Varroosis – the Scourge of Today’s Apiculture Aetiology, Life Cycle and Pathogenesis

Purpose: Varroosis caused by the mite Varroa destructor is considered as the most damaging parasitic disease on honeybees (Apis mellifera). Since its initial jump to Apis mellifera colonies, the mite has spread to all continents where beekeeping is practiced. Nowadays, Varroosis causes high colony losses around the world; it also weakens honeybee colonies making them susceptible to other diseases. However, in order to be able to fight Varoosis we need to know well its aetilogical agent, Varroa destructor. Thus the purpose of this review is to focus on Varroa destructor, its life cycle and pathogenesis.
Research Method: The information for this review was obtained by searching available online scientific databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, CABI). Some research articles and beekeeper’s journals unavailable in electronic databases, but available in paper form were also used as a source of information. After that, the information was analyzed, summarized and written in a reader-friendly form.
Findings and Values: From the present review, the reader will obtain comprehensive knowledge of the main characteristics (spread, morphology, biology and behavior) of Varroa destructor, the causative agent of Varroosis. The reader also will become acquainted with the pathological changes caused by the mite and its complex interactions with other aetiological agents.