.. rst-class:: bee-header

Nosema
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.. qa::

   What is Nosema?

   Nosema is a microsporidia which are a group of spore-forming,
   unicellular parasites. Although they were once classified as
   protozoans, they are now recognized as fungi or closely related to
   fungi. In honey bees, the most important microsporidia are Nosema
   apis and Nosema ceranae.  Microsporidian spores are highly
   specialized. Each spore contains a tightly coiled polar tube, which
   functions like a microscopic harpoon. When a bee ingests spores,
   this tube rapidly ejects, penetrating the gut epithelial cells and
   injecting infectious material into the cell.  These parasites
   produce highly resistant spores that can survive outside the host
   for extended periods, allowing them to persist in the
   environment. The spores are typically oval-shaped and are only
   visible under a microscope.

.. qa::

   How does Nosema affect honey bees?

   Infection occurs when bees ingest spores present in contaminated
   food, water, or hive surfaces. Once inside the gut, the parasites
   multiply and damage the gut lining, impairing digestion and
   nutrient absorption.  Spores are shed in the feces of infected
   bees, facilitating transmission throughout the colony. During cold
   weather, when bees are unable to leave the hive to defecate, fecal
   contamination inside the hive increases. House bees that clean
   contaminated comb and surfaces are then exposed, leading to further
   spread of infection within the colony.

.. qa::

   What are symptoms of Nosema infection?

   Bees crawling outside the hive Distended abdomens Reduced colony
   buildup Dysentery (in some cases, but not always) Note: Dysentery
   alone is not a reliable indicator of Nosema infection.