Detailed investigation of the sequential pathological changes in silkworm larvae infected with Bombyx densovirus type 1

► The silkworm larvae died at about 9 days post infection (dpi). ► The midgut structure was completely broken at 9 dpi. ► BmDNV-1 began to propagate from 4 dpi, and gradually increased until the larvae died. ► BmDNV-1 infection is not dependent on the larval stage or the molting process.