Histology of the whole body of honey bees: tissue fixation and processing

Beekeeping plays a crucial role in biodiversity, pollination, commercial farming, and the worldwide agricultural economy. Histopathology, which is an important tool for the investigation of diseases in vertebrates, is not commonly used in honey bees (Apis mellifera). However, histopathology could potentially help the diagnostic investigation of high mortality in bees. We developed a tissue fixation and processing method enabling systematic production of histologic slides adequate for diagnostic and research purposes. Our method uses inexpensive, accessible products and can be realized with conventional pathology laboratory equipment. The quality of histologic slides obtained is similar to those of vertebrate animals processed routinely in pathology laboratories. Histopathology as a diagnostic and research tool will improve the services currently offered to apiarists and could help decrease the mean mortality rate, increase apiarists’ profits, and ensure long-term pollination services.