Abstract:

Bees are important pollinators for the vast majority of all agricultural species and wild flora worldwide. In recent years, there has been a rapid decline in the number of bee colonies in the world. Honey bees are social insects, making them susceptible to the rapid spread of microbial pathogens and parasites. A single causative agent leading to colony collapse cannot be identified and one of the most common biological factors associated with the decline in worker bees is the parasitic microsporidia Vairimorpha (Nosema) spp., primarily Vairimorpha (Nosema) apis and Vairimorpha (Nosema) ceranae, both of which are responsible for Nosemosis in Apis species. Vairimorpha ceranae is more common and has an effect on the bee immune response associated with colony collapse. The immunosuppressive effect of these microsporidia and disruption of hive organization weaken the colony and lead to colony losses. The ecological, agricultural and economic consequences of this are quite severe. Honey bees have highly effective defense mechanisms that minimize the harmful effects of microbial pathogens, including innate and acquired immunity. The humoral response, the most basic defense system of honey bees, is the second category of innate immunity and is mediated by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Research focusing on the immune mechanisms of honey bees, which are capable of coping with stressors, can help colonies increase their strength and productivity. The effect of Vairimorpha (Nosema) spp on the bee immune system needs to be understood in more detail to better understand their interrelationships and develop effective bee protection methods. As honey bee immune systems are deciphered, the potential evolutionary relationship between social insects and immune functions can be determined. Thus, strategies to protect local subspecies and ecotypes can be developed to reduce bee losses.

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