Circulation of bee-infecting viruses in Brazil: a call for action

Braz J Microbiol. 2024 Sep;55(3):3037-3041. doi: 10.1007/s42770-024-01425-8. Epub 2024 Jun 19.

Abstract

Bees are fundamental for maintaining pollination-dependent plant populations, both economically and ecologically. In Brazil, they constitute 66.3% of pollinators, contributing to an annual market value estimated at R$ 43 billion for pollination services. Unfortunately, worldwide bee populations are declining due to parasites and pathogens, more specifically viruses, alongside climate change, habitat loss, and pesticides. In this scenario, extensive research concerning bee diversity, virus diversity and surveillance, is necessary to aid the conservation of native managed pollinators and potential wild alternatives besides mitigating the emergence and spread of viral pathogens. A decrease in pollination can be a point of economic vulnerability in a country like Brazil because of its main dependence on food exports. Here we conducted a study aiming to obtain an overview of circulating viruses in bees within Brazilian territory highlighting the need for further studies to have a more realistic view of bee-infecting viruses in Brazil.

Keywords: Bee viruses; Brazil; Underrepresentation; Virus circulation.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Beekeeping
  • Bees* / virology
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Insect Viruses* / classification
  • Insect Viruses* / genetics
  • Insect Viruses* / isolation & purification
  • Insect Viruses* / physiology
  • Pollination
  • Virus Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Virus Diseases* / veterinary
  • Virus Diseases* / virology
  • Viruses / classification
  • Viruses / isolation & purification