Protein nutrition governs within-host race of honey bee pathogens

Sci Rep. 2017 Nov 8;7(1):14988. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-15358-w.

Abstract

Multiple infections are common in honey bees, Apis mellifera, but the possible role of nutrition in this regard is poorly understood. Microsporidian infections, which are promoted by protein-fed, can negatively correlate with virus infections, but the role of protein nutrition for the microsporidian-virus interface is unknown. Here, we challenged naturally deformed wing virus - B (DWV-B) infected adult honey bee workers fed with or without pollen ( = protein) in hoarding cages, with the microsporidian Nosema ceranae. Bee mortality was recorded for 14 days and N. ceranae spore loads and DWV-B titers were quantified. Amongst the groups inoculated with N. ceranae, more spores were counted in protein-fed bees. However, N. ceranae infected bees without protein-diet had reduced longevity compared to all other groups. N. ceranae infection had no effect on protein-fed bee's longevity, whereas bees supplied only with sugar-water showed reduced survival. Our data also support that protein-feeding can have a significant negative impact on virus infections in insects. The negative correlation between N. ceranae spore loads and DWV-B titers was stronger expressed in protein-fed hosts. Proteins not only enhance survival of infected hosts, but also significantly shape the microsporidian-virus interface, probably due to increased spore production and enhanced host immunity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Diseases / immunology*
  • Animal Diseases / microbiology
  • Animal Diseases / mortality
  • Animals
  • Bees / immunology*
  • Bees / microbiology
  • Coinfection / immunology
  • Coinfection / microbiology
  • Coinfection / mortality
  • Coinfection / veterinary
  • Dietary Proteins / immunology
  • Dietary Sugars / immunology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology*
  • Microsporidiosis / immunology
  • Microsporidiosis / microbiology
  • Microsporidiosis / mortality
  • Microsporidiosis / veterinary
  • Nosema / immunology*
  • Nosema / isolation & purification
  • Nutritional Status / immunology*
  • Pollen / chemistry
  • RNA Viruses / immunology*
  • RNA Viruses / isolation & purification
  • Spores, Fungal / immunology
  • Spores, Fungal / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Dietary Proteins
  • Dietary Sugars

Supplementary concepts

  • Deformed wing virus