Molecular identification of Nosema species in provinces of Fars, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and Isfahan (Southwestern Iran)

ABSTRACT

Objective: To molecularly identify Nosema species in provinces of Isfahan, Fars, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. Methods: One hundred and eighty adult honey bees suspected with nosemosis from provinces of Fars (different counties), Isfahan, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari were tested. In order to determine the species of Nosema, previously developed PCR and primers based on 16S rRNA gene were used. PCR products were purified and sent to the Korean company of Macrogen for sequencing. Results: Only Nosema ceranae was determined in all samples based on their molecular profile. Sequences of the 16S rRNA gene were sent to GenBank/NCBI (samples acces-sion numbers KP318660–KP318663). Conclusions: This species currently exists in European honeybee apiaries of Apis mel-lifera in the studied provinces.