Find in Library

Depending on the infection level and colony strength, <i>Nosema ceranae,</i> a microsporidian endoparasite of the honey bee may have significant consequences on the health, reproduction and productivity of bee colonies. Despite exerting some side effects, fumagillin is most often used for <i>Nosema</i> control. In this study, in a cage experiment, <i>N. ceranae</i> infected bees were treated with fumagillin or the extract of <i>Agaricus blazei</i> mushroom, a possible alternative for <i>Nosema</i> control. Bee survival, <i>Nosema</i> spore loads, the expression levels of immune-related genes and parameters of oxidative stress were observed. Fumagillin treatment showed a negative effect on monitored parameters when applied preventively to non-infected bees, while a noticeable anti-<i>Nosema</i> effect and protection from <i>Nosema</i>-induced immunosuppression and oxidative stress were proven in <i>Nosema</i>-infected bees. However, a protective effect of the natural <i>A. blazei</i> extract was detected, without any side effects but with immunostimulatory activity in the preventive application. The results of this research suggest the potential of <i>A. blazei</i> extract for <i>Nosema</i> control, which needs to be further investigated.