Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Deformed Wing Virus in Honey Bees (Apis Mellifera), North of Iran

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Head of Laboratory, Alborz Province Veterinary Organization, Alborz, Iran

3 69 Azadi Ave

10.32598/ARI.81.3.3597

Abstract

Introduction: Deformed wing virus (DWV) is one of the major bee viruses that can be transmitted by the Varroa destructor mite and is a key contributor to honey bee colony collapse. To date, three main variants of the DWV (DWV-A, DWV-B, DWV-C) have been described.
Materials & Methods: In the present study, bee samples showing signs of DWV infection and Varroa infestation were collected from two different farms in Alborz Province, northern Iran. The samples were screened for the presence of DWV genome and also other bee viral pathogens including chronic bee paralysis virus, acute bee paralysis virus, Kashmir bee virus, and sac brood virus, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. 
Results: PCR results indicated that among collected samples, two samples were positive for DWV, while all samples were negative for other viral disease. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the detected DWVs clustered within the DWV-A genotype. Homology analysis of isolate UT-SHN07 showed approximately 99% similarity to isolate PA and DWV-A-OR-OCT2018-EVR23 from USA, as well as to DWV-Iraq-2023 and the reference sequence NC004830 from Iraq and Italy, respectively. For the other isolate, UT-SHN62, homology analysis showed 100% similarity with isolate PA from USA and 99% similarity with DWV-A-OR-OCT2018-EVR23, DWV-Iraq-2023, NC004830 and Gotland-2 sequences from the USA, Iraq, Italy and Sweden, respectively. 
Conclusion: Iran is ranked among top 10 honey-producing countries, and continuous monitoring of circulating viruses and Varroa mites, the key contributors to colony losses, is essential. Further molecular and phylogenetic studies are recommended to better understand the current status of honey bee viral disease in Iran.

Keywords

Archives of Razi Institute
Volume 81, Issue 3
May and June 2026
Pages 633-640

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