Work

Honey as an eDNA Reservoir: Detecting Spiroplasma apis and Spiroplasma melliferum in Australian honey bee populations

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Prevalence of Spiroplasma melliferum and S. apis in Australian is unknown. • Used eDNA analysis of honey coupled with Spiroplasma-specific PCR for detection. • S. apis rare, but S. melliferum found in 70% of honey samples across Australia. Spiroplasma apis and Spiroplasma melliferum are often overlooked pathogens that harm honey bee health. This study used environmental DNA (eDNA) from honey to identify these pathogens. We amplified DNA from 135 honey samples across Australia using Spiroplasma –specific PCR primers. The results revealed a high prevalence of S. melliferum (70%) across Australia, in contrast to S. apis , which was detected in 13% of samples. The findings indicate that S. melliferum is widespread in Australia, potentially threatening honey bee health. We present the first phylogenetic analysis of Australian Spiroplasma apis and Spiroplasma melliferum isolates, with Spiroplasma apis showing high similarity with reference strains from the USA, Belgium, and Taiwan, whereas Spiroplasma melliferum displays broader genetic diversity.

Source: Journal of Invertebrate Pathology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2025.108482

Authors: Gopika Bhasi, Gemma Zerna, Travis Beddoe

Institution: La Trobe University

Language: English

Topic: Insect symbiosis and bacterial influences

Subfield: Insect Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,760