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

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

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.

VIRUS cloning; GREEN fluorescent protein; VARROA destructor; HONEYBEES; MITE infestations

Entomologia Generalis, 2024, Vol 44, Issue 5, p1233

0171-8177

Academic Journal

10.1127/entomologia/2024/2517