ABSTRACT
Honeybees suffer from the attacks of various parasites and pathogens. In order to manage diseases, a thorough understanding is essential. However, very little information is available on giant honeybees A. dorsata and A. laboriosa, which have their own species-specific parasites. Two species of mites were found, Tropilaelaps clareae and T. koenigerum, evidently occurring all over the dorsata-laboriosa area. Wax moth is most common pest of A. dorsata, but Nosema apis is of rare concern. Wax moths are most serious during dearth periods. An attempt has been made to put together information on various pathogens and parasites affecting honeybees and their resultant interactions. The behavioural, physiological and immunological interactions between bees and disease causing organism are elucidated.
