Virome Profile Uncovers the First Identification of Lake Sinai Virus in the Asian Honey Bee( Apis cerana; Hymenoptera: Apidae) in South Korea

Kwon, M.H.; Oh, H.H.; Jang, S.Y.; Jung, C.E.; Kil, E.J.

Virome Profile Uncovers the First Identification of Lake Sinai Virus in the Asian Honey Bee( Apis cerana; Hymenoptera: Apidae) in South Korea

2024

Kwon, M.H. | Oh, H.H. | Jang, S.Y. | Jung, C.E. | Kil, E.J.

The Asian honey bee ( Apis cerana) is a keystone pollinator in East and South Asia, crucial to regional biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Despite its ecological significance, A. cerana has been severely impacted by viral pathogens, particularly sacbrood virus (SBV), which has decimated colonies in South Korea. Here, we report the first detection of Lake Sinai virus (LSV) in A. cerana populations in South Korea, marking a substantial addition to our understanding of LSV host range and interspecies transmission dynamics. Using high-throughput sequencing (HTS)-based virome analysis, we identified three distinct LSV species-LSV2, LSV3, and LSV4alongside eight other honey bee-associated viruses. This study provides evidence of potential LSV transmission fromA. mellifera, where it was previously detected in South Korea, expanding the virome landscape ofA. cerana. These findings highlight the urgent need for ongoing virological surveillance in A. cerana populations to track emerging viral threats. This study underpins critical strategies for enhancing honey bee health, conservation, and disease management to secure the pollination services essential for ecosystem stability.

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