Seasonal variation of viral infections between the eastern honey bee (Apis cerana) and the western honey bee (Apis mellifera).

ABSTRACT: It is a widespread practice in China to keep colonies of both the western honey bee, Apis mellifera, and the eastern honey bee, Apis cerana, in close proximity. However, this practice increases opportunities for spillover of parasites and pathogens between the two host bee species, impacting spatial and temporal patterns in the occurrence and prevalence of the viruses that adversely affect bee health. We conducted a 1-year large-scale survey to assess the current status of viral infection in both A. mellifera and A. cerana in China. Our study focused on multiple aspects of viral infections in honey bees, including infection rate, viral load, seasonal variation, regional variation, and phylogenetic relationships of the viruses within the same species found in this study and other parts of t

SUBMITTER: Chen G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7862873 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature