Honey Bee-Infecting Viruses: Diversity, Distribution, and HTS Insights

Honey bee-infecting viruses, including deformed wing virus, sacbrood virus, and black queen cell virus, are globally widespread and highly diverse, with high-throughput sequencing revealing numerous asymptomatic, previously unknown viruses. These RNA viruses, often positive-sense ssRNA, replicate in host tissues and can cause colony collapse at high titers. Transmission occurs via varroa mites, oral-fecal routes, contact, and vertical transfer, with seasonal patterns influencing incidence. DNA viruses are less common but use host nuclei for replication. Emerging infectious diseases are increasingly linked to global trade and industrialization. The comprehensive table details taxonomic classification, genome accessions, transmission routes, and seasonal prevalence for key viruses, highlighting gaps in sequence data and the need for further molecular and epidemiological research.