Ecto- and endoparasite induce similar chemical and brain neurogenomic responses in the honey bee (Apis mellifera).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Exclusion from a social group is an effective way to avoid parasite transmission. This type of social removal has also been proposed as a form of collective defense, or social immunity, in eusocial insect groups. If parasitic modification of host behavior is widespread in social insects, the underlying physiological and neuronal mechanisms remain to be investigated. We studied this phenomenon in honey bees parasitized by the mite Varroa destructor or microsporidia Nosema ceranae, which make bees leave the hive precociously. We characterized the chemical, behavioral and neurogenomic changes in parasitized bees, and compared the effects of both parasites.

Results

Analysis of cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrophotomet

SUBMITTER: McDonnell CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3725162 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature