Science updates: Seasonal viral prevalence & bees

 

Science updates:

Seasonal viral prevalence & bees

 

The study investigates the seasonal prevalence of common bee viruses and parasites in honey bees (Apis mellifera) and bumble bees (Bombus impatiens) to understand their role as potential pathogen reservoirs. The research, conducted over multiple years and seasons in Pennsylvania, USA, involved molecular testing for deformed wing virus (DWV), black queen cell virus (BQCV), and morphological screening for Vairimorpha spp., nematodes, and parasitic flies.

 

Key findings include:

1.    Honey bees consistently exhibit higher viral prevalence than bumble bees, particularly for DWV and BQCV.

2.    Both bee species show a reduction in viral prevalence over winter, but bumble bees experience a drop to negligible levels each spring, suggesting they purge parasites annually.

3. Honey bees may act as a reservoir for parasites, potentially reinfecting bumble bees and sustaining high levels of infection in bee communities year-round.

4. Parasite prevalence follows distinct seasonal patterns, with peaks varying by parasite type and host species.

5.    Co-infections of DWV and BQCV are more likely than expected by chance, indicating a potential for parasite interactions within hosts.

 

The study highlights the importance of understanding parasite epidemiology and transmission dynamics to manage bee health and mitigate the risk of pathogen spillover from managed honey bees to wild bumble bees. 

Reference:

Wham, B. E., McCormick, E. C., Carr, C. M., Bracci, N. R., Heimann, A. C., Egner, T. J., ... & Hines, H. M. (2024). Comparison of seasonal viral prevalence supports honey bees as potential spring pathogen reservoirs for bumble bees. Ecosphere, 15(6), e4883.

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