Detection and control of pébrine disease in the silkworm (Bombyx mori)

Abstract

Pébrine disease in silkworms, caused by Nosema bombycis, significantly impacts silkworm reproduction and cocoon quality. Recognized as a legal quarantine concern in silkworm egg production, the damage from pébrine disease is on the rise. Currently, sericulture production relies on a combination of chemical and physical methods for pébrine control. Rapid and precise detection of N. bombycis is essential for effective disease management. Detection methods for microsporidia in silkworms include optical microscopy, electron microscopy, immunological methods, and molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, and LAMP technologies, along with biosensor-based methods. Despite their respective advantages, these methods face challenges in large-scale application. To effectively combat pébrine disease, future research must focus on developing innovative detection methods that are highly efficient, rapid, accurate, portable, and suitable for on-site instant detection of N. bombycis, thereby ensuring better control and swift detection of pébrine disease in silkworms.