Honey bee viruses in solitary bees in South America: simultaneous detection and prevalence

Abstract

Viruses and Nosema spp. presence was investigated in solitary bees, honey bees, and in stingless bees from an apiary site and a non-apiary site in Brazil. Honey bee viruses were detected in solitary and social bees, and the most prevalent were DWV, ABPV and CBPV. Despite its abundance in apiary sites, CBPV was absent from the non-apiary site. Nosema ceranae was found only in honey bees from the apiary site. IAPV, KBV, and Nosema apis were not detected. Simultaneous detections in solitary and social bees were observed, and bees from the apiary site and foragers had a higher diversity of viruses. Viral RNAs were also detected in bee ovaries, indicating the possible vertical transfer of these viruses to bee offspring. Our findings advance our knowledge of the host distribution of viruses in South America. These pathogens might represent a threat to these important pollinators.