Detection of chronic honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) paralysis virus infection: application to a field survey

Chronic paralysis of honey bees is a viral disease caused by chromic paralysis virus (CPV). As its clinical signs are similar to those observed in intoxications or during intense work, it requires sensitive and specific diagnostic tests to identify the infection in colonies. In this report, a rabbit polyclonal antiserum against CPV was obtained after purification of the virus in a Renografin gradient. The viral polypeptide composition was analysed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Four viral-associated polypeptides of molecular weights 75 kDa, SO kDa, 30 kDa and 20 kDa were identified. Western blotting and an agar gel immunodiffusion test were used for the diagnosis of CPV during a field survey of the prevalence of CPV infection. The two tests demonstrated the presence of the virus in several colonies in the south-east of France.