Diagnostic Techniques and Epidemiological Methods for Parasites in Beekeeping: Considerations and Perspectives

TL;DR

This paper reviews diagnostic and epidemiological methods for bee parasites, emphasizing the need for context-specific approaches and future research priorities.

Contribution

Proposes a decision-making framework for selecting diagnostic methods and highlights research gaps in parasite diagnostics for bees.

Findings

No universal diagnostic method exists for bee parasites; method choice must be contextual.

Emerging technologies like AI and LAMP have limitations in real-world accuracy.

Research priorities include integrated tools and models for sustainable parasite management.

Abstract

Pests contribute significantly to the loss of Apis mellifera colonies in a multifactorial context that includes viruses, pesticides, nutritional deficiencies, and climate change. This review critically summarises diagnostic techniques (morphological, molecular, automated) and epidemiological methods for the main parasites (Varroa destructor, Vairimorpha spp., Acarapis woodi, Tropilaelaps spp., Aethina tumida, Lotmaria passim, Crithidia mellificae), evaluating trade-offs between sensitivity, specificity, cost, and practicality. There is no universal gold standard; the methodological choice must be contextualised. A decision-making framework structured on four pillars (Primary objective, Resource constraints, Epidemiological context, Ethics/Regulatory) is proposed to guide optimal selections, with application examples and testable hypotheses for future validation. Limitations of emerging technologies (reduced accuracy in the field for AI and LAMP), gaps in multi-pathogen synergies (including viruses and bacteria), interactions with pesticides, and climate impacts with explicit uncertainties are discussed. A global perspective and a One Health approach are adopted, identifying research priorities for integrated diagnostic tools, validated predictive models, and sustainable strategies.

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