Parasitic Virus Vectors

摘要

Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) are serious ectoparasites of honey bees and have been implicated in the transmission of several honey bee viral diseases (Kevan et al. 2006). Three potential roles of Varroa mites in relation to viral diseases in honeybees have been proposed: 1) Varroa mites activate latent viral infections in honey bees; 2) Varroa mites vector honey bee viruses; and 3) Varroa mites suppress the immunity of honey bees, causing them to be more susceptible to viral infection. The mitestransmit viruses to their hosts through their saliva when feeding. The feeding habits of the mites, sharing and repeatedly using the same wounds (Kanbar and Engels 2005), increases the incidence and severity of infection. It is also reported that the saliva of mites may contain substances that interfere with the bee's immune system.