Development of molecular tools for honeybee virus research: the South African contribution
Abstract
Increasing knowledge of the association of honeybee viruses with other honeybee parasites, primarily
the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, and their implication in the mass mortality of honeybee
colonies has resulted in increasing awareness and interest in honeybee viruses. In addition the
identification, monitoring and prevention of spread of bee viruses is of considerable importance,
particularly when considering the lack of information on the natural incidence of virus infections in
honeybee populations worldwide. A total of eighteen honeybee viruses have been identified and
physically characterized. Most of them have physical features resembling picornaviruses, and are
referred to as picorna-like viruses. The complete genome sequences of four picorna-like honeybee
viruses, namely Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV), Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), Sacbrood Virus
(SBV) and Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) have been determined. The availability of this sequence data
has lead to great advances in the studies on honeybee viruses. In particular, the development of a
reverse genetics system for BQCV, will open new opportunities for studies directed at understanding
the molecular biology, persistence, pathogenesis, and interaction of these bee viruses with other
parasites. This review focuses on the contribution of the Honeybee Virus Research Group (HBVRG),
from the University of the Western Cape of South Africa, in the development of molecular tools for the
study of molecular biology and pathology of these viruses.
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