Mapping the virome of Tropilaelaps: A new threat to global apiculture

Tropilaelaps (Tropi) mites are parasites of Apis mellifera and, since 1961, have spread to over 20 countries, reportedly affecting four Apis species. Like their counterparts in the genus Varroa, Tropilaelaps mites may transmit diseases, posing a growing threat to Apis populations and associated agricultural industries. Researchers have isolated several honey bee viruses from Tropilaelaps mites, including black queen cell virus, chronic bee paralysis virus, deformed wing virus, and Israeli acute paralysis virus all of which are known to be vectored by Varroa mites. However, at this time, understanding of the Tropi virome remains limited only to viruses already known from Tropi. Determining the presence of potentially novel viruses is critical to understanding the impact of this parasite. Additional research is necessary to determine the role of Tropi in pathogen transmission. Our research aims to address these knowledge gaps by analyzing Tropilaelaps mites and associated bee pupae collected from their known geographic range using next-generation sequencing. Samples from East Asia (South Korea), South Asia (Bangladesh), and Southeast Asia (the Philippines and Thailand) were extracted using the Quick-RNA™ MicroPrep Kit® (Zymo), prepped for high-throughput sequencing through rRNA depletion, and assessed for quality using Nanodrop and Qubit. This effort has produced the first template virome of Tropilaelaps mites, providing foundational insight into their potential as vectors. Understanding the virome of this rapidly spreading parasite is essential to predicting and mitigating its impact on global honey bee health.