Short CommunicationBee pathogens found in Bombus atratus from Colombia: A case study

- Between 4 and 8 pathogens were found per bumblebee specimen.
- Lake Sinai Virus was found for the first time in Bombus atratus.
- The found Apicystis bombi strain showed most resemblance to the European clade.
- Prevalence of Crithidia bombi and Nosema ceranae was remarkably high.
- Our data puts a new light on the spread of these pathogens.

Bombus atratus bumblebees from Colombia that were caught in the wild and from breeding programs were screened for a broad set of bee pathogens. We discovered for the first time Lake Sinai Virus and confirmed the infection by other common viruses. The prevalence of Apicystis bombi, Crithidia bombi and Nosema ceranae was remarkably high. According to other studies the former two could have been co-introduced in South America with exotic bumble bees as Bombus terrestris or Bombus ruderatus. Given the fact that none of these species occur in Colombia, our data puts a new light on the spread of these pathogens over the South American continent.