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Epidemiological Study and Phylogenetic analysis of Common Pathogenic Viruses of Honeybee in Apiaries of Iran
Torkaman Maryam1, Moharrami Mojtaba2, Pourtaghi Hadi3
1Department of Pathobiology, Science and research branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Several agents such as bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses can infect honey bees in apiculture. Viruses are one of the most important threats to the health of honeybees. The aim of this research was to diagnose common honeybee pathogenic viruses, including Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV), Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV, Deformed Wing Defect (DWV), Kashmir Bee Virus (KBV), and Sacbrood Virus (SBV) in apiaries across Iran. From Autumn to Winter 2022, honey bee samples were randomly collected from 31 provinces across the country. After samples preparation and RNA extraction, the target fragments were amplified using the RT-PCR method. Desired standard viruses and distilled water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The PCR products were sequenced and compared with the Genbank database. Results showed that, out of 274 samples collected from apiaries, 21 (7.66%), 21 (7.66%), 11 (4.01%), 247 (90.15%), 31 (11.1%) and 91 (33.21%) were positive for ABPV, BQCV, CBPV, DWV, KBV and SBV, respectively. The highest level of infection was related to DWV and SBV, while the lowest level of infection was related to CBPV. All provinces were infected with at least one virus, and in some, all the studied viruses were detected in apiaries. Sequencing results confirmed the RT-PCR findings. Phylogenetic analysis showed several mutations in the sequences of all studied viruses. The presence of viral infections in the country's apiaries indicates that viral diseases are a significant concern and require targeted management strategies for prevention.
Insights
Honey bee viruses, including Deformed Wing Defect Virus (DWV) and Sacbrood Virus (SBV), are prevalent across Iran. This study highlights the significant threat of viral diseases to apiculture, necessitating targeted management strategies for bee health.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Veterinary Virology
- Insect Pathology
Background:
- Honey bees are susceptible to various pathogens, with viruses posing a major threat to apiculture.
- Viral infections can lead to significant economic losses in beekeeping operations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To diagnose the prevalence of six common honey bee viruses in apiaries across Iran.
- To identify the most prevalent viral infections affecting Iranian honey bee populations.
Main Methods:
- Samples were collected from 31 provinces in Iran between Autumn and Winter 2022.
- RNA extraction followed by RT-PCR amplification was used for virus detection.
- Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed RT-PCR results and identified viral mutations.
Main Results:
- Deformed Wing Defect Virus (DWV) and Sacbrood Virus (SBV) showed the highest infection rates (90.15% and 33.21%, respectively).
- Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV) had the lowest infection rate (4.01%).
- All surveyed provinces exhibited at least one viral infection, with some having all six viruses detected.
Conclusions:
- Viral diseases represent a significant concern for Iranian apiculture.
- The widespread presence of multiple viruses underscores the need for effective prevention and management strategies.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed mutations in the detected viral sequences, indicating ongoing viral evolution.
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