Fuente: PubMed "honey" Res Vet Sci. 2026 May 6;208:106245. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106245. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHoney bee health is increasingly compromised by multiple interacting stressors, including pathogens whose epidemiology is shaped by environmental and temporal variables. Among them, highly prevalent and impactful are the microsporidian Nosema (=Vairimorpha) ceranae and the black queen cell virus (BQCV). This study presents a large-scale, longitudinal assessment of the two pathogens in managed Apis mellifera colonies across all Italian regions, conducted between the years 2021 and 2024 and involving 12028 samples from 398 apiaries. Molecular qPCR diagnostics revealed N. ceranae in 50.9% of the samples, with significant peaks of prevalence and abundance in northwestern regions and during spring (March and June). BQCV, analysed in the third year only, showed a markedly higher prevalence (77.6%). Co-infection was frequently observed, and a weak positive correlation was found between the pathogens' abundances. Land use also emerged as a relevant factor: N. ceranae prevalence was significantly lower in arable lands, while BQCV presence and viral loads were reduced in forest and semi-natural habitats. The complete absence of N. apis suggested the hypothesised replacement by N. ceranae, as verified in other Mediterranean Countries. Overall, the results highlight the multifactorial nature of honey bee disease ecology and the importance of integrating spatial, seasonal, and land-use data into pathogen surveillance systems. Understanding these patterns is essential for designing regionally adapted management practices and improving colony resilience.PMID:42107335 | DOI:10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106245