> PMS-like signs ... cleared up with oxytet (similar to the report from Dick).  That does not support the virus hypothesis.

One could deduce that the symptoms were caused by some organism that was susceptible to antibiotic treatment. One could also suggest that the antibiotic promoted a more vigorous immune response, enabling the larvae to survive despite whatever pathogens are present. 

Again, I don't think a response associated with an antibacterial is *proof* of a bacterial infection. You would have to isolate the putative organism and show that it was affected by oxytet, outside of the bee. 

That is how Beltsville tests for oxytet resistance: in AFB cultures, in vitro. Normal AFB won't grow in the presence of oxytetracyline. TM resistant AFB can, but it won't grow in the presence of Tylosin.

PLB

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