Abstract
Abstract The aim of the present research was to determine the basic composition of the organic compounds present in extracts from Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite of the honeybee. The total protein content was 9.16 ± 0.82 mg/100 mg of body weight, lipid content was 9.81 ± 1.99 mg/100 mg, and carbohydrate content was 26.67 ± 4.52 mg/100 mg. The triacylglycerol content was 2.40 ± 0.86 mg/100 mg and the cholesterol content was 0.14 ± 0.02 mg/100 mg. Thin layer chromatography indicated that phospholipids comprised the major part of the lipid component; cephalins (78%), cerebrosides (16%), and lecithins (6%) were identified in the phospholipid pool. Glucose (23.6 ± 4.52 mg/100 mg) was the main carbohydrate, followed by glycogen (5.43 ± 1.23 mg/100 mg) and trehalose (0.35 ± 0.07 mg/100 mg). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays detected two major glycogen metabolism enzymes, glycogen phosphorylase and glycogen synthase. Among the enzymes metabolising disaccharides, maltase (24.7 ± 2.38 μmol/mg protein) and trehalase (14.81 ± 5.21 μmol/mg protein) presented the highest activity. Saccharose and lactose were hydrolysed to a minor extent. These are the first measurements of the basic composition of the mite body. Although these data are not exhaustive, they may serve as the basis for further research on the metabolism of V. destructor, particularly concerning lipid metabolism.
Highlights
Varroa destructor mites are one of the most dangerous ectoparasites of the honeybee Apis mellifera (Le Conte et al, 2010; Rosenkranz et al, 2010)
Proteins and lipids were present in extracts from the body of V. destructor in nearly equal amounts (~9 mg/100 mg of mite body weight), and the carbohydrate level was approximately three times higher (Tab. 1)
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) indicated that glycogen phosphorylase and glycogen synthase were present in the mite extracts; positive reactions were observed with a 32-fold dilution of mite extract and 1:1,000 dilutions of each antibody
Summary
Varroa destructor mites are one of the most dangerous ectoparasites of the honeybee Apis mellifera (Le Conte et al, 2010; Rosenkranz et al, 2010). The mites feed on the haemolymph of capped brood and mature individuals of A. mellifera. They are the vector of many viruses, bacteria, protozoans, and fungi that are dangerous for bees (Ball, 1994; Francis et al, 2013). Developmental stages of parasite and the mother mite rob to 25% of the honey brood nutrient reserves (Garedew et al, 2004). How does such extensive feeding by the mite translate into the mite’s body composition? How does such extensive feeding by the mite translate into the mite’s body composition? the literature on varrosis and the Varroa mite is extensive (see reviews by Rosenkranz et al (2010) and by Borsuk et al (2012)), data on the basic chemical body composition of V. destructor are lacking in the available literature
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