We report the first systematic survey for the presence of Wolbachia endosymbionts in aphids and whiteflies, particularly different populations and biotypes of Bemisia tabaci. Additional agriculturally important species included were predator species, leafhoppers, and lepidopterans. We used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection assay with ribosomal 16S rDNA and Wolbachia cell surface protein (wsp) gene primers. Wolbachia were detected in a number of whitefly populations and species, whitefly predators, and one leafhopper species; however, none of the aphid species tested were found infected. Single, double, and triple infections were detected in some of the B. tabaci populations. PCR and phylogenetic analysis of wsp gene sequences indicated that all Wolbachia strains found belong to group B. Topologies of the optimal tree derived by maximum likelihood (ML) and a ML tree in which Wolbachia sequences from B. tabaci are constrained to be monophyletic are significantly different. Our results indicate that there have been at least four independent Wolbachia infection events in B. tabaci. The importance of the presence of Wolbachia infections in B. tabaci is discussed.
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Sci Rep
January 2025
Senckenberg Deutsches Entomologisches Institut, Systematik und Biogeographie, Eberswalder Str. 90, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany.
The genus Erebia comprises numerous species in Europe. Due to preference of cold environments, most species have disjunct distributions in the European mountain systems. However, their biogeographical patterns may differ significantly.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnimals (Basel)
December 2024
Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
is a common intracellular bacterial genus that infects numerous arthropods and filarial nematodes. In arthropods, it typically acts as a reproductive parasite, leading to various phenotypic effects such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, parthenogenesis, feminization, or male-killing. Quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) are a group of bird parasites that have recently attracted increasing interest due to the detection of unique phylogenetic lineages of endosymbiotic bacteria and potentially pathogenic taxa.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Microbiol
January 2025
Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
Background: The endosymbiotic relationship between Wolbachia bacteria and insects has been of interest for many years due to their diverse types of host reproductive phenotypic manipulation and potential role in the host's evolutionary history and population dynamics. Even though infection rates are high in Lepidoptera and specifically in butterflies, and reproductive manipulation is present in these taxa, less attention has been given to understanding how Wolbachia is acquired and maintained in their natural populations, across and within species having continental geographical distributions.
Results: We used whole genome sequencing data to investigate the phylogenetics, demographic history, and infection rate dynamics of Wolbachia in four species of the Spicauda genus of skipper butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), a taxon that presents sympatric and often syntopic distribution, with drastic variability in species abundance in the Neotropical region.
Viruses
November 2024
Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy.
Wolbachia-based mosquito control strategies have gained significant attention as a sustainable approach to reduce the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. These endosymbiotic bacteria can limit the ability of mosquitoes to transmit pathogens, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemical-based interventions. With the growing impact of climate change on mosquito population dynamics and disease transmission, Wolbachia interventions represent an adaptable and resilient strategy for mitigating the public health burden of vector-borne diseases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInsects
December 2024
Centro de Investigación en Sistemas de Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico.
The future of control emphasizes the transition from traditional insecticides toward more sustainable and multisectoral integrated strategies, like using -carrying mosquitoes for population suppression or replacement. We reviewed the integration of the successful Mexican initiative, "Mosquitos Buenos", with the key challenges outlined in the PAHO guidelines for incorporating innovative approaches into vector control programs. These challenges include establishing essential infrastructure, training personnel, managing field operations, and fostering community support.
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