Experimental infection of the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) with the chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV): infectivity of naked CBPV RNAs

Chronic paralysis is an infectious and contagious disease of the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) and is caused by the chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV). This disease leads to death in adult bees and is therefore a serious threat for colony health. CBPV is a positive single-stranded RNA virus and its genome is composed of two RNA segments, RNA 1 and RNA 2, 3674 nt and 2305 nt, respectively. Although CBPV shares some characteristics with viruses classified into families Nodaviridae and Tombusviridae, it has not been assigned to any viral taxa yet. The characterisation of CBPV proteins and their functions are needed to better understand the mechanisms of CBPV infection. However, since honeybee cell lines are not yet available, experimental infection of adult bees is the only method currently available to propagate the virus. With the objective of studying CBPV proteins using the viral genome, we used experimental infection in adult bees to evaluate the infectivity of naked CBPV RNAs by direct inoculation. Our results demonstrated that an injection of naked RNAs, ranging from 109 to 1010 CBPV copies, caused chronic paralysis. Bees inoculated with naked RNA showed chronic paralysis signs 5 days after inoculation. Moreover, injected RNAs replicated and generated viral particles. We therefore provide an in vivo experimental model that will be useful tool for further studies by using a reverse genetics system.

► The infectivity of naked CBPV RNA via direct inoculation into the honeybee was evaluated. ► After inoculation, bees manifested chronic paralysis symptoms. ► The appearance of symptoms was correlated with the CBPV replication. ► This in vivo experimental model can be a useful tool for the study of CBPV.