A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for the simultaneous detection and differentiation among Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae in honeybee. Three sets of primers were selected from different genomic sequences to specifically amplify a 831 bp amplicon within the SSU rRNA gene, specific for both N. apis and N. ceranae (MSSR primer); a 375 bp amplicon within the SSU rRNA gene, specific for N. apis (NA primer); and a 1,131 bp amplicon within SSU rRNA gene, specific for N. ceranae (NC primer). Using the primers in conjunction (multiplex PCR) we were able to N. apis and N. ceranae and to differentiate between them. The sensitivity of this PCR assay was approximately 102 spores per milliliter. We proposed that the multiplex PCR was sensitive, specific and rapid tool that can serve as a useful differential diagnostic tool for detecting N. apis and N. ceranae in honeybee.

• Ji-Young Choi(Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA)
• Jong-Gill Kim(Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA)
• Won-Tae Kim(Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA)
• Gil-Sang Jeong(Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA)
• Kwan-Ho Park(Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA)
• Young-cheol Choi(Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA)