title: A serological method for detection of Nosema ceranae.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We developed a new method for detection of the intracellular parasite, Nosema ceranae, one of the most economically devastating pathogens of the honeybee.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The SWP-32 antibody was used for the development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also compared the efficiency of this ELISA to microscopy and quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR, the methods currently in use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ELISA is comparable in sensitivity with the qRT-PCR, less expensive and faster. When this method is commercialized and made available to bee-keepers, it will allow them to make informed decisions for the application of in-hive chemicals. Hence, bee-keepers may be able to determine when treatments for control of N. ceranae are unnecessary and reduce the cost, time and possible side effects of these treatments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This assay provides the first serological method for detection of N. ceranae in bee colonies, which is as sensitive as DNA amplification. It can be easily adopted for both laboratory and field applications.
authors.affiliation: Honey Bee Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Weslaco, TX, USA.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Aronstein
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Webster
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Saldivar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001516:Bees / Q000382:microbiology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D016818:Nosema / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013172:Spores, Fungal / Q000302:isolation & purification