Abstract Honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.) may inhabit abandoned beehives in trees in the city and forests. Bees that naturally occupy abandoned nests, cavities, or hives are not managed by humans and are not treated for pathogens; consequently, they may be particularly susceptible to diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of Lotmaria passim , Crithidia mellificae and Nosema spp. in free-living bee colonies through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The study was conducted on samples of adult bees, pupae, larvae, bee bread and honey. The pathogens were detected in two samples. The predominant pathogen was L. passim , which was found in adult bees and four-day-old larvae. In addition, Nosema apis was found only in bees. The results of this study indicate that pathogens may be present in apparently healthy bee colonies and their larvae. Early detection of pathogens in adult bees and larvae can enhance the effectiveness of veterinary treatment in apiaries.
Iller et al. (2026) studied this question.