Spread of infectious chronic bee paralysis virus by honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) feces.

ABSTRACT: Knowledge of the spreading mechanism of honeybee pathogens within the hive is crucial to our understanding of bee disease dynamics. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of infectious chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) in bee excreta and evaluate its possible role as an indirect route of infection. Samples of paralyzed bees were (i) produced by experimental inoculation with purified virus and (ii) collected from hives exhibiting chronic paralysis. CBPV in bee heads or feces (crude or absorbed onto paper) was detected by reverse transcription-PCR. CBPV infectivity was assessed by intrathoracic inoculation of bees with virus extracted from feces and by placement of naive bees in cages previously occupied by contaminated individuals. CBPV RNA was systematically detected in the fece

SUBMITTER: Ribiere M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2168079 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature