First metagenomic analysis of microorganisms in honey bees from Brazil

Authors

  • Erica Weinstein Teixeira Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento do Estado de São Paulo, Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios, Pólo Regional de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico dos Agronegócios do Vale do Paraíba, Pindamonhangaba, SP
  • Dejair Message Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Viçosa, MG
  • Yanping Chen United States Departament of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, MD
  • Jeffery Pettis United States Departament of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, MD
  • Jay D. Evans United States Departament of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, MD

Keywords:

Africanized honey bees, colony collapse disorder, pathogens, RT-PCR, real-time RTPCR

Abstract

Alternative approaches including metagenomic and genetic screening can be extremely useful and can accelerate important discoveries related to a current phenomenon wich affect honey bees around the world (characterized by the depopulation or sudden losses of hives). To determine possible causes for the decline in honey bee colonies from southeastern Brazil, and in particular to test the likelihoods of specific predicted causative agent(s) for this condition, a diverse set of analyses were proposed. These analyses form part of a more extensive Epidemiological Evaluation Program for bees in southeastern Brazil. Here we present an overview about part of this Program. Three viruses were identified (Acute Bee Paralysis Virus - ABPV, Black Queen Cell Virus - BQCV, and Deformed Wing Virus - DWV) in 1,920 analyzed bees, and a multiplex RT-PCR assay was developed and validated. Although strategy adopted to analyze data in details is still being evaluated and prepared by the authors, the first results indicated that ca. 26 % of the samples carried Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV), and some isolates for this virus were found. Nosema ceranae, Melissococus pluton, Leptomonas apis, and Spiroplasma apis were also detected. Pathological, epidemiological, and widespread studies remain to be conducted once no single pathogen seems overly predominant in declining bee colonies.

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Published

2008-04-14

Issue

Section

GENETIC

How to Cite

First metagenomic analysis of microorganisms in honey bees from Brazil. (2008). Bulletin of Animal Husbandry, 65(4), 355-361. http://35.198.24.243/index.php/bia/article/view/1114

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