SV viruses, also known as sacbrood viruses, are a group of viruses that infect honey bees, particularly the European honey bee (Apis mellifera). They belong to the family Iflaviridae and genus Iflavirus. SV viruses are responsible for causing the disease known as sacbrood, which affects the larvae of honey bees.
The term "SV" stands for sacbrood virus, as these viruses primarily target the developing brood of honey bees. Once infected, the larvae of honey bees start exhibiting symptoms such as a pale coloration and a stretched, fluid-filled appearance. Over time, these infected larvae become ovoid, resembling small sacs, hence the name "sacbrood."
SV viruses are transmitted horizontally from bee to bee, typically through contaminated food or direct contact. Infected adult bees can transmit the virus to the brood while feeding them, and the virus can also be spread through contaminated pollen and nectar collected by foragers. The viruses replicate within the midgut of infected larvae, causing the degeneration of tissues and leading to the characteristic symptoms of sacbrood.
Sacbrood viruses can have detrimental effects on honey bee colonies, as infected larvae may die before they can develop into adult bees. This can result in a decline in the population of worker bees, impacting the overall health and productivity of the hive.
Efforts to manage SV viruses include maintaining good sanitation practices and limiting the introduction of infected bees into colonies. Additionally, breeding programs have been implemented to select honey bee strains with inherent resistance to SV viruses. Monitoring and early detection of SV virus infections are crucial to prevent the spread and minimize the impact of these viruses on honey bee populations.
