A mutualistic symbiosis between a parasitic mite and a pathogenic virus undermines honey bee immunity and health
Abstract
The parasitic mite Varroa destructor and the deformed wing virus (DWV) are linked in a mutualistic symbiosis. The mite acts as vector of the viral pathogen, whereas the DWV-induced immunosuppression in honey bees favors mite feeding and reproduction. This functional interaction underpins a rapidly escalating immunosuppression, which can be primed and/or aggravated by a wealth of stress factors that co-trigger colony losses. Our experimental results explain the pivotal role proposed for the Varroa-DWV association in the induction of honey bee colony losses. Here we provide a functional framework for studying the dynamics of this multifactorial syndrome and defining effective strategies to reduce its negative impact on the beekeeping industry.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- March 2016
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1523515113
- Bibcode:
- 2016PNAS..113.3203D