PCR-specific detection of recently described Lotmaria passim (Trypanosomatidae) in Chilean apiaries

• PCR-specific detection of Lotmaria passim (Trypanosomatidae) in honey bee samples.
• Primers based on the SSU rRNA and gGAPDH genes can detect Lotmaria passim.
• High prevalence of Lotmaria passim in beehives distributed throughout Chile.
• First report of Lotmaria passim in Chile and South America.

The recently described trypanosome Lotmaria passim is currently considered the most predominant trypanosomatid in honey bees worldwide and could be a factor in honey bee declines. For a specific and quick detection of this pathogen, we developed primers based on the SSU rRNA and gGAPDH genes for the detection of L. passim in Chilean honey beehives. PCR products amplified and sequenced for these primers shared 99–100% identity with other sequences of L. passim. The designed primers were specific and we were able to detect a high prevalence (40–90%) of L. passim in bee hives distributed throughout Chile. Our described PCR-based method offers a feasible and specific detection of L. passim in any honey bee samples.

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