Synchrotron imaging of intact honeybees affected by nosema

Nosema ceranw is a microsporidian parasite that affects many Western Apis mellifera honeybees, causing dysentery and other problems in the digestive system. The disease is known to affect the midgut at a cellular and genetic level, but its impact on bees' anatomical alterations are not yet known. We therefore sought to acquire 3D Phase-contrast X-ray computed tomography (PCCT) scans of intact healthy and Nosema-affected honeybees using a synchrotron. Through a qualitative comparison of the 3D renditions of the bee anatomies, we found that the midgut of the Nosema-affected honeybee was deformed and had fewer, ill-defined constrictions along its length when compared to its healthy counterpart. This novel approach to studying honeybee anatomy provides insights on the 3D structure of intact Apis mellifera insects, as well as the possible pathological effects of Nosema ceranw on the anatomy of the midgut.