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Doomed drones? Using passage experiments and mathematical modelling to determine Deformed wing virus population
Luke Woodford1, Pieter C Steketee2, David J Evans1
1Department of Biology, University of St. Andrews, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, St. Andrews, None KY16 9ST, UK.
Abstract:
Varroa destructor is an ectoparasitic mite of honeybees which vectors a range of pathogenic viruses, the most notable being Deformed wing virus (DWV). Mites parasitise bees during pupal development and male honeybees, drones, have a longer development cycle than female workers (24 versus 21 days), allow for more progeny mites to develop per foundress (1.6-2.5 compared to 0.7-1.45). How this longer exposure time influences evolution of the transmitted virus population is unknown. Using uniquely tagged viruses recovered from cDNA we investigated the replication, competition and morbidity of DWV genotypes in drones. Assays examining virus replication and morbidity revealed drones are highly susceptible to both predominant genotypes of DWV. In virus passage studies using an equimolar inocula of major DNA genotypes and their recombinants, the recombinant form dominated but did not reach 100% of the virus population within 10 passages. Using an in-silico model of the virus-mite-bee system we examined bottlenecks during virus acquisition by the mite and subsequent injection of viruses into the host, which may play a significant role in shaping virus diversity. This study furthers our understanding of the variables influencing DWV diversity changes and provides insight into areas of future research in the mite-virus-bee system.
Insights
Male honeybees (drones) are highly susceptible to Deformed wing virus (DWV). Virus evolution within drones is influenced by mite transmission bottlenecks and competition, impacting DWV diversity.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Virology
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- Varroa destructor mites are major honeybee parasites.
- These mites transmit viruses like Deformed wing virus (DWV).
- Male honeybees (drones) have longer development cycles, potentially influencing virus evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate Deformed wing virus (DWV) replication, competition, and morbidity in drones.
- Understand how mite transmission dynamics shape DWV diversity.
- Explore the role of drones in DWV evolution.
Main Methods:
- Utilized uniquely tagged viruses and cDNA recovery.
- Conducted virus replication and morbidity assays in drones.
- Performed virus passage studies with DWV genotypes and recombinants.
- Employed an in-silico model of the virus-mite-bee system.
Main Results:
- Drones exhibit high susceptibility to both major DWV genotypes.
- Recombinant DWV forms dominated in passage studies but did not eliminate other genotypes.
- In-silico modeling identified potential bottlenecks in mite virus acquisition and injection.
Conclusions:
- Drone susceptibility and virus competition dynamics influence DWV evolution.
- Mite transmission bottlenecks are significant factors shaping DWV diversity.
- Further research is needed on the mite-virus-bee system dynamics.
