Development of monoclonal antibodies against spores of Nosema ceranae for the diagnosis of nosemosis

Type C nosemosis caused by the microsporidian fungus Nosema ceranae is a major disease that affects the beekeeping industry worldwide. Nosemosis is very difficult to diagnose as it lacks characteristic symptoms, and any symptoms, presented by a Nosema spp. infections are indistinguishable from those of other diseases seen in honey bees. For these reasons, a novel method was developed for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of nosemosis. Three monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were developed from three different monoclones (9A4, 14A8, and 19B2) and were found to be reactive to the whole spores during ELISA. The 9A4-, 14A8-, and 19B2-derived mAbs were suitable for western blot analysis and classified as IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG3, respectively. mAbs manufactured in this study have practical applications for nosemosis rapid diagnostic tests. These novel methods, and the production of such kits, may aid the early detection and treatment of nosemosis, help prevent the indiscriminate and needless use of toxic medicines, and prevent hive collapse and monetary losses for beekeepers.