Abstract

Background:
Nosemosis is considered an important disease causing a sudden decline in honeybees (Apis mellifera) worldwide, especially in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Microsporidia have three recognized species (Vairimorphia ceranae, Vairimorpha apis, and Vairimorpha neumanni) on European bees globally and have not yet been comprehensively identified in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.

Aim:
Due to the lack of extensive studies, including higher numbers of accessions and all three specific primers, to detect three recognized species (globally) of this parasite in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, the current study used microscope examinations and molecular methods [conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis] for detecting Vairimorpha spp.

Methods:
This study collected 51 samples taken at 17 locations in three seasons (Spring, Summer, and Fall) in the cities of Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, and Duhok. To conduct the study, two methods were applied to detect these parasites: a microscope (400× magnification) and molecular PCR (amplifying 16S rRNA gene).

Results:
The sequenced PCR product gave the right size of V. ceranae only, and the blast was confirmed in the National Center for Biotechnology Information platform for the first time in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. According to traditional methods (microscopic examination), 15% (8 out of 51) of the accessions had Vairimorpha, compared with 50% according to molecular studies. Regarding the seasons, the microscope gave (29%, 5%, and 11%) Vairimorpha for spring, summer, and fall, respectively, compared with the molecular results (70%, 29%, and 52%).

Conclusion:
Vairimorphia ceranae was the only species detected by amplification of the 16S rRNA amplicon. This species is widespread in wet months and at moderate temperatures.

Key words: 16S rRNA gene expression; Microscopic examination; Vairimorpha species.