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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Honey bee colonies act as reservoirs for two Spiroplasma facultative symbionts and incur complex, multiyear infection dynamics

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Author(s):
Schwarz, Ryan S. [1] ; Teixeira, Erica Weinstein [2] ; Tauber, James P. [1] ; Birke, Juliane M. [1] ; Martins, Marta Fonseca [3] ; Fonseca, Isabela [3] ; Evans, Jay D. [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] USDA, Bee Res Lab, Beltsville, MD 20705 - USA
[2] Sao Paulo State Agribusiness Technol Agcy APTA, Honey Bee Hlth Lab LASA, BR-12400970 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Mol Genet Lab, BR-36038330 Juiz De Fora, MG - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: MICROBIOLOGYOPEN; v. 3, n. 3, p. 341-355, JUN 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 18
Abstract

Two species of Spiroplasma (Mollicutes) bacteria were isolated from and described as pathogens of the European honey bee, Apis mellifera, similar to 30 years ago but recent information on them is lacking despite global concern to understand bee population declines. Here we provide a comprehensive survey for the prevalence of these two Spiroplasma species in current populations of honey bees using improved molecular diagnostic techniques to assay multiyear colony samples from North America (U.S.A.) and South America (Brazil). Significant annual and seasonal fluctuations of Spiroplasma apis and Spiroplasma melliferum prevalence in colonies from the U.S.A. (n = 616) and Brazil (n = 139) occurred during surveys from 2011 through 2013. Overall, 33% of U.S.A. colonies and 54% of Brazil colonies were infected by Spiroplasma spp., where S. melliferum predominated over S. apis in both countries (25% vs. 14% and 44% vs. 38% frequency, respectively). Colonies were co-infected by both species more frequently than expected in both countries and at a much higher rate in Brazil (52%) compared to the U.S.A. (16.5%). U.S.A. samples showed that both species were prevalent not only during spring, as expected from prior research, but also during other seasons. These findings demonstrate that the model of honey bee spiroplasmas as springtime-restricted pathogens needs to be broadened and their role as occasional pathogens considered in current contexts. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/18802-3 - Identification of bee's pathogens in bee products marketed in São Paulo State and the profile of bee health in Vale do Ribeira, SP
Grantee:Érica Weinstein Teixeira
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants