Molecular detection of bee pathogens in honey from various botanical origins.

ABSTRACT: Honey bees play a crucial role in pollination and global food security, yet their populations are declining due to various environmental stressors, including pathogenic infections. Recently, molecular research in honey has been proposed as a powerful, non-invasive tool for detecting and monitoring honey bee pathogens and parasites. This study analysed 679 honey samples from all Italian regions to detect the presence of 8 pathogens (DWV, CBPV, ABPV, BQCV, KBV, Nosema ceranae, Crithidia mellificae, Lotmaria passim) using qPCR assays. Overall, 97.5% of the honey samples tested positive for at least one pathogen, with the most prevalent being DWV (81.7%), N. ceranae (56.1%), and CBPV (56.0%). None of the samples tested positive for KBV or C. mellificae. Statistical analyses revealed significan

SUBMITTER: Tiritelli R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12694878 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature