The Role of Pathogen Dynamics and Immune Gene Expression in the Survival of Feral Honey Bees

Studies of the ecoimmunology feral organisms can provide valuable insight into how host–pathogen dynamics change as transition from human-managed conditions back wild. Honey bees ( Apis mellifera Linnaeus) offer an ideal system to investigate these questions colonies social insects often escape management and establish in While managed honey bee have low probability survival absence disease treatments, commonly survive wild, where pathogen pressures are expected be higher due treatments. Here, we role infections [ Deformed wing virus (DWV), Black queen cell (BQCV), Nosema ceranae ] immune gene expression defensin-1 , hymenoptaecin pgrp-lc pgrp-s2 argonaute - 2 vago ) colonies. We surveyed a total 25 pairs over 2-year period (2017–2018), recorded overwintering survival, measured levels using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Our results showed that had DWV but it was variable time compared Higher were associated with increased expression, showing five out six examined genes for at least one sampling period. Further analysis revealed differential odds express response high burdens, providing evidence feralization altering landscapes host responses.