Factors influencing the prevalence of acute bee paralysis virus in Apis mellifera and insights into its phylogenetic relationships.

Abstract

Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV) is a notable pathogen frequently detected in managed honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies. Although infections are often covert, they can lead to severe outcomes in the presence of Varroa destructor infestations. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of ABPV and its correlation with a range of biotic and abiotic stressors in managed beehives located in the Central Anatolia and Mediterranean Regions of Türkiye during the spring-summer and autumn seasons of 2021. ABPV was identified in 38.6% of the samples (27/70) using real-time RT-PCR. The high prevalence observed was linked to Varroa destructor infestations, elevated temperatures and dry climatic conditions, migratory beekeeping practices, and disruptions in colony management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Phylogenetic relationships among ABPV strains were elucidated through partial sequencing of the capsid and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase protein coding genes, employing maximum likelihood tree construction with the Tamura 3-parameter model. Turkish ABPV strains clustered into a distinct subclade, sharing 98.4-99% nucleotide identity with European strains, indicative of a monophyletic origin and geographic segregation at the regional or continental level. These findings highlight the necessity for robust surveillance and research programs to monitor ABPV prevalence and mitigate its detrimental effects on colony health and productivity. Additionally, the phylogenetic insights provided by this study enhance our understanding of the geographic distribution and evolutionary dynamics of ABPV strains, offering critical information for future molecular epidemiological research and apicultural management strategies.