First molecular detection of Nosema ceranae in Azerbaijan

Abstract

Nosemosis is an important adult honey bee disease and causes economic losses worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the Nosema species in honey bees (Apis mellifera) of Azerbaijan. For this aim, honey bee samples were collected from the Central (Ganja), Northern (Qakh) and Southern (Astara) parts of the country. Samples were examined microscopically, and 10 out of 24 samples (41.6%) were found to be positive for Nosema sp. spores. Positive samples were tested with a multiplex-PCR for the detection of Nosema species. As a result of our study, we could not detect N. apis but we determined the N. ceranae for the first time in Azerbaijan.