Análisis epidemiológico y molecular de los principales patógenos en apis mellifera y su importancia en el desencadenamiento del colapso de las colmenas

Resumen

The number of honey bees has been in constant and progressive decline since the second half of the twentieth century. These insects play a key role as pollinators and in the maintenance of global biodiversity. Colony losses include two kind of phenomena. The first one is “Colony collapse disorder” (CCD), which consists of a rapid decrease in bee population, but honey/breeding/pollen stores remain adequate and bees do not show disease symptoms. The second one is winter mortality after wintering. In addition to the impact on the beekeeping sector, colony losses also affect food production, environmental sustainability and ecosystems.There are many factors involved in CCD and winter losses, such as environmental pollutants, the global expansion of pathogens, phytosanitary agents, invasive species, inadequate management, and climate, among others. Although the relative importance of each of these factors remains unknown, there is an agreement on the importance of pathogens, environmental conditions and bee´s immune system. Among pathogens, the Varroa destructor mite and the deformed wing virus (DWV) seem to play a key role in triggering colony losses...