Glucose Oxidase, Honey, Mites and a Possible Linkage

Biology News Net features an archived article titled Bee mites suppress bee immunity, open door for viruses and bacteria, which provides some clues about the problem known as colony collapse disorder afflicting honey bees in the United States. Penn State researchers published their related report in PNAS.

The mite parasite Varroa destructor was implicated in the phenomenon. It is suspected that the mite adversely affects bee immune systems. A combination of mites, bacteria and viruses may lead to the collapse of hives. Of particular interest was the finding that bees with mites produce less of an enzyme known as glucose oxidase, (GOX), which worker bees place in honey to prevent bacterial infection. Bees eat honey they make and if the level of bacteria is elevated this might facilitate the collapse of a hive.