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Title: Evaluation of Nosema ceranae spore-specific polyclonal antibodies

Author
item Aronstein, Katherine
item Saldivar, Eduardo - Ed
item WEBSTER, THOMAS - Kentucky State University

Submitted to: Journal of Apicultural Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/10/2011
Publication Date: 4/20/2011
Citation: Aronstein, K.A., Saldivar, E., Webster, T.C. 2011. Evaluation of Nosema ceranae spore-specific polyclonal antibodies. Journal of Apicultural Research. 50(2):145-151.

Interpretive Summary: A new genomic antibody (Ab) has been developed against a spore-wall protein SWP-32 of the honey bee intracellular pathogen, Nosema ceranae. In dot blots and Western blots, this Ab specifically recognized N. ceranae spore antigens and did not cross-react with N. apis spore lysates unless blots were overdeveloped. The detection sensitivity depends on both the concentration of the anti-SWP-32 Ab and the concentration of Nosema spores in the lysates. To avoid non-specific staining, we suggest using this new Ab at 1:5000 dilutions for detection of 1x103 and higher spore numbers per assay. Considering that a single infected bee can produce up to 50 x 106 spores, this level of sensitivity will allow detection of a very low level of Nosema infection in bee colonies.

Technical Abstract: Nosema is an intracellular parasite that causes infection in adult honey bees. In contrast with Nosema apis, Nosema ceranae (N. ceranae) does not produce readily detectable symptoms and often goes unnoticed for long periods of time. Here we describe production of a new genomic antibody (Ab) developed against a spore-wall protein of the honey bee intracellular pathogen, N. ceranae. In dot blots and Western blots, this Ab specifically recognized N. ceranae spore antigens and did not cross-react with N. apis spore lysates unless blots were overdeveloped. The detection sensitivity depends on both the concentration of the anti-SWP-32 Ab and the concentration of Nosema spores in the lysates. To avoid non-specific staining, we suggest using this new Ab at 1:5000 dilutions for detection of 1x103 and higher spore numbers per assay. Considering that a single infected bee can produce up to 50 x 106 spores, this level of sensitivity will allow detection of a very low level of N. ceranae infection in bee colonies.