> > One could also suggest that the antibiotic promoted a more vigorous
> immune response, enabling the larvae to survive despite whatever pathogens
> are present.
>
Do you have any evidence in support of the claim that application of oxytet
upregulates any part of the immune response?
The bees' immune response to bacteria is a different mechanism than that to
viruses--and upregulating one tends to downregulate the other.
> Again, I don't think a response associated with an antibacterial is
*proof* of a bacterial infection.
Of course it wouldn't be a "proof." But it is certainly supportive
evidence of the hypothesis.
--
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com
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