Potential of Fumagillin and Mushroom Extract to Reduce in Honey Bees.

Depending on the infection level and colony strength, a microsporidian endoparasite of the honey bee may have significant consequences on the health, reproduction and productivity of bee colonies. Despite exerting some side effects, fumagillin is most often used for control. In this study, in a cage experiment, infected bees were treated with fumagillin or the extract of mushroom, a possible alternative for control. Bee survival, spore loads, the expression levels of immune-related genes and parameters of oxidative stress were observed. Fumagillin treatment showed a negative effect on monitored parameters when applied preventively to non-infected bees, while a noticeable anti- effect and protection from -induced immunosuppression and oxidative stress were proven in -infected bees. However, a protective effect of the natural extract was detected, without any side effects but with immunostimulatory activity in the preventive application. The results of this research suggest the potential of extract for control, which needs to be further investigated.