Investigation of the Presence of Bacterial, Viral and Parasitic Agents in Honey Bee Enterprises in Samsun Region of Türkiye

Honeybees and bee products are of great importance for agriculture and human health. According to FAO 2022 statistics, Türkiye has an important place as it ranks third in bee population, second in honey production, and fourth place in beeswax production. In addition to this importance, honeybees are under the influence of various biotic and abiotic stress elements. Studies have shown that large epidemics that can result in the death of the entire hive can be seen in beehives. Nosema type pathogens, which are the Nosemosis agents, are among the most important bee pathogens. In addition, viruses also stand out as important agents against bees. In studies conducted in our country, bee pathogens have been identified microscopically and molecularly. This research aimed to examine the presence of Nosema apis, Nosema ceranae, the American foulbrood causative agent Paenibacillus larvae, as well as eight RNA viruses and one DNA virus in 23 beehives located within Samsun region.The results obtained showed that N. ceranae was the Nosemosis agent, and BQCV (87%), DWV-A (4.35%), FV (91.3%), SBV (82.6%), and DWV-B (43.5%) were the viral agents; while N. apis and P. larvae were not present. It was determined that this is the first detection and molecular study of the filamentous bee virus and the Deformed Wing Virus-B (DWV-B) in Samsun region of Türkiye.