A Diverse Range of Novel RNA Viruses in Geographically Distinct Honey Bee Populations.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the diversity and consequences of viruses present in honey bees is critical for maintaining pollinator health and managing the spread of disease. The viral landscape of honey bees (Apis mellifera) has changed dramatically since the emergence of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, which increased the spread of virulent variants of viruses such as deformed wing virus. Previous genomic studies have focused on colonies suffering from infections by Varroa and virulent viruses, which could mask other viral species present in honey bees, resulting in a distorted view of viral diversity. To capture the viral diversity within colonies that are exposed to mites but do not suffer the ultimate consequences of the infestation, we examined populations of honey bees t

SUBMITTER: Remnant EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5533899 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature