Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Tropilaelaps mercedesae (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae), an invasive mite species native to South East Asia, is rapidly expanding its range, facilitated by global trade in bees and climate change. Recent detections in Eastern Europe raise concerns about its imminent spread into the European Union. As a notifiable parasite under the European Union Animal Health Law, member states are required to implement surveillance and prevent the spread to other member states. Rapid and reliable detection is critical to the success of such efforts. To support assay development, DNA was extracted from individual Tropilaelaps mites collected in Thailand, to generate species-specific genetic data. To validate the assay, synthetic double-stranded DNA fragments (gBlocks) representing target sequences were used as positive and negative controls, mimicking real-world DNA samples and confirming assay specificity. Here, we present a T. mercedesae Clade I specific TaqMan assay based on the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene, coupled with an efficient DNA extraction method from single mites, offering a sensitive molecular tool for early detection and monitoring.
Source: Journal of Apicultural Research
Authors: Marga van Gent-Pelzer, Marc Hendriks, Terd Disayathanoowat, Patcharin Phokasem, Heather Graham, Delphine Panziera
Institutions: Wageningen University & Research, Chiang Mai University
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4416122614