A serological method for detection of Nosema ceranae

Abstract

Aims: We developed a new method for detection of the intracellular parasite, Nosema ceranae, one of the most economically devastating pathogens of the honeybee. Methods and Results: The SWP-32 antibody was used for the development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also compared the efficiency of this ELISA to microscopy and quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR, the methods currently in use. Conclusions: ELISA is comparable in sensitivity with the qRT-PCR, less expensive and faster. When this method is commercialized and made available to bee-keepers, it will allow them to make informed decisions for the application of in-hive chemicals. Hence, bee-keepers may be able to determine when treatments for control of N. ceranae are unnecessary and reduce the cost, time and possible side effects of these treatments. Significance and Impact of the Study: This assay provides the first serological method for detection of N. ceranae in bee colonies, which is as sensitive as DNA amplification. It can be easily adopted for both laboratory and field applications.

Nosema ceranae disease of the honey bee (Apis mellifera)

“…Since immature spores lack chitin, this method is useful for localization studies of mature spores within cells, but it cannot differentiate between species (Snow 2016). Other detection markers, such as labeled antibodies (Aronstein et al 2013), are needed to discern species and life stages. Species-specific antibodies could be applied toward the development of field assays permitting rapid diagnosis.…”

Development of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent and Immunochromatography Assays for Diagnosing Nosema ceranae Infection in Honey Bees

“…Kawarabata and Hayasaka [21] have also developed a highly sensitive ELISA method capable of detecting as little as 600 ng/mL of soluble protein from the lysate of N. bombycis spores. Moreover, Aronstein et al [22] created polyclonal antibodies based on a single protein (SWP-32; spore wall protein of N. bombycis) and utilized them in an ELISA approach. The advantage of employing the polyclonal antibody targeting SWP-32 in Western blotting lies in its capacity to specifically detect a single Nosema antigen and the shorter sample preparation time required than that required for Nosema detection using PCR.…”

The First Conserved Mitochondrial Genome of Polygraphus poligraphus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and its Phylogenetic Implications

“…Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and other serological tests have also been developed for Nosema detection (Aronstein et al, 2013). These assays rely on binding specific antibodies to Nosema antigens, offering a rapid and less labor-intensive approach compared to microscopy.…”