Abstract: The changes in content of hemolymph protein in the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) workers infected by spores of Nosema apis and the mite Varroa destructor (Acari: Va rroidae) respectively were assayed. The content of hemolymph protein was detected using Bradford method. The component difference of hemolymph proteins between the healthy (CK) and the infected bees were analyzed using high voltage isoelectric focusing electrophoresis (IEF). The results showed that the content of hemolymph protein of the bees tended to rise progressively within 10 days after being infected by Nosema spores, and then decreased gradually, till reaching a level below the content before being infected in 12-27 days after infection. The content of hemolymph protein of the bees infected by V. destructor was significantly higher than that of the control, and the components of hemolymph proteins were also different between the healthy and infected bees as indicated by IEF results. The results suggested the honey bees developed immunological reaction in some degree to N. apis or V. destructor after their infection.

Key words: Apis mellifera, Nosema apis, Varroa destructor, hemolymph protein, immunological reaction