Original paper

Transmission of deformed wing virus (DWV) between Apis mellifera and Tropilaelaps mercedesae

Yang, Sa; Luo, Qihua; Wu, Yanyan; Gao, Jing; Dai, Pingli

Image of first page of:

Entomologia Generalis Volume 44 Number 5 (2024), p. 1233 - 1241

published: Nov 29, 2024
published online: Sep 21, 2024
manuscript accepted: Aug 16, 2024
final revised version received: Aug 6, 2024
manuscript revision requested: Jun 11, 2024
manuscript received: Feb 2, 2024

DOI: 10.1127/entomologia/2024/2517

BibTeX file

ArtNo. ESP146004405013, Price: 29.00 €

Download preview PDF Buy as PDF

Abstract

The combined effects of mite infestation and viral transmission can lead to a rapid decline in colony health. There is growing concern about the decline of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) caused by an emerging pathogen, Tropilaelaps mercedesae. So far, it is unclear whether T. mercedesae transmits viruses and which viruses might facilitate increased transmission. Here, we found that T. mercedesae harbored six common honey bee viruses. Furthermore, viral proliferation analysis by RT-qPCR showed that viral loads in T. mercedesae was higher than in A. mellifera, especially for deformed wing virus (DWV). Subsequently, we verified that DWV can be transferred between A. mellifera and T. mercedesae during the mite parasitism process by employing an infectious clone of DWV with Green fluorescent protein (GFP). Our findings not only contribute to the understanding of the bee–mite–virus interplay but also highlight the potential role of T. mercedesae as a vector for DWV, similar to Varroa destructor. Due to their ability to transmit viral infections, coupled with their direct parasitic effects, more research is needed for effective management strategies to protect honey bees and ensure the sustainability of apiculture and agriculture.

Keywords

honeybee • vector • pathogen •
Tropilaelaps mites •
Varroa destructor