scholarly journals Nationwide Screening for Important Bee Viruses in Belgian Honey Bees

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Severine Matthijs ◽  
Nick De Regge
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Ct Value ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
Paralysis Virus

The ecological and economic importance of bees for pollination and biodiversity is well established. The health of bees is, however, threatened by a multitude of factors, including viruses. In this study, we screened 557 colonies from 155 beekeepers distributed all over Belgium to monitor the prevalence and distribution of seven widespread viruses in Belgian honey bees (Apis mellifera). Several of these viruses have been linked with an increased risk for colony loss. Although these viruses can severely impact honey bees and can even cause the death of larvae or adults, colonies with a low viral load usually appear asymptomatic (covert infection). The presence of viruses was determined by real-time RT-PCR. The three most prevalent viruses in Belgian honey bees are Deformed wing virus B (DWV-B or VDV-1), Black queen cell virus (BQCV), and Sacbrood virus (SBV). These viruses were found in more than 90% of the honey bee colonies, but often with a high Ct value, which indicates that they are present at low viral loads (less than 3 log10 genome copies per bee). In certain colonies, however, DWV-B, BQCV, or SBV was detected with a low Ct value, representing a high viral load (in some cases, more than 7 log10 genome copies per bee) and with an increased likelihood of development of clinical symptoms. Deformed wing virus A (DWV-A), Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), and Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) were found in less than 40% of the colonies. Kashmir bee virus (KBV) was not found in any of the analyzed Belgian honey bees. Most of the honey bee colonies are infected with multiple viruses, albeit with low virus loads. The impact of viruses can however become critical in the presence of other detrimental factors such as parasites (Nosema sp., Varroa sp.) and pesticides.

scholarly journals Nationwide Screening for Bee Viruses and Parasites in Belgian Honey Bees

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 890
Author(s):  
Severine Matthijs ◽  
Valérie De Waele ◽  
Valerie Vandenberge ◽  
Bénédicte Verhoeven ◽  
Jacqueline Evers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
High Viral Load ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Bee Health ◽  
Honey Bee Health ◽  
Varroa Mites ◽  
Paralysis Virus

The health of honey bees is threatened by multiple factors, including viruses and parasites. We screened 557 honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies from 155 beekeepers distributed all over Belgium to determine the prevalence of seven widespread viruses and two parasites (Varroa sp. and Nosema sp.). Deformed wing virus B (DWV-B), black queen cell virus (BQCV), and sacbrood virus (SBV) were highly prevalent and detected by real-time RT-PCR in more than 95% of the colonies. Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) and deformed wing virus A (DWV-A) were prevalent to a lower extent (between 18 and 29%). Most viruses were only present at low or moderate viral loads. Nevertheless, about 50% of the colonies harbored at least one virus at high viral load (>107 genome copies/bee). Varroa mites and Nosema sp. were found in 81.5% and 59.7% of the honey bee colonies, respectively, and all Nosema were identified as Nosema ceranae by real time PCR. Interestingly, we found a significant correlation between the number of Varroa mites and DWV-B viral load. To determine the combined effect of these and other factors on honey bee health in Belgium, a follow up of colonies over multiple years is necessary.

scholarly journals Deformed wing virus variant shift from 2010 to 2016 in managed and feral UK honey bee colonies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Kevill ◽  
K. C. Stainton ◽  
D. C. Schroeder ◽  
S. J. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Small Study ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Virus Variant ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
Existing Data

AbstractDeformed wing virus (DWV) has been linked to the global decline of honey bees. DWV exists as three master variants (DWV-A, DWV-B, and DWV-C), each with differing outcomes for the honey bee host. Research in the USA showed a shift from DWV-A to DWV-B between 2010 to 2016 in honey bee colonies. Likewise, in the UK, a small study in 2007 found only DWV-A, whereas in 2016, DWV-B was the most prevalent variant. This suggests a shift from DWV-A to DWV-B might have occurred in the UK between 2007 and 2016. To investigate this further, data from samples collected in 2009/10 (n = 46) were compared to existing data from 2016 (n = 42). These samples also allowed a comparison of DWV variants between Varroa-untreated (feral) and Varroa-treated (managed) colonies. The results revealed that, in the UK, DWV-A was far more prevalent in 2009/10 (87%) than in 2016 (43%). In contrast, DWV-B was less prevalent in 2009/10 (76%) than in 2016 (93%). Regardless if colonies had been treated for Varroa (managed) or not (feral), the same trend from DWV-A to DWV-B occurred. Overall, the results reveal a decrease in DWV-A and an increase in DWV-B in UK colonies.

Metagenomic analysis of bat guano samples revealed the presence of viruses potentially carried by insects, among others by Apis mellifera in Hungary

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-161
Author(s):  
Brigitta Zana ◽  
Gábor Kemenesi ◽  
Péter Urbán ◽  
Fanni Földes ◽  
Tamás Görföl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Metagenomic Analysis ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Big Sioux River ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
Close Genetic Relationship ◽  
Paralysis Virus ◽  
Bat Guano

The predominance of dietary viruses in bat guano samples had been described recently, suggesting a new opportunity to survey the prevalence and to detect new viruses of arthropods or even plant-infecting viruses circulating locally in the ecosystem. Here we describe the diversity of viruses belonging to the order Picornavirales in Hungarian insectivorous bat guano samples. The metagenomic analysis conducted on our samples has revealed the significant predominance of aphid lethal paralysis virus (ALPV) and Big Sioux River virus (BSRV) in Hungary for the first time. Phylogenetic analysis was used to clarify the relationship to previously identified ALPV strains infecting honey bees, showing that our strain possesses a close genetic relationship with the strains that have already been described as pathogenic to honey bees. Furthermore, studies have previously confirmed the ability of these viruses to replicate in adult honey bees; however, no signs related to these viruses have been revealed yet. With the identification of two recently described possibly honey bee infecting viruses for the first time in Hungary, our results might have importance for the health conditions of Hungarian honey bee colonies in the future.

scholarly journals A survey of deformed wing virus and acute bee paralysis virus in honey bee colonies from serbia using real-time RT-PCR

2014 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Predrag Simeunović ◽  
Jevrosima Stevanović ◽  
Dejan Vidanović ◽  
Jakov Nišavić ◽  
Dejan Radović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Sampling Location ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
Acute Bee Paralysis Virus ◽  
Paralysis Virus ◽  
Bee Viruses

Abstract In this study 55 honey bee colonies from different Serbian regions were monitored for the presence of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) and Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV) using TaqMan-based real-time RT-PCR assay. The results revealed the presence of DWV in each sampling location, and ABPV in 10 out of 11 apiaries. High frequency of DWV (76.4%) and ABPV (61.8%) positive samples in asymptomatic colonies can be the consequence of inefficient and postponed Varroa treatment concerning the role of this mite in the transmission and activation of honey bee viruses. The real-time RTPCR technique described in this paper is proved to be the most reliable method for this kind of investigation.

scholarly journals A molecular clone of Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV) causes mortality in honey bee pupae (Apis mellifera)

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerstin Seitz ◽  
Katharina Buczolich ◽  
Alžbeta Dikunová ◽  
Pavel Plevka ◽  
Karen Power ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Reverse Genetic System ◽  
Progeny Virus ◽  
Molecular Clone ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Paralysis Virus

Abstract Among the many diseases compromising the well-being of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) the chronic paralysis syndrome of adult honey bees is one of the best described. The causative agent, chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), is a positive sense, single-stranded RNA virus with a segmented genome. Segment 1 encodes three putative open reading frames (ORFs), including the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and other non-structural protein coding regions. Segment 2 encodes four putative ORFs, which contain the genes of supposed structural proteins. In this study, we established a reverse genetic system for CBPV by molecular cloning of DNA copies of both genome segments. CBPV rescue was studied in imago and honey bee pupae infection models. Virus replication and progeny virus production was only initiated when capped RNAs of both genome segments were injected in honey bees. As injection of these clonal RNAs caused clinical symptoms similar to wild-type CBPV infection, we conclude that the novel molecular clone fulfilled Koch’s postulates. Our virus clone will enable in-depth analysis of CBPV pathogenesis and help to increase knowledge about this important honey bee disease.

scholarly journals THE LIFESPAN AND OXIDATIVE STRESS BETWEEN FERAL AND MANAGED HONEY BEE COLONIES

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kilea Ward ◽  
Hongmei Li-Byarlay
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Stress Resistance ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Oxidative Stress Resistance ◽  
Honey Bee Health ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
And Oxidative Stress

Molecular damage caused by oxidative stress may lead to organismal aging and resulted in acute mortality in organisms. Oxidative stress resistance and longevity are closely linked. Honey bees are the most important managed pollinator in agriculture but the long-term survival of honey bees is seriously threatened. Feral honey bee colonies displayed persistence to Varroa mites. However, it is unknown whether feral honey bees are stress-resistant or survive longer than managed bee populations. More work is needed to determine the impact of oxidative stress on honey bee health and survival. We used the paired colony design to determine the lifespan and levels of oxidative stress on worker bees from either a feral or a managed colony. Each pair of colonies shared similar foraging resources. Results exhibit longer survival time and lifespans of foragers in feral colonies than the managed colonies. The levels of oxidative stress from the lipid damage of feral colonies are higher than the managed colonies, indicating a tolerant mechanism not a repair mechanism to survive. Our study provided new insights into colony difference of physiology and oxidative stress resistance between feral honey bees and commercial stocks.

scholarly journals Molecular detection and phylogenetic assessment of six honeybee viruses in Apis mellifera L. colonies in Bulgaria

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5077 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rositsa Shumkova ◽  
Boyko Neov ◽  
Daniela Sirakova ◽  
Ani Georgieva ◽  
Dimitar Gadjev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Severe Infection ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Queen Cell ◽  
Kashmir Bee Virus ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
Paralysis Virus ◽  
Bee Viruses

Honey bee colonies suffer from various pathogens, including honey bee viruses. About 24 viruses have been reported so far. However, six of them are considered to cause severe infection which inflicts heavy losses on beekeeping. The aim of this study was to investigate incidence of six honey bee viruses: deformed wing virus (DWV), acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), sacbrood virus (SBV), kashmir bee virus (KBV), and black queen cell virus (BQCV) by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 250 adult honey bee samples were obtained from 50 colonies from eight apiaries situated in three different parts of the country (South, North and West Bulgaria). The results showed the highest prevalence of DWV followed by SBV and ABPV, and one case of BQCV. A comparison with homology sequences available in GenBank was performed by phylogenetic analysis, and phylogenetic relationships were discussed in the context of newly described genotypes in the uninvestigated South Eastern region of Europe. In conclusion, the present study has been the first to provide sequencing data and phylogenetics analyses of some honey bee viruses in Bulgaria.

scholarly journals Transcriptome-level assessment of the impact of deformed wing virus on honey bee larvae

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zih-Ting Chang ◽  
Yu-Feng Huang ◽  
Yue-Wen Chen ◽  
Ming-Ren Yen ◽  
Po-Ya Hsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Larval Stage ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Pupal Stage ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Honey Bee Larvae ◽  
Gene Expression Levels

AbstractDeformed wing virus (DWV) prevalence is high in honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations. The virus infects honey bees through vertical and horizontal transmission, leading to behavioural changes, wing deformity, and early mortality. To better understand the impacts of viral infection in the larval stage of honey bees, artificially reared honey bee larvae were infected with DWV (1.55 × 1010 copies/per larva). No significant mortality occurred in infected honey bee larvae, while the survival rates decreased significantly at the pupal stage. Examination of DWV replication revealed that viral replication began at 2 days post inoculation (d.p.i.), increased dramatically to 4 d.p.i., and then continuously increased in the pupal stage. To better understand the impact of DWV on the larval stage, DWV-infected and control groups were subjected to transcriptomic analysis at 4 d.p.i. Two hundred fifty-five differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (fold change ≥ 2 or ≤ -2) were identified. Of these DEGs, 168 genes were downregulated, and 87 genes were upregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that 141 DEGs (55.3%) were categorized into molecular functions, cellular components and biological processes. One hundred eleven genes (38 upregulated and 73 downregulated) were annotated by KO (KEGG Orthology) pathway mapping and involved metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism pathways. Validation of DEGs was performed, and the related gene expression levels showed a similar tendency to the DEG predictions at 4 d.p.i.; cell wall integrity and stress response component 1 (wsc1), cuticular protein and myo-inositol 2-dehydrogenase (iolG) were significantly upregulated, and small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel protein (SK) was significantly downregulated at 4 d.p.i. Related gene expression levels at different d.p.i. revealed that these DEGs were significantly regulated from the larval stage to the pupal stage, indicating the potential impacts of gene expression levels from the larval to the pupal stages. Taken together, DWV infection in the honey bee larval stage potentially influences the gene expression levels from larvae to pupae and reduces the survival rate of the pupal stage. This information emphasizes the consequences of DWV prevalence in honey bee larvae for apiculture.

scholarly journals Virus Status, Varroa Levels, and Survival of 20 Managed Honey Bee Colonies Monitored in Luxembourg Between the Summer of 2011 and the Spring of 2013

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antoine Clermont ◽  
Matias Pasquali ◽  
Michael Eickermann ◽  
François Kraus ◽  
Lucien Hoffmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Sacbrood Virus ◽  
Queen Cell ◽  
Varroa Mites ◽  
Kashmir Bee Virus ◽  
Bee Colonies ◽  
Paralysis Virus

Abstract Twenty managed honey bee colonies, split between 5 apiaries with 4 hives each, were monitored between the summer of 2011 and spring of 2013. Living bees were sampled in July 2011, July 2012, and August 2012. Twenty-five, medium-aged bees, free of varroa mites, were pooled per colony and date, to form one sample. Unlike in France and Belgium, Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV) has not been found in Luxembourg. Slow Bee Paralysis Virus (SBPV) and Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) levels were below detection limits. Traces of Kashmir Bee Virus (KBV) were amplified. Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), Varroa destructor Virus-1 (VDV-1), and SacBrood Virus (SBV) were detected in all samples and are reported from Luxembourg for the first time. Varroa destructor Macula- Like Virus (VdMLV), Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), and Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV) were detected at all locations, and in most but not all samples. There was a significant increase in VDV-1 and DWV levels within the observation period. A principal component analysis was unable to separate the bees of colonies that survived the following winter from bees that died, based on their virus contents in summer. The number of dead varroa mites found below colonies was elevated in colonies that died in the following winter. Significant positive relationships were found between the log-transformed virus levels of the bees and the log-transformed number of mites found below the colonies per week, for VDV-1 and DWV. Sacbrood virus levels were independent of varroa levels, suggesting a neutral or competitive relationship between this virus and varroa.

scholarly journals Ten Years of Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) in Hawaiian Honey Bees (Apis mellifera), the Dominant DWV-A Variant Is Potentially Being Replaced by Variants with a DWV-B Coding Sequence

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 969
Author(s):  
Isobel Grindrod ◽  
Jessica L. Kevill ◽  
Ethel M. Villalobos ◽  
Declan C. Schroeder ◽  
Stephen John Martin
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Original Study ◽  
Viral Diversity ◽  
Deformed Wing Virus ◽  
Complete Dominance ◽  
Coding Sequence ◽  
Bee Colonies

The combination of Deformed wing virus (DWV) and Varroa destructor is arguably one of the greatest threats currently facing western honey bees, Apis mellifera. Varroa’s association with DWV has decreased viral diversity and increased loads of DWV within honey bee populations. Nowhere has this been better studied than in Hawaii, where the arrival of Varroa progressively led to the dominance of the single master variant (DWV-A) on both mite-infested Hawaiian Islands of Oahu and Big Island. Now, exactly 10 years following the original study, we find that the DWV population has changed once again, with variants containing the RdRp coding sequence pertaining to the master variant B beginning to co-dominate alongside variants with the DWV-A RdRp sequence on the mite-infested islands of Oahu and Big Island. In speculation, based on other studies, it appears this could represent a stage in the journey towards the complete dominance of DWV-B, a variant that appears better adapted to be transmitted within honey bee colonies.

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