The effect of temperature on Nosema apis Zander (Microsporida, Nosematidae) infection in honey bees (Apis mellifera)

Abstract

Newly emerged honey bee [Apis mellifera carnica L.) workers infected individually with Nosema apis Z. spores were divided into three groups and kept in incubators at 25°, 30° or 35°C. After 48 h all workers were kept at 30° C. The numbers of parasite spores in individual bees were counted in all groups on the 11th, 16th, 21st and 26th days of life. Generally higher numbers of spores were observed in workers infected at 25° C. However, the numbers in workers infected at extreme temperatures (25° and 35°C) differed significantly. Choosing suitable temperature conditions might be employed by infected bees to reduce the parasite's fitness and prolong their life spans.