusions:
- Lotmaria passim is the predominant trypanosomatid infecting honeybees in Japan.
- Further epidemiological studies are necessary to determine the actual prevalence of Crithidia mellificae in Japanese honeybees.
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