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Published on: August 29, 2013
Stonebrood Disease-Histomorphological Changes in Honey Bee Larvae (Apis mellifera) Experimentally Infected with
Tammo von Knoblauch1, Annette B Jensen2, Christoph K W Mülling3
1LABOKLIN GmbH & Co.KG, Labor für Klinische Diagnostik, Steubenstraße 4, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany.
Abstract:
Stonebrood (Aspergillus sp.) is a rare, poorly described disease of the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) that can affect adult bees and brood. This study describes the pathogenesis using artificially reared pathogen-free Apis mellifera larvae, experimentally infected (5 × 102 spores/larva) with Aspergillus flavus. Between days 1 and 5 p.i. (larval age 4 until 8 days), five uninfected control larvae, up to five infected living larvae, and up to five infected dead larvae were examined macroscopically. Subsequently, the larvae were photographed, fixed (4% formaldehyde), and processed for histological examination (hematoxylin-eosin stain, Grocott silvering). Sections were digitized, measured (area, thickness), and statistically analyzed. In total, 19 of the 43 collected infected larvae showed signs of infection (germinating spores/fungal mycelium): dead larvae (from day 2 p.i.) showed clear histological and macroscopic signs of infection, while larvae collected alive (from day 1 p.i.) were only locally affected. Infected larvae were significantly smaller (day 2 p.i.: p < 0.001, 4 p.i.: p < 0.01, 5 p.i.: p < 0.01) than uninfected larvae (control group). Our study shows that the pathogenesis of stonebrood is characterized by a short period between Aspergillus germination and the onset of disease (about one day), and a rapid larval death.
Insights
Stonebrood, a rare honey bee disease caused by Aspergillus flavus, rapidly kills larvae within days of infection. This study details the rapid pathogenesis, showing infected larvae are significantly smaller than controls.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Mycology
- Apiculture Science
Background:
- Stonebrood, caused by Aspergillus species, is a poorly understood disease affecting Western honey bees (Apis mellifera).
- Understanding its pathogenesis is crucial for managing honey bee health and preventing colony losses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the pathogenesis of stonebrood disease in Apis mellifera.
- To describe the progression of Aspergillus flavus infection in honey bee larvae.
Main Methods:
- Artificially reared, pathogen-free Apis mellifera larvae were experimentally infected with Aspergillus flavus spores.
- Larvae were examined macroscopically and histologically at various time points post-infection.
- Infected and control larvae were measured for size and statistical differences were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Signs of Aspergillus infection were observed in 19 of 43 infected larvae.
- Dead larvae showed clear macroscopic and histological signs, while live larvae exhibited localized effects.
- Infected larvae were significantly smaller than control larvae by day 2 post-infection.
Conclusions:
- The pathogenesis of stonebrood involves a rapid progression from Aspergillus germination to disease onset (approx. 1 day).
- Aspergillus flavus infection leads to rapid larval death in honey bees.
- This research provides critical insights into the rapid disease cycle of stonebrood.
