Interactions between ionizing radiation and Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae on the honeybee, Apis mellifera L.

ABSTRACT: The global decline of honeybee colonies represents a major ecological concern, primarily attributed to simultaneous exposure to multiple stressors. These include biotic pressures, such as parasitic infections, and abiotic pressures, such as exposure to ionizing radiation, which remains poorly understood. Assessing their combined effects provides novel insights into how biological and radiological stressors interact within the organism. Here, we investigated the individual and combined effects of Vairimorpha ceranae (formerly Nosema ceranae) infection and chronic gamma irradiation (14 µGy/h or 14 × 10³ µGy/h) on honeybee health. Measurements included survival, syrup consumption, spore load, and biomarkers related to energy metabolism, antioxidant defenses, immunity, detoxification, and neur

SUBMITTER: Crevet M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12788649 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature