Cross-Inoculation of the Bumble Bee Bombus fervidus with the Microsporidian Nosema apis from the Honey Bee12

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Abstract
The microsporidian Nosema apis Zander was cultivated in honey bees, Apis mellifera L. An inoculum of known spore concentration was prepared from the ventriculi of these infected bees, suspended in sugar sirup, and fed to healthy colonies of Bombus fervidus (F.). In 19 days, heavy infections and reduced activity were noted in the bumble bees. After the original inoculum was consumed, transmission of infection to newly emerging bumble bees occurred. An inoculum of known spore concentration was then prepared from the ventriculi of the infected bumble bees. When this inoculum was fed to nosema-free honey bees. a profusion of spores developed in the midguts. Identification of these spores demonstrated that the microsporidian N. apis , once considered specific to A. mellifera , can be transmitted to B. fervidus .

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