> > 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

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html