A new pathogenic spiroplasma isolate obtained from honeybee in China and its basic properties

Abstract:

[Objective] The purpose of this study was to characterize the isolate MF1006, and to determine the taxonomy and pathogenicity of the spiroplasma obtained from diseased hon-eybees in China. [Methods] The spiroplasma morphology was examined by dark-field micro-scope and transmission electron microscope. The biological characteristic of the spiroplasma was investigated by using conventional culture-dependent method and molecular biology and serological methods. We determined the spiroplasma pathogenicity through feeding tests. [Results] MF1006 exhibited typical properties of spiral morphology and mobility. It was able to pass through membrane filters with pores size of 220 nm. This isolate was very different from the previous reported domestic isolate Spiroplasma melliferum CH-1 which caused hon-eybee spiroplasmosis seriously. S. melliferum CH-1 antiserum could not inhibit MF1006. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rDNA and ITS revealed that MF1006 was close to S. apis which was found in France and associated with a lethal infection (“May disease”) for honeybee. In addition, MF1006 expressed strong pathogenicity to A. mellifera. [Conclusion] MF1006 was the second pathogenic spiroplasma to honeybees in China.