蜜蜂残翅病研究进展

蜜蜂残翅病病毒(Deformed Wing Virus, DWV)是蜜蜂残翅病的病原体,能够侵染各个发育阶段的蜜蜂,严重时导致蜂蛹发育缓慢,成蜂翅膀畸形、体型萎缩、行动乏力,蜂群早衰;不严重的隐形感染也会缩短蜜蜂寿命。DWV借助于狄斯瓦螨Varroa destructor在全球广泛传播,并产生DWV-B和DWV-C等变异体,它们的共同作用促使蜂群群势急剧衰弱,是导致"越冬蜂群的消失(OCL)"和"蜂群崩溃失调症(CCD)"的主要病因之一,给养蜂业造成巨大损失,而目前尚没有特异性的有效治疗药物。DWV的自身特征、与狄斯瓦螨的关系、以及单独或者和狄斯瓦螨共同作用对蜜蜂的影响等研究都是开发防治技术方法的基础,本文从生物学、流行学、病理学和防治技术等方面对残翅病病毒的最新研究成果进行了综述。     

应用等温环介导扩增方法检测蜜蜂残翅病毒的研究

本文的目的在于建立用于临床检测残翅病病毒(Deformed wing virus,DWV)的等温环介导扩增技术(Loopmediated isothermal amplification,LAMP),为该疾病的预防和控制提供理论依据。在DWV基因保守序列设计4条引物,探究LAMP扩增的最优条件,并与常规的PCR(polymerase chain reaction)检测方法进行比较。建立的LAMP方法检测下限为0.89 pg,灵敏度比PCR高100倍而且特异性好。临床检测显示建立的LAMP方法可行、准确、方便、灵敏。针对DWV的LAMP建立的检测方法为养蜂生产第一线检测和预防DWV提供了技术支持,有一定的应用价值。     

应用环介导等温扩增技术(LAMP)检测蜜蜂黑蜂王台病毒的研究

【目的】本文旨在建立用于临床检测黑蜂王台病毒(Black queen cell virus,BQCV)的环介导等温扩增技术(Loop-mediated isothermal amplification,LAMP),为该疾病的检测和防控提供技术支撑。【方法】根据BQCV基因保守序列设计4条特异性引物,探究LAMP扩增的最优条件,并与常规的PCR(Polymerase chain reaction)检测方法进行比较。【结果】建立的LAMP方法特异性好,检测下限为86 fg,灵敏度比PCR高100倍。临床检测显示其对意大利蜜蜂Apis mellifera ligustica和中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana均准确有效,且检出率比普通PCR法高10%~20%。【结论】建立的针对BQCV的LAMP检测方法为养蜂生产第一线检测和预防BQCV提供了技术支持,有一定的应用价值。     

Vector host-feeding preferences drive transmission of multi-host pathogens: West Nile virus as a model system

Seasonal epizootics of vector-borne pathogens infecting multiple species are ecologically complex and difficult to forecast. Pathogen transmission potential within the host community is determined by the relative abilities of host species to maintain and transmit the pathogen and by ecological factors influencing contact rates between hosts and vectors. Increasing evidence of strong feeding preferences by a number of vectors suggests that the host community experienced by the pathogen may be very different from the local host community. We developed an empirically informed transmission model for West Nile virus (WNV) in four sites using one vector species (Culex pipiens) and preferred and non-preferred avian hosts. We measured strong feeding preferences for American robins (Turdus migratorius) by Cx. pipiens, quantified as the proportion of Cx. pipiens blood meals from robins in relation to their abundance (feeding index). The model accurately predicted WNV prevalence in Cx. pipiens at three of four sites. Sensitivity analysis revealed feeding preference was the most influential parameter on intensity and timing of peak WNV infection in Cx. pipiens and a threshold feeding index for transmission was identified. Our findings indicate host preference-induced contact heterogeneity is a key mediator of vector-borne pathogen epizootics in multi-species host communities, and should be incorporated into multi-host transmission models.     

Viral transmission in honey bees and native bees,supported by a global black queen cell virus phylogeny

In recent decades, we have realized that honey bee viruses are not, in fact, exclusive to honey bees. The potential impact of Apis-affiliated viruses on native pollinators is prompting concern. Our research addresses the issue of virus crossover between honey bees and native bees foraging in the same localities. We measured the presence of black queen cell virus (BQCV), deformed wing virus (DWV) and sacbrood virus (SBV) in managed Apis mellifera (honey bees) and native Andrena spp. (subgenus Melandrena) bee populations in five commercial orchards. We identified viral presence across sites and bees and related these data to measures of bee community diversity. All viruses were found in both managed and native bees, and BQCV was the most common virus in each. To establish evidence for viral crossover between taxa, we undertook an additional examination of BQCV where 74 samples were sequenced and placed in a global phylogenic framework of hundreds of BQCV strains. We demonstrate pathogen sharing across managed honey bees and distantly related wild bees. This phylogenetic analysis contributes to growing evidence for host switching and places local incidence patterns in a worldwide context, revealing multispecies viral transmission.     

蜜蜂残翅病毒在中华蜜蜂及其蜂箱奇露尾甲的发生与进化分析

蜜蜂残翅病毒(Deformed wing virus,DWV)广泛存在于我国规模化养殖的蜂群中,具有明显的季节流行特征.近年来,DWV不断向野生授粉昆虫及其它昆虫传播,包括蜜蜂新的寄生性病害蜂箱奇露尾甲Aethina tumida.前期本实验室已鉴定来源于中华蜜蜂Apis cerana与意大利蜜蜂Apis mellifera的蜂箱奇露尾甲均感染了蜜蜂病毒,但未调查来源于同一群的蜜蜂与蜂箱奇露尾甲是否感染了同一病毒,且在进化上有无差异.本研究调查了来源于同一群的中蜂及蜂箱奇露尾甲感染病毒情况,发现只感染了蜜蜂残翅病毒A型(DWV-A),未发现其它病毒.对DWV-A的3个片段进化分析表明,虽然DWV-A同时感染了中华蜜蜂和蜂箱奇露尾甲,但是VP3基因在不同的寄主中呈现明显不同的亲缘关系.这一结果为蜜蜂残翅病毒在蜜蜂及寄生病害中的进化提供了数据,为进一步研究病毒在不同寄主间的传播与进化奠定了基础.     

Cross-species infection of deformed wing virus poses a new threat to pollinator conservation

The Deformed wing virus (family Iflaviridae, genus Iflavirus, DWV), one of the most prevalent and common viruses in honey bees, Apis mellifera L., is present in both laboratory-reared and wild populations of bumble bees, Bombus huntii Greene. Our studies showed that DWV infection spreads throughout the entire body of B. huntii and that the concentration of DWV is higher in workers than in males both collected in the field and reared in the laboratory, implying a possible association between the virus infection and foraging activities. Further results showed that gut tissue of B. huntii can support the replication of DWV, suggesting that B. huntii is a biological host for DWV, as are honey bees. Bumble bees and honey bees sometimes share nectar and pollen resources in the same field. The geographical proximity of two host species probably plays an important role in host range breadth of the virus.     

Molecular and biological characterization of deformed wing virus of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)

Deformed wing virus (DWV) of honeybees (Apis mellifera) is closely associated with characteristic wing deformities, abdominal bloating, paralysis, and rapid mortality of emerging adult bees. The virus was purified from diseased insects, and its genome was cloned and sequenced. The genomic RNA of DWV is 10,140 nucleotides in length and contains a single large open reading frame encoding a 328-kDa polyprotein. The coding sequence is flanked by a 1,144-nucleotide 5' nontranslated leader sequence and a 317-nucleotide 3' nontranslated region, followed by a poly(A) tail. The three major structural proteins, VP1 (44 kDa), VP2 (32 kDa), and VP3 (28 kDa), were identified, and their genes were mapped to the N-terminal section of the polyprotein. The C-terminal part of the polyprotein contains sequence motifs typical of well-characterized picornavirus nonstructural proteins: an RNA helicase, a chymotrypsin-like 3C protease, and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The genome organization, capsid morphology, and sequence comparison data indicate that DWV is a member of the recently established genus Iflavirus.     

Venereal and vertical transmission of deformed wing virus in honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)

Deformed wing virus (DWV) infected semen was used for artificial insemination of DWV-free virgin queens. High titres of DWV could subsequently be detected not only in the spermatheca, but also in the ovaries, demonstrating venereal transmission of DWV in honey bees. Subsequent vertical transmission of the virus to the progeny of DWV infected queens was also demonstrated. Neither transmission route is 100% effective. Whether venereal transmission of DWV occurs during natural mating remains to be determined. The implications for the use, sale and transport of semen samples for artificial insemination are discussed.     

Detection of deformed wing virus in the greenhouse for possible horizontal transmission of virus in honey bee colony

The honey bee Apis mellifera L. is a crucial insect in the agricultural industry and natural ecosystem by being a major pollinator. Nevertheless, honey bee population has been recently facing a decline. Among the several factors responsible for this decline, deformed wing virus (DWV) is considered a primary cause that negatively affects honey bee health. DWV is a cosmopolitan honey bee pathogen and causes morphological disadvantages in individual honey bees and colony collapse. Regarding the horizontal transmission of DWV, in addition to Varroa destructor, a well-known major vector of DWV, flowers have recently been implied as a transmission route. Therefore, in this study, we detected DWV from various substances, including flowers, honey bee feces, pupa, larva, nurse bee, surface of nurse bee, pollen collected by forager bee, and forager bee samples in four strawberry greenhouses, which could suggest the potential for the horizontal transmission of DWV in the semi-field condition. We also detected DWV in pollen collected by DWV-negative forager bees, implying that flowers can serve as a potential source of virus infection. These findings suggest that the surrounding environment such as shared floral sources affects the spread of DWV.     

Genetic variability and phylogenetic analysis among strains of deformed wing virus infesting honey bees and other organisms

Various viruses can infect honey bees, but deformed wing virus (DWV) is considered the most dangerous virus to them and has role in the sudden decline of bee colonies. This virus has different strains; however, there are no available studies to compare the characteristics of these strains utilizing bioinformatics. In this study, 27 strains of deformed wing virus were analyzed based on their sequences and their genetic relationships. Also, some primers were designed and tested to identify their ability to separate DWV strains. The percentages range from 28.99% to 29.63%, 22.28% to 22.78%, 15.73% to 16.28%, and 31.71% to 32.86% for nucleotides A, G, C, and T, respectively in all strains. The numbers of polymorphic sites as well as nucleotide diversity were highly similar in all strains. Statistical analyses generally showed the absence of high variations between sequences. Also, the phylogenetic tree classified strains into three groups. The network between strains of each group was established and discussed based on their geographical locations. Two groups contained strains from USA and Europe while one group contained strains from Asia. Rapid variations and mutations in the sequences of DWV were suggested. Notably, genetic studies on DWV are lacking in some geographical regions. The variations between strains detected in honey bees and other organisms were discussed. Four primers were designed and tested beside two reference primers. One of the designed primers showed the best results in binding with all DWV strains except one.     

Dead or alive: deformed wing virus and Varroa destructor reduce the life span of winter honeybees

Elevated winter losses of managed honeybee colonies are a major concern, but the underlying mechanisms remain controversial. Among the suspects are the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, the microsporidian Nosema ceranae, and associated viruses. Here we hypothesize that pathogens reduce the life expectancy of winter bees, thereby constituting a proximate mechanism for colony losses. A monitoring of colonies was performed over 6 months in Switzerland from summer 2007 to winter 2007/2008. Individual dead workers were collected daily and quantitatively analyzed for deformed wing virus (DWV), acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), N. ceranae, and expression levels of the vitellogenin gene as a biomarker for honeybee longevity. Workers from colonies that failed to survive winter had a reduced life span beginning in late fall, were more likely to be infected with DWV, and had higher DWV loads. Colony levels of infection with the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and individual infections with DWV were also associated with reduced honeybee life expectancy. In sharp contrast, the level of N. ceranae infection was not correlated with longevity. In addition, vitellogenin gene expression was significantly positively correlated with ABPV and N. ceranae loads. The findings strongly suggest that V. destructor and DWV (but neither N. ceranae nor ABPV) reduce the life span of winter bees, thereby constituting a parsimonious possible mechanism for honeybee colony losses.     

蜜蜂羽化温度与卷翅病毒动态复制相关性研究

病毒复制动态变化对于病毒病的研究有着重要意义。选用蜜蜂卷翅病毒(deformed wing virus,以下简称DWV)作为研究模型,检测DWV隐性感染蜂群在不同温度条件下羽化工蜂体内的病毒浓度,以了解不适温度压力这一非生物因子对蜜蜂羽化率及蜜蜂体内DWV病毒复制动态的影响。实验结果显示不适羽化温度不仅会明显降低蜜蜂羽化成功率,而且新羽化的带毒蜜蜂体内DWV病毒拷贝量增加极显著。部分解释了冬季和早春低温环境下因病毒病暴发造成人工饲养蜂群非正常损失的原因。     

Negative correlation between Nosema ceranae spore loads and deformed wing virus infection levels in adult honey bee workers

Interactions between pathogens might contribute to honey bee colony losses. Here we investigated if there is an association between the microsporidian Nosema ceranae and the deformed wing virus (DWV) in different body sections of individual honey bee workers (Apis mellifera ligustica) under exclusion of the vector Varroa destructor. Our data provide correlational evidence for antagonistic interactions between the two pathogens in the midgut of the bees.     

Growth and cell survival are unevenly impaired in pixie mutant wing discs

It is largely unknown how growth slows and then stops in vivo. Similar to most organs, Drosophila imaginal discs undergo a fast, near-exponential growth phase followed by a slow growth phase before final target size is reached. We have used a genetic approach to study the role of an ABC-E protein, Pixie, in wing disc growth. pixie mutants, like mutants in ribosomal proteins genes (known as Minutes), show severe developmental delay with relatively mild alterations in final body size. Intriguingly, pixie mutant wing imaginal discs show complex regional and temporal defects in growth and cell survival that are compensated to result in near-normal final size. In S2 cells, Pixie, like its yeast homolog RLI1, is required for translation. However, a comparison of the growth of eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4A and pixie mutant clones in wing discs suggests that only a subset of translation regulators, including pixie, mediate regional differences in growth and cell survival in wing discs. Interestingly, some of the regional effects on pixie mutant clone growth are enhanced in a Minute background. Our results suggest that the role of Pixie is not merely to allow growth, as might be expected for a translation regulator. Instead, Pixie also behaves as a target of putative constraining signals that slow disc growth during late larval life. We propose a model in which a balance of growth inhibitors and promoters determines tissue growth rates and cell survival. An alteration in this balance slows growth before final disc size is reached.     

Distribution and variability of deformed wing virus of honeybees (Apis mellifera) in the Middle East and North Africa

Three hundred and eleven honeybee samples from 12 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) (Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Yemen, Palestine, and Sudan) were analyzed for the presence of deformed wing virus (DWV). The prevalence of DWV throughout the MENA region was pervasive, but variable. The highest prevalence was found in Lebanon and Syria, with prevalence dropping in Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt before increasing slightly moving westwards to Algeria and Morocco Phylogenetic analysis of a 194 nucleotide section of the DWV Lp gene did not identify any significant phylogenetic resolution among the samples, although the sequences did show consistent regional clustering, including an interesting geographic gradient from Morocco through North Africa to Jordan and Syria. The sequences revealed several clear variability hotspots in the deduced amino acid sequence, which furthermore showed some patterns of regional identity. Furthermore, the sequence variants from the Middle East and North Africa appear more numerous and diverse than those from Europe.