Bee Disease PCR Testing
Molecular diagnostics for honey bee pathogens, including Nosema, foulbrood bacteria and viral diseases.
Why Molecular Diagnostics Matter
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing detects the genetic material of pathogens directly, even when clinical signs are subtle or when multiple infections coexist. This allows beekeepers and veterinarians to identify disease agents before colony losses become severe.
Our laboratory and specialized diagnostic capabilities support honey bee health through molecular testing that complements field observations and clinical assessments. Early detection helps inform management decisions.
Pathogens We Investigate
Nosema spp.
Microsporidian parasites Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. PCR differentiates between the two species, which have different epidemiological patterns.
American Foulbrood
Paenibacillus larvae detection. PCR confirms presence in clinical cases and identifies subclinical carriers where spores exist without visible symptoms.
European Foulbrood
Melissococcus plutonius testing. We coordinate additional testing whenever appropriate to differentiate from secondary bacteria.
Viral Diseases
DWV (Deformed Wing Virus), CBPV (Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus), ABPV (Acute Bee Paralysis Virus), BQCV (Black Queen Cell Virus), IAPV (Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus).
Fungal Pathogens
Ascosphaera apis (Chalkbrood). Molecular confirmation complements visual identification of mummified larvae.
Tracheal Mite
Acarapis woodi detection. PCR provides an alternative to dissection-based diagnosis.
PCR vs Rapid Tests
Both PCR and rapid immunochromatographic tests have their place in bee health diagnostics. Rapid tests offer speed and field convenience — results in minutes, no laboratory equipment required. They work well when visual confirmation is needed quickly, particularly for Nosema screening.
PCR provides molecular confirmation and species-level identification. It distinguishes Nosema apis from Nosema ceranae, detects low-level infections before clinical signs appear, and confirms pathogens when rapid test results are ambiguous. PCR is also the standard for detecting viral RNA and bacterial DNA in mixed infections.
The choice depends on the situation: rapid tests for field screening, PCR for confirmation, species identification, research projects, and when detecting multiple pathogens simultaneously.
Sample Collection and Submission
What Samples Can Be Submitted
Adult bees: Fresh or frozen worker bees (minimum 30 individuals per colony). For Nosema testing, collect foragers returning to the hive. For viral diseases or foulbrood carrier detection, pooled samples from multiple frames are acceptable.
Larval samples: Diseased or suspect larvae for foulbrood confirmation. Include comb section if possible to preserve sample integrity during transport.
Storage and transport: Fresh samples should be refrigerated (not frozen) for short-term storage. For longer storage or international shipping, freezing at -20°C is acceptable. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Consult us before shipping to confirm current transport protocols and any country-specific requirements.
International Samples
We coordinate testing for samples from beekeepers and veterinarians internationally. Import regulations for biological samples vary by country of origin and change frequently. Contact us before shipping to confirm current requirements and whether your sample type can be accepted under current regulations.
Who We Work With
Beekeepers
Hobbyist and commercial operations investigating colony health issues or screening for specific pathogens.
Veterinarians
Veterinary clinics and consultants requiring laboratory confirmation of field diagnoses.
Research Projects
Epidemiological studies, breeding programs and university research requiring standardized molecular testing.
Queen Breeders
Queen producers screening breeder colonies to minimize pathogen transmission to customer operations.
How POLiGEN Supports Bee Health
Sample Submission
Contact us to confirm sample requirements and shipping protocols. We provide guidance on sample collection and preservation.
Laboratory Testing
PCR analysis detects target pathogens. Our laboratory and specialized diagnostic capabilities support honey bee health assessments.
Results and Interpretation
Written report indicates detection or non-detection of target pathogens. We can clarify technical questions about results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bees do I need to send?
Minimum 30 adult bees per colony sample. For Nosema testing, collect foragers. For general pathogen screening, pooled samples from multiple frames are acceptable. Larval samples: include diseased or suspect larvae with comb section if possible.
Can I send samples from outside Spain?
Yes. Import regulations for biological samples vary by country and change frequently. Contact us before shipping to confirm current requirements and whether your sample type can be accepted.
How should I preserve samples?
Fresh samples: refrigerate (not freeze) for short-term storage. Long-term or international shipping: freeze at -20°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. We can provide specific guidance based on your pathogen targets and shipping timeline.
What does a positive PCR result mean?
PCR detects the genetic material of the target pathogen in the sample. A positive result confirms presence but does not, by itself, indicate disease severity or predict colony outcomes. Clinical context, colony history and management practices should inform decisions.
Can you test for Varroa mites?
Varroa destructor is typically assessed through direct counting methods (alcohol wash, sugar shake, sticky board monitoring). PCR is used when detecting viruses transmitted by Varroa (DWV, ABPV, others). We can coordinate additional testing whenever appropriate.
Planning Your Diagnostic Project
Every project starts with a technical discussion. Before shipping bee samples internationally, we recommend contacting POLiGEN to plan the investigation together.
Together we define:
- The objective of the investigation
- Which pathogens should be investigated
- The most appropriate sample type
- Sample quantity
- Preservation requirements
- Packaging
- Shipping logistics
- Documentation
- Estimated turnaround time
- Whether additional laboratory techniques may be appropriate
This approach ensures the diagnostic project is well-designed and that samples arrive in optimal condition for molecular testing. Learn more about sample collection and shipping →
Request Bee Disease Testing Information
Contact our laboratory to discuss sample submission, testing protocols or technical questions about bee pathogen diagnostics.