Two roads to recovery: Comparing fumagillin and a natural grape seed treatment against Nosema in honey bees

Nosema ceranae is a widespread microsporidian pathogen linked to declining honey bee health and colony productivity. While fumagillin has been the standard treatment to suppress Nosema infections, concerns over its residue in honey, regulatory restrictions, and inconsistent effectiveness have prompted interest in alternative solutions. One promising candidate is grape seed powder (GSP), a natural supplement rich in polyphenolic compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
This project investigates two potential treatment strategies—synthetic fumagillin and naturally derived GSP—for managing Nosema ceranae infections in managed honey bees (Apis mellifera). Honey bees were exposed to different treatment regimens and monitored over time to assess disease progression and survival outcomes. Midguts were dissected and analyzed for Nosema spore load, providing insights into the efficacy of each treatment. In addition, whole guts will undergo 16S rRNA sequencing to evaluate how these treatments impact gut microbiome composition and diversity.
By comparing a conventional pharmaceutical with a natural supplement, this study aims to evaluate the potential of GSP as a safer, residue-free option for improving bee resilience to Nosema infection. Results will inform future efforts to integrate natural compounds into honey bee health management and contribute to the development of more sustainable beekeeping practices.