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Updated: Jun 26, 2025
Preparation of Virus-Enriched Inoculum for Oral Infection of Honey Bees Apis mellifera
Published on: August 26, 2020
Ontogeny of immunity and natural viral infection in Apis mellifera drones and workers
Tal Erez1, Angelina Fathia Osabutey2, Sharif Hamdo2
1Department of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Institute, Israel; Department of Entomology, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel.
Abstract:
The most common viral diseases affecting honey bees (Apis mellifera) in Israel include deformed wing viruses (DWV-A and DWV-B) and acute paralysis viruses (ABPV and IAPV). These viruses are transmitted within and between colonies, both horizontally and vertically. All members of the colony contribute to this transmission, on the other hand individual and social immunity, particularly hygienic behaviour, may affect the outcome of the process. In this study, we evaluated the ontogeny of natural infections of DWV-A, DWV-B, ABPV and IAPV, their prevalence and loads, in workers and drones from high (H) and low (L) hygienic colonies. In parallel, we evaluated the expression of two immune genes: peptidoglycan recognition protein S2(PGRP-S2) and hymenoptaecin. The prevalence of DWV-B and IAPV increased with age and was higher in workers than in drones. ABPV was not detected in drones. The expression of both immune genes was significantly affected by age and sex. Drones from H colonies had higher expression of these genes. The increased expression of immune genes with drones' age, particularly in hygienic colonies, suggest additional value of honey bee breeding for hygienic behaviour for sustainable beekeeping.
Insights
Hygienic honey bee colonies show better control of viral diseases like deformed wing virus (DWV) and acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV). Breeding for hygienic behavior enhances immune gene expression, crucial for sustainable beekeeping.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Insect Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Honey bees (Apis mellifera) face significant threats from viral diseases, including deformed wing viruses (DWV-A, DWV-B) and acute paralysis viruses (ABPV, IAPV).
- Virus transmission occurs horizontally and vertically within colonies, with all members potentially contributing to spread.
- Individual and social immunity, particularly hygienic behavior, can influence disease dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ontogeny, prevalence, and viral loads of DWV-A, DWV-B, ABPV, and IAPV in honey bee workers and drones from high (H) and low (L) hygienic colonies.
- To assess the expression of immune genes (PGRP-S2 and hymenoptaecin) in relation to age, sex, and hygienic behavior.
- To determine the potential of breeding for hygienic behavior to improve honey bee health and sustainable beekeeping.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring viral prevalence and loads (DWV-A, DWV-B, ABPV, IAPV) in honey bee workers and drones from H and L hygienic colonies.
- Quantifying the expression levels of immune genes: peptidoglycan recognition protein S2 (PGRP-S2) and hymenoptaecin.
- Analyzing the effects of age, sex, and colony hygiene level on viral infection and immune gene expression.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of DWV-B and IAPV increased with age and was higher in workers than drones; ABPV was absent in drones.
- Immune gene expression (PGRP-S2, hymenoptaecin) was significantly influenced by age and sex.
- Drones from H hygienic colonies exhibited higher expression of both immune genes compared to those from L colonies.
Conclusions:
- Hygienic behavior in honey bees is associated with differential viral prevalence and enhanced immune gene expression, particularly in drones.
- Increased immune gene expression with age, especially in hygienic colonies, highlights the value of selecting for hygienic traits.
- Breeding honey bees for enhanced hygienic behavior offers a promising strategy for improving colony health and ensuring sustainable beekeeping practices.
