Effect of Chitosan on Development of Nosema apis Microsporidia in Honey Bees

Abstract

The effect of chitosan (200 kD, 75% deacetylation) on Nosema apis development in bee colonies during wintering was investigated. The conditions for development of the nosematous infection were analyzed. According to the results of determination of PCR products specific for N. apis, chitosan decreased significantly the degree of infection of individual bees with N. apis spores. The scheme of stimulation of the bee immune system by chitosan via the changes in the level of antimicrobial peptides and proteins of the macroorganism antioxidant systems is discussed. Due to a decrease in the degree of infection with N. apis, survival of the bees increased during the long winter period.