A TaqMan assay that knows its mite: specific detection of Tropilaelaps mercedesae Clade I

Abstract Tropilaelaps mercedesae ( Mesostigmata : Laelapidae ), an invasive mite native to Southeast Asia, is spreading rapidly due to global bee trade and climate change. Its detection in Eastern Europe raises concerns about its entry into the EU. As a notifiable parasite under EU Animal Health Law, early and reliable detection is essential. We developed a sensitive TaqMan assay targeting the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, using synthetic double-stranded DNA fragments (gBlocks). This assay enables rapid, specific, and scalable detection of T. mercedesae Clade I.