European foulbrood in honey bees: Identifying potential relationship between infection and gene response

European foulbrood (EFB) is a bacterial disease that compromises honey bee health by infecting honey bee brood. Blueberries are a specialty crop that create a $4.7 billion economic impact each year. Honey bee pollination services benefit blueberries by improving fruit yield, size, and quality. However, elevated incidences of symptomatic EFB have been observed in honey bee colonies after providing pollination services in blueberry fields. Vitellogenin, a key gene in honey bee immunity and longevity, may play a role in the response to EFB infection. This study investigates whether vitellogenin expression differs between nurse bees from colonies exhibiting symptomatic versus non-symptomatic EFB infections. By analyzing gene expression patterns, we aim to better understand the molecular response of honey bees to EFB and assess potential links between pollination-related stress and disease susceptibility. Findings from this research could provide insights into honey bee health management and inform best practices for mitigating disease risks in pollination-dependent agricultural systems.