Abstract
Current sampling methods for identification of honeybee microsporidians (Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae) involve killing adult honeybees. The current study monitored the presence of N. apis and N. ceranae in honeybee frass and bottom scraps collected from six hives located in Deschambault, Quebec, Canada, from 2009 to 2010. Infection rates of N. ceranae and N. apis were quantified using duplex qPCR enabling the simultaneous detection of single and co-infections of the two species. Screening of all sample types revealed a greater presence of N. ceranae. qPCR infection levels for both Nosema species in bees and bottom scraps were correlated and showed a significant correlation (P < 0.001) between infection rates of N. apis, while no significant correlative relationship (P = 0.1037) was observed between those of N. ceranae. This study has demonstrated that Nosema spp. can be detected and reliably quantified in bottom scraps and frass of bee hives using qPCR diagnostic assays, and additionally, these techniques are not detrimental to the hive health, faster, and as reliable as sampling bees from within the colony when combined with qPCR diagnostic tests.
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