Identification of Nosema Sp. Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius by PCR in Benin’s Apiaries

Abstract

The bee A. mellifera L. is a key social insect, for its role in crop pollination and for the products generated in the hives. Nosema sp. Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius belong to the most important pests of A. mellifera Linnaeus bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae). The aim of this study was to identify the presence of Nosema Sp., Paenibacillus larvae, and Melissococcus plutonius in Benin’s apiaries by molecular characterization. Thirty-seven bee samples from three districts of Benin (North-East, North-West, and Centre) were analyzed in the study. We used Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests based on 16 S ribosomal RNA and primers specific to each of the parasites of interest to identify them in the bee samples. Data were analyzed with Graphpad prism 8 and Minitab 19. Only N. ceranae belonging to Nosema Sp was found in the tested samples with a rate of 13.51%. This indicates that the nosema parasite is present in the apiaries of Benin. This is the first report of N. ceranae in A. mellifera colonies in Benin. Intensive surveys should be carried out to determine the distribution and prevalence of N. ceranae in the different regions of Benin in order to effectively control this parasite.