Pathogen- and host-directed pharmacologic strategies for control of Vairimorpha (Nosema) spp. infection in honey bees
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Published on: September 4, 2016
Parker Parrella1, Annabelle B Elikan1, Jonathan W Snow1
1Department of Biology, Barnard College, New York, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites of the Fungal Kingdom that cause widespread infections in nature, with important effects on invertebrates involved in food production systems. The two microsporidian species Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae (and the less common Vairimorpha (Nosema) apis) can cause individual disease in honey bees and contribute to colony collapse. The efficacy, safety, and availability of fumagillin, the only drug currently approved to treat microsporidia infection in bees, is uncertain. In this review, we will discuss some of the most promising alternative strategies for the mitigation of Vairimorpha spp. with an emphasis on infection by V. ceranae, now the dominant species infecting bees. We will focus on pharmacologic interventions where the mechanism of action is known and examine both pathogen-directed and host-directed approaches. As limiting toxicity to host cells has been especially emphasized in treating bees that are already facing numerous stressors, strategies that disrupt pathogen-specific targets may be especially advantageous. Therefore, efforts to increase the knowledge and tools for facilitating the discovery of such targets and pharmacologic agents directed against them should be prioritized.
Insights
New strategies are needed to combat microsporidia, fungal parasites harming honey bees. This review explores promising alternative treatments to fumagillin for Vairimorpha ceranae infections, focusing on pathogen-specific approaches.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Apiculture
- Parasitology
Background:
- Microsporidia are fungal obligate intracellular parasites impacting invertebrates in food production.
- Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae and Vairimorpha (Nosema) apis cause honey bee diseases and colony collapse.
- Fumagillin, the sole approved drug for bee microsporidiosis, has uncertain efficacy, safety, and availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review alternative strategies for mitigating Vairimorpha spp. infections in honey bees.
- To emphasize Vairimorpha ceranae, the prevalent species.
- To focus on pharmacologic interventions with known mechanisms of action.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Vairimorpha spp. treatments.
- Analysis of pathogen-directed and host-directed therapeutic approaches.
- Evaluation of strategies minimizing host toxicity.
Main Results:
- Identification of promising alternative pharmacologic interventions.
- Emphasis on strategies targeting pathogen-specific mechanisms.
- Highlighting the need for host-directed approaches due to bee stressors.
Conclusions:
- Alternative treatments are crucial for managing Vairimorpha infections in honey bees.
- Pathogen-specific interventions are advantageous due to reduced host toxicity.
- Prioritizing research for novel drug targets and agents is essential.
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