The rate of infection of Vairimorpha spp. in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) in Northern Iran: A Microscopy and Molecular Methods

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

2 Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are critical pollinators, significantly contributing to agricultural productivity and biodiversity. In recent years, however, there has been a marked decline in honey bee populations, primarily due to habitat loss, climate change, and disease.
Objectives: This study investigates the infection of Vairimorpha apis (formerly Nosema apis) and Vairimorpha ceranae (formerly Nosema ceranae) in honey bee colonies in northern Iran, amidst growing concerns about declining bee health.
Methods: A total of 373 samples were collected between September 2021 and January 2022. Initially, the samples were examined using microscopy. Subsequently, the positive samples were analyzed using molecular techniques.
Results: A total of 97 apiaries across Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan provinces were monitored, yielding a 65.97% infection rate of Vairimorpha spp., with only V. ceranae identified as the causative agent of nosemosis, confirmed through microscopic and molecular analyses. Among 485 samples examined, 41.03% tested positive for N. ceranae, indicating significant infection rate across the studied regions.
Conclusion: This study highlights the pressing issue of Vairimorpha infection in Iranian honey bee colonies and underscores the need for continued surveillance and research to address the factors driving declines in honey bee health. The findings provide critical insights into the epidemiology of nosemosis, facilitating informed management strategies to safeguard honey bee populations.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 May 2026

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