ARS | Publication request: A serological method for detection of Nosema ceranae

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Microbiology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 15, 2012
Publication Date: March 1, 2013
Citation: Aronstein, K.A., Saldivar, E., Webster, T. 2013. A serological method for detection of Nosema ceranae. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 114(3):621-625.

Interpretive Summary: Nosema is an intracellular parasite that causes infection in adult honey bees. In contrast with Nosema apis, Nosema ceranae N. ceranae does not produce readily detectable symptoms and often goes unnoticed for long periods of time. Here we describe development of a new serological method (ELISA) for detection of the intracellular parasite Nosema ceranae. We have also compared the efficiency of our new ELISA to currently used methods, microscopy and DNA-based amplification. Our new detection method will allow for making informed decisions for application of in-hive chemicals, and therefore reducing the amount of synthetic chemicals in honey bee colonies.

Technical Abstract: We aimed at developing a new method for detection of the intracellular parasite Nosema ceranae, one of the most economically devastating pathogens of honey bees. For this purpose, we used our new SWP-32 antibody for the development of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). We have also compared the efficiency of our new ELISA to currently used methods, microscopy and real time qRT-PCR. This method will allow for making informed decisions for application of in-hive chemicals, and therefore reducing the amount of synthetic chemicals in honey bee colonies. This assay provides the first serological method for detection of N. cearnae in bee colonies that is as sensitive as the DNA based method (qRT-PCR) but very simple to use in research and/or field laboratories.