Identification of the Nosema spp., a microsporidian parasite isolated from the honey bees (Apis mellifera) and its association with honey bee colony losses in apiaries of Iran

The aim of this study was to determine the Nosema species by microscopic and molecular method its association with honeybee colony losses (Colony Collapse Disorder) in apiaries Urmia, Northwest Iran. For purpose, samples were collected from 840 colonies kept 120 five different location Urmia. specimens examined for presence spores. After DNA isolation, 16S rRNA gene evaluated using multiplex PCR. Total infection prevalence evaluation 32% while PCR test 58.2%. positive sequencing. Based on results PCR, all identified cases N. ceranae. obtained sequences transferred GenBank/NCBI (samples accession numbers MT001887 MT001893). showed Colony Disorder like symptoms studied 13.33%. ceranae detected 20.28 % signs. Our findings that there a significant relation between concluded is only specie affects honeybees which may have an important role occurrence collapse bee families depopulation hives area.