Molecular survey and phylogenetic analysis of bee pathogens; with a note first detection of Apis mellifera Filamentous Virus, Varroa destructor virus-1, Apis rhabdovirus-1, and Apis rhabdovirus-2 in Türkiye

Turkey is one of the most important bee centers in the world, but there is limited information about honey bee pathogens in the country. This study aimed to investigate bee pathogens using microscopic and molecular techniques (PCR, RT-PCR, nested-PCR, and sequencing) in Sivas province, the second-biggest beekeeping center in Turkey. For this purpose, bee samples were obtained from 149 bee colonies belonging to 74 local beekeepers in eight districts of the Sivas province. The bee samples were examined for pathogens, and at least one pathogen was detected in 148 bee colonies. In this study, a single infection was determined in 26.17% (39/149) of the bee samples, while the prevalence of co-infection was 73.15% (109/149). Nosema ceranae, Varroa destructor haplotype-K, Apis mellifera Filamentous Virus, Deformed wing virus, Varroa destructor virus-1, Lake Sinai virus-2, Apis rhabdovirus-1, and Apis rhabdovirus-2 were detected. Apis mellifera Filamentous Virus, Varroa destructor virus-1, Apis rhabdovirus-1, and Apis rhabdovirus-2 were found for the first time in Turkey with the current study. Furthermore, nucleotide sequence analysis and phylogeny relationships of bee pathogens obtained from samples were done, and sequences were deposited to GenBank. This study provides molecular data on the presence and prevalence of important bee pathogens in the region. As the prevalence of many pathogens has been determined, especially the existence of viral new species has been revealed, the effects of the species on beekeeping should be studied, and beekeepers should take effective control measures to reduce the effects of these pathogens.