ARS | Publication request: Detect Nosema parasite in time to save bee colonies

Submitted to: American Bee Journal
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: January 8, 2010
Publication Date: February 10, 2010
Citation: Aronstein, K.A. 2010. Detect Nosema parasite in time to save bee colonies. American Bee Journal. 150(1):63-65.

Technical Abstract: Nosema is an intracellular pathogenic fungus that causes infection in adult honey bees. In contrast with N. apis, nosemosis produced by N. ceranae is not readily detectable and often goes unnoticed for long periods of time. Here we describe production of a new genomic antibody (Ab) developed against the honey bee intracellular pathogen, Nosema ceranae, leading to development of a rapid and simple identification tool for detection of Nosema in bee samples. This new Ab specifically recognized N. ceranae spore antigens and did not cross-react with N. apis unless blots were overdeveloped. The detection sensitivity depends on both the concentration of the Ab and the concentration of Nosema spores in the preparations.