First detection of European honey bee (Apis mellifera) viruses on wax comb

Although there are many insect pollinators, European honey bees (Apis mellifera) are arguably the most economically important and one of the most recognizable commercial pollinators.  However, higher than normal declines in the past decade put the honey bee industry at risk.  Viruses are one of the main pathogens of honey bees.  This study shows the first detection and quantification of viruses directly on honey bee wax comb.  A modified TRIzol wash was used to test for seven common honey bee viruses.  Upcoming experiments are planned to determine if viruses on wax comb are infective to bees, and how they are introduced to comb.