@article {pmid39366500,
year = {2024},
author = {Tobón, AC and Rojo-Ospina, R and Zuluaga, S and Giraldo-Muñoz, JF and Cadavid, JM},
title = {Evaluation of Wolbachia Infection in Aedes aegypti suggests low prevalence and highly heterogeneous distribution in Medellín, Colombia.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107423},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107423},
pmid = {39366500},
issn = {1873-6254},
abstract = {Dengue virus, transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, is a significant public health challenge in tropical and subtropical countries, with an incidence that is growing at an alarming rate. The release of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes has been suggested as a strategy to reduce the incidence of multiple arboviruses. In Medellín, Colombia, large-scale releases of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were performed between 2017 and 2022 by the World Mosquito Program to facilitate population replacement. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence and distribution of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti two years after completion of these releases. We conducted the sampling across 19 communes in Medellín, using 416 ovitraps to collect Ae. aegypti eggs from epidemiological weeks 26 to 41 in 2023. Upon hatching the collected eggs, we identified and pooled adult female Ae. aegypti for DNA extraction. Subsequently, we conducted PCR assays for the detection of Wolbachia infection in these mosquitoes. We used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and Bayesian methods to estimate the prevalence of Wolbachia infection, while using QGIS to analyze spatial distribution of infection in the region. A total of 774 female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes from 182 pools were evaluated. We detected Wolbachia in 33.5% of pools, with an estimated individual minimum infection rate of 9.5% and a maximum of 33.2%. The prevalence varied significantly across communes, with the highest rates observed in the northeastern and southwestern areas. Spatial analysis revealed a highly heterogeneous island-like distribution of Wolbachia across Medellín with a few hotspots. The observed Wolbachia prevalence in this work was lower than previously reported. We suspect a decline in the prevalence of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in Medellín following the completion of their release.},
}

@article {pmid39353088,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, GH and Hoffmann, A and Champer, J},
title = {Gene Drive and Symbiont Technologies for Control of Mosquito-Borne Diseases.},
journal = {Annual review of entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-012424-011039},
pmid = {39353088},
issn = {1545-4487},
abstract = {Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue and malaria, pose a significant burden to global health. Current control strategies with insecticides are only moderately effective. Scalable solutions are needed to reduce the transmission risk of these diseases. Symbionts and genome engineering-based mosquito control strategies have been proposed to address these problems. Bacterial, fungal, and viral symbionts affect mosquito reproduction, reduce mosquito lifespan, and block pathogen transmission. Field tests of endosymbiont Wolbachia-based methods have yielded promising results, but there are hurdles to overcome due to the large-scale rearing and accurate sex sorting required for Wolbachia-based suppression approaches and the ecological impediments to Wolbachia invasion in replacement approaches. Genome engineering-based methods, in which mosquitoes are genetically altered for the modification or suppression of wild populations, offer an additional approach for control of mosquito-borne diseases. In particular, the use of gene drive alleles that bias inheritance in their favor is a potentially powerful approach. Several drives are frequency dependent, potentially giving them broadly similar population dynamics to Wolbachia. However, public acceptance and the behavior of released drives in natural mosquito populations remain challenges. We summarize the latest developments and discuss the knowledge gaps in both symbiont- and gene drive-based methods.},
}

@article {pmid39356896,
year = {2024},
author = {Lima-Camara, TN},
title = {Dengue is a product of the environment: an approach to the impacts of the environment on the Aedes aegypti mosquito and disease cases.},
journal = {Revista brasileira de epidemiologia = Brazilian journal of epidemiology},
volume = {27},
number = {},
pages = {e240048},
doi = {10.1590/1980-549720240048},
pmid = {39356896},
issn = {1980-5497},
mesh = {*Dengue/transmission/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Aedes/virology ; Animals ; Humans ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Climate Change ; *Mosquito Vectors ; Mosquito Control/methods ; Environment ; Socioeconomic Factors ; },
abstract = {Dengue is an arbovirus infection whose etiologic agent is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Since the early 1980s, when the circulation of the dengue virus (DENV) was confirmed in Brazil, the disease has become a growing multifactorial public health problem. This article presented the main factors that have contributed to the frequent dengue epidemics in recent years, such as the behavior of the vector, climate change, and social, political, and economic aspects. The intersection between these different factors in the dynamics of the disease is highlighted, including the increase in the mosquito population due to higher temperatures and rainy periods, as well as the influence of socioeconomic conditions on the incidence of dengue. Some mosquito control strategies are also addressed, including the use of innovative technologies such as drones and the Wolbachia bacterium, as well as the hope represented by the dengue vaccine. Nevertheless, the need for integrated and effective public policies to reduce social inequalities and the impacts of climate change on the spread of dengue is emphasized.},
}

*Dengue/transmission/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Aedes/virology
Animals
Humans
Brazil/epidemiology
*Climate Change
*Mosquito Vectors
Mosquito Control/methods
Environment
Socioeconomic Factors

@article {pmid39349234,
year = {2024},
author = {Montenegro-López, D and Cortés-Cortés, G and Balbuena-Alonso, MG and Warner, C and Camps, M},
title = {Wolbachia-Based Emerging Strategies for Control of Vector-Transmitted Disease.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107410},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107410},
pmid = {39349234},
issn = {1873-6254},
abstract = {Dengue fever is a mosquito-transmitted disease of great public health importance. Dengue lacks adequate vaccine protection and insecticide-based methods of mosquito control are proving increasingly ineffective. Here we review the emerging use of mosquitoes transinfected with the obligate intracellular bacterium Wolbachia pipientis for vector control. Wolbachia often induces cytoplasmic incompatibility in its mosquito hosts, resulting in infertile progeny between an infected male and an uninfected female. Wolbachia infection also suppresses the replication of pathogens in the mosquito, a process known as "pathogen blocking". Two strategies have emerged. The first one releases Wolbachia-carriers (both male and female) to replace the wild mosquito population, a process driven by cytoplasmic incompatibility and that becomes irreversible once a threshold is reached. This suppresses disease transmission mainly by pathogen blocking and frequently requires a single intervention. The second strategy floods the field population with an exclusively male population of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes to generate infertile hybrid progeny. In this case, transmission suppression depends largely on decreasing the population density of mosquitoes caused by infertility and requires continued mosquito release. The efficacy of both Wolbachia-based approaches has been conclusively demonstrated by randomized and non-randomized studies of deployments across the world. However, results conducted in one setting cannot be directly or easily extrapolated to other settings because dengue incidence is highly affected by the conditions into which the mosquitoes are released. Compared to traditional methods, Wolbachia-based approaches are much more environmentally friendly and can be effective in the medium/long term. On the flip side, they are much more complex and cost-intensive operations, requiring a substantial investment, infrastructure, trained personnel, coordination between agencies, and community engagement. Finally, we discuss recent evidence suggesting that transinfected Wolbachia in released mosquitoes has a moderate potential risk of spreading genes in the environment.},
}

@article {pmid39342132,
year = {2024},
author = {Mfopit, YM and Bilgo, E and Boma, S and Somda, MB and Gnambani, JE and Konkobo, M and Diabate, A and Dayo, GK and Mamman, M and Kelm, S and Balogun, EO and Shuaibu, MN and Kabir, J},
title = {Symbiotic bacteria Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasma sp and Wolbachia do not favour Trypanosoma grayi coexistence in wild population of tsetse flies collected in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {373},
pmid = {39342132},
issn = {1471-2180},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tsetse flies, the biological vectors of African trypanosomes, have established symbiotic associations with different bacteria. Their vector competence is suggested to be affected by bacterial endosymbionts. The current study provided the prevalence of three tsetse symbiotic bacteria and trypanosomes in Glossina species from Burkina Faso.

RESULTS: A total of 430 tsetse flies were captured using biconical traps in four different collection sites around Bobo-Dioulasso (Bama, Bana, Nasso, and Peni), and their guts were removed. Two hundred tsetse were randomly selected and their guts were screened by PCR for the presence of Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasma sp., Wolbachia and trypanosomes. Of the 200 tsetse, 196 (98.0%) were Glossina palpalis gambiensis and 4 (2.0%) Glossina tachinoides. The overall symbiont prevalence was 49.0%, 96.5%, and 45.0%, respectively for S. glossinidius, Spiroplasma and Wolbachia. Prevalence varied between sampling locations: S. glossinidius (54.7%, 38.5%, 31.6%, 70.8%); Spiroplasma (100%, 100%, 87.7%, 100%); and Wolbachia (43.4%, 38.5%, 38.6%, 70.8%), respectively in Bama, Bana, Nasso and Peni. Noteworthy, no G. tachnoides was infected by S. glossinidius and Wolbachia, but they were all infected by Spiroplasma sp. A total of 196 (98.0%) harbored at least one endosymbionts. Fifty-five (27.5%) carried single endosymbiont. Trypanosomes were found only in G. p. gambiensis, but not G. tachinoides. Trypanosomes were present in flies from all study locations with an overall prevalence of 29.5%. In Bama, Bana, Nasso, and Peni, the trypanosome infection rate was respectively 39.6%, 23.1%, 8.8%, and 37.5%. Remarkably, only Trypanosoma grayi was present. Of all trypanosome-infected flies, 55.9%, 98.3%, and 33.9% hosted S. glossinidius, Spiroplasma sp and Wolbachia, respectively. There was no association between Sodalis, Spiroplasma and trypanosome presence, but there was a negative association with Wolbachia presence. We reported 1.9 times likelihood of trypanosome absence when Wolbachia was present.

CONCLUSION: This is the first survey reporting the presence of Trypanosoma grayi in tsetse from Burkina Faso. Tsetse from these localities were highly positive for symbiotic bacteria, more predominantly with Spiroplasma sp. Modifications of symbiotic interactions may pave way for disease control.},
}

@article {pmid39341970,
year = {2024},
author = {Shirozu, T and Regilme, MAF and Ote, M and Sasaki, M and Soga, A and Bochimoto, H and Kawabata, H and Umemiya-Shirafuji, R and Kanuka, H and Fukumoto, S},
title = {Wolbachia infection in Aedes aegypti does not affect its vectorial capacity for Dirofilaria immitis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {22528},
pmid = {39341970},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {22H02510//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
abstract = {Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and filariasis are a growing public health concern in endemic countries. Biological approaches, such as the trans-infection of Wolbachia pipientis in mosquitoes, are an alternative vector control strategy, especially for arthropod-borne viruses such as dengue. In the present study, the effect of Wolbachia (wMel strain) on the vectorial capacity of Aedes aegypti for Dirofilaria immitis was studied. Our results showed that Wolbachia does not affect the phenotype of mosquito survival or the prevalence, number, and molting rate of third-stage larvae in both susceptible and resistant strains of Ae. aegypti. RNA-seq analysis of Malpighian tubules at 2 days post-infection with D. immitis showed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with and without wMel infection. No characteristic immune-related gene expression patterns were observed among the DEGs. No significant change in the amount of Wolbachia was observed in the Ae. aegypti after D. immitis infection. Our results suggest that infection of D. immitis in Ae. aegypti populations will not interfere with Wolbachia-based vector control strategies in dengue-endemic areas where cases of D. immitis are present. This study demonstrated the veterinary medical validity of a dengue control program using Wolbachia.},
}

@article {pmid39338567,
year = {2024},
author = {Salvioni Recalde, OD and Rolón, MS and Velázquez, MC and Kowalewski, MM and Alfonso Ruiz Diaz, JJ and Rojas de Arias, A and Moraes, MO and Magdinier Gomes, H and de Azevedo Baêta, B and Dias Cordeiro, M and Vega Gómez, MC},
title = {Diversity of Anaplasmataceae Transmitted by Ticks (Ixodidae) and the First Molecular Evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Candidatus Anaplasma boleense in Paraguay.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms12091893},
pmid = {39338567},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {COF N°03/11//Organization for the Structural Convergence in the Mercosur Region FOCEM/ ; 14-INV-052 and PINV18-178//National Council of Science and Technology CONACYT-Paraguay/ ; },
abstract = {Anaplasmataceae bacteria are emerging infectious agents transmitted by ticks. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular diversity of this bacterial family in ticks and hosts, both domestic and wild, as well as blood meal sources of free-living ticks in northeastern Paraguay. The bacteria were identified using PCR-HRM, a method optimized for this purpose, while the identification of ticks and their blood meal was performed using conventional PCR. All amplified products were subsequently sequenced. The bacteria detected in the blood hosts included Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Candidatus Anaplasma boleense, and Wolbachia spp., which had not been previously reported in the country. Free-living and parasitic ticks on dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and wild armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) were collected and identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Amblyomma spp. The species E. canis, A. platys, A. phagocytophilum, and Ca. A. boleense were detected in domestic dog ticks, and E. canis and A. platys were found for the first time in armadillos and free-living ticks. Blood feeding sources detected in free-living ticks were rodents, humans, armadillos and dogs. Results show a high diversity of tick-borne pathogens circulating among domestic and wild animals in the northeastern region of Paraguay.},
}

@article {pmid39336695,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, J and Tian, X and Hsiang, T and Yang, Y and Shi, C and Wang, H and Li, W},
title = {Microbial Community Structure and Metabolic Function in the Venom Glands of the Predatory Stink Bug, Picromerus lewisi (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects15090727},
pmid = {39336695},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {(ZK [2023] 023)//Key Project of Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Foundation/ ; (ZK-2021-Key036, Qiankehe Talent Platform - CXTD [2023]021)//Guizhou Science Technology Foundation/ ; (GCC[2022]028-1)//Hundred' Level Innovative Talent Foundation of Guizhou Province/ ; },
abstract = {The predatory stink bug, Picromerus lewisi (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an important and valuable natural enemy of insect pests in their ecosystems. While insects are known to harbor symbiotic microorganisms, and these microbial symbionts play a crucial role in various aspects of the host's biology, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the microbiota present in the venom glands of P. lewisi. This study investigated the venom glands of adult bugs using both traditional in vitro isolation and cultural methods, as well as Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. Additionally, the carbon metabolism of the venom gland's microorganisms was analyzed using Biolog ECO metabolic phenotyping technology. The results showed 10 different culturable bacteria where the dominant ones were Enterococcus spp. and Lactococcus lactis. With high-throughput sequencing, the main bacterial phyla in the microbial community of the venom glands of P. lewisi were Proteobacteria (78.1%) and Firmicutes (20.3%), with the dominant bacterial genera being Wolbachia, Enterococcus, Serratia, and Lactococcus. At the fungal community level, Ascomycota accounted for the largest proportion (64.1%), followed by Basidiomycota (27.6%), with Vishniacozyma, Cladosporium, Papiliotrema, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Aspergillus as the most highly represented fungal genera. The bacterial and fungal community structure of the venom glands of P. lewisi exhibited high species richness and diversity, along with a strong metabolism of 22 carbon sources. Functional prediction indicated that the primary dominant function of P. lewisi venom-gland bacteria was metabolism. The dominant eco-functional groups of the fungal community included undefined saprotroph, fungal parasite-undefined saprotroph, unassigned, endophyte-plant pathogen, plant pathogen-soil saprotroph-wood saprotroph, animal pathogen-endophyte-plant pathogen-wood saprotroph, plant pathogen, and animal pathogen-endophyte-epiphyte-plant pathogen-undefined saprotroph. These results provide a comprehensive characterization of the venom-gland microbiota of P. lewisi and demonstrate the stability (over one week) of the microbial community within the venom glands. This study represents the first report on the characterization of microbial composition from the venom glands of captive-reared P. lewisi individuals. The insights gained from this study are invaluable for future investigations into P. lewisi's development and the possible interactions between P. lewisi's microbiota and some Lepidopteran pests.},
}

@article {pmid39336625,
year = {2024},
author = {Kepngop, LRK and Wosula, EN and Amour, M and Ghomsi, PGT and Wakam, LN and Kansci, G and Legg, JP},
title = {Genetic Diversity of Whiteflies Colonizing Crops and Their Associated Endosymbionts in Three Agroecological Zones of Cameroon.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects15090657},
pmid = {39336625},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {S/CMR21-10//Arturo Falaschi ICGEB fellowships program/ ; N/A//The CGIAR Trust Fund: https://www.cgiar.org/funders through the CGIAR Initiative on Plant Health and Rapid Response to Protect Food Security and Livelihoods (Plant Health Initiative)./ ; },
abstract = {Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is as a major pest of vegetable crops in Cameroon. These sap-sucking insects are the main vector of many viruses infecting plants, and several cryptic species have developed resistance against insecticides. Nevertheless, there is very little information about whitefly species on vegetable crops and the endosymbionts that infect them in Cameroon. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity of whiteflies and their frequency of infection by endosymbionts in Cameroon. Ninety-two whitefly samples were collected and characterized using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) markers and Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP). The analysis of mtCOI sequences of whiteflies indicated the presence of six cryptic species (mitotypes) of Bemisia tabaci, and two distinct clades of Bemisia afer and Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Bemisia tabaci mitotypes identified included: MED on tomato, pepper, okra, and melon; and SSA1-SG1, SSA1-SG2, SSA1-SG5, SSA3, and SSA4 on cassava. The MED mitotype predominated in all regions on the solanaceous crops, suggesting that MED is probably the main phytovirus vector in Cameroonian vegetable cropping systems. The more diverse cassava-colonizing B. tabaci were split into three haplogroups (SNP-based grouping) including SSA-WA, SSA4, and SSA-ECA using KASP genotyping. This is the first time that SSA-ECA has been reported in Cameroon. This haplogroup is predominant in regions currently affected by the severe cassava mosaic virus disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak virus disease (CBSD) pandemics. Three endosymbionts including Arsenophonus, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia were present in female whiteflies tested in this study with varying frequency. Arsenophonus, which has been shown to influence the adaptability of whiteflies, was more frequent in the MED mitotype (75%). Cardinium and Hamiltonella were absent in all whitefly samples. These findings add to the knowledge on the diversity of whiteflies and their associated endosymbionts, which, when combined, influence virus epidemics and responses to whitefly control measures, especially insecticides.},
}

@article {pmid39336607,
year = {2024},
author = {Lilja, T and Lindström, A and Hernández-Triana, LM and Di Luca, M and Lwande, OW},
title = {European Culex pipiens Populations Carry Different Strains of Wolbachia pipientis.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects15090639},
pmid = {39336607},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2020-01056//Formas, Sweden/ ; },
abstract = {The mosquito Culex pipiens occurs in two ecotypes differing in their mating and overwintering behavior: pipiens mate in open environments and diapause, and molestus also mate in small spaces and is active throughout the year. Cx. pipiens carry Wolbachia endosymbionts of the wPip strain, but the frequency of infection differs between studied populations. Wolbachia infection affects the host reproductive success through cytoplasmic incompatibility. wPip Wolbachia is divided into five types, wPip I-V. The type of wPip carried varies among Cx. pipiens populations. In northern European locations different wPip types are found in the two ecotypes, whereas in southern locations, they often carry the same type, indicating differences in hybridization between ecotypes. In this study, Cx. pipiens specimens of both ecotypes were collected from Sweden and compared to specimens from Norway, England, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as Cx. quinquefasciatus from Mali and Thailand. The abundance varied, but all specimens were infected by Wolbachia, while the tested specimens of other mosquito species were often uninfected. The wPip strains were determined through the sequence analysis of Wolbachia genes ank2 and pk1, showing that Cx. pipiens ecotypes in Scandinavia carry different wPip strains. The observed differences in wPip strains indicate that hybridization is not frequent and may contribute to barriers against hybridization of the ecotypes in Sweden and Norway.},
}

@article {pmid39325838,
year = {2024},
author = {Liang, Y and Liu, J and Wu, Y and Wu, Y and Xi, Z},
title = {Stable introduction of Wolbachia wPip into invasive Anopheles stephensi for potential malaria control.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {18},
number = {9},
pages = {e0012523},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0012523},
pmid = {39325838},
issn = {1935-2735},
abstract = {The spread and invasion of the urban malaria vector Anopheles stephensi has emerged as a significant threat to ongoing malaria control and elimination efforts, particularly in Africa. The successful use of the maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia for arbovirus control has inspired the exploration of similar strategies for managing malaria vectors, necessitating the establishment of a stable Wolbachia-Anopheles symbiosis. In this study, we successfully transferred Wolbachia wPip into An. stephensi, resulting in the establishment of a stable transinfected HP1 line with 100% maternal transmission efficiency. We demonstrate that wPip in the HP1 line induces nearly complete unidirectional cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) and maintains high densities in both somatic and germline tissues. Despite a modest reduction in lifespan and female reproductive capacity, our results suggest the Wolbachia infection in the HP1 line has little impact on life history traits, body size, and male mating competitiveness, as well as the ability of its larvae to tolerate rearing temperatures up to 38°C, although wPip densities moderately decrease when larvae are exposed to a constant 33°C and diurnal cyclic temperatures of 27-36°C and 27-38°C. These findings highlight the potential of the HP1 line as a robust candidate for further development in malaria control.},
}

@article {pmid39325836,
year = {2024},
author = {Holt, CI and Dunning Hotopp, JC},
title = {Updated annotation and meta-analysis of Brugia malayi transcriptomics data reveals consistent transcriptional profiles across time and space with some study-specific differences in adult female worm transcriptional profiles.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {18},
number = {9},
pages = {e0012511},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0012511},
pmid = {39325836},
issn = {1935-2735},
abstract = {Genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics have significantly advanced our understanding of obligately host-associated microbes, where interrogation of the biology is often limited by the complexity of the biological system and limited tools. This includes the causative agents of many neglected tropical diseases, including filarial nematodes. Therefore, numerous transcriptomics studies have been undertaken on filarial nematodes. Most of these transcriptomics studies focus on Brugia malayi, which causes lymphatic filariasis and is a laboratory model for human filarial disease. Here, we undertook a meta-analysis of the publicly available B. malayi transcriptomics data enabling the direct cross comparison of samples from almost a dozen studies. This reanalysis highlights the consistency of transcriptomics results across many different studies and experimental designs from across the globe for over a decade of research, across many different generations of a sequencing technology, library preparation protocols, and differential expression tools. Males and microfilariae across samples had similar expression profiles. However, female samples were clustered into two differential expression patterns that were significantly different from one another. Largely, we confirm previous results for all studies reanalyzed including tissue-specific gene expression and anti-Wolbachia doxycycline treatment of microfilaria. However, we did not detect previously reported differential expression upon in vitro or in vivo treatment with ivermectin, albendazole, and DEC, instead identifying a consistent lack of transcriptomic change upon exposure to these anthelminthic drugs. Updated annotation has been provided that denotes poorly supported genes including those overlapping rRNAs.},
}

@article {pmid39321893,
year = {2024},
author = {Behrmann, LV and Lämmer, C and Schiefer, A and Neufeld, H and Grosse, M and Stadler, M and Bierbaum, G and Hoerauf, A and Pfarr, K},
title = {No resistance development against corallopyronin A in Wolbachia in C6/36 cell culture.},
journal = {International journal of antimicrobial agents},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107344},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2024.107344},
pmid = {39321893},
issn = {1872-7913},
}

@article {pmid39320534,
year = {2024},
author = {Elsawy, BSM and Abdel-Ghany, HSM and Alzan, HF and Abdel-Shafy, S and Shahein, YE},
title = {Molecular screening of piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae agents in Hyalomma dromedarii ticks from camels over different seasons in Egypt.},
journal = {Experimental & applied acarology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39320534},
issn = {1572-9702},
abstract = {Piroplasmosis, a disease of domestic and wild animals, is caused by tick-borne protozoa of the genera Babesia and Theileria, while anaplasmosis is caused by tick-borne bacteria of genera Anaplasma. Hyalomma dromedarii is the most dominant tick species infesting camels in Egypt and act as a vector of piroplasms, Anaplasma, Rickettsia and Ehrlichia spp. The available information concerning the detection of these pathogens in H. dromedarii infesting camels is limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the status of these pathogens in H. dromedarii ticks over four seasons of a year, in addition to investigate the infections of piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae besides their genetic diversity starting from June 2021 till April 2022. A total of 275 semi-engorged females of H. dromedarii were collected from different slaughtered camels, Toukh city slaughterhouse then investigated by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect piroplasms (Babesia spp., Theileria spp.) and Anaplasmataceae DNA targeting 18 S rRNA and 16 S rRNA genes, respectively followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Overall, piroplasms were detected in 38 ticks (13.8%), Babesia spp. was detected in 35 ticks (12.7%), while Theileria spp. was detected in one tick (0.4%). Anaplasmataceae was detected in 57 ticks (20.7%). Mixed infections of piroplasms and Anaplasmataceae were detected in 13 ticks (5%). Single infection either with piroplasms or Anaplasmataceae was detected in 25 (9%) and 44 (16%) ticks, respectively. The highest monthly rate of piroplasms was in April (spring) and Anaplasmataceae was in July (summer). Sequence analysis revealed that Babesia bigemina, Wolbachia spp. and Anaplasma marginale are the most dominant species in the examined tick samples. To the best of our knowledge, this study confirms the presence of B. bigemina, Wolbachia spp. and A. marginale in H. dromedarii in Egypt by sequencing.},
}

@article {pmid39319953,
year = {2024},
author = {Gurgel-Gonçalves, R and Oliveira, WK and Croda, J},
title = {The greatest Dengue epidemic in Brazil: Surveillance, Prevention, and Control.},
journal = {Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical},
volume = {57},
number = {},
pages = {e002032024},
doi = {10.1590/0037-8682-0113-2024},
pmid = {39319953},
issn = {1678-9849},
mesh = {*Dengue/prevention & control/epidemiology ; Humans ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; Animals ; *Aedes/virology ; *Epidemics/prevention & control ; *Mosquito Vectors ; Dengue Vaccines/administration & dosage ; Population Surveillance ; },
abstract = {In this review, we discuss dengue surveillance, prevention, and control measures in Brazil. Data on dengue epidemics between 2000 and 2024 indicates an increase in the number of dengue cases and deaths. Global climate change is a key driver of this growth. Over the past 25 years, nearly 18 million Brazilians have been infected with the dengue virus, and the highest number of dengue cases in Brazil's history is projected to reach 2024. Dengue mortality in Brazil increased geographically over time. As of June, there were approximately 6 million probable cases and 4,000 confirmed deaths in Brazil, which represents the greatest dengue epidemic to date. Several technologies have been developed to control Aedes aegypti, including the deployment of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, indoor residual spraying, sterile insect techniques, and mosquito-disseminated insecticides. The Ministry of Health recommends integrating these technologies into health services. Brazil is the first country to incorporate the Takeda vaccine into its public health system, and the Butantan vaccine is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials. Increasing the vaccination coverage and implementing novel Ae. aegypti control technologies could reduce the number of dengue cases in Brazil in the coming years. Community activities such as home cleaning and elimination of potential mosquito breeding sites, facilitated by social media and health education initiatives, must continue to achieve this reduction. Ultimately, a multisectoral approach encompassing sanitary improvements, mosquito control, vaccination, and community mobilization is crucial in the fight against dengue epidemics.},
}

*Dengue/prevention & control/epidemiology
Humans
Brazil/epidemiology
*Mosquito Control/methods
Animals
*Aedes/virology
*Epidemics/prevention & control
*Mosquito Vectors
Dengue Vaccines/administration & dosage
Population Surveillance

@article {pmid39313916,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhu, YX and Zhang, YY and Wang, XY and Yin, Y and Du, YZ},
title = {Wolbachia modify host cell metabolite profiles in response to short-term temperature stress.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {e70013},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.70013},
pmid = {39313916},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {BK20231330//The Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/metabolism/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Temperature ; Cell Line ; *Metabolome ; Drosophila/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Diptera/microbiology ; Fatty Acids/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are common heritable endosymbionts that influence many aspects of ecology and evolution in various insects, yet Wolbachia-mediated intracellular metabolic responses to temperature stress have been largely overlooked. Here, we introduced the Wolbachia strain wLhui from the invasive Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) into a Drosophila Schneider 2 cell line (S2) and investigated the metabolite profile of wLhui-infected (S2_wLhui) and uninfected cell lines (S2_wu) under short-term exposure to either high (37°C), moderate (27°C), or low (7 and 17°C) temperatures. We find that Wolbachia infection, temperature stress, and their interactions significantly affect cellular metabolic profiles. Most significantly, when comparing the changes in metabolites between S2_wLhui and S2_wu, glycerophospholipids, amino acids, and fatty acids associated with metabolic pathways, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, and other pathways were significantly accumulated at either low or high temperatures. Our findings suggest Wolbachia-induced cellular physiological responses to short-term temperature stress, which may in turn affect the fitness and adaptive ability of its host as an invasive species.},
}

*Wolbachia/metabolism/physiology/genetics
Animals
*Stress, Physiological
*Temperature
Cell Line
*Metabolome
Drosophila/microbiology
Symbiosis
Diptera/microbiology
Fatty Acids/metabolism

@article {pmid39310793,
year = {2024},
author = {Lečić, S and Wolfe, TM and Ghosh, A and Satar, S and Souza Beraldo, C and Smith, E and Dombroskie, JJ and Jernigan, E and Hood, GR and Schuler, H and Stauffer, C},
title = {Spatially Varying Wolbachia Frequencies Reveal the Invasion Origin of an Agricultural Pest Recently Introduced From Europe to North America.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {e70016},
pmid = {39310793},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {The introduction of non-native species across the world represents a major global challenge. Retracing invasion origin is an important first step in understanding the invasion process, often requiring detailed sampling within the native range. Insect species frequently host Wolbachia, a widespread endosymbiotic bacterium that manipulates host reproduction to increase infected female fitness. Here, we draw on the spatial variation in infection frequencies of an actively spreading Wolbachia strain wCer2 to investigate the invasion origin of the European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi. This pest of cherries was introduced from Europe to North America within the last decade. First, we screen the introduced fly population for the presence of Wolbachia. The introduced populations lack the wCer2 strain and the strongly associated mitochondrial haplotype, suggesting strain absence due to founder effects with invading individuals originating from wCer2-uninfected native population(s). To narrow down geographic regions of invasion origin, we perform spatial interpolation of the wCer2 infection frequency across the native range and predict the infection frequency in unsampled regions. For this, we use an extensive dataset of R. cerasi infection covering 238 populations across Europe over 25 years, complemented with 14 additional populations analyzed for this study. We find that R. cerasi was unlikely introduced from wCer2-infected populations in Central and Western Europe. We propose wCer2-uninfected populations from Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region as the most likely candidates for the invasion origin. This work utilizes Wolbachia as an indirect instrument to provide insights into the invasion source of R. cerasi in North America, revealing yet another application for this multifaceted heritable endosymbiont. Given the prevalence of biological invasions, rapidly uncovering invasion origins gives fundamental insights into how invasive species adapt to new environments.},
}

@article {pmid39298440,
year = {2024},
author = {Hafsia, S and Barbar, T and Alout, H and Baudino, F and Lebon, C and Gomard, Y and Wilkinson, DA and Fourié, T and Mavingui, P and Atyame, C},
title = {Vector competence of Aedes albopictus field populations from Reunion Island exposed to local epidemic dengue viruses.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {19},
number = {9},
pages = {e0310635},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0310635},
pmid = {39298440},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/virology/microbiology ; *Dengue Virus/physiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Dengue/transmission/epidemiology/virology ; Reunion/epidemiology ; *Mosquito Vectors/virology/microbiology ; Viral Load ; Humans ; Insect Vectors/virology/microbiology ; Female ; },
abstract = {Dengue virus (DENV) is the most prevalent mosquito-borne Flavivirus that affects humans worldwide. Aedes albopictus, which is naturally infected with the bacteria Wolbachia, is considered to be a secondary vector of DENV. However, it was responsible for a recent DENV outbreak of unprecedented magnitude in Reunion Island, a French island in the South West Indian Ocean. Moreover, the distribution of the cases during this epidemic showed a spatially heterogeneous pattern across the island, leading to questions about the differential vector competence of mosquito populations from different geographic areas. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the vector competence of the Ae. albopictus populations from Reunion Island for local DENV epidemic strains, while considering their infection by Wolbachia. Experimental infections were conducted using ten populations of Ae. albopictus sampled across Reunion Island and exposed to three DENV strains: one strain of DENV serotype 1 (DENV-1) and two strains of DENV serotype 2 (DENV-2). We analyzed three vector competence parameters including infection rate, dissemination efficiency and transmission efficiency, at different days post-exposition (dpe). We also assessed whether there was a correlation between the density of Wolbachia and viral load/vector competence parameters. Our results show that the Ae. albopictus populations tested were not able to transmit the two DENV-2 strains, while transmission efficiencies up to 40.79% were observed for the DENV-1 strain, probably due to difference in viral titres. Statistical analyses showed that the parameters mosquito population, generation, dpe and area of sampling significantly affect the transmission efficiencies of DENV-1. Although the density of Wolbachia varied according to mosquito population, no significant correlation was found between Wolbachia density and either viral load or vector competence parameters for DENV-1. Our results highlight the importance of using natural mosquito populations for a better understanding of transmission patterns of dengue.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/virology/microbiology
*Dengue Virus/physiology
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Dengue/transmission/epidemiology/virology
Reunion/epidemiology
*Mosquito Vectors/virology/microbiology
Viral Load
Humans
Insect Vectors/virology/microbiology
Female

@article {pmid39296285,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, X and Huangfu, N and Chen, L and Zhang, K and Li, D and Gao, X and Li, B and Wang, L and Zhu, X and Ji, J and Luo, J and Cui, J},
title = {Effects of developmental stages, sex difference, and diet types of the host marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus) on symbiotic bacteria.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1433909},
pmid = {39296285},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Symbiotic bacteria play key roles in a variety of important life processes of insects such as development, reproduction and environmental adaptation, and the elucidation of symbiont population structure and dynamics is crucial for revealing the underlying regulatory mechanisms. The marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus) is not only a remarkable aphid predator, but also a worldwide pollinator second to honeybees. However, its symbiont composition and dynamics remain unclear.

METHODS: Herein, we investigate the symbiotic bacterial dynamics in marmalade hoverfly throughout whole life cycle, across two sexes, and in its prey Megoura crassicauda by 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS: In general, the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, and the dominant genera were Serratia and Wolbachia. Serratia mainly existed in the larval stage of hoverfly with the highest relative abundance of 86.24% in the 1st instar larvae. Wolbachia was found in adults and eggs with the highest relative abundance of 62.80% in eggs. Significant difference in species diversity was observed between the adults feeding on pollen and larvae feeding on M. crassicauda, in which the dominant symbiotic bacteria were Asaia and Serratia, respectively. However, between two sexes, the symbionts exhibited high similarity in species composition. In addition, our results suggested that E. balteatus obtainded Serratia mainly through horizontal transmission by feeding on prey aphids, whereas it acquired Wolbachia mainly through intergeneration vertical transmission. Taken together, our study revealed the effects of development stages, diet types and genders of E. balteatus on symbionts, and explored transmission modes of dominant bacteria Serratia and Wolbachia.

DISCUSSION: Our findings lay a foundation for further studying the roles of symbiotic bacteria in E. balteatus life cycle, which will benefit for revealing the co-adaptation mechanisms of insects and symbiotic bacteria.},
}

@article {pmid37941933,
year = {2023},
author = {Caamal-Chan, MG and Barraza, A and Loera-Muro, A and Montes-Sánchez, JJ and Castellanos, T and Rodríguez-Pagaza, Y},
title = {Bacterial communities of the psyllid pest Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) Central haplotype of tomato crops cultivated at different locations of Mexico.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {e16347},
pmid = {37941933},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; Haplotypes ; *Solanum lycopersicum ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Mexico ; Bacteria/genetics ; Liberibacter/genetics ; Crops, Agricultural/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, is an insect vector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter' causing "Zebra chip" disease that affects potato and other Solanaceae crops worldwide. In the present study, we analyzed the bacterial communities associated with the insect vector Bactericera cockerelli central haplotype of tomato crop fields in four regions from Mexico.

METHODS: PCR was used to amplify the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCOI) and then analyze the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and phylogenetic analysis for haplotype identification of the isolated B. cockerelli. Moreover, we carried out the microbial diversity analysis of several B. cockerelli collected from four regions of Mexico through the NGS sequencing of 16S rRNA V3 region. Finally, Wolbachia was detected by the wsp gene PCR amplification, which is the B. cockerelli facultative symbiont. Also we were able to confirm the relationship with several Wolbachia strains by phylogenetic analysis.

RESULTS: Our results pointed that B. cockerelli collected in the four locations from Mexico (Central Mexico: Queretaro, and Northern Mexico: Sinaloa, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon) were identified, such as the central haplotype. Analyses of the parameters of the composition, relative abundance, and diversity (Shannon index: 1.328 ± 0.472; Simpson index 0.582 ± 0.167), showing a notably relatively few microbial species in B. cockerelli. Analyses identified various facultative symbionts, particularly the Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) with a relative abundance higher. In contrast, the genera of Sodalis and 'Candidatus Carsonella' (Gammaproteobacteria: Oceanospirillales: Halomonadaceae) were identified with a relatively low abundance. On the other hand, the relative abundance for the genus 'Candidatus Liberibacter' was higher only for some of the locations analyzed. PCR amplification of a fragment of the gene encoding a surface protein (wsp) of Wolbachia and phylogenetic analysis corroborated the presence of this bacterium in the central haplotype. Beta-diversity analysis revealed that the presence of the genus 'Candidatus Liberibacter' influences the microbiota structure of this psyllid species.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data support that the members with the highest representation in microbial community of B. cockerelli central haplotype, comprise their obligate symbiont, Carsonella, and facultative symbionts. We also found evidence that among the factors analyzed, the presence of the plant pathogen affects the structure and composition of the bacterial community associated with B. cockerelli.},
}

Animals
Haplotypes
*Solanum lycopersicum
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Hemiptera/genetics
Phylogeny
Mexico
Bacteria/genetics
Liberibacter/genetics
Crops, Agricultural/genetics

@article {pmid39288812,
year = {2024},
author = {Castelli, M and Nardi, T and Giovannini, M and Sassera, D},
title = {Addictive manipulation: a perspective on the role of reproductive parasitism in the evolution of bacteria-eukaryote symbioses.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {20},
number = {9},
pages = {20240310},
doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2024.0310},
pmid = {39288812},
issn = {1744-957X},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Reproduction ; Eukaryota/physiology ; Arthropods/microbiology/physiology ; Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Toxin-Antitoxin Systems/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia bacteria encompass noteworthy reproductive manipulators of their arthropod hosts. which influence host reproduction to favour their own transmission, also exploiting toxin-antitoxin systems. Recently, multiple other bacterial symbionts of arthropods have been shown to display comparable manipulative capabilities. Here, we wonder whether such phenomena are truly restricted to arthropod hosts. We focused on protists, primary models for evolutionary investigations on eukaryotes due to their diversity and antiquity, but still overall under-investigated. After a thorough re-examination of the literature on bacterial-protist interactions with this question in mind, we conclude that such bacterial 'addictive manipulators' of protists do exist, are probably widespread, and have been overlooked until now as a consequence of the fact that investigations are commonly host-centred, thus ineffective to detect such behaviour. Additionally, we posit that toxin-antitoxin systems are crucial in these phenomena of addictive manipulation of protists, as a result of recurrent evolutionary repurposing. This indicates intriguing functional analogy and molecular homology with plasmid-bacterial interplays. Finally, we remark that multiple addictive manipulators are affiliated with specific bacterial lineages with ancient associations with diverse eukaryotes. This suggests a possible role of addictive manipulation of protists in paving the way to the evolution of bacteria associated with multicellular organisms.},
}

*Symbiosis
Animals
*Biological Evolution
*Reproduction
Eukaryota/physiology
Arthropods/microbiology/physiology
Wolbachia/physiology/genetics
Toxin-Antitoxin Systems/genetics
Bacteria/genetics

@article {pmid39275847,
year = {2024},
author = {MacDonald, ZG and Schoville, S and Escalona, M and Marimuthu, MPA and Nguyen, O and Chumchim, N and Fairbairn, CW and Seligmann, W and Toffelmier, E and Gillespie, T and Shaffer, HB},
title = {A genome assembly for the Chryxus Arctic (Oeneis chryxus), the highest butterfly in North America.},
journal = {The Journal of heredity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jhered/esae051},
pmid = {39275847},
issn = {1465-7333},
abstract = {We describe a highly contiguous and complete diploid genome assembly for the Chryxus Arctic, Oeneis chryxus (E. Doubleday, [1849]), a butterfly species complex spanning much of northern and western North America. One subspecies, the Ivallda Arctic (O. c. ivallda), is endemic to California's Sierra Nevada and of particular biogeographic interest and conservation concern. Extreme alpine habitats occupied by this subspecies include the summit of Mt. Whitney, California, representing the highest elevation butterfly population in North America. The assembly presented here consists of two haplotypes, 738.92 and 770.85 Mb in length, with contig N50 values of 10.49 and 10.13 Mb, scaffold N50 values of 25.35 and 25.69 Mb, scaffold L50 values of 13 and 14, and BUSCO completeness scores of 96.5 and 98.3%, respectively. More than 97% of the assembly is organized into 29 scaffolds, which likely represent whole chromosomes. This assembly is the first major genomic resource for Oeneis, providing a foundational reference for future genomic studies on the taxonomy, evolutionary history, and conservation of the genus. As part of the California Conservation Genomics Project, we will use this assembly in conjunction with short-read resequencing to resolve patterns of evolutionary differentiation, adaptive genomic variation, and gene flow among remaining O. c. ivallda populations. These data can and will be used to inform the subspecies' conservation as warming climatic conditions continue to lead to the loss and fragmentation of alpine habitats. We also provide genome assemblies for the O. chryxus mitochondrion and a Wolbachia endosymbiont.},
}

@article {pmid39270964,
year = {2024},
author = {Giannotta, MM and Smith, I and Michie, M and Blasdell, K and Dunn, M and Nicholls, J and Heath, ACG and Rodriguez, J and Gofton, AW},
title = {Molecular characterisation of Australasian Ixodiphagus (Hymenoptera; Encyrtidae; Encyrtinae) reveals unexpected diversity and a potential novel host switch.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.09.001},
pmid = {39270964},
issn = {1879-0135},
abstract = {Ticks are important medical and veterinary parasites that represent a substantial health threat to humans, companion animals, and livestock. Ixodiphagus wasps (Hymenoptera; Encyrtidae) are known endoparasitoids of ixodid (hard) and argasid (soft) ticks, with potential utility as natural biocontrol agents. Two species, Ixodiphagus brunneus and Ixodiphagus mysorensis, are previously recorded from Australia, however, the genus lacks formal revisionary work in Australia, and the validity and host ranges of these species remain uncertain. This work aimed to investigate the diversity of Ixodiphagus in Australasia and provide a molecular data resource for future work on these understudied endoparasitoids. We extracted DNA from archival Ixodiphagus specimens from Australian and New Zealand insect collections and performed high-throughput sequencing which resulted in complete or mostly complete mitochondrial genome sequences from 11 specimens, including I. brunneus, Ixodiphagus taiaroaensis, and a novel Ixodiphagus sp. reared from Rhipicephalus linnaei from Townsville, Australia. In addition, approximately 70% of the genome of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of I. brunneus was recovered. Finally, we screened 178 recently collected pooled tick samples from southern New South Wales, Australia, for Ixodiphagus spp. using 28S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1(COI) gene PCR, and recovered 14 positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis of Australasian Ixodiphagus spp. based on 28S rRNA and complete mitochondrial genome sequences determined that members of the Australasian fauna are distinct from Ixodiphagus hookeri (the only other Ixodiphagus species for which genetic data exists), and that at least two distinct species are present in Australia; I. brunneus identified from Ixodes holocyclus and Haemaphysalis bancrofti ticks, and an uncharacterised Ixodiphagus sp. found in Rhipicephalus linnaei ticks from northern Queensland. Furthermore, there was substantial genetic diversity at the 28S rRNA loci among I. brunneus samples, which may represent normal genetic variability or a secondary cryptic species. The molecular data generated here represents the first known for the genus Ixodiphagus in Australasia, doubling that of the world fauna, and provides the first known complete mitochondrial genomes for these important tick parasitoids.},
}

@article {pmid39270602,
year = {2024},
author = {González, MA and Ruiz-Arrondo, I and Magallanes, S and Oboňa, J and Ruiz-López, MJ and Figuerola, J},
title = {Molecular and morphological analysis revealed a new Lipoptena species (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) in southern Spain harbouring Coxiella burnetii and bacterial endosymbionts.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {332},
number = {},
pages = {110300},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110300},
pmid = {39270602},
issn = {1873-2550},
abstract = {Hippoboscid flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) are obligate bloodsucking ectoparasites of animals. In Europe, limited research has been conducted on this family until the recent introduction of the deer ked Lipoptena fortisetosa Maa, 1965. A new species of the genus Lipoptena, Lipoptena andaluciensis sp. nov., was found in southern Spain after extensive sampling with carbon-dioxide baited suction traps. A total of 52 females and 32 males were collected at 29 out of 476 sites examined over eight months in 2023. Lipoptena andaluciensis sp. nov. was characterized morphologically and molecularly. The new Lipoptena species can be differentiated from the closely related L. fortisetosa by size, chaetotaxy of the dorsal and ventral thorax, abdominal plates, and genitalia. Based on DNA-barcoding, our specimens showed the highest similarity with Melophagus ovinus (Linnaeus, 1758) (88.4 %) and with L. fortisetosa (86-88 %). Individual screening of Lipoptena specimens (n = 76) for seven important zoonotic pathogens such as bacteria (Anaplasmataceae family: Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp.) and protozoans (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) by conventional PCR and RT-PCR was performed. DNA of C. burnetii was detected in one specimen, while two other specimens harboured Anaplasmataceae (Wolbachia spp., 100 % homology and another endosymbiont probably related to Arsenophonus sp., 95.3 % homology, respectively), all representing the first records of these bacteria in the Lipoptena spp. from Europe. Carbon dioxide traps probed its effectiveness as a reliable passive method for keds surveillance. Our study highlights the existence of a new Lipoptena species, presumably widely distributed in southern Spain. The role of this species in the transmission cycle of pathogens of medical-veterinary relevance needs to be considered in the area.},
}

@article {pmid39266798,
year = {2024},
author = {Kang, SF and Chen, Y and Chen, J},
title = {Wolbachia of phylogenetic supergroup K identified in oribatid mite Nothrus anauniensis (Acari: Oribatida: Nothridae).},
journal = {Experimental & applied acarology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39266798},
issn = {1572-9702},
abstract = {Heritable endosymbionts widely occur in arthropod and nematode hosts. Among these endosymbionts, Wolbachia has been extensively detected in many arthropods, such as insects and crustaceans. Maternal inheritance is the most basic and dominant mode of transmission of Wolbachia, and it might regulate the reproductive system of the host in four ways: feminization, parthenogenesis, male killing, and cytoplasmic incompatibility. There is a relatively high percentage (10%) of thelytokous species in Oribatida, a suborder under the subclass Acari of arthropods, but the study of the endosymbionts in oribatid mites is almost negligible. In this paper, we detected endosymbiotic bacteria in two parthenogenetic oribatid species, Nothrus anauniensis Canestrini and Fanzago, 1877, which has never been tested for endosymbionts, and Oppiella nova, in which Wolbachia and Cardinium have been reported before. The results showed that Wolbachia was first found in N. anauniensis with an infection rate of 100% across three populations. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Wolbachia in N. anauniensis belonged to the supergroup K, marking the second supergroup of Wolbachia found in oribatid mites. Unlike previous studies, our study did not detect Wolbachia in O. nova, leading to the exclusion of Wolbachia's role in mediating thelytoky in this species.},
}

@article {pmid39264945,
year = {2024},
author = {Zang, C and Wang, X and Liu, Y and Wang, H and Sun, Q and Cheng, P and Zhang, Y and Gong, M and Liu, H},
title = {Wolbachia and mosquitoes: Exploring transmission modes and coevolutionary dynamics in Shandong Province, China.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {18},
number = {9},
pages = {e0011944},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0011944},
pmid = {39264945},
issn = {1935-2735},
abstract = {Vector-borne diseases leave a large footprint on global health. Notable culprits include West Nile virus (WNV), St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), all transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. Chemical insecticides have been widely used to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Still, mosquitoes are becoming more and more resistant to most chemical insecticides which cause particular harm to the ecology. Wolbachia belongs to the family Ehrlichiaceae in the order Rickettsiales and is a matrilineally inherited endosymbiont present in 60% of insects in nature. Wolbachia is capable of inducing a wide range of reproductive abnormalities in its hosts, such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, and can alter mosquito resistance to pathogen infection. Wolbachia has been proposed as a biological alternative to chemical vector control, and specific research progress and effectiveness have been achieved. Despite the importance of Wolbachia, this strategy has not been tested in Culex pipiens pallens, the most prevalent mosquito species in Shandong Province, China. Little is known about how the mass release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes may impact the genetic structure of Culex pipiens pallens, and how the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia interacts with mitochondria during host mosquito transmission. Based on the population genetic structure of Culex pipiens pallens in Shandong Province, this study investigated the infection rate and infection type of Wolbachia in Shandong Province and jointly analysed the evolutionary relationship between the host mosquito and the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia. Our study showed that Wolbachia naturally infected by Culex pipiens pallens in Shandong Province was less homologous to Wolbachia infected by Aedes albopictus released from mosquito factory in Guangzhou. Our results also show that Culex pipiens pallens is undergoing demographic expansion in Shandong Province. The overall Wolbachia infection rate of Culex pipiens pallens was 92.8%, and a total of 15 WSP haplotypes were detected. We found that the genetic diversity of Wolbachia was low in Culex pipiens pallens from Shandong Province, and the mosquitoes were infected only with type B Wolbachia. Visualizing the relationship between Culex pipiens pallens and Wolbachia using a tanglegram revealed patterns of widespread associations. A specific coevolutionary relationship exists between the host mosquito and Wolbachia. Knowledge of this mosquito-Wolbachia relationship will provide essential scientific information required for Wolbachia-based vector control approaches in Shandong Province and will lead to a better understanding of the diversity and evolution of Wolbachia for its utility as a biocontrol agent.},
}

@article {pmid39264544,
year = {2024},
author = {Wannassi, T and Sayadi, A and Abbes, K and Djebbi, S and Naccache, C and Khemakhem, MM and Chermiti, B},
title = {Prevalence of Wolbachia infection in field natural population of the apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae).},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39264544},
issn = {1618-1905},
abstract = {Obligate endosymbiont bacteria associated with insects are naturally providing their hosts with essential nutrients such as vitamins and amino acids and biological services including protection from pathogens. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of Wolbachia infection among males and females of the parasitic apricot seed wasp (ASW) Eurytoma samsonowi Vassiliev (Vassiliev Petrograd 11: 1-15, 1915) (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), a very harmful pest of apricot (Prunus armeniaca), in the oasis of Gafsa, Southern-West of Tunisia. The detection of Wolbachia infection was assessed based on the amplification of the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene and a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) as a universal genotyping tool for Wolbachia involving the analyses of genes gatB, coxA, hcpA, fbpA, and ftsz. Confirming the screening results, Wolbachia was detected in the natural apricot wasp for the first time, with a significant difference between males (5%) and females (59%) based on wsp gene. All Wolbachia strains identified in E. samsonowi were clustered among supergroups B of Wolbachia.},
}

@article {pmid39258303,
year = {2024},
author = {Silva, NNP and Carvalho, VR and Silva, CB and Bomfim, JPA and Ramos, GS and Oliveira, RC},
title = {First report of the association between Wolbachia and Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): effect on life history parameters of the parasitoid.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485324000361},
pmid = {39258303},
issn = {1475-2670},
abstract = {The symbiosis between microorganisms and host arthropods can cause biological, physiological, and reproductive changes in the host population. The present study aimed to survey facultative symbionts of the genera Wolbachia, Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Rickettsia, and Nosema in Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in the laboratory and evaluate the influence of infection on the fitness of these hosts. For this purpose, 16S rDNA primers were used to detect these facultative symbionts in the host species, and the hosts' biological and morphological features were evaluated for changes resulting from the infection caused by these microorganisms. The bacterial symbionts studied herein were not detected in the D. saccharalis samples analysed, but the endosymbiont Wolbachia was detected in C. flavipes and altered the biological and morphological aspects of this parasitoid insect. The results of this study may help to elucidate the role of Wolbachia in maintaining the quality of populations/lineages of C. flavipes.},
}

@article {pmid39257987,
year = {2024},
author = {Mfopit, YM and Bilgo, E and Boma, S and Somda, MB and Gnambani, JE and Konkobo, M and Diabate, A and Dayo, GK and Mamman, M and Kelm, S and Balogun, EO and Shuaibu, MN and Kabir, J},
title = {Symbiotic bacteria Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasma sp and Wolbachia do not favour Trypanosoma grayi coexistence in wild population of tsetse flies collected in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.},
journal = {Research square},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39257987},
issn = {2693-5015},
support = {K43 TW012015/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tsetse flies, the biological vectors of African trypanosomes, have established symbiotic associations with different bacteria. Their vector competence is suggested to be affected by bacterial endosymbionts. The current study provided the prevalence of three tsetse symbiotic bacteria and trypanosomes in Glossina species from Burkina Faso.

RESULTS: A total of 430 tsetse flies were captured using biconical traps in four different collection sites around Bobo-Dioulasso (Bama, Bana, Nasso, and Peni), and their guts were removed. Two hundred tsetse were randomly selected and their guts were screened byPCR for the presence of Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasmasp., Wolbachia and trypanosomes. Of the 200 tsetse, 196 (98.0%) were Glossina palpalis gambienseand 4 (2.0%) Glossina tachinoides. The overall symbiont prevalence was 49.0%, 96.5%, and 45.0%, respectively for S. glossinidius, Spiroplasma and Wolbachia. Prevalence varied between sampling locations: S. glossinidius(54.7%, 38.5%, 31.6%, 70.8%); Spiroplasma (100%, 100%, 87.7%, 100%); and Wolbachia(43.4%, 38.5%, 38.6%, 70.8%),respectively in Bama, Bana, Nasso and Peni. Noteworthy, no G. tachhnoideswas infected by S. glossinidius and Wolbachia, but they were all infected by Spiroplasma sp. A total of 196 (98.0 %) harbored at least one endosymbionts. Fifty-five (27.5%) carried single endosymbiont. Trypanosomes were found only in G.p. gambiense, but not G. tachinoides. Trypanosomes were present in flies from all study locations with an overall prevalence of 29.5%. In Bama, Bana, Nasso, and Peni, the trypanosome infection rate was respectively 39.6%, 23.1%, 8.8%, and 37.5%. Remarkably, only Trypanosoma grayi was present. Of all trypanosome-infected flies, 55.9%, 98.3%, and 33.9% hosted S. glossinidius, Spiroplasma sp and Wolbachia, respectively. There was no association between Sodalis, Spiroplasma and trypanosome presence, but there was a negative association with Wolbachia presence. We reported1.9 times likelihood of trypanosome absence when Wolbachia was present.

CONCLUSION: This is the first survey reporting the presence of Trypanosoma grayi in tsetse from Burkina Faso. Tsetse from these localities were highly positive for symbiotic bacteria, more predominantly with Spiroplasma sp. Modifications of symbiotic interactions may pave way for disease control.},
}

@article {pmid39248324,
year = {2024},
author = {Cash, EI and Escalona, M and Ward, PS and Sahasrabudhe, R and Miller, C and Toffelmier, E and Fairbairn, C and Seligmann, W and Shaffer, HB and Tsutsui, ND},
title = {"The Reference Genome Of The Kidnapper Ant, Polyergus Mexicanus".},
journal = {The Journal of heredity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jhered/esae047},
pmid = {39248324},
issn = {1465-7333},
abstract = {Polyergus kidnapper ants are widely distributed, but relatively uncommon, throughout the Holarctic, spanning an elevational range from sea level to over 3000 m. These species are well known for their obligate social parasitism with various Formica ant species, which they kidnap in dramatic, highly coordinated raids. Kidnapped Formica larvae and pupae become integrated into the Polyergus colony where they develop into adults and perform nearly all of the necessary colony tasks for the benefit of their captors. In California, Polyergus mexicanus is the most widely distributed Polyergus, but recent evidence has identified substantial genetic polymorphism within this species, including genetically divergent lineages associated with the use of different Formica host species. Given its unique behavior and genetic diversity, Polyergus mexicanus plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance by influencing the population dynamics and genetic diversity of its host ant species, Formica, highlighting its conservation value and importance in the context of biodiversity preservation. Here, we present a high-quality genome assembly of P. mexicanus from a sample collected in Plumas County, CA, USA, in the foothills of the central Sierra Nevada. This genome assembly consists of 364 scaffolds spanning 252.31 Mb, with contig N50 of 481,250 kb, scaffold N50 of 10.36 Mb, and BUSCO completeness of 95.4%. We also assembled the genome of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of P. mexicanus - a single, circular contig spanning 1.23 Mb. These genome sequences provide essential resources for future studies of conservation genetics, population genetics, speciation, and behavioral ecology in this charismatic social insect.},
}

@article {pmid39243881,
year = {2024},
author = {Depeux, C and Branger, A and Paulhac, H and Pigeault, R and Beltran-Bech, S},
title = {Deleterious effects of Wolbachia on life history and physiological traits of common pill woodlice.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {207},
number = {},
pages = {108187},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2024.108187},
pmid = {39243881},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Most of eukaryotic organisms live in close interaction with micro-organisms called symbionts. Symbiotic interactions underpin the evolution of biological complexity, the health of organisms and, ultimately, the proper functioning of ecosystems. While some symbionts confer adaptive benefits on their host (mutualistic symbionts) and others clearly induce costs (parasitic symbionts), a number of micro-organisms are difficult to classify because they have been described as conferring both benefits and costs on their host. This is particularly true of the most widespread animal endosymbiont, Wolbachia pipientis. In this study, we investigated the influence of Wolbachia infection on a broad spectrum of ecological and physiological parameters of one of its native hosts, Armadillidium vulgare. The aim was to gain as complete a picture as possible of the influence of this endosymbiont on its host. Our results showed that the presence of Wolbachia resulted in a decrease in individual reproductive success and survival. Host immune cells density decreased and β-galactosidase activity (ageing biomarker) increased with the presence of Wolbachia, suggesting a negative impact of this endosymbiont on woodlice health. While previous studies have shown that Wolbachia can have a positive impact on the immunocompetence of A. vulgare, here we shed more light on the costs of infection. Our results illustrate the complex dynamics that exist between Wolbachia and its arthropod host and therefore offer valuable insights into the intricate interplay of symbiotic relationships in ecological systems.},
}

@article {pmid39243778,
year = {2024},
author = {Bansal, S and Lim, JT and Chong, CS and Dickens, B and Ng, Y and Deng, L and Lee, C and Tan, LY and Kakani, EG and Yoong, Y and Du Yu, D and Chain, G and Ma, P and Sim, S and Ng, LC and Tan, CH},
title = {Effectiveness of Wolbachia-mediated sterility coupled with sterile insect technique to suppress adult Aedes aegypti populations in Singapore: a synthetic control study.},
journal = {The Lancet. Planetary health},
volume = {8},
number = {9},
pages = {e617-e628},
doi = {10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00169-4},
pmid = {39243778},
issn = {2542-5196},
mesh = {*Aedes/microbiology ; Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Singapore ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; Male ; Female ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Incompatible insect technique (IIT) coupled with sterile insect technique (SIT) via the release of sterile male Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes is a promising tool for Aedes-borne disease control. Yet, real-world evidence on the suppressive effectiveness of IIT-SIT on mosquito abundance remains mostly limited to small semi-rural village and suburban localities over short trial durations. However, a large proportion of Aedes-borne diseases occur in dense, urban, and high-rise locations, limiting the applicability of previous studies for these settings with high disease burden. The sustainability and use of this technology over multiple years is also unknown.

METHODS: In this synthetic control study, we conducted a large-scale, field trial of IIT-SIT targeting Aedes aegypti among high-rise public housing estates in Singapore, an equatorial city state. Routinely collected data from a large, nationwide surveillance system of 57 990 unique mosquito traps, combined with a high-dimensional set of anthropogenic and environmental confounders were collected to ascertain mosquito abundance and its key drivers. Four townships were selected as the intervention groups (approximate population size of 607 872 residents as of 2022), wherein interventions that combined ITT with SIT over the course of the study period were conducted. Townships were subject to releases of wAlbB-SG male A aegypti mosquitoes twice a week. Data were assessed over the course of epidemiological weeks (EWs), which provide the finest temporal resolution of recorded Wolbachia release schedule and mosquito abundance data. A novel synthetic control framework was then developed to account for the non-randomised and staggered adoption setting of the intervention across trial sectors to identify the direct suppressive effectiveness of IIT-SIT on female A aegypti populations, the spillover effects in non-release areas, and the effect of the intervention on other mosquito populations such as Aedes albopictus. Furthermore, we recalculated effectiveness in terms of calendar time, time since intervention, and over multiple sites to examine heterogeneities in IIT-SIT effectiveness.

FINDINGS: Between EW27 2018 and EW26 2022, Wolbachia releases were conducted across 117 sectors, of which 97 had sufficient trap data, which were collected between EW8 2019 and EW26 2022. We found that Wolbachia-based IIT-SIT reduced wild-type female A aegypti populations by a mean of 62·01% (95% CI 60·68 to 63·26) by 3 months, 78·40% (77·56 to 79·18) by 6 months, and 91·32% (90·95 to 91·66) by at least 18 months of releases. We also found a smaller but non-negligible spillover suppression effect that gradually increased over time (mean spillover intervention effectiveness 61·02% [95% CI 57·89 to 63·72] in adjacent, non-intervention sectors). Although no consistent change in A albopictus populations was seen across the four intervention townships after Wolbachia releases, the average intervention effectiveness on the A albopictus population across all release sectors was -25·80% (95% CI -30·93 to -21·05), which was driven by increases in two towns.

INTERPRETATION: Our results demonstrate the potential of IIT-SIT for strengthening long-term, large-scale vector control in tropical cities, where dengue burden is the greatest. The effect of these interventions in different geographical settings should be assessed in future work.

FUNDING: Singapore's Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, National Environment Agency, and National Robotics Program.},
}

*Aedes/microbiology
Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology
Singapore
*Mosquito Control/methods
Male
Female
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
Pest Control, Biological/methods

@article {pmid39238888,
year = {2024},
author = {Grève, P and Moumen, B and Bouchon, D},
title = {Three feminizing Wolbachia strains in a single host species: comparative genomics paves the way for identifying sex reversal factors.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1416057},
pmid = {39238888},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Endosymbiotic bacteria in the genus Wolbachia have evolved numerous strategies for manipulating host reproduction in order to promote their own transmission. This includes the feminization of males into functional females, a well-studied phenotype in the isopod Armadillidium vulgare. Despite an early description of this phenotype in isopods and the development of an evolutionary model of host sex determination in the presence of Wolbachia, the underlying genetic mechanisms remain elusive.

METHODS: Here we present the first complete genomes of the three feminizing Wolbachia (wVulC, wVulP, and wVulM) known to date in A. vulgare. These genomes, belonging to Wolbachia B supergroup, contain a large number of mobile elements such as WO prophages with eukaryotic association modules. Taking advantage of these data and those of another Wolbachia-derived feminizing factor integrated into the host genome (f element), we used a comparative genomics approach to identify putative feminizing factors.

RESULTS: This strategy has enabled us to identify three prophage-associated genes secreted by the Type IV Secretion System: one ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein, one helix-turn-helix transcriptional regulator and one hypothetical protein. In addition, a latrotoxin-related protein, associated with phage relic genes, was shared by all three genomes and the f element.

CONCLUSION: These putative feminization-inducing proteins shared canonical interaction features with eukaryotic proteins. These results pave the way for further research into the underlying functional interactions.},
}

@article {pmid39232089,
year = {2024},
author = {Melo, T and Sousa, CA and Delacour-Estrella, S and Bravo-Barriga, D and Seixas, G},
title = {Characterization of the microbiome of Aedes albopictus populations in different habitats from Spain and São Tomé.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {20545},
pmid = {39232089},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology ; Spain ; *Microbiota ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology ; Female ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Ecosystem ; Male ; },
abstract = {The mosquito microbiome significantly influences vector competence, including in Aedes albopictus, a globally invasive vector. Describing the microbiome and Wolbachia strains of Ae. albopictus from different regions can guide area-specific control strategies. Mosquito samples from Spain and São Tomé were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. Wolbachia infection patterns were observed by sex and population. Female mosquitoes were blood-fed, a factor considered in analyzing their microbiota. Results revealed a dominance of dual Wolbachia infections, strains A and B, in the microbiome of both populations of Ae. albopictus, especially among females. Both populations shared a core microbiome, although 5 and 9 other genera were only present in Spain and São Tomé populations, respectively. Genera like Pelomonas and Nevskia were identified for the first time in Aedes mosquitoes. This study is the first to describe the Ae. albopictus bacteriome in Spain and São Tomé, offering insights for the development of targeted mosquito control strategies. Understanding the specific microbiome composition can help in designing more effective interventions, such as microbiome manipulation and Wolbachia-based approaches, to reduce vector competence and transmission potential of these mosquitoes.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/microbiology
Spain
*Microbiota
*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology
Female
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
Ecosystem
Male

@article {pmid39228812,
year = {2024},
author = {Arai, H and Herran, B and Sugimoto, TN and Miyata, M and Sasaki, T and Kageyama, D},
title = {Cell-based assays and comparative genomics revealed the conserved and hidden effects of Wolbachia on insect sex determination.},
journal = {PNAS nexus},
volume = {3},
number = {9},
pages = {pgae348},
pmid = {39228812},
issn = {2752-6542},
abstract = {It is advantageous for maternally transmitted endosymbionts to skew the sex ratio of their hosts toward females. Some endosymbiotic bacteria, such as Wolbachia, cause their insect hosts to exclusively produce female offspring through male killing (MK) or feminization. In some lepidopteran insects, MK is achieved by affecting the sex-determining process in males, and a unique mechanism of MK and its functional link with feminization have been implicated. However, comparative analysis of these phenotypes is often difficult because they have been analyzed in different host-symbiont systems, and transinfection of Wolbachia across different hosts is often challenging. In this study, we demonstrated the effects of nine Wolbachia strains on the splicing of sex-determining genes in Lepidoptera by fixing the host genetic background using a cell culture system. Cell transinfection assays confirmed that three MK-inducing Wolbachia strains and one feminization-inducing Wolbachia strain increased the female-type splicing products of the core sex-determining genes doublesex, masculinizer, and zinc finger protein 2. Regarding Wolbachia strains that do not induce MK/feminization, three had no effect on these sex-determining genes, whereas two strains induced female-type splicing of masculinizer and doublesex but not zinc finger protein 2. Comparative genomics confirmed that homologs of oscar, the Wolbachia gene responsible for MK in Ostrinia, were encoded by four MK/feminizing Wolbachia strains, but not by five non-MK/nonfeminizing strains. These results support the conserved effects underlying MK and feminization induced by oscar-bearing Wolbachia and suggested other potential mechanisms that Wolbachia might employ to manipulate host sex.},
}

@article {pmid39227968,
year = {2024},
author = {Liu, Y and Wang, M and Yu, N and Zhao, W and Wang, P and Zhang, H and Sun, W and Jin, N and Lu, H},
title = {Trends and insights in dengue virus research globally: a bibliometric analysis (1995-2023).},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {818},
pmid = {39227968},
issn = {1479-5876},
mesh = {Humans ; *Bibliometrics ; *Dengue Virus ; Dengue/epidemiology/virology ; Animals ; Biomedical Research/trends ; History, 21st Century ; History, 20th Century ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dengue virus (DENV) is the most widespread arbovirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared dengue one of the top 10 global health threats in 2019. However, it has been underrepresented in bibliometric analyses. This study employs bibliometric analysis to identify research hotspots and trends, offering a comprehensive overview of the current research dynamics in this field.

RESULTS: We present a report spanning from 1995 to 2023 that provides a unique longitudinal analysis of Dengue virus (DENV) research, revealing significant trends and shifts not extensively covered in previous literature. A total of 10,767 DENV-related documents were considered, with a notable increase in publications, peaking at 747 articles in 2021. Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases has become the leading journal in Dengue virus research, publishing 791 articles in this field-the highest number recorded. Our bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive mapping of DENV research across multiple dimensions, including vector ecology, virology, and emerging therapies. The study delineates a complex network of immune response genes, including IFNA1, DDX58, IFNB1, STAT1, IRF3, and NFKB1, highlighting significant trends and emerging themes, particularly the impacts of climate change and new outbreaks on disease transmission. Our findings detail the progress and current status of key vaccine candidates, including the licensed Dengvaxia, newer vaccines such as Qdenga and TV003, and updated clinical trials. The study underscores significant advancements in antiviral therapies and vector control strategies for dengue, highlighting innovative drug candidates such as AT-752 and JNJ-1802, and the potential of drug repurposing with agents like Ribavirin, Remdesivir, and Lopinavir. Additionally, it discusses biological control methods, including the introduction of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes and gene-editing technologies.

CONCLUSION: This bibliometric study underscores the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing DENV research, identifying key trends and areas needing further exploration, including host-virus dynamics, the development and application of antiviral drugs and vaccines, and the use of artificial intelligence. It advocates for strengthened partnerships across various disciplines to effectively tackle the challenges posed by DENV.},
}

Humans
*Bibliometrics
*Dengue Virus
Dengue/epidemiology/virology
Animals
Biomedical Research/trends
History, 21st Century
History, 20th Century

@article {pmid39226386,
year = {2024},
author = {Amaya Romero, JE and Chenal, C and Ben Chehida, Y and Miles, A and Clarkson, CS and Pedergnana, V and Wertheim, B and Fontaine, MC},
title = {Mitochondrial Variation in Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii: Phylogeographic Legacy and Mitonuclear Associations With Metabolic Resistance to Pathogens and Insecticides.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {39226386},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/genetics ; *Phylogeography ; *Phylogeny ; *DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genetic Variation ; Insecticides/pharmacology ; Mitochondria/genetics ; Africa ; },
abstract = {Mitochondrial DNA has been a popular marker in phylogeography, phylogeny, and molecular ecology, but its complex evolution is increasingly recognized. Here, we investigated mitochondrial DNA variation in Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii, in relation to other species in the Anopheles gambiae complex, by assembling the mitogenomes of 1,219 mosquitoes across Africa. The mitochondrial DNA phylogeny of the Anopheles gambiae complex was consistent with previously reported highly reticulated evolutionary history, revealing important discordances with the species tree. The three most widespread species (An. gambiae, An. coluzzii, and Anopheles arabiensis), known for extensive historical introgression, could not be discriminated based on mitogenomes. Furthermore, a monophyletic clustering of the three saltwater-tolerant species (Anopheles merus, Anopheles melas, and Anopheles bwambae) in the Anopheles gambiae complex also suggested that introgression and possibly selection shaped mitochondrial DNA evolution. Mitochondrial DNA variation in An. gambiae and An. coluzzii across Africa revealed significant partitioning among populations and species. A peculiar mitochondrial DNA lineage found predominantly in An. coluzzii and in the hybrid taxon of the African "far-west" exhibited divergence comparable to the interspecies divergence in the Anopheles gambiae complex, with a geographic distribution matching closely An. coluzzii's geographic range. This phylogeographic relict of the An. coluzzii and An. gambiae split was associated with population and species structure, but not with the rare Wolbachia occurrence. The lineage was significantly associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms in the nuclear genome, particularly in genes associated with pathogen and insecticide resistance. These findings underline potential mitonuclear coevolution history and the role played by mitochondria in shaping metabolic responses to pathogens and insecticides in Anopheles.},
}

Animals
*Anopheles/genetics
*Phylogeography
*Phylogeny
*DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
*Insecticide Resistance/genetics
Genome, Mitochondrial
Evolution, Molecular
Genetic Variation
Insecticides/pharmacology
Mitochondria/genetics
Africa

@article {pmid39223450,
year = {2024},
author = {Valerio, F and Martel, C and Stefanescu, C and van Nouhuys, S and Kankare, M and Duplouy, A},
title = {Wolbachia strain diversity in a complex group of sympatric cryptic parasitoid wasp species.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {319},
pmid = {39223450},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Wasps/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Phylogeny ; Sympatry ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genetic Variation ; Lepidoptera/microbiology/parasitology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Maternally-inherited symbionts can induce pre-mating and/or post-mating reproductive isolation between sympatric host lineages, and speciation, by modifying host reproductive phenotypes. The large parasitoid wasp genus Cotesia (Braconidae) includes a diversity of cryptic species, each specialized in parasitizing one to few related Lepidoptera host species. Here, we characterized the infection status of an assemblage of 21 Cotesia species from 15 countries by several microbial symbionts, as a first step toward investigating whether symbionts may provide a barrier to gene flow between these parasitoid host lineages.

RESULTS: The symbiotic microbes Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Microsporidium and Spiroplasma were not detected in the Cotesia wasps. However, the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia was present in at least eight Cotesia species, and hence we concentrated on it upon screening additional DNA extracts and SRAs from NCBI. Some of the closely related Cotesia species carry similar Wolbachia strains, but most Wolbachia strains showed patterns of horizontal transfer between phylogenetically distant host lineages.

CONCLUSIONS: The lack of co-phylogenetic signal between Wolbachia and Cotesia suggests that the symbiont and hosts have not coevolved to an extent that would drive species divergence between the Cotesia host lineages. However, as the most common facultative symbiont of Cotesia species, Wolbachia may still function as a key-player in the biology of the parasitoid wasps. Its precise role in the evolution of this complex clade of cryptic species remains to be experimentally investigated.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Wasps/microbiology
*Symbiosis
*Phylogeny
Sympatry
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Genetic Variation
Lepidoptera/microbiology/parasitology

@article {pmid39221028,
year = {2024},
author = {Wilastonegoro, NN and Andriani, S and Sebong, PH and Agarwal-Harding, P and Shepard, DS},
title = {Estimating dengue disease and economic burden to inform municipal-level policymakers: Method for a pragmatic city-level observational cohort study.},
journal = {Gates open research},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {3},
pmid = {39221028},
issn = {2572-4754},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dengue/epidemiology/prevention & control/economics ; Indonesia/epidemiology ; *Cost of Illness ; Prospective Studies ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Cities/epidemiology ; Male ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Recent trials have confirmed the effectiveness of promising dengue control technologies - two vaccines and Wolbachia. These would generally be applied at the municipal level. To help local officials decide which, if any, control strategy to implement, they need affordable, timely, and accurate data on dengue burden. Building on our previous work in Mexico, Indonesia, and Thailand, we developed a streamlined prospective method to estimate dengue burden at the municipal level quickly, accurately, and efficiently.

METHODS: The method entails enrolling and repeatedly interviewing 100 patients with laboratory-confirmed dengue. They will be selected after screening and testing about 1,000 patients with clinical dengue. The method will capture both acute and chronic effects relating to disease, economic burden, and psychological impacts (presenteeism). The total time requirements are 1.5 years, comprised of 0.25 years for planning and approvals, 1 year for data collection (a full dengue cycle), and 0 .25 years for data cleaning and analysis. A collaboration with municipal and academic colleagues in the city of Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia shows how the method could be readily applied in Indonesia's eighth largest city (population 1.8 million).

CONCLUSIONS: Many surveillance studies gather only information on numbers of cases. This proposed method will provide a comprehensive picture of the dengue burden to the health system, payers, and households at the local level.},
}

Humans
*Dengue/epidemiology/prevention & control/economics
Indonesia/epidemiology
*Cost of Illness
Prospective Studies
Cohort Studies
Female
Cities/epidemiology
Male

@article {pmid39205310,
year = {2024},
author = {Lefteri, DA and Rainey, SM and Murdochy, SM and Sinkins, SP},
title = {Bunyamwera Virus Infection of Wolbachia-Carrying Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Reduces Wolbachia Density.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {39205310},
issn = {1999-4915},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/virology ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology ; *Bunyamwera virus ; Female ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia symbionts introduced into Aedes mosquitoes provide a highly effective dengue virus transmission control strategy, increasingly utilised in many countries in an attempt to reduce disease burden. Whilst highly effective against dengue and other positive-sense RNA viruses, it remains unclear how effective Wolbachia is against negative-sense RNA viruses. Therefore, the effect of Wolbachia on Bunyamwera virus (BUNV) infection in Aedes aegypti was investigated using wMel and wAlbB, two strains currently used in Wolbachia releases for dengue control, as well as wAu, a strain that typically persists at a high density and is an extremely efficient blocker of positive-sense viruses. Wolbachia was found to reduce BUNV infection in vitro but not in vivo. Instead, BUNV caused significant impacts on density of all three Wolbachia strains following infection of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. The ability of Wolbachia to successfully persist within the mosquito and block virus transmission is partially dependent on its intracellular density. However, reduction in Wolbachia density was not observed in offspring of infected mothers. This could be due in part to a lack of transovarial transmission of BUNV observed. The results highlight the importance of understanding the complex interactions between multiple arboviruses, mosquitoes and Wolbachia in natural environments, the impact this can have on maintaining protection against diseases, and the necessity for monitoring Wolbachia prevalence at release sites.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology
Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/virology
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology
*Bunyamwera virus
Female
Symbiosis

@article {pmid39204291,
year = {2024},
author = {Liu, H and Yin, J and Huang, X and Zang, C and Zhang, Y and Cao, J and Gong, M},
title = {Mosquito Gut Microbiota: A Review.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {39204291},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {No. tsqn202312373//the Taishan Scholars Project of Shandong Province/ ; NHCKFKT2021-02//the Open Project of NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology/ ; 230726153807227//the Ministry of Education Industry-University Cooperative Education Project/ ; GWVI-11.2-XD34//the Innovation Project of Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences; and the Three-Year Initiative Plan for Strengthening Public Health System Construction in Shanghai (2023-2025) Principal Investigator Project/ ; 202201-041 to XDH//Science Foundation of Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences)/ ; },
abstract = {Mosquitoes are vectors of many important human diseases. The prolonged and widespread use of insecticides has led to the development of mosquito resistance to these insecticides. The gut microbiota is considered the master of host development and physiology; it influences mosquito biology, disease pathogen transmission, and resistance to insecticides. Understanding the role and mechanisms of mosquito gut microbiota in mosquito insecticide resistance is useful for developing new strategies for tackling mosquito insecticide resistance. We searched online databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, SciELO, Web of Science, and the Chinese Science Citation Database. We searched all terms, including microbiota and mosquitoes, or any specific genera or species of mosquitoes. We reviewed the relationships between microbiota and mosquito growth, development, survival, reproduction, and disease pathogen transmission, as well as the interactions between microbiota and mosquito insecticide resistance. Overall, 429 studies were included in this review after filtering 8139 search results. Mosquito gut microbiota show a complex community structure with rich species diversity, dynamic changes in the species composition over time (season) and across space (environmental setting), and variation among mosquito species and mosquito developmental stages (larval vs. adult). The community composition of the microbiota plays profound roles in mosquito development, survival, and reproduction. There was a reciprocal interaction between the mosquito midgut microbiota and virus infection in mosquitoes. Wolbachia, Asaia, and Serratia are the three most studied bacteria that influence disease pathogen transmission. The insecticide resistance or exposure led to the enrichment or reduction in certain microorganisms in the resistant mosquitoes while enhancing the abundance of other microorganisms in insect-susceptible mosquitoes, and they involved many different species/genera/families of microorganisms. Conversely, microbiota can promote insecticide resistance in their hosts by isolating and degrading insecticidal compounds or altering the expression of host genes and metabolic detoxification enzymes. Currently, knowledge is scarce about the community structure of mosquito gut microbiota and its functionality in relation to mosquito pathogen transmission and insecticide resistance. The new multi-omics techniques should be adopted to find the links among environment, mosquito, and host and bring mosquito microbiota studies to the next level.},
}

@article {pmid39194765,
year = {2024},
author = {Yen, TY and Cheng, CF and Tseng, LF and Carvalho, RMCA and Tsai, KH},
title = {Nationwide Inventory of Mosquitoes and the Distribution of Invasive Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1894) on the Islands of Sao Tome and Principe in Central Africa.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {39194765},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {103-2314-B-002 -036 -MY2//Taiwan Ministry of Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), a mosquito originating in Asia, has been introduced to Africa since the 2000s. The mosquito is not only a nuisance but is capable of transmitting various arboviruses. The current study summarized our entomological surveys in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe during 2000 to 2016. Adult mosquitoes were collected by sweep nets, human landing catches, and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps, and the immatures were collected from water-filled habitats at 15 sentinel sites and reared to adulthood. Species identification was performed based on morphologic characteristics. Fragments of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) and the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) genes were amplified for mosquitoes collected in Principe. New records of four mosquito species were reported. Aedes albopictus was identified in 2015. The larvae were found distributed over the nation and were predominately in artificial water-holding containers (488/2698, 18.1%). The highest positive rate was observed in used tires in Príncipe (114/250, 45.6%). Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed low genetic diversity among the invasive populations, but all tested specimens were superinfected by Wolbachia. The ability of Ae. albopictus to adapt to new environments and its involvement in disease transmission make the surveillance and control of this species particularly important.},
}

@article {pmid39194189,
year = {2024},
author = {Miao, Y-h and Dou, W-h and Liu, J and Huang, D-w and Xiao, J-h},
title = {Single-cell transcriptome sequencing reveals that Wolbachia induces gene expression changes in Drosophila ovary cells to favor its own maternal transmission.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0147324},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.01473-24},
pmid = {39194189},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Wolbachia is an obligate endosymbiont that is maternally inherited and widely distributed in arthropods and nematodes. It remains in the mature eggs of female hosts over generations through multiple strategies and manipulates the reproduction system of the host to enhance its spreading efficiency. However, the transmission of Wolbachia within the host's ovaries and its effects on ovarian cells during oogenesis, have not been extensively studied. We used single-cell RNA sequencing to comparatively analyze cell-typing and gene expression in Drosophila ovaries infected and uninfected with Wolbachia. Our findings indicate that Wolbachia significantly affects the transcription of host genes involved in the extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton organization, and cytomembrane mobility in multiple cell types, which may make host ovarian cells more conducive for the transmission of Wolbachia from extracellular to intracellular. Moreover, the genes nos and orb, which are related to the synthesis of ribonucleoprotein complexes, are specifically upregulated in early germline cells of ovaries infected with Wolbachia, revealing that Wolbachia can increase the possibility of its localization to the host oocytes by enhancing the binding with host ribonucleoprotein-complex processing bodies (P-bodies). All these findings provide novel insights into the maternal transmission of Wolbachia between host ovarian cells.IMPORTANCEWolbachia, an obligate endosymbiont in arthropods, can manipulate the reproduction system of the host to enhance its maternal transmission and reside in the host's eggs for generations. Herein, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of ovaries from Drosophila melanogaster and observed the effects of Wolbachia (strain wMel) infection on different cell types to discuss the potential mechanism associated with the transmission and retention of Wolbachia within the ovaries of female hosts. It was found that the transcriptions of multiple genes in the ovary samples infected with Wolbachia are significantly altered, which possibly favors the maternal transmission of Wolbachia. Meanwhile, we also discovered that Wolbachia may flexibly regulate the expression level of specific host genes according to their needs rather than rigidly changing the expression level in one direction to achieve a more suitable living environment in the host's ovarian cells. Our findings contribute to a further understanding of the maternal transmission and possible universal effects of Wolbachia within the host.},
}

@article {pmid39181959,
year = {2024},
author = {Alkathiri, B and Lee, S and Ahn, K and Cho, YS and Youn, SY and Seo, K and Umemiya-Shirafuji, R and Xuan, X and Kwak, D and Shin, S and Lee, SH},
title = {16S rRNA metabarcoding for the identification of tick-borne bacteria in ticks in the Republic of Korea.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {19708},
pmid = {39181959},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Z-1543081-2021-22-02//Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency/ ; Z-1543081-2021-22-02//Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency/ ; 2021R1F1A1061795//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Republic of Korea ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Ticks/microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Phylogeny ; Rickettsia/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; },
abstract = {Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites that act as vectors for transmission of various pathogens. The purpose of this study was to assess tick-borne bacteria, whether pathogenic or not, in ticks distributed in Korea using 16S rRNA metabarcoding and to confirm the results by PCR. Questing ticks were collected from four provinces in Korea in 2021 using the flagging method. After pooling the DNAs from the 61 tick pools (including 372 ticks), the bacterial 16S rRNA V3-V4 hypervariable region was amplified and sequenced using the MiSeq platform. Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and the endosymbiont Wolbachia were confirmed by conventional PCR and molecular analysis. In total, 6907 ticks (534 pools) were collected and identified as belonging to five species (Haemaphysalis spp., H. longicornis, H. flava, I. nipponensis, and A. testudinarium). Through 16S rRNA metabarcoding, 240 amplicon sequence variants were identified. The dominant taxa were Rickettsiella and Coxiella. Additionally, pathogenic bacteria such as Rickettsia and Ehrlichia, endosymbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia and Spiroplasma were identified. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to confirm the presence of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, and Wolbachia in individual ticks. Overall, 352 (65.92%) of 534 pools tested positive for at least one of the screened tick-borne bacteria. Rickettsia was the most prevalent (61.42%), followed by Wolbachia (5.05%). Ehrlichia was detected in 4.86% of tested samples, whereas Bartonella was not detected. In this study, 16S rRNA metabarcoding revealed the presence of Rickettsia, Wolbachia, and Ehrlichia, in that order of abundance, while showing absence of Bartonella. These results were confirmed to exhibit the same trend as that of the conventional PCR. Therefore, large-scale screening studies based on pooling, as applied in this study, will be useful for examining novel or rare pathogens present in various hosts and vectors.},
}

Animals
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Republic of Korea
*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
*Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Ticks/microbiology
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Phylogeny
Rickettsia/genetics/isolation & purification/classification

@article {pmid39176079,
year = {2024},
author = {Mushtaq, I and Sarwar, MS and Munzoor, I},
title = {A comprehensive review of Wolbachia-mediated mechanisms to control dengue virus transmission in Aedes aegypti through innate immune pathways.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1434003},
pmid = {39176079},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {*Aedes/immunology/virology/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology/immunology ; Animals ; *Dengue Virus/immunology/physiology ; *Immunity, Innate ; *Dengue/immunology/transmission/virology ; *Mosquito Vectors/immunology/virology/microbiology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology ; Humans ; Signal Transduction/immunology ; },
abstract = {The Dengue virus (DENV), primarily spread by Aedes aegypti and also by Aedes albopictus in some regions, poses significant global health risks. Alternative techniques are urgently needed because the current control mechanisms are insufficient to reduce the transmission of DENV. Introducing Wolbachia pipientis into Ae. aegypti inhibits DENV transmission, however, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Innate immune effector upregulation, the regulation of autophagy, and intracellular competition between Wolbachia and DENV for lipids are among the theories for the mechanism of inhibition. Furthermore, mainly three immune pathways Toll, IMD, and JAK/STAT are involved in the host for the suppression of the virus. These pathways are activated by Wolbachia and DENV in the host and are responsible for the upregulation and downregulation of many genes in mosquitoes, which ultimately reduces the titer of the DENV in the host. The functioning of these immune pathways depends upon the Wolbachia, host, and virus interaction. Here, we summarize the current understanding of DENV recognition by the Ae. aegypti's immune system, aiming to create a comprehensive picture of our knowledge. Additionally, we investigated how Wolbachia regulates the activation of multiple genes associated with immune priming for the reduction of DENV.},
}

*Aedes/immunology/virology/microbiology
*Wolbachia/physiology/immunology
Animals
*Dengue Virus/immunology/physiology
*Immunity, Innate
*Dengue/immunology/transmission/virology
*Mosquito Vectors/immunology/virology/microbiology
Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology
Humans
Signal Transduction/immunology

@article {pmid39165109,
year = {2024},
author = {Gloder, G and Bourne, ME and Cuny, MAC and Verreth, C and Crauwels, S and Dicke, M and Poelman, EH and Jacquemyn, H and Lievens, B},
title = {Caterpillar-parasitoid interactions: species-specific influences on host microbiome composition.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiae115},
pmid = {39165109},
issn = {1574-6941},
abstract = {There is increasing evidence that host-parasitoid interactions can have a pronounced impact on the microbiome of host insects, but it is unclear to what extent this is caused by the host and/or parasitoid. Here, we compared the internal and external microbiome of caterpillars of Pieris brassicae and Pieris rapae parasitised by Cotesia glomerata or Cotesia rubecula with non-parasitised caterpillars. Additionally, we investigated the internal and external microbiome of the parasitoid larvae. Both internal and external bacterial densities were significantly higher for P. brassicae than P. rapae, while no differences were found between parasitised and non-parasitised caterpillars. In contrast, parasitism significantly affected the composition of the internal and external microbiome of the caterpillars and the parasitoid larvae, but the effects were dependent on the host and parasitoid species. Irrespective of host species, a Wolbachia species was exclusively found inside caterpillars parasitised by C. glomerata, as well as in the corresponding developing parasitoid larvae. Similarly, a Nosema species was abundantly present inside parasitised caterpillars and the parasitoid larvae, but this was independent of the host and the parasitoid species. We conclude that parasitism has pronounced effects on host microbiomes, but the effects depend on both the host and parasitoid species.},
}

@article {pmid39157806,
year = {2024},
author = {Kagemann, CH and Colocho, GM and Aquadro, CF},
title = {Non-ovarian Wolbachia pipientis titer correlates with fertility rescue of a Drosophila melanogaster bag of marbles hypomorph.},
journal = {microPublication biology},
volume = {2024},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39157806},
issn = {2578-9430},
support = {R01 GM095793/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD018516/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Bag of marbles (bam) is an essential gene that regulates germline stem cell maintenance and germline stem cell daughter cell differentiation in Drosophila melanogaster . When bam is partially functional (hypomorphic), the introduction of Wolbachia pipientis rescues the mutant fertility phenotype that would otherwise result in partial sterility. Infection by different W. pipientis variants results in differential rescue of the bam hypomorph fertility phenotype. We were intrigued by the varying degrees of rescue exhibited in the bam hypomorph when exposed to different W. pipientis variants, prompting us to investigate whether this phenomenon is attributable to variations in the titers of W. pipientis variants. We found no significant difference in ovarian titer between two W. pipientis variant groups, w Mel-like (low bam hypomorph fertility rescue) and w MelCS-like variants (higher bam hypomorph fertility rescue), at bam hypomorph peak fertility. However, carcass (whole flies without the ovaries) titer between w Mel-like and w MelCS-like infected bam hypomorph differed during peak fertility rescue. A positive correlation emerged between the combined titers of ovarian and carcass infections and fertility, implying a more extensive influence that extends beyond ovarian infection alone.},
}

@article {pmid39150623,
year = {2024},
author = {Gao, S and Niu, YD and Chen, L and Chen, MF and Bing, XL and Hong, XY},
title = {Transcriptomic landscapes reveal development-related physiological processes in the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae.},
journal = {Experimental & applied acarology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39150623},
issn = {1572-9702},
support = {BK20221003//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; 202310307177Y//Jiangsu Students' Platform for innovation and entrepreneurship training program/ ; 202310307177Y//Jiangsu Students' Platform for innovation and entrepreneurship training program/ ; 32372528, 32020103011//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32372528, 32020103011//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; TJ-2023-038//Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by Jiangsu Association for Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch, TSSM) is recognized as one of the most problematic spider mite pests. However, the precise gene expression patterns across its key developmental stages remain elusive. Here, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of TSSM eggs, nymphs and adult females using publicly available RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data to elucidate the overarching transcriptomic differences between these developmental stages. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis unveiled distinct separations among samples across different developmental stages, regardless of their Wolbachia infection status. Differential expression analysis revealed 4,089,2,762, and 1,282 core genes specifically enriched in eggs, nymphs, and adults, respectively. KEGG and GO enrichment analyses showed upregulation of genes in eggs are associated with proteolysis, Wnt signaling pathway, DNA transcription, RNA biosynthetic and metabolic processes, as well as protein folding, sorting, and degradation pathways. Meanwhile, nymphs exhibited increased abundance of genes related to chitin/amino sugar metabolic processes, G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways, monoatomic ion transport, and neurotransmitter transport pathways. Pathways involving sphingolipid and carbohydrate metabolic processes, proteolysis, lipid transport, and localization were particularly enriched in older females. Altogether, our findings suggest that the egg stage exhibits higher activity in cell differentiation processes, the nymph stage is more involved in chitin development, and the adult stage shows increased metabolic and reproductive activity. This study enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying TSSM development and paves the way for further research into the intricate physiological processes of TSSM.},
}

@article {pmid39135725,
year = {2024},
author = {Rohlfing, K and Grewoldt, M and Cordellier, M and Dobler, S},
title = {Evidence for feminized genetic males in a flea beetle using newly identified X-linked markers.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {e70123},
pmid = {39135725},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The equilibrium of sex ratios in sexually reproducing species is often disrupted by various environmental and genetic factors, including endosymbionts like Wolbachia. In this study, we explore the highly female-biased sex ratio observed in the flea beetle, Altica lythri, and its underlying mechanisms. Ancient hybridization events between Altica species have led to mitochondrial DNA introgression, resulting in distinct mitochondrial haplotypes that go along with different Wolbachia infections (HT1-wLytA1, HT1*- uninfected, HT2-wLytA2, and HT3-wLytB). Notably, beetles with some haplotypes exclusively produce female offspring, suggesting potential Wolbachia-induced phenomena such as feminization of genetic males. However, the observed female bias could also be a consequence of the ancient hybridization resulting in nuclear-cytoplasmic conflicts between introgressed mtDNA and nuclear genes. Through transcriptomic analysis and the program SEX-DETector, we established markers for genotypic sex differentiation for A. lythri, enabling genetic sexing via qPCR. Our findings suggest that feminization of genetic males is contributing to the skewed sex ratios, highlighting the intricate dynamics of sex determination and reproductive strategies in this flea beetle. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of genetic conflicts, endosymbionts, and sex ratios, revealing the novel phenomenon of genetic male feminization in the flea beetle A. lythri.},
}

@article {pmid39129654,
year = {2024},
author = {Mostoufi, SL and Singh, ND},
title = {Pathogen infection alters the gene expression landscape of transposable elements in Drosophila melanogaster.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {39129654},
issn = {2160-1836},
mesh = {Animals ; *DNA Transposable Elements ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Male ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {Transposable elements make up substantial proportions of eukaryotic genomes and many are thought to be remnants of ancient viral infections. Current research has begun to highlight the role transposable elements can play in the immune system response to infections. However, most of our knowledge about transposable element expression during infection is limited by the specific host and pathogen factors from each study, making it difficult to compare studies and develop broader patterns regarding the role of transposable elements during infection. Here, we use the tools and resources available in the model, Drosophila melanogaster, to analyze multiple gene expression datasets of flies subject to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. We analyzed differences in pathogen species, host genotype, host tissue, and sex to understand how these factors impact transposable element expression during infection. Our results highlight both shared and unique transposable element expression patterns between pathogens and suggest a larger effect of pathogen factors over host factors for influencing transposable element expression.},
}

Animals
*DNA Transposable Elements
*Drosophila melanogaster/genetics
Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics
Gene Expression Regulation
Male
Female
Gene Expression Profiling

@article {pmid39119885,
year = {2024},
author = {Augustijnen, H and Lucek, K},
title = {Beyond gene flow: (non)-parallelism of secondary contact in a pair of highly differentiated sibling species.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {33},
number = {17},
pages = {e17488},
doi = {10.1111/mec.17488},
pmid = {39119885},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {//Burckhardt-Bürgin foundation/ ; 310030_184934//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; PCEFP3_202869//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; //Freiwillige Akademische Gesellschaft Basel/ ; },
mesh = {*Gene Flow ; Animals ; *Butterflies/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Genetic Speciation ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; *Reproductive Isolation ; *Genetics, Population ; },
abstract = {Replicated secondary contact zones can provide insights into the barriers to gene flow that are important during speciation and can reveal to which degree secondary contact may result in similar evolutionary outcomes. Here, we studied two secondary contact zones between highly differentiated Alpine butterflies of the genus Erebia using whole-genome resequencing data. We assessed the genomic relationships between populations and species and found hybridization to be rare, with no to little current or historical introgression in either contact zone. There are large similarities between contact zones, consistent with an allopatric origin of interspecific differentiation, with no indications for ongoing reinforcing selection. Consistent with expected reduced effective population size, we further find that scaffolds related to the Z-chromosome show increased differentiation compared to the already high levels across the entire genome, which could also hint towards a contribution of the Z chromosome to species divergence in this system. Finally, we detected the presence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia, which can cause reproductive isolation between its hosts, in all E. cassioides, while it appears to be fully or largely absent in contact zone populations of E. tyndarus. We discuss how this rare pattern may have arisen and how it may have affected the dynamics of speciation upon secondary contact.},
}

*Gene Flow
Animals
*Butterflies/genetics
*Wolbachia/genetics
*Genetic Speciation
*Hybridization, Genetic
*Reproductive Isolation
*Genetics, Population

@article {pmid39119296,
year = {2024},
author = {Kang, K and Wang, L and Gong, J and Tang, Y and Wei, K},
title = {Diversity analyses of bacterial symbionts in four Sclerodermus (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) parasitic wasps, the dominant biological control agents of wood-boring beetles in China.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1439476},
pmid = {39119296},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Wasps/microbiology/physiology ; China ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Biological Control Agents ; Coleoptera/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Microbiota ; Bacteroides/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Firmicutes/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/physiology ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Sclerodermus wasps are important biocontrol agents of a class of wood borers. Bacterial symbionts influence the ecology and biology of their hosts in a variety of ways, including the formation of life-long beneficial or detrimental parasitic infections. However, only a few studies have explored the species and content of the symbionts in the Sclerodermus species.

METHODS: Here, a high-throughput sequencing study of the V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene revealed a high level of microbial variety in four Sclerodermus waps, and their diversities and functions were also predicted.

RESULTS: The three most prevalent phyla of microorganisms in the sample were Firmicutes, Bacteroides, and Proteus. The KEEG pathways prediction results indicated that the three pathways with the highest relative abundances in the S. sichuanensis species were translation, membrane transport, and nucleotide metabolism. These pathways differed from those observed in S. guani, S. pupariae, and S. alternatusi, which exhibited carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport, and amino acid metabolism, respectively. Bacteroides were found to be abundant in several species, whereas Wolbachia was the most abundant among S. sichuanensis, with a significant negative correlation between temperature and carriage rate.

CONCLUSIONS: These results offer insights into the microbial communities associated with the bethylid wasps, which is crucial for understanding how to increase the reproductive capacity of wasps, enhance their parasitic effects, and lower cost in biocontrol.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Wasps/microbiology/physiology
China
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Biological Control Agents
Coleoptera/microbiology
Phylogeny
Microbiota
Bacteroides/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Firmicutes/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/physiology
Biodiversity

@article {pmid39109809,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, Q and Ji, R and Zi, H and Sun, W and Zhang, Y and Wu, X and Long, Y and Yang, Y},
title = {Life history parameters of Ectropis grisescens (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) in different Wolbachia infection states.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toae174},
pmid = {39109809},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {32371581//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021YFD1601105//National Key Research and Development/ ; 2023n06020060//Anhui Key Research and Development/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, a prevalent intracellular symbiotic bacterium in insects, plays a significant role in insect biology. Ectropis grisescens (Warren; Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a devastating chewing pest distributed in tea plantations throughout China. However, it is unclear how Wolbachia titers affect the fitness and reproduction of E. grisescens. In this study, the impacts of 3 different infection lines, naturally Wolbachia-infected, Wolbachia-uninfected, and Wolbachia transinfected, regarding the life history traits of E. grisescens, were evaluated using the age-stage, 2-sex life table. Wolbachia infection significantly shortened preadult duration and preoviposition periods and notably increased the fecundity, net reproductive rate, and finite rate of increase. Meanwhile, population projection indicated that E. grisescens population size with Wolbachia infection can increase faster than without. These results indicate that Wolbachia plays a regulatory role in the fitness of E. grisescens. It is also noted that the life history parameters of E. grisescens may positively correlate with Wolbachia titers. These findings could aid in pest management in tea gardens.},
}

@article {pmid39107710,
year = {2024},
author = {Chow, JY and Geng, L and Bansal, S and Dickens, BSL and Ng, LC and Hoffmann, AA and Lim, JT},
title = {Evaluating quasi-experimental approaches for estimating epidemiological efficacy of non-randomised field trials: applications in Wolbachia interventions for dengue.},
journal = {BMC medical research methodology},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {170},
pmid = {39107710},
issn = {1471-2288},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; *Dengue/prevention & control/epidemiology ; Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/virology ; Humans ; Brazil/epidemiology ; Singapore/epidemiology ; Malaysia/epidemiology ; Incidence ; Mosquito Control/methods ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Pest Control, Biological/methods/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia symbiosis in Aedes aegypti is an emerging biocontrol measure against dengue. However, assessing its real-world efficacy is challenging due to the non-randomised, field-based nature of most intervention studies. This research re-evaluates the spatial-temporal impact of Wolbachia interventions on dengue incidence using a large battery of quasi-experimental methods and assesses each method's validity.

METHODS: A systematic search for Wolbachia intervention data was conducted via PUBMED. Efficacy was reassessed using commonly-used quasi-experimental approaches with extensive robustness checks, including geospatial placebo tests and a simulation study. Intervention efficacies across multiple study sites were computed using high-resolution aggregations to examine heterogeneities across sites and study periods. We further designed a stochastic simulation framework to assess the methods' ability to estimate intervention efficacies (IE).

RESULTS: Wolbachia interventions in Singapore, Malaysia, and Brazil significantly decreased dengue incidence, with reductions ranging from 48.17% to 69.19%. IEs varied with location and duration. Malaysia showed increasing efficacy over time, while Brazil exhibited initial success with subsequent decline, hinting at operational challenges. Singapore's strategy was highly effective despite partial saturation. Simulations identified Synthetic Control Methods (SCM) and its variant, count Synthetic Control Method (cSCM), as superior in precision, with the smallest percentage errors in efficacy estimation. These methods also demonstrated robustness in placebo tests.

CONCLUSIONS: Wolbachia interventions exhibit consistent protective effects against dengue. SCM and cSCM provided the most precise and robust estimates of IEs, validated across simulated and real-world settings.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology
*Dengue/prevention & control/epidemiology
Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/virology
Humans
Brazil/epidemiology
Singapore/epidemiology
Malaysia/epidemiology
Incidence
Mosquito Control/methods
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
Symbiosis
Pest Control, Biological/methods/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid39107546,
year = {2024},
author = {Durand, S and Pigeault, R and Giraud, I and Loisier, A and Bech, N and Grandjean, F and Rigaud, T and Peccoud, J and Cordaux, R},
title = {Temporal stability of sex ratio distorter prevalence in natural populations of the isopod Armadillidium vulgare.},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39107546},
issn = {1365-2540},
support = {ANR-15-CE32-0006//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-15-CE32-0006//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-20-CE02-0004//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; },
abstract = {In the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare, many females produce progenies with female-biased sex ratios due to two feminizing sex ratio distorters (SRD): Wolbachia endosymbionts and a nuclear non-mendelian locus called the f element. To investigate the potential impact of these SRD on the evolution of host sex determination, we analyzed their temporal distribution in six A. vulgare populations sampled between 2003 and 2017, for a total of 29 time points. SRD distribution was heterogeneous among populations despite their close geographic locations, so that when one SRD was frequent in a population, the other SRD was rare. In contrast with spatial heterogeneity, our results overall did not reveal substantial temporal variability in SRD prevalence within populations, suggesting equilibria in SRD evolutionary dynamics may have been reached or nearly so. Temporal stability was also generally reflected in mitochondrial and nuclear variation. Nevertheless, in a population, a Wolbachia strain replacement coincided with changes in mitochondrial composition but no change in nuclear composition, thus constituting a typical example of mitochondrial sweep caused by endosymbiont rise in frequency. Rare incongruence between Wolbachia strains and mitochondrial haplotypes suggested the occurrence of intraspecific horizontal transmission, making it a biologically relevant parameter for Wolbachia evolutionary dynamics in A. vulgare. Overall, our results provide an empirical basis for future studies on SRD evolutionary dynamics in the context of multiple sex determination factors co-existing within a single species, to ultimately evaluate the impact of SRD on the evolution of host sex determination mechanisms and sex chromosomes.},
}

@article {pmid39106844,
year = {2024},
author = {Sarasombath, PT and Sitthinamsuwan, P and Wijit, S and Panyasu, K and Roongruanchai, K and Silpa-Archa, S and Suwansirikul, M and Chortrakarnkij, P and Ruenchit, P and Preativatanyou, K and Wongkamchai, S},
title = {Integrated Histological and Molecular Analysis of Filarial Species and Associated Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Human Filariasis Cases Presenting Atypically in Thailand.},
journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4269/ajtmh.24-0147},
pmid = {39106844},
issn = {1476-1645},
abstract = {Atypical presentations of filariasis have posed diagnostic challenges due to the complexity of identifying the causative species and the difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we present the integrative histological and molecular analysis of seven atypical filariasis cases observed in regions of nonendemicity of Thailand. All filariasis cases were initially diagnosed based on histological findings. To confirm the causative species, molecular characterization based on both filarial mitochondrial (mt 12S rRNA and COI genes) and nuclear ITS1 markers was performed, together with the identification of associated Wolbachia bacterial endosymbionts. Among the cases studied, Brugia pahangi (N = 3), Brugia malayi (N = 1), Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis" (N = 2), and a suspected novel filarial species genetically related to Pelecitus copsychi (N = 1) were identified. By targeting the 16S rRNA gene, Wolbachia was also molecularly amplified in two cases of infection with Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis." Phylogenetic analysis further revealed that the detected Wolbachia could be classified into supergroups C and F, indicating the high genetic diversity of this endosymbiont in Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis." Furthermore, this study demonstrates the consistency between histological findings and species identification based on mitochondrial loci rather than on the nuclear ITS1. This suggests the utility of mitochondrial markers, particularly COI, as a highly sensitive and reliable diagnostic tool for the detection and differentiation of filarial species in clinical specimens. Precise identification of the causative species will facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment and is also essential for the development of epidemiological and preventive strategies for filariasis.},
}

@article {pmid39106433,
year = {2024},
author = {Tan, Y and Aravind, L and Zhang, D},
title = {Genomic Underpinnings of Cytoplasmic Incompatibility: CIF Gene-Neighborhood Diversification Through Extensive Lateral Transfers and Recombination in Wolbachia.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {39106433},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {//Saint Louis University/ ; //Intramural Research Program of the NIH/ ; /LM/NLM NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Recombination, Genetic ; Evolution, Molecular ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Bacterial ; Cytoplasm/genetics ; Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), a non-Mendelian genetic phenomenon, involves the manipulation of host reproduction by Wolbachia, a maternally transmitted alphaproteobacterium. The underlying mechanism is centered around the CI Factor (CIF) system governed by two genes, cifA and cifB, where cifB induces embryonic lethality, and cifA counteracts it. Recent investigations have unveiled intriguing facets of this system, including diverse cifB variants, prophage association in specific strains, copy number variation, and rapid component divergence, hinting at a complex evolutionary history. We utilized comparative genomics to systematically classify CIF systems, analyze their locus structure and domain architectures, and reconstruct their diversification and evolutionary trajectories. Our new classification identifies ten distinct CIF types, featuring not just versions present in Wolbachia, but also other intracellular bacteria, and eukaryotic hosts. Significantly, our analysis of CIF loci reveals remarkable variability in gene composition and organization, encompassing an array of diverse endonucleases, variable toxin domains, deubiquitinating peptidases (DUBs), prophages, and transposons. We present compelling evidence that the components within the loci have been diversifying their sequences and domain architectures through extensive, independent lateral transfers and interlocus recombination involving gene conversion. The association with diverse transposons and prophages, coupled with selective pressures from host immunity, likely underpins the emergence of CIF loci as recombination hotspots. Our investigation also posits the origin of CifB-REase domains from mobile elements akin to CR (Crinkler-RHS-type) effectors and Tribolium Medea1 factor, which is linked to another non-Mendelian genetic phenomenon. This comprehensive genomic analysis offers novel insights into the molecular evolution and genomic foundations of Wolbachia-mediated host reproductive control.},
}

*Wolbachia/genetics
*Gene Transfer, Horizontal
*Recombination, Genetic
Evolution, Molecular
Phylogeny
Genome, Bacterial
Cytoplasm/genetics
Animals
Bacterial Proteins/genetics

@article {pmid39105274,
year = {2024},
author = {Lim, JT and Mailepessov, D and Chong, CS and Dickens, B and Lai, YL and Ng, Y and Deng, L and Lee, C and Tan, LY and Chain, G and Ho, SH and Chang, CC and Ma, P and Bansal, S and Lee, V and Sim, S and Tan, CH and Ng, LC},
title = {Assessing Wolbachia-mediated Sterility for Dengue Control: Emulation of a Cluster Randomized Target Trial in Singapore.},
journal = {Journal of travel medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jtm/taae103},
pmid = {39105274},
issn = {1708-8305},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Matings between male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with wAlbB strain of Wolbachia and wildtype females yield non-viable eggs. We evaluated the efficacy of releasing wAlbB-infected Ae. aegypti male mosquitoes to suppress dengue.

METHODS: We specified the protocol of a two-arm cluster-randomized test-negative controlled trial (cRCT) and emulated it using a nationally representative test-negative/positive database of individuals reporting for febrile illness to any public hospital, general practitioner or polyclinic. We retrospectively built a cohort of individuals who reside in Wolbachia locations versus a comparator control group who do not reside in Wolbachia locations, using a nationally representative database of all individuals whom report for febrile illness and were tested for dengue at the Environmental Health Institute/hospital laboratories/commercial diagnostic laboratories, through general practitioner clinic, polyclinic or public/private hospital from EW1 2019-EW 262022. We emulated a constrained randomization protocol used in cRCTs to balance dengue risk between intervention and control arms in the pre-intervention period. We used the inverse-probability weighting approach to further balance the intervention and control groups using a battery of algorithmically selected sociodemographic, environmental and anthropogenic variables. Intention-to-treat analyses was conducted to estimate the risk reduction of dengue given Wolbachia exposure.

RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analyses revealed that, compared with controls, Wolbachia releases for 3, 6, 12 or more months was associated to 47%(95%CI:25-69%), 44%(33-77%) and 61%(38-78%) protective efficacy against dengue, respectively. When exposed to 12 or more months of Wolbachia releases, protective efficacies ranged from 49%(13-72%) to 77%(60-94%) across years. The proportion of virologically confirmed dengue cases was lower overall in the intervention arm. Protective efficacies were found across all years, age and sex subgroups, with higher durations of Wolbachia exposure associated to greater risk reductions of dengue.

CONCLUSION: Results demonstrated that Wolbachia-mediated sterility can strengthen dengue control in tropical cities, where dengue burden is the greatest.},
}

@article {pmid39102421,
year = {2024},
author = {Kilpatrick, AM and Seidl, CM and Ipsaro, IJ and Garrison, CE and Fabbri, G and Howell, PI and McGowan, AG and White, BJ and Mitchell, SN},
title = {Transinfection of Wolbachia wAlbB into Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes does not alter vector competence for Hawaiian avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum GRW4).},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {20},
number = {8},
pages = {e1012052},
pmid = {39102421},
issn = {1553-7374},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; Aedes/microbiology ; *Culex/microbiology/parasitology ; Hawaii ; *Malaria, Avian/transmission ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/parasitology ; *Plasmodium ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; },
abstract = {Avian malaria is expanding upslope with warmer temperatures and driving multiple species of Hawaiian birds towards extinction. Methods to reduce malaria transmission are urgently needed to prevent further declines. Releasing Wolbachia-infected incompatible male mosquitoes could suppress mosquito populations and releasing Wolbachia-infected female mosquitoes (or both sexes) could reduce pathogen transmission if the Wolbachia strain reduced vector competence. We cleared Culex quinquefasciatus of their natural Wolbachia pipientis wPip infection and transinfected them with Wolbachia wAlbB isolated from Aedes albopictus. We show that wAlbB infection was transmitted transovarially, and demonstrate cytoplasmic incompatibility with wild-type mosquitoes infected with wPip from Oahu and Maui, Hawaii. We measured vector competence for avian malaria, Plasmodium relictum, lineage GRW4, of seven mosquito lines (two with wAlbB; three with natural wPip infection, and two cleared of Wolbachia infection) by allowing them to feed on canaries infected with recently collected field isolates of Hawaiian P. relictum. We tested 73 groups (Ntotal = 1176) of mosquitoes for P. relictum infection in abdomens and thoraxes 6-14 days after feeding on a range of parasitemias from 0.028% to 2.49%, as well as a smaller subset of salivary glands. We found no measurable effect of Wolbachia on any endpoint, but strong effects of parasitemia, days post feeding, and mosquito strain on both abdomen and thorax infection prevalence. These results suggest that releasing male wAlbB-infected C. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes could suppress wPip-infected mosquito populations, but would have little positive or negative impact on mosquito vector competence for P. relictum if wAlbB became established in local mosquito populations. More broadly, the lack of Wolbachia effects on vector competence we observed highlights the variable impacts of both native and transinfected Wolbachia infections in mosquitoes.},
}

Animals
Female
Male
Aedes/microbiology
*Culex/microbiology/parasitology
Hawaii
*Malaria, Avian/transmission
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/parasitology
*Plasmodium
*Wolbachia/physiology

@article {pmid39097980,
year = {2024},
author = {Bilgo, E and Mancini, MV and Gnambani, JE and Dokpomiwa, HAT and Murdochy, S and Lovett, B and St Leger, R and Sinkins, SP and Diabate, A},
title = {Wolbachia confers protection against the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium pingshaense in African Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {e13316},
pmid = {39097980},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {202888/Z/16/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; AV/PP0025/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; /WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 108508/Z/15/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 226166/Z/22/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Metarhizium/physiology ; *Aedes/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Pest Control, Biological ; Burkina Faso ; Mosquito Control/methods ; Fertility ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Female ; Longevity ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi represent promising alternatives to chemical insecticides to respond to the rapid increase of insecticide resistance and vector-borne disease outbreaks. This study investigated the interaction of two strains of Wolbachia, wAlbB and wAu, with the natural entomopathogenic fungi from Burkina Faso Metarhizium pingshaense, known to be lethal against Anopheles mosquitoes. In addition to showing the potential of Metarhizium against African Aedes aegypti wild-type populations, our study shows that the wAlbB and wAu provide a protective advantage against entomopathogenic fungal infections. Compared to controls, fungal-infected wAu and wAlbB-carrying mosquitoes showed higher longevity, without any significant impact on fecundity and fertility phenotypes. This study provides new insights into the complex multipartite interaction among the mosquito host, the Wolbachia endosymbiont and the entomopathogenic fungus that might be employed to control mosquito populations. Future research should investigate the fitness costs of Wolbachia, as well as its spread and prevalence within mosquito populations. Additionally, evaluating the impact of Wolbachia on interventions involving Metarhizium pingshaense through laboratory and semi-field population studies will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of this combined approach.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics
Animals
*Metarhizium/physiology
*Aedes/microbiology
Symbiosis
Pest Control, Biological
Burkina Faso
Mosquito Control/methods
Fertility
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
Female
Longevity

@article {pmid39097253,
year = {2024},
author = {Pandey, GS and Manandhar, P and Shrestha, BK and Sadaula, A and Hayashi, N and Abdelbaset, AE and Silwal, P and Tsubota, T and Kwak, ML and Nonaka, N and Nakao, R},
title = {Detection and characterization of vector-borne parasites and Wolbachia endosymbionts in greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Nepal.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {258},
number = {},
pages = {107344},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107344},
pmid = {39097253},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/isolation & purification/genetics ; Nepal ; *Perissodactyla/microbiology/parasitology ; *Symbiosis ; Male ; Theileria/isolation & purification/genetics ; Female ; Vector Borne Diseases ; Filarioidea/isolation & purification/genetics/microbiology ; Filariasis/veterinary/parasitology/transmission/epidemiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Prevalence ; Disease Vectors ; },
abstract = {Vector-borne parasite infections affect both domestic and wild animals. They are often asymptomatic but can result in fatal outcomes under natural and human-induced stressors. Given the limited availability of molecular data on vector-borne parasites in Rhinoceros unicornis (greater one-horned rhinoceros), this study employed molecular tools to detect and characterize the vector-borne parasites in rescued rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Whole blood samples were collected from thirty-six R. unicornis during rescue and treatment operations. Piroplasmida infections were first screened using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 18S ribosomal RNA gene. Wolbachia was detected by amplifying 16S rRNA gene, while filarial nematodes were detected through amplification of 28S rRNA, COI, myoHC and hsp70 genes. Our results confirmed the presence of Theileria bicornis with a prevalence of 75% (27/36) having two previously unreported haplotypes (H8 and H9). Wolbachia endosymbionts were detected in 25% (9/36) of tested samples and belonged to either supergroup C or F. Filarial nematodes of the genera Mansonella and Onchocerca were also detected. There were no significant association between T. bicornis infections and the age, sex, or location from which the animals were rescued. The high prevalence of Theileria with novel haplotypes along with filarial parasites has important ecological and conservational implications and highlights the need to implement parasite surveillance programs for wildlife in Nepal. Further studies monitoring vector-borne pathogens and interspecies transmission among wild animals, livestock and human are required.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/isolation & purification/genetics
Nepal
*Perissodactyla/microbiology/parasitology
*Symbiosis
Male
Theileria/isolation & purification/genetics
Female
Vector Borne Diseases
Filarioidea/isolation & purification/genetics/microbiology
Filariasis/veterinary/parasitology/transmission/epidemiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Phylogeny
Prevalence
Disease Vectors

@article {pmid39094393,
year = {2024},
author = {Turco, S and Brugneti, F and Giubilei, I and Silvestri, C and Petrović, M and Drais, MI and Cristofori, V and Speranza, S and Mazzaglia, A and Contarini, M and Rossini, L},
title = {A bud's life: Metabarcoding analysis to characterise hazelnut big buds microbiome biodiversity.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {287},
number = {},
pages = {127851},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2024.127851},
pmid = {39094393},
issn = {1618-0623},
mesh = {*Corylus/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Animals ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; *Biodiversity ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Mites/microbiology ; Plant Tumors/microbiology ; Fusarium/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {Despite Corylus avellana L. being an economically important shrub species known for its resilience to adverse environmental conditions, it constantly faces attacks from a plethora of biotic entities. Among these, the mite pest Phytoptus avellanae is gaining importance, causing economic losses every year. This mite colonises the new generative and vegetative buds, leading them to become swollen and reddish, and drastically reducing hazelnut production. The biology behind gall formation is still poorly understood. This study provides a qualitative and quantitative description of the microbiome in both healthy and infested buds of two economically important hazelnut cultivars through metabarcoding of fungal ITS and bacterial 16 S. Potentially pathogenic genera such as Fusarium and Pseudomonas were predominant in the infested buds, along with the obligate intracellular bacterial genus Wolbachia. Akanthomyces muscarius was instead isolated from culture-based methods only from the infested buds. These findings could improve the understanding of gall ecology, supporting the management of mite populations, and they could also serve as a milestone for further studies on low-impact, monitoring-driven, and genetically targeted control strategies.},
}

*Corylus/microbiology
*Microbiota
Animals
*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
*Biodiversity
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Mites/microbiology
Plant Tumors/microbiology
Fusarium/genetics/classification/isolation & purification

@article {pmid39091298,
year = {2024},
author = {Behrmann, LV and Meier, K and Vollmer, J and Chiedu, CC and Schiefer, A and Hoerauf, A and Pfarr, K},
title = {In vitro extracellular replication of Wolbachia endobacteria.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1405287},
pmid = {39091298},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Obligate intracellular endobacteria of the genus Wolbachia are widespread in arthropods and several filarial nematodes. Control programs for vector-borne diseases (dengue, Zika, malaria) and anti-filarial therapy with antibiotics are based on this important endosymbiont. Investigating Wolbachia, however, is impeded by the need for host cells. In this study, the requirements for Wolbachia wAlbB growth in a host cell-free in vitro culture system were characterized via qPCRs. A cell lysate fraction from Aedes albopictus C6/36 insect cells containing cell membranes and medium with fetal bovine serum were identified as requisite for cell-free replication of Wolbachia. Supplementation with the membrane fraction of insect cell lysate increased extracellular Wolbachia replication by 4.2-fold. Replication rates in the insect cell-free culture were lower compared to Wolbachia grown inside insect cells. However, the endobacteria were able to replicate for up to 12 days and to infect uninfected C6/36 cells. Cell-free Wolbachia treated with the lipid II biosynthesis inhibitor fosfomycin had an enlarged phenotype, seen previously for intracellular Wolbachia in C6/36 cells, indicating that the bacteria were unable to divide. In conclusion, we have developed a cell-free culture system in which Wolbachia replicate for up to 12 days, providing an in vitro tool to elucidate the biology of these endobacteria, e.g., cell division by using compounds that may not enter the C6/36 cells. A better understanding of Wolbachia biology, and in particular host-symbiont interactions, is key to the use of Wolbachia in vector control programs and to future drug development against filarial diseases.},
}

@article {pmid39090271,
year = {2024},
author = {Jacobs, J and Nakamoto, A and Mastoras, M and Loucks, H and Mirchandani, C and Karim, L and Penunuri, G and Wanket, C and Russell, SL},
title = {Complete de novo assembly of Wolbachia endosymbiont of Drosophila willistoni using long-read genome sequencing.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {17770},
pmid = {39090271},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {R00 GM135583/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 HG012344/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; T32HG012344/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R00GM135583/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics ; Animals ; *Drosophila/microbiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; Whole Genome Sequencing/methods ; Genomics/methods ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an obligate intracellular α-proteobacterium, which commonly infects arthropods and filarial nematodes. Different strains of Wolbachia are capable of a wide range of regulatory manipulations in their diverse hosts, including the modulation of host cellular differentiation to influence host reproduction. The genetic basis for the majority of these phenotypes is unknown. The wWil strain from the neotropical fruit fly, Drosophila willistoni, exhibits a remarkably high affinity for host germline-derived cells relative to the somatic cells. This trait could be leveraged for understanding how Wolbachia influences the host germline and for controlling host populations in the field. To further the use of this strain in biological and biomedical research, we sequenced the genome of the wWil strain isolated from host cell culture cells. Here, we present the first high quality Nanopore assembly of wWil, the Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. willistoni. Our assembly resulted in a circular genome of 1.27 Mb with a BUSCO completeness score of 99.7%. Consistent with other insect-associated Wolbachia strains, comparative genomic analysis revealed that wWil has a highly mosaic genome relative to the closely related wMel and wAu strains from Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans, respectively.},
}

*Wolbachia/genetics
Animals
*Drosophila/microbiology/genetics
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Genome, Bacterial
Phylogeny
Whole Genome Sequencing/methods
Genomics/methods

@article {pmid39084490,
year = {2024},
author = {Yadav, P and Borges, RM},
title = {Oviposition decisions under environment-induced physiological stress in parasitoids.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {65},
number = {},
pages = {101240},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2024.101240},
pmid = {39084490},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; *Oviposition ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; Environment ; Female ; },
abstract = {Parasitoids constantly evaluate their environment to optimise oviposition host utilisation based on their life history parameters and host characteristics, including density. Any factors impairing chemosensory perception, learning and memory of oviposition decisions negatively impact fitness. In the Anthropocene, stressors, for example, elevated temperatures, Wolbachia infection (likely modulated by temperature), pesticides, light pollution and water deficits in plants that provide resources for parasitoid hosts, impact parasitoid oviposition. Such physiological stressors often induce superparasitism since parasitoids are unable to remember prior oviposition on hosts or cause impaired offspring sex ratio. While the effect of these stressors on parasitoid oviposition has been examined individually, their combined effects remain unexplored. Since parasitoids are exposed to these stressors simultaneously, future work must examine their cumulative impact.},
}

Animals
*Oviposition
*Stress, Physiological
*Host-Parasite Interactions
Environment
Female

@article {pmid39083579,
year = {2024},
author = {Crawford, JE},
title = {Virus-blocking mosquitoes take flight in the fight against dengue.},
journal = {Science robotics},
volume = {9},
number = {92},
pages = {eadr0224},
doi = {10.1126/scirobotics.adr0224},
pmid = {39083579},
issn = {2470-9476},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dengue/prevention & control/transmission ; *Dengue Virus/physiology ; *Mosquito Vectors/virology ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; *Aedes/virology/microbiology/physiology ; Humans ; Wolbachia/physiology ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Aircraft ; Robotics/instrumentation ; Culicidae/virology/physiology ; },
abstract = {Drone-based mosquito releases facilitate the introduction of dengue-blocking bacteria in wild mosquito populations.},
}

Animals
*Dengue/prevention & control/transmission
*Dengue Virus/physiology
*Mosquito Vectors/virology
*Mosquito Control/methods
*Aedes/virology/microbiology/physiology
Humans
Wolbachia/physiology
Pest Control, Biological/methods
Aircraft
Robotics/instrumentation
Culicidae/virology/physiology

@article {pmid39083575,
year = {2024},
author = {Lin, YH and Joubert, DA and Kaeser, S and Dowd, C and Germann, J and Khalid, A and Denton, JA and Retski, K and Tavui, A and Simmons, CP and O'Neill, SL and Gilles, JRL},
title = {Field deployment of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti using uncrewed aerial vehicle.},
journal = {Science robotics},
volume = {9},
number = {92},
pages = {eadk7913},
doi = {10.1126/scirobotics.adk7913},
pmid = {39083575},
issn = {2470-9476},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Indonesia ; Female ; Dengue/prevention & control/transmission ; Humans ; Robotics/instrumentation ; Male ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; },
abstract = {Over the past 50 years, there has been a marked increase in diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika. The World Mosquito Program (WMP) has developed an approach that, instead of attempting to eliminate vector species, introduces Wolbachia into native Aedes aegypti populations through the release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes. Using this approach, a randomized controlled study recently demonstrated a 77% reduction in dengue across a treatment area within Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Existing release methods use the ground-based release of mosquito eggs or adults that are labor-intensive, are logistically challenging to scale up, and can be restrictive in areas where staff safety is a concern. To overcome these limitations, we developed a fully automated mosquito dosing release system that released smaller cohorts of mosquitoes over a wide area and integrated it into an uncrewed aerial vehicle. We established the effectiveness of this system using an aerial mark, release, and recapture approach. We then demonstrated that using only the aerial release method, we can establish Wolbachia infection in a naive Ae. aegypti population. In both cases, the use of aerial releases demonstrated comparable outcomes to ground-based releases without the required labor or risk. These two trials demonstrated the feasibility of using an aerial release approach for large-scale mosquito releases.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/microbiology
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Mosquito Control/methods
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
Indonesia
Female
Dengue/prevention & control/transmission
Humans
Robotics/instrumentation
Male
Pest Control, Biological/methods

@article {pmid39079670,
year = {2024},
author = {Owashi, Y and Arai, H and Adachi-Hagimori, T and Kageyama, D},
title = {Rickettsia induces strong cytoplasmic incompatibility in a predatory insect.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {291},
number = {2027},
pages = {20240680},
pmid = {39079670},
issn = {1471-2954},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rickettsia/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Female ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; Male ; Cytoplasm ; Wolbachia/physiology ; },
abstract = {Rickettsia, a group of intracellular bacteria found in eukaryotes, exhibits diverse lifestyles, with some acting as vertebrate pathogens transmitted by arthropod vectors and others serving as maternally transmitted arthropod endosymbionts, some of which manipulate host reproduction for their own benefit. Two phenotypes, namely male-killing and parthenogenesis induction are known as Rickettsia-induced host reproductive manipulations, but it remains unknown whether Rickettsia can induce other types of host manipulation. In this study, we discovered that Rickettsia induced strong cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), in which uninfected females produce no offspring when mated with infected males, in the predatory insect Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae). Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Rickettsia strain was related to Rickettsia bellii, a common insect endosymbiont. Notably, this strain carried plasmid-encoded homologues of the CI-inducing factors (namely cifA-like and cifB-like genes), typically found in Wolbachia, which are well-known CI-inducing endosymbionts. Protein domain prediction revealed that the cifB-like gene encodes PD-(D/E)XK nuclease and deubiquitinase domains, which are responsible for Wolbachia-induced CI, as well as ovarian tumour-like (OTU-like) cysteine protease and ankyrin repeat domains. These findings suggest that Rickettsia and Wolbachia endosymbionts share underlying mechanisms of CI and that CI-inducing ability was acquired by microbes through horizontal plasmid transfer.},
}

Animals
*Rickettsia/physiology
*Symbiosis
Female
*Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology
*Phylogeny
Male
Cytoplasm
Wolbachia/physiology

@article {pmid39077840,
year = {2024},
author = {Duran-Ahumada, S and Karrer, L and Cheng, C and Roeske, I and Pilchik, J and Jimenez-Vallejo, D and Smith, E and Roy, K and Kirstein, OD and Martin-Park, A and Contreras-Perera, Y and Che-Mendoza, A and Gonzalez-Olvera, G and Puerta-Guardo, HN and Uribe-Soto, SI and Manrique-Saide, P and Vazquez-Prokopec, G},
title = {Wolbachia pipientis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) mediated effects on the fitness and performance of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) under variable temperatures and initial larval densities.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {61},
number = {5},
pages = {1155-1167},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjae088},
pmid = {39077840},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {00116467//Emory University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/growth & development/physiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Larva/growth & development/microbiology ; Female ; *Temperature ; Male ; Population Density ; Fertility ; Genetic Fitness ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia pipientis (Hertig, 1936), also referred as Wolbachia, is a bacterium present across insect taxa, certain strains of which have been demonstrated to impact the fitness and capacity to transmit viruses in mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762). Most studies examine these impacts in limited sets of environmental regimes. Here we seek to understand the impacts of environmentally relevant conditions such as larval density, temperature, and their interaction on wAlbB-infected A. aegypti. Using a factorial design, we measured wAlbB stability (relative density, post-emergence in females, and in progeny), the ability for wAlbB to induce cytoplasmic incompatibility, and bacterial effects on mosquito fitness (fecundity, fertility, and body mass) and performance (adult survival and time to pupation) across 2 temperature regimes (fluctuating and constant) and 2 initial larval densities (low and high). Fluctuating daily regimes of temperature (27 to 40 °C) led to decreased post-emergence wAlbB density and increased wAlbB density in eggs compared to constant temperature (27 °C). An increased fecundity was found in wAlbB-carrying females reared at fluctuating temperatures compared to uninfected wild-type females. wAlbB-carrying adult females showed significantly increased survival than wild-type females. Contrarily, wAlbB-carrying adult males exhibited a significantly lower survival than wild-type males. We found differential effects of assessed treatments (Wolbachia infection status, temperature, and larval density) across mosquito sexes and life stages. Taken together, our results indicate that realistic conditions may not impact dramatically the stability of wAlbB infection in A. aegypti. Nonetheless, understanding the ecological consequence of A. aegypti-wAlbB interaction is complex due to life history tradeoffs under conditions faced by natural populations.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/growth & development/physiology
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Larva/growth & development/microbiology
Female
*Temperature
Male
Population Density
Fertility
Genetic Fitness

@article {pmid39076777,
year = {2024},
author = {Frost, CL and Mitchell, R and Smith, JE and Hughes, WOH},
title = {Genotypes and phenotypes in a Wolbachia-ant symbiosis.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e17781},
pmid = {39076777},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Ants/microbiology/genetics ; *Genotype ; *Phenotype ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {The fitness effects of overt parasites, and host resistance to them, are well documented. Most symbionts, however, are more covert and their interactions with their hosts are less well understood. Wolbachia, an intracellular symbiont of insects, is particularly interesting because it is thought to be unaffected by the host immune response and to have fitness effects mostly focussed on sex ratio manipulation. Here, we use quantitative PCR to investigate whether host genotype affects Wolbachia infection density in the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex echinatior, and whether Wolbachia infection density may affect host morphology or caste determination. We found significant differences between host colonies in the density of Wolbachia infections, and also smaller intracolonial differences in infection density between host patrilines. However, the density of Wolbachia infections did not appear to affect the morphology of adult queens or likelihood of ants developing as queens. The results suggest that both host genotype and environment influence the host-Wolbachia relationship, but that Wolbachia infections carry little or no physiological effect on the development of larvae in this system.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Ants/microbiology/genetics
*Genotype
*Phenotype
Female
Male

@article {pmid39072896,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, Y and Peng, J and Li, H and Zhang, R and Chen, J and Hou, X and Yang, G},
title = {Integrating pyriproxyfen into the incompatible insect technique enhances mosquito population suppression efficiency and eliminates the risk of population replacement.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8339},
pmid = {39072896},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {82102430//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 12171112//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2020M672573//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The incompatible insect technique (IIT) has been used for Aedes mosquito population suppression to curb the transmission of dengue. However, its wide application is limited owing to the low output of male mosquitoes and the risk of population replacement from the release of fertile Wolbachia-infected females. This study aims to improve IIT efficiency for broader adoption.

RESULTS: We assessed the impact of 10% pyriproxyfen (PPF) sticky powder exposure on Wolbachia (from Culex molestus)-transinfected Aedes albopictus Guangzhou line (GUA line) (GC) mosquitoes. We found that the exposure caused chronic toxicity in adult mosquitoes without affecting the cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI)-inducing capability of males. The PPF-contaminated GC females exhibited significant sterilization and the ability to disseminate lethal doses of PPF to breeding sites. Subsequently, we conducted a field trial combining PPF with IIT aiming to suppress the Ae. albopictus population. This combined approach, termed boosted IIT (BIIT), showed a notable enhancement in population suppression efficiency. The improved efficacy of BIIT was attributed to the dispersion of PPF particles in the field via the released PPF-contaminated male mosquitoes. During the BIIT field trial, no Wolbachia wPip-positive Ae. albopictus larvae were detected, indicating the effective elimination of the risk of Wolbachia-induced population replacement. Additionally, the field trial of BIIT against Ae. albopictus resulted in the suppression of the nontarget mosquito species Culex quinquefasciatus.

CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the remarkable efficiency and feasibility of combining IIT with PPF in suppressing mosquito populations, facilitating the widespread implementation of IIT-based management of mosquito-borne diseases. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid39066296,
year = {2024},
author = {Madhav, M and Blasdell, KR and Trewin, B and Paradkar, PN and López-Denman, AJ},
title = {Culex-Transmitted Diseases: Mechanisms, Impact, and Future Control Strategies using Wolbachia.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {39066296},
issn = {1999-4915},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; Animals ; *Culex/microbiology/virology ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology ; Humans ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; },
abstract = {Mosquitoes of the Culex genus are responsible for a large burden of zoonotic virus transmission globally. Collectively, they play a significant role in the transmission of medically significant diseases such as Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile virus. Climate change, global trade, habitat transformation and increased urbanisation are leading to the establishment of Culex mosquitoes in new geographical regions. These novel mosquito incursions are intensifying concerns about the emergence of Culex-transmitted diseases and outbreaks in previously unaffected areas. New mosquito control methods are currently being developed and deployed globally. Understanding the complex interaction between pathogens and mosquitoes is essential for developing new control strategies for Culex species mosquitoes. This article reviews the role of Culex mosquitos as vectors of zoonotic disease, discussing the transmission of viruses across different species, and the potential use of Wolbachia technologies to control disease spread. By leveraging the insights gained from recent successful field trials of Wolbachia against Aedes-borne diseases, we comprehensively discuss the feasibility of using this technique to control Culex mosquitoes and the potential for the development of next generational Wolbachia-based control methods.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology
Animals
*Culex/microbiology/virology
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology
Humans
*Mosquito Control/methods

@article {pmid39057829,
year = {2024},
author = {Collado-Cuadrado, M and Alarcón-Torrecillas, C and Rodríguez-Escolar, I and Balmori-de la Puente, A and Infante González-Mohino, E and Pericacho, M and Morchón, R},
title = {Wolbachia Promotes an Anti-Angiogenic Response Using an In Vitro Model of Vascular Endothelial Cells in Relation to Heartworm Disease.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {39057829},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {//General Foundation of University of Salamanca/ ; //Margarita-Salas as postdoctoral scholarship/ ; //University of Salamanca-Banco Santander/ ; },
abstract = {Heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease responsible for the infection of mainly domestic dogs and cats, or these are those for which the most data are known. Humans are an accidental host where a benign, asymptomatic pulmonary nodule may originate. Dirofilaria immitis also harbours the endosymbiont bacteria of the genus Wolbachia, which play a role in moulting, embryogenesis, inflammatory pathology, and immune response. When Wolbachia sp. is released into the bloodstream, endothelial and pulmonary damage is exacerbated, further encouraging thrombus formation and pulmonary hypertension, facilitating congestive heart failure and death of the animal. Previous studies have shown that parasite excretory/secretory products are able to activate the pro-angiogenic pathway (formation of new vessels) to facilitate parasite survival. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of Wolbachia sp. and its relationship with the cellular processes and the angiogenic pathway in a model of human endothelial cells in vitro. The use of recombinant Wolbachia Surface Protein (rWSP) showed that its stimulation exerted an anti-angiogenic effect by detecting an increase in the production of VEGFR-1/sFlt1 and sEndoglin and did not affect the production of VEGFR-2 and mEndoglin (pro-angiogenic molecules). Furthermore, it did not stimulate cell proliferation or migration, although it did negatively stimulate the formation of pseudocapillaries, slowing down this process. These cellular processes are directly related to the angiogenic pathway so, with these results, we can conclude that Wolbachia sp. is related to the stimulation of the anti-angiogenic pathway, not facilitating the survival of D. immitis in vascular endothelium.},
}

@article {pmid39057258,
year = {2024},
author = {Sakamoto, JM and Shikano, I and Rasgon, JL},
title = {Microbiomes of Two Pest Fly Species of Pennsylvania Mushroom Houses.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {39057258},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Project #PEN04912 (Accession #7006384) and Project #PEN04769 (Accession #1010032)//United States Department of Agriculture/ ; NA//Giorgi Mushroom Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Mushroom cultivation vastly improves the yield of mushrooms under optimized, controlled conditions, but may be susceptible to opportunistic colonization by pest species that can establish themselves, as well as the pathogens and pests they may transmit. Here, we describe our investigation into the bacterial communities of adult Lycoriella ingenua (Diptera: Sciaridae) and Megaselia halterata (Diptera: Phoridae) collected from button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) production houses in Pennsylvania. We collected adult flies and sequenced the hypervariable v4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA using the Illumina MiSeq. The most abundant bacterial genus detected in both species was Wolbachia, but phylogenetic analysis revealed that the infections are from different clades. Future studies include the characterization of Wolbachia infections on fly behavior and biology, comparison of microbial diversity of fly species colonizing wild mushrooms, and other microbiota that may contribute to the success of certain pest fly species.},
}

@article {pmid39054929,
year = {2024},
author = {Singh, R and Suresh, S and Fewell, JH and Harrison, JF and Linksvayer, TA},
title = {Wolbachia-infected pharaoh ant colonies have higher egg production, metabolic rate and worker survival.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {227},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.247168},
pmid = {39054929},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {IOS-1452520//National Science Foundation/ ; //National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Ants/microbiology/physiology ; Female ; *Longevity ; Oviposition/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Ovum/microbiology/physiology ; Reproduction ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a widespread maternally transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria with diverse phenotypic effects on its insect hosts, ranging from parasitic to mutualistic. Wolbachia commonly infects social insects, where it faces unique challenges associated with its host's caste-based reproductive division of labor and colony living. Here, we dissect the benefits and costs of Wolbachia infection on life-history traits of the invasive pharaoh ant, Monomorium pharaonis, which are relatively short lived and show natural variation in Wolbachia infection status between colonies. We quantified the effects of Wolbachia infection on the lifespan of queen and worker castes, the egg-laying rate of queens across queen lifespan, and the metabolic rates of whole colonies and colony members. Infected queens laid more eggs than uninfected queens but had similar metabolic rates and lifespans. Interestingly, infected workers outlived uninfected workers. At the colony level, infected colonies were more productive as a consequence of increased queen egg-laying rates and worker longevity, and infected colonies had higher metabolic rates during peak colony productivity. While some effects of infection, such as elevated colony-level metabolic rates, may be detrimental in more stressful natural conditions, we did not find any costs of infection under relatively benign laboratory conditions. Overall, our study emphasizes that Wolbachia infection can have beneficial effects on ant colony growth and worker survival in at least some environments.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Ants/microbiology/physiology
Female
*Longevity
Oviposition/physiology
Symbiosis
Ovum/microbiology/physiology
Reproduction

@article {pmid39052691,
year = {2024},
author = {Mirchandani, C and Wang, P and Jacobs, J and Genetti, M and Pepper-Tunick, E and Sullivan, WT and Corbett-Detig, R and Russell, SL},
title = {Mixed Wolbachia infections resolve rapidly during in vitro evolution.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e1012149},
pmid = {39052691},
issn = {1553-7374},
support = {R00 GM135583/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM128932/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM139595/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 HG012344/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Biological Evolution ; Drosophila simulans/microbiology ; Cell Line ; },
abstract = {The intracellular symbiont Wolbachia pipientis evolved after the divergence of arthropods and nematodes, but it reached high prevalence in many of these taxa through its abilities to infect new hosts and their germlines. Some strains exhibit long-term patterns of co-evolution with their hosts, while other strains are capable of switching hosts. This makes strain selection an important factor in symbiont-based biological control. However, little is known about the ecological and evolutionary interactions that occur when a promiscuous strain colonizes an infected host. Here, we study what occurs when two strains come into contact in host cells following horizontal transmission and infection. We focus on the faithful wMel strain from Drosophila melanogaster and the promiscuous wRi strain from Drosophila simulans using an in vitro cell culture system with multiple host cell types and combinatorial infection states. Mixing D. melanogaster cell lines stably infected with wMel and wRi revealed that wMel outcompetes wRi quickly and reproducibly. Furthermore, wMel was able to competitively exclude wRi even from minuscule starting quantities, indicating that this is a nearly deterministic outcome, independent of the starting infection frequency. This competitive advantage was not exclusive to wMel's native D. melanogaster cell background, as wMel also outgrew wRi in D. simulans cells. Overall, wRi is less adept at in vitro growth and survival than wMel and its in vivo state, revealing differences between the two strains in cellular and humoral regulation. These attributes may underlie the observed low rate of mixed infections in nature and the relatively rare rate of host-switching in most strains. Our in vitro experimental framework for estimating cellular growth dynamics of Wolbachia strains in different host species and cell types provides the first strategy for parameterizing endosymbiont and host cell biology at high resolution. This toolset will be crucial to our application of these bacteria as biological control agents in novel hosts and ecosystems.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology
Animals
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology
*Symbiosis
Biological Evolution
Drosophila simulans/microbiology
Cell Line

@article {pmid39041013,
year = {2024},
author = {Henry, LP and Fernandez, M and Wolf, S and Abhyankar, V and Ayroles, JF},
title = {Wolbachia impacts microbiome diversity and fitness-associated traits for Drosophila melanogaster in a seasonally fluctuating environment.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {e70004},
pmid = {39041013},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The microbiome contributes to many different host traits, but its role in host adaptation remains enigmatic. The fitness benefits of the microbiome often depend on ecological conditions, but theory suggests that fluctuations in both the microbiome and environment modulate these fitness benefits. Moreover, vertically transmitted bacteria might constrain the ability of both the microbiome and host to respond to changing environments. Drosophila melanogaster provides an excellent system to investigate the impacts of interactions between the microbiome and the environment. To address this question, we created field mesocosms of D. melanogaster undergoing seasonal environmental change with and without the vertically transmitted bacteria, Wolbachia pipientis. Sampling temporal patterns in the microbiome revealed that Wolbachia constrained microbial diversity. Furthermore, Wolbachia and a dominant member of the microbiome, Commensalibacter, were associated with differences in two higher-order fitness traits, starvation resistance and lifespan. Our work here suggests that the interplay between the abiotic context and microbe-microbe interactions may shape key host phenotypes that underlie adaptation to changing environments. We conclude by exploring the consequences of complex interactions between Wolbachia and the microbiome for our understanding of eco-evolutionary processes that shape host-microbiome interactions.},
}

@article {pmid39031863,
year = {2024},
author = {Lombardi, G and Lampazzi, E and Calvitti, M},
title = {Incompatible insect technique: insights on potential outcomes of releasing contaminant females: a proof of concept under semi-field conditions.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8263},
pmid = {39031863},
issn = {1526-4998},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Releasing large numbers of Aedes albopictus males, carrying the artificially introduced Wolbachia 'wPip' strain, results in a decrease in the reproductive capacity of wild females due to a phenomenon known as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). This vector control strategy is referred to as the incompatible insect technique (IIT). However, its widespread implementation faces various challenges, including the complexity of removing fertile females from the males intended for release. Here, we present the results of semi-field experiments comparing the impact of minimal female co-release on two IIT modes: unidirectional CI-based (UnCI IIT) and bidirectional CI-based (BiCI IIT), specifically targeting Ae. albopictus.

RESULTS: The contamination of 'wPip' infected females (2%) during male releases significantly weakened the overall effectiveness of IIT, emphasizing the need for thorough sex separation. Specifically, with UnCI IIT, despite the low rate of co-released females, there was a gradual rise in 'wPip' infection frequency, resulting in more compatible mating and subsequently higher rates of egg hatching. Conversely, this pattern was effectively mitigated in BiCI IIT owing to the reciprocal sterility between the wild-type and the 'wPip' infected populations.

CONCLUSION: Through an experimental approach, conducted in a semi-field setting, we have contributed to advancing scientific understanding regarding the potential outcomes of implementing the IIT strategy in the absence of a complete sexing system. The results suggest that safety measures for mitigating the potential impacts of co-released females can be tailored according to the specific type of IIT being utilized. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid39029846,
year = {2024},
author = {Mathimaran, A and Nagarajan, H and Mathimaran, A and Huang, YC and Chen, CJ and Vetrivel, U and Jeyaraman, J},
title = {Deciphering the pH-dependent oligomerization of aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase from Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi: An in vitro and in silico approaches.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {276},
number = {Pt 2},
pages = {133977},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133977},
pmid = {39029846},
issn = {1879-0003},
mesh = {*Brugia malayi/enzymology/microbiology ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Animals ; *Aspartate-Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase/metabolism/chemistry/genetics ; *Protein Multimerization ; *Wolbachia/enzymology ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; Computer Simulation ; Symbiosis ; NADP/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The enzyme aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ASDH) plays a pivotal role in the amino acid biosynthesis pathway, making it an attractive target for the development of new antimicrobial drugs due to its absence in humans. This study aims to investigate the presence of ASDH in the filarial parasite Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi (WBm) using both in vitro and in silico approaches. The size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and Native-PAGE analysis demonstrate that WBm-ASDH undergoes pH-dependent oligomerization and dimerization. To gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, the modelled monomer and dimer structures were subjected to pH-dependent dynamics simulations in various conditions. The results reveal that residues Val240, Gln161, Thr159, Tyr160, and Trp316 form strong hydrogen bond contacts in the intersurface area to maintain the structure in the dimeric form. Furthermore, the binding of NADP[+] induces conformational changes, leading to an open or closed conformation in the structure. Importantly, the binding of NADP[+] does not disturb either the dimerization or oligomerization of the protein, a finding confirmed through both in vitro and in silico analysis. These findings shed light on the structural characteristics of WBm-ASDH and offer valuable insights for the development of new inhibitors specific to WBm, thereby contributing to the development of potential therapies for filarial parasitic infections.},
}

*Brugia malayi/enzymology/microbiology
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Animals
*Aspartate-Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase/metabolism/chemistry/genetics
*Protein Multimerization
*Wolbachia/enzymology
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Computer Simulation
Symbiosis
NADP/metabolism

@article {pmid39019394,
year = {2024},
author = {Santana, TDD and Rodrigues, TM and Andrade, LA and Santos, ER and Ardisson-Araújo, DMP},
title = {Three picorna-like viruses found associated with the spider mite, Tetranychus truncatus (Acari: Tetranychidae).},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {206},
number = {},
pages = {108169},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2024.108169},
pmid = {39019394},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tetranychidae/virology ; *Picornaviridae/genetics/classification ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Viral ; },
abstract = {Herbivorous arthropods, such as mites and insects, host a variety of microorganisms that significantly influence their ecology and evolution. While insect viruses have been extensively studied, our understanding of the diversity and composition of mite viromes and the interactions with mite hosts remains limited. The Asian spider mite, Tetranychus truncatus Ehara (Acari: Tetranychidae), a major agricultural pest, has not yet been reported to harbor any viruses. Here, using publicly available RNA-Seq data, we identified and characterized three picorna-like viruses associated with T. truncatus: Tetranychus truncatus-associated iflavirus 1 (TtAIV-1), Tetranychus truncatus-associated picorna-like virus 1 (TtAV-1), and Tetranychus truncatus-associated picorna-like virus 2 (TtAV-2). TtAIV-1 has a typical Iflaviridae genome structure with a single ORF, representing the first iflavirus associated with the Tetranychus genus. TtAV-1 and TtAV-2 exhibit bicistronic arrangements similar to dicistroviruses and other picorna-like viruses, with complex secondary structures in their non-coding regions. Phylogenetic analysis places TtAIV-1 within Iflaviridae, possibly as a new species, while TtAV-1 and TtAV-2 form distinct clades within unclassified picorna-like viruses, suggesting new families within Picornavirales. We analyzed in silico the presence and abundance of these viruses in T. truncatus across four bioproject SRAs, mostly finding them co-associated, with viral reads reaching up to 30% of total reads. Their presence and abundance varied by mite treatment and origin, with no significant impact from Wolbachia infection or abamectin exposure, although TtAV-2 was absent in abamectin-treated mites. Temperature influenced virus abundance, and variations were observed among Chinese mite populations based on geography and host plant association. Our findings offer insights into picorna-like virus diversity and dynamics in T. truncatus, revealing potential roles in mite biology and suggesting applications for mite population control, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and food security.},
}

Animals
*Tetranychidae/virology
*Picornaviridae/genetics/classification
Phylogeny
Genome, Viral

@article {pmid39009178,
year = {2024},
author = {Power, RI and Doyle, SR and Šlapeta, J},
title = {Whole genome amplification and sequencing of individual Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae.},
journal = {Experimental parasitology},
volume = {263-264},
number = {},
pages = {108806},
doi = {10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108806},
pmid = {39009178},
issn = {1090-2449},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dirofilaria immitis/genetics/isolation & purification ; Dogs ; *Genome, Helminth ; *Dog Diseases/parasitology ; *Dirofilariasis/parasitology ; *Microfilariae/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Whole Genome Sequencing ; *DNA, Helminth/isolation & purification/chemistry ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {Dirofilaria immitis is a filarial parasitic nematode of veterinary significance. With the emergence of drug-resistant isolates in the USA, it is imperative to determine the likelihood of resistance occurring in other regions of the world. One approach is to conduct population genetic studies across an extensive geographical range, and to sequence the genomes of individual worms to understand genome-wide genetic variation associated with resistance. The immature life stages of D. immitis found in the host blood are more accessible and less invasive to sample compared to extracting adult stages from the host heart. To assess the use of immature life stages for population genetic analyses, we have performed whole genome amplification and whole-genome sequencing on nine (n = 9) individual D. immitis microfilaria samples isolated from dog blood. On average, less than 1% of mapped reads aligned to each D. immitis genome (nuclear, mitochondrial, and Wolbachia endosymbiont). For the dog genome, an average of over 99% of mapped reads aligned to the nuclear genome and less than 1% aligned to the mitochondrial genome. The average coverage for all D. immitis genomes and the dog nuclear genome was less than 1, while the dog mitochondrial genome had an average coverage of 2.87. The overwhelming proportion of sequencing reads mapping to the dog host genome can be attributed to residual dog blood cells in the microfilariae samples. These results demonstrate the challenges of conducting genome-wide studies on individual immature parasite life stages, particularly in the presence of extraneous host DNA.},
}

Animals
*Dirofilaria immitis/genetics/isolation & purification
Dogs
*Genome, Helminth
*Dog Diseases/parasitology
*Dirofilariasis/parasitology
*Microfilariae/genetics/isolation & purification
*Whole Genome Sequencing
*DNA, Helminth/isolation & purification/chemistry
Female
Male

@article {pmid39004260,
year = {2024},
author = {Tischer, M and Bleidorn, C},
title = {Further evidence of low infection frequencies of Wolbachia in soil arthropod communities.},
journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases},
volume = {123},
number = {},
pages = {105641},
doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105641},
pmid = {39004260},
issn = {1567-7257},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/classification ; Animals ; *Arthropods/microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; *Soil Microbiology ; Germany/epidemiology ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic Alphaproteobacteria of the genus Wolbachia are exclusively transferred maternally from mother to offspring, but horizontal transfer across species boundaries seems to be frequent as well. However, the (ecological) mechanisms of how these bacteria are transferred between distantly related arthropod hosts remain unclear. Based on the observation that species that are part of the same ecological community often also share similar Wolbachia strains, host ecology has been hypothesized as an important factor enabling transmission and a key factor in explaining the global distribution of Wolbachia lineages. In this study, we focus on the diversity and abundance of Wolbachia strains in soil arthropods, a so far rather neglected community. We screened 82 arthropod morphotypes collected in the beech forest (dominated by Fagus sp.) soil in the area of Göttingen in central Germany for the presence of Wolbachia. By performing a PCR screen with Wolbachia-MLST markers (coxA, dnaA, fbpA, ftsZ, gatB, and hcpA), we found a rather low infection frequency of 12,2%. Additionally, we performed metagenomic screening of pooled individuals from the same sampling site and could not find evidence that this low infection frequency is an artefact due to PCR-primer bias. Phylogenetic analyses of the recovered Wolbachia strains grouped them in three known supergroups (A, B, and E), with the first report of Wolbachia in Protura (Hexapoda). Moreover, Wolbachia sequences from the pseudoscorpion Neobisium carcinoides cluster outside the currently known supergroup diversity. Our screening supports results from previous studies that the prevalence of Wolbachia infections seems to be lower in soil habitats than in above-ground terrestrial habitats. The reasons for this pattern are not completely understood but might stem from the low opportunity of physical contact and the prevalence of supergroups that are less suited for horizontal transfer.},
}

*Wolbachia/genetics/classification
Animals
*Arthropods/microbiology
*Phylogeny
*Soil Microbiology
Germany/epidemiology
Multilocus Sequence Typing

@article {pmid38997103,
year = {2024},
author = {Lau, MJ and Nie, S and Ross, PA and Endersby-Harshman, NM and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Long-term impacts of egg quiescence and Wolbachia infection on lipid profiles in Aedes aegypti: Ovarian roles in lipid synthesis during reproduction.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {157},
number = {},
pages = {104674},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104674},
pmid = {38997103},
issn = {1879-1611},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/metabolism/physiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Female ; *Ovary/microbiology/metabolism ; Ovum/microbiology/metabolism ; Reproduction ; Lipids/biosynthesis ; Lipid Metabolism ; Lipidomics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium, relies on nutrients from its host to complete its life cycle. The presence of Wolbachia strain wAlbB in the mosquito Aedes aegypti during egg or larval stages affects the host's development, leading to the absence of developed and visible ovaries in adult mosquito females. In this study, we investigated the impacts of egg quiescence and Wolbachia infection on lipid profiles of adult Ae. aegypti females, and discerned the role of ovaries in lipid synthesis in the reproductive process. The lipidomes of Wolbachia infected and uninfected female individuals at various developmental stages were quantitatively analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Lipidomic change patterns were systematically further investigated in wAlbB-infected fertile females and infertile females following blood feeding. Prolonged egg quiescence induced a shortage of acyl-carnitine (CAR) and potentially impacted some molecules of diacyl-phospholipid (diacyl-PL) and sphingolipid (SL) in young adult mosquitoes. After the first gonotrophic cycle, infertile females accumulated more CAR and lyso-phospholipid (lyso-PL) than fertile females. Then in the second gonotrophic cycle, the patterns of different lipid groups remained similar between fertile and infertile females. Only a small proportion of molecules of triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (lyso-PL and diacyl-PL) and ceramide (Cer) increased exclusively in fertile females from 0 h to 16 h post blood meal, suggesting that the generation or prescence of these lipids rely on ovaries. In addition, we found cardiolipins (CL) might be impacted by Wolbachia infection at the egg stage, and infected mosquitoes also showed distinct patterns between fertile and infertile females at their second gonotrophic cycle. Our study provides new insights into the long-term influence of Wolbachia on lipid profiles throughout various life stages of mosquitoes. Additionally, it suggests a role played by ovaries in lipid synthesis during mosquito reproduction.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/metabolism/physiology
*Wolbachia/physiology
Female
*Ovary/microbiology/metabolism
Ovum/microbiology/metabolism
Reproduction
Lipids/biosynthesis
Lipid Metabolism
Lipidomics

@article {pmid38992783,
year = {2024},
author = {Klimov, PB and Hubert, J and Erban, T and Alejandra Perotti, M and Braig, HR and Flynt, A and He, Q and Cui, Y},
title = {Genomic and metagenomic analyses of the domestic mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae identify it as a widespread environmental contaminant and a host of a basal, mite-specific Wolbachia lineage (supergroup Q).},
journal = {International journal for parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.07.001},
pmid = {38992783},
issn = {1879-0135},
abstract = {Tyrophagus putrescentiae (mould mite) is a global, microscopic trophic generalist that commonly occurs in various human-created habitats, causing allergies and damaging stored food. Its ubiquity and extraordinary ability to penetrate research samples or cultures through air currents or by active walking through tights spaces (such as treads of screw caps) may lead to sample contamination and introduction of its DNA to research materials in the laboratory. This prompts a thorough investigation into potential sequence contamination in public genomic databases. The trophic success of T. putrescentiae is primarily attributed to the symbiotic bacteria housed in specialized internal mite structures, facilitating adaptation to varied nutritional niches. However, recent work suggests that horizontal transfer of bacterial/fungal genes related to nutritional functionality may also contribute to the mite's trophic versatility. This aspect requires independent confirmation. Additionally, T. putrescentiae harbors an uncharacterized and genetically divergent bacterium, Wolbachia, displaying blocking and microbiome-modifying effects. The phylogenomic position and supergroup assignment of this bacterium are unknown. Here, we sequenced and assembled the T. putrescentiae genome, analyzed its microbiome, and performed detailed phylogenomic analyses of the mite-specific Wolbachia. We show that T. putrescentiae DNA is a substantial source of contamination of research samples. Its DNA may inadvertently be co-extracted with the DNA of the target organism, eventually leading to sequence contamination in public databases. We identified a diversity of bacterial species associated with T. putrescentiae, including those capable of rapidly developing antibiotic resistance, such as Escherichia coli. Despite the presence of diverse bacterial communities in T. putrescentiae, we did not detect any recent horizontal gene transfers in this mite species and/or in astigmatid (domestic) mites in general. Our phylogenomic analysis of Wolbachia recovered a basal, mite-specific lineage (supergroup Q) represented by two Wolbachia spp. from the mould mite and a gall-inducing plant mite. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed the presence of Wolbachia inside the mould mite. The discovery of an early derivative Wolbachia lineage (supergroup Q) in two phylogenetically unrelated and ecologically dissimilar mites suggests that this endosymbiotic bacterial lineage formed a long-term association with mites. This finding provides a unique insight into the early evolution and host associations of Wolbachia. Further discoveries of Wolbachia diversity in acariform mites are anticipated.},
}

@article {pmid38985862,
year = {2024},
author = {Hoffmann, G and Lukarska, M and Clare, RH and Masters, EKG and Johnston, KL and Ford, L and Turner, JD and Ward, SA and Taylor, MJ and Jensen, MR and Palencia, A},
title = {Targeting a microbiota Wolbachian aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase to block its pathogenic host.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {10},
number = {28},
pages = {eado1453},
pmid = {38985862},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/drug effects ; Humans ; *Microbiota ; Animals ; Leucine-tRNA Ligase/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors ; Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors ; Crystallography, X-Ray ; Boron Compounds/pharmacology/chemistry ; Symbiosis ; Models, Molecular ; },
abstract = {The interplay between humans and their microbiome is crucial for various physiological processes, including nutrient absorption, immune defense, and maintaining homeostasis. Microbiome alterations can directly contribute to diseases or heighten their likelihood. This relationship extends beyond humans; microbiota play vital roles in other organisms, including eukaryotic pathogens causing severe diseases. Notably, Wolbachia, a bacterial microbiota, is essential for parasitic worms responsible for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, devastating human illnesses. Given the lack of rapid cures for these infections and the limitations of current treatments, new drugs are imperative. Here, we disrupt Wolbachia's symbiosis with pathogens using boron-based compounds targeting an unprecedented Wolbachia enzyme, leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS), effectively inhibiting its growth. Through a compound demonstrating anti-Wolbachia efficacy in infected cells, we use biophysical experiments and x-ray crystallography to elucidate the mechanism behind Wolbachia LeuRS inhibition. We reveal that these compounds form adenosine-based adducts inhibiting protein synthesis. Overall, our study underscores the potential of disrupting key microbiota to control infections.},
}

*Wolbachia/drug effects
Humans
*Microbiota
Animals
Leucine-tRNA Ligase/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors
Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors
Crystallography, X-Ray
Boron Compounds/pharmacology/chemistry
Symbiosis
Models, Molecular

@article {pmid38982550,
year = {2024},
author = {Du, CH and Xiang, R and Bie, SS and Yang, X and Yang, JH and Yao, MG and Zhang, Y and He, ZH and Shao, ZT and Luo, CF and Pu, EN and Li, YQ and Wang, F and Luo, Z and Du, CB and Zhao, J and Li, M and Cao, WC and Sun, Y and Jiang, JF},
title = {Genetic diversity and prevalence of emerging Rickettsiales in Yunnan Province: a large-scale study.},
journal = {Infectious diseases of poverty},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {54},
pmid = {38982550},
issn = {2049-9957},
support = {U200221//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2019YFC1200501//Key Technologies Research and Development Program/ ; 2022YFC2305001//Key Technologies Research and Development Program/ ; },
mesh = {China/epidemiology ; Animals ; *Genetic Variation ; *Phylogeny ; Prevalence ; *Rickettsiales/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; *Ticks/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis ; Livestock/microbiology ; Rickettsia Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary ; Rickettsia/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; Mammals/microbiology ; Humans ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Rickettsia and related diseases have been identified as significant global public health threats. This study involved comprehensive field and systematic investigations of various rickettsial organisms in Yunnan Province.

METHODS: Between May 18, 2011 and November 23, 2020, field investigations were conducted across 42 counties in Yunnan Province, China, encompassing small mammals, livestock, and ticks. Preliminary screenings for Rickettsiales involved amplifying the 16S rRNA genes, along with additional genus- or species-specific genes, which were subsequently confirmed through sequencing results. Sequence comparisons were carried out using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). Phylogenetic relationships were analyzed using the default parameters in the Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA) program. The chi-squared test was used to assess the diversities and component ratios of rickettsial agents across various parameters.

RESULTS: A total of 7964 samples were collected from small mammals, livestock, and ticks through Yunnan Province and submitted for screening for rickettsial organisms. Sixteen rickettsial species from the genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neoehrlichia, and Wolbachia were detected, with an overall prevalence of 14.72%. Among these, 11 species were identified as pathogens or potential pathogens to humans and livestock. Specifically, 10 rickettsial organisms were widely found in 42.11% (24 out of 57) of small mammal species. High prevalence was observed in Dremomys samples at 5.60%, in samples from regions with latitudes above 4000 m or alpine meadows, and in those obtained from Yuanmou County. Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis were broadly infecting multiple genera of animal hosts. In contrast, the small mammal genera Neodon, Dremomys, Ochotona, Anourosorex, and Mus were carrying individually specific rickettsial agents, indicating host tropism. There were 13 rickettsial species detected in 57.14% (8 out of 14) of tick species, with the highest prevalence (37.07%) observed in the genus Rhipicephalus. Eight rickettsial species were identified in 2375 livestock samples. Notably, six new Rickettsiales variants/strains were discovered, and Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii was unambiguously identified.

CONCLUSIONS: This large-scale survey provided further insight into the high genetic diversity and overall prevalence of emerging Rickettsiales within endemic hotspots in Yunnan Province. The potential threats posed by these emerging tick-borne Rickettsiales to public health warrant attention, underscoring the need for effective strategies to guide the prevention and control of emerging zoonotic diseases in China.},
}

China/epidemiology
Animals
*Genetic Variation
*Phylogeny
Prevalence
*Rickettsiales/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
*Ticks/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis
Livestock/microbiology
Rickettsia Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary
Rickettsia/isolation & purification/genetics/classification
Mammals/microbiology
Humans

@article {pmid38976758,
year = {2024},
author = {Lau, MJ and Valdez, AR and Jones, MJ and Aranson, I and Hoffmann, AA and McGraw, EA},
title = {The effect of repeat feeding on dengue virus transmission potential in Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti following extended egg quiescence.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {18},
number = {7},
pages = {e0012305},
pmid = {38976758},
issn = {1935-2735},
support = {R56 AI155573/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Aedes/microbiology/virology/physiology ; Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Dengue Virus/physiology ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology/physiology ; *Dengue/transmission ; Female ; *Feeding Behavior ; Viral Load ; Ovum/virology/microbiology ; },
abstract = {As Wolbachia pipientis is more widely being released into field populations of Aedes aegypti for disease control, the ability to select the appropriate strain for differing environments is increasingly important. A previous study revealed that longer-term quiescence in the egg phase reduced the fertility of mosquitoes, especially those harboring the wAlbB Wolbachia strain. This infertility was also associated with a greater biting rate. Here, we attempt to quantify the effect of this heightened biting behavior on the transmission potential of the dengue virus using a combination of assays for fitness, probing behavior, and vector competence, allowing repeat feeding, and incorporate these effects in a model of R0. We show that Wolbachia-infected infertile mosquitoes are more interested in feeding almost immediately after an initial blood meal relative to wild type and Wolbachia-infected fertile mosquitoes and that these differences continue for up to 8 days over the period we measured. As a result, the infertile Wolbachia mosquitoes have higher virus prevalence and loads than Wolbachia-fertile mosquitoes. We saw limited evidence of Wolbachia-mediated blocking in the disseminated tissue (legs) in terms of prevalence but did see reduced viral loads. Using a previously published estimate of the extrinsic incubation period, we demonstrate that the effect of repeat feeding/infertility is insufficient to overcome the effects of Wolbachia-mediated blocking on R0. These estimates are very conservative, however, and we posit that future studies should empirically measure EIP under a repeat feeding model. Our findings echo previous work where periods of extensive egg quiescence affected the reproductive success of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti. Additionally, we show that increased biting behavior in association with this infertility in Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes may drive greater vector competence. These relationships require further exploration, given their ability to affect the success of field releases of Wolbachia for human disease reduction in drier climates where longer egg quiescence periods are expected.},
}

*Aedes/microbiology/virology/physiology
Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Dengue Virus/physiology
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology/physiology
*Dengue/transmission
Female
*Feeding Behavior
Viral Load
Ovum/virology/microbiology

@article {pmid38971773,
year = {2024},
author = {Mosi, FA and Rutha, I and Velez, R and Swai, JK and Mlacha, YP and Marques, J and Silveira, H and Tarimo, BB},
title = {Effects of a blood-free mosquito diet on fitness and gonotrophic cycle parameters of laboratory reared Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {289},
pmid = {38971773},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/physiology ; Female ; *Fertility ; *Diet/veterinary ; Male ; Cattle ; Mosquito Control/methods ; Genetic Fitness ; Blood ; Mosquito Vectors/physiology/genetics ; Reproduction ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The current rise of new innovative tools for mosquito control, such as the release of transgenic mosquitoes carrying a dominant lethal gene and Wolbachia-based strategies, necessitates a massive production of mosquitoes in the insectary. However, currently laboratory rearing depends on vertebrate blood for egg production and maintenance. This practice raises ethical concerns, incurs logistical and cost limitations, and entails potential risk associated with pathogen transmission and blood storage. Consequently, an artificial blood-free diet emerges as a desirable alternative to address these challenges. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a previously formulated artificial blood-free diet (herein referred to as BLOODless) on Anopheles gambiae (An. gambiae s.s.; IFAKARA) gonotrophic parameters and fitness compared with bovine blood.

METHODS: The study was a laboratory-based comparative evaluation of the fitness, fecundity and fertility of An. gambiae s.s. (IFAKARA) reared on BLOODless versus vertebrate blood from founder generation (F0) to eighth generation (F8). A total of 1000 female mosquitoes were randomly selected from F0, of which 500 mosquitoes were fed with bovine blood (control group) and the other 500 mosquitoes were fed with BLOODless diet (experimental group). The feeding success, number of eggs per female, hatching rate and pupation rate were examined post-feeding. Longevity and wing length were determined as fitness parameters for adult male and female mosquitoes for both populations.

RESULTS: While blood-fed and BLOODless-fed mosquitoes showed similar feeding success, 92.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 89.7-94.9] versus 93.6% (95% CI 90.6-96.6), respectively, significant differences emerged in their reproductive parameters. The mean number of eggs laid per female was significantly higher for blood-fed mosquitoes (P < 0.001) whereas BLOODless-fed mosquitoes had significantly lower hatching rates [odds ratio (OR) 0.17, 95% CI 0.14-0.22, P < 0.001]. Wing length and longevity were similar between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential of the BLOODless diet as a viable and ethical alternative to vertebrate blood feeding for rearing An. gambiae s.s. This breakthrough paves the way for more efficient and ethical studies aimed at combating malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.},
}

Animals
*Anopheles/physiology
Female
*Fertility
*Diet/veterinary
Male
Cattle
Mosquito Control/methods
Genetic Fitness
Blood
Mosquito Vectors/physiology/genetics
Reproduction

@article {pmid38971524,
year = {2024},
author = {Shannon, DM and Richardson, N and Lahondère, C and Peach, D},
title = {Mosquito floral visitation and pollination.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {65},
number = {},
pages = {101230},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2024.101230},
pmid = {38971524},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; *Pollination ; *Flowers/physiology ; *Culicidae/physiology ; Cues ; },
abstract = {We often consider mosquitoes through an 'anthropocentric lens' that disregards their interactions with nonhuman and nonpathogenic organisms, even though these interactions can be harnessed for mosquito control. Mosquitoes have been recognized as floral visitors, and pollinators, for more than a century. However, we know relatively little about mosquito-plant interactions, excepting some nutrition and chemical ecology-related topics, compared with mosquito-host interactions, and frequently use flawed methodology when investigating them. Recent work demonstrates mosquitoes use multimodal sensory cues to locate flowers, including ultraviolet visual cues, and we may underestimate mosquito pollination. This review focuses on current knowledge of how mosquitoes locate flowers, floral visitation assay methodology, mosquito pollination, and implications for technologies such as sterile male mosquito release through genetic control programs or Wolbachia infection.},
}

Animals
*Pollination
*Flowers/physiology
*Culicidae/physiology
Cues

@article {pmid38969975,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, Y and Wang, H and Du, J and Wang, Y and Zang, C and Cheng, P and Liu, L and Zhang, C and Lou, Z and Lei, J and Wu, J and Gong, M and Liu, H},
title = {Population genetic structure of Culex tritaeniorhynchus in different types of climatic zones in China.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {673},
pmid = {38969975},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {81871685//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 81871685//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 81871685//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 81871685//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; tsqn202312373//Taishan Scholars Project of Shandong Province/ ; tsqn202312373//Taishan Scholars Project of Shandong Province/ ; tsqn202312373//Taishan Scholars Project of Shandong Province/ ; No.230726153807227//Ministry of Education industry-university cooperative education project/ ; No.230726153807227//Ministry of Education industry-university cooperative education project/ ; No.230726153807227//Ministry of Education industry-university cooperative education project/ ; No.230726153807227//Ministry of Education industry-university cooperative education project/ ; No.230726153807227//Ministry of Education industry-university cooperative education project/ ; No.230726153807227//Ministry of Education industry-university cooperative education project/ ; No.230726153807227//Ministry of Education industry-university cooperative education project/ ; No.230726153807227//Ministry of Education industry-university cooperative education project/ ; No.230726153807227//Ministry of Education industry-university cooperative education project/ ; No.230726153807227//Ministry of Education industry-university cooperative education project/ ; No.230726153807227//Ministry of Education industry-university cooperative education project/ ; 2019QL005//Academic promotion programme of Shandong First Medical University/ ; 2019QL005//Academic promotion programme of Shandong First Medical University/ ; 2019QL005//Academic promotion programme of Shandong First Medical University/ ; 2019QL005//Academic promotion programme of Shandong First Medical University/ ; 2019QL005//Academic promotion programme of Shandong First Medical University/ ; 2019QL005//Academic promotion programme of Shandong First Medical University/ ; 2019QL005//Academic promotion programme of Shandong First Medical University/ ; NHCKFKT2021-02//NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology/ ; NHCKFKT2021-02//NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology/ ; NHCKFKT2021-02//NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology/ ; NHCKFKT2021-02//NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology/ ; NHCKFKT2021-02//NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology/ ; NHCKFKT2021-02//NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology/ ; NHCKFKT2021-02//NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology/ ; NHCKFKT2021-02//NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology/ ; },
mesh = {*Culex/genetics/virology/microbiology ; Animals ; China ; *Phylogeny ; *Haplotypes ; Climate ; Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population ; Wolbachia/genetics ; Mosquito Vectors/genetics/virology/microbiology ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Culex tritaeniorhynchus is widely distributed in China, from Hainan Island in the south to Heilongjiang in the north, covering tropical, subtropical, and temperate climate zones. Culex tritaeniorhynchus carries 19 types of arboviruses. It is the main vector of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), posing a serious threat to human health. Understanding the effects of environmental factors on Culex tritaeniorhynchus can provide important insights into its population structure or isolation patterns, which is currently unclear.

RESULTS: In total, 138 COI haplotypes were detected in the 552 amplified sequences, and the haplotype diversity (Hd) value increased from temperate (0.534) to tropical (0.979) regions. The haplotype phylogeny analysis revealed that the haplotypes were divided into two high-support evolutionary branches. Temperate populations were predominantly distributed in evolutionary branch II, showing some genetic isolation from tropical/subtropical populations and less gene flow between groups. The neutral test results of HNQH (Qionghai) and HNHK(Haikou) populations were negative (P < 0.05), indicating many low-frequency mutations in the populations and that the populations might be in the process of expansion. Moreover, Wolbachia infection was detected only in SDJN (Jining) (2.24%), and all Wolbachia genotypes belonged to supergroup B. To understand the influence of environmental factors on mosquito-borne viruses, we examined the prevalence of Culex tritaeniorhynchus infection in three ecological environments in Shandong Province. We discovered that the incidence of JEV infection was notably greater in Culex tritaeniorhynchus from lotus ponds compared to those from irrigation canal regions. In this study, the overall JEV infection rate was 15.27 per 1000, suggesting the current risk of Japanese encephalitis outbreaks in Shandong Province.

CONCLUSIONS: Tropical and subtropical populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus showed higher genetic diversity and those climatic conditions provide great advantages for the establishment and expansion of Culex tritaeniorhynchus. There are differences in JEV infection rates in wild populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus under different ecological conditions. Our results suggest a complex interplay of genetic differentiation, population structure, and environmental factors in shaping the dynamics of Culex tritaeniorhynchus. The low prevalence of Wolbachia in wild populations may reflect the recent presence of Wolbachia invasion in Culex tritaeniorhynchus.},
}

*Culex/genetics/virology/microbiology
Animals
China
*Phylogeny
*Haplotypes
Climate
Genetic Variation
Genetics, Population
Wolbachia/genetics
Mosquito Vectors/genetics/virology/microbiology
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics

@article {pmid38969648,
year = {2024},
author = {Jia, H and Tan, S and Cai, Y and Guo, Y and Shen, J and Zhang, Y and Ma, H and Zhang, Q and Chen, J and Qiao, G and Ruan, J and Zhang, YE},
title = {Low-input PacBio sequencing generates high-quality individual fly genomes and characterizes mutational processes.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {5644},
pmid = {38969648},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {32325014//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; *DNA Transposable Elements/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Genome, Insect/genetics ; *Mutation ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; Genomics/methods ; Gene Conversion ; },
abstract = {Long-read sequencing, exemplified by PacBio, revolutionizes genomics, overcoming challenges like repetitive sequences. However, the high DNA requirement (> 1 µg) is prohibitive for small organisms. We develop a low-input (100 ng), low-cost, and amplification-free library-generation method for PacBio sequencing (LILAP) using Tn5-based tagmentation and DNA circularization within one tube. We test LILAP with two Drosophila melanogaster individuals, and generate near-complete genomes, surpassing preexisting single-fly genomes. By analyzing variations in these two genomes, we characterize mutational processes: complex transpositions (transposon insertions together with extra duplications and/or deletions) prefer regions characterized by non-B DNA structures, and gene conversion of transposons occurs on both DNA and RNA levels. Concurrently, we generate two complete assemblies for the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia in these flies and similarly detect transposon conversion. Thus, LILAP promises a broad PacBio sequencing adoption for not only mutational studies of flies and their symbionts but also explorations of other small organisms or precious samples.},
}

Animals
*Drosophila melanogaster/genetics
*DNA Transposable Elements/genetics
*Wolbachia/genetics
*Genome, Insect/genetics
*Mutation
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods
Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods
Genomics/methods
Gene Conversion

@article {pmid38957696,
year = {2024},
author = {Ross, PA and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Revisiting Wolbachia detections: Old and new issues in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and other insects.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {e11670},
pmid = {38957696},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Wolbachia continue to be reported in species previously thought to lack them, particularly Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The presence of Wolbachia in this arbovirus vector is considered important because releases of mosquitoes with transinfected Wolbachia are being used around the world to suppress pathogen transmission and these efforts depend on a lack of Wolbachia in natural populations of this species. We previously assessed papers reporting Wolbachia in natural populations of Ae. aegypti and found little evidence that seemed convincing. However, since our review, more and more papers are emerging on Wolbachia detections in this species. Our purpose here is to evaluate these papers within the context of criteria we previously established but also new criteria that include the absence of releases of transinfections within the local areas being sampled which has contaminated natural populations in at least one case where novel detections have been reported. We also address the broader issue of Wolbachia detection in other insects where similar issues may arise which can affect overall estimates of this endosymbiont more generally. We note continuing shortcomings in papers purporting to find natural Wolbachia in Ae. aegypti which are applicable to other insects as well.},
}

@article {pmid38952690,
year = {2024},
author = {de Mello, VVC and de Oliveira, LB and Coelho, TFSB and Lee, DAB and das Neves, LF and Franco, EO and Mongruel, ACB and Machado, RZ and André, MR},
title = {Diversity of Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Neorickettsia spp. in vampire bats.},
journal = {Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {100182},
pmid = {38952690},
issn = {2667-114X},
abstract = {Although bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) act as natural reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens around the world, few studies have investigated the occurrence of Anaplasmataceae agents in bats, especially vampire bats. The family Anaplasmataceae (order Rickettsiales) encompasses obligate intracellular bacteria of the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neorickettsia, Neoehrlichia, Wolbachia, and Allocryptoplasma. The present study aimed to investigate, using molecular techniques, the presence of species of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Neorickettsia in vampire bats sampled in northern Brazil. Between 2017 and 2019, spleen samples were collected from vampire bats belonging to two species, Desmodus rotundus (n = 228) from the states of Pará (n = 207), Amazonas (n = 1), Roraima (n = 18) and Amapá (n = 3), and Diaemus youngii (n = 1) from Pará. Positivity rates of 5.2% (12/229), 3% (7/229), and 10.9% (25/229) were found in PCR assays for Anaplasma spp. (16S rRNA gene), Ehrlichia spp. (dsb gene) and Neorickettsia spp. (16S rRNA gene), respectively. The present study revealed, for the first time, the occurrence of Anaplasma spp. and different genotypes of Ehrlichia spp. in vampire bats from Brazil. While phylogenetic analyses based on the dsb and ftsZ genes of Ehrlichia and 16S rRNA of Anaplasma spp. revealed phylogenetic proximity of the genotypes detected in vampire bats with Anaplasmataceae agents associated with domestic ruminants, phylogenetic inferences based on the gltA and groEL genes evidenced the occurrence of genotypes apparently exclusive to bats. Neorickettsia sp. phylogenetically associated with N. risticii was also detected in vampire bats sampled in northern Brazil.},
}

@article {pmid38946980,
year = {2024},
author = {Jacobs, J and Nakamoto, A and Mastoras, M and Loucks, H and Mirchandani, C and Karim, L and Penunuri, G and Wanket, C and Russell, SL},
title = {Complete de novo assembly of Wolbachia endosymbiont of Drosophila willistoni using long-read genome sequencing.},
journal = {Research square},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {38946980},
issn = {2693-5015},
support = {R00 GM135583/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 HG012344/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an obligate intracellular α-proteobacterium which commonly infects arthropods and filarial nematodes. Different strains of Wolbachia are capable of a wide range of regulatory manipulations in many hosts and modulate host cellular differentiation to influence host reproduction. The genetic basis for the majority of these phenotypes is unknown. The wWil strain from the neotropical fruit fly, Drosophila willistoni, exhibits a remarkably high affinity for host germline-derived cells relative to the soma. This trait could be leveraged for understanding how Wolbachia influences the host germline and for controlling host populations in the field. To further the use of this strain in biological and biomedical research, we sequenced the genome of the wWil strain isolated from host cell culture cells. Here, we present the first high quality nanopore assembly of wWil, the Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. willistoni. Our assembly resulted in a circular genome of 1.27 Mb with a BUSCO completeness score of 99.7%. Consistent with other insect-associated Wolbachia strains, comparative genomic analysis revealed that wWil has a highly mosaic genome relative to the closely related wMel strain from Drosophila melanogaster.},
}

@article {pmid38940615,
year = {2024},
author = {Hrdina, A and Serra Canales, M and Arias-Rojas, A and Frahm, D and Iatsenko, I},
title = {The endosymbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii increases Drosophila melanogaster resistance to pathogens by enhancing iron sequestration and melanization.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e0093624},
pmid = {38940615},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {IA 81/2-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiroplasma/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/immunology ; *Iron/metabolism ; Melanins/metabolism ; Staphylococcus aureus/physiology/immunology ; Providencia/metabolism/physiology/genetics ; Disease Resistance ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Facultative endosymbiotic bacteria, such as Wolbachia and Spiroplasma species, are commonly found in association with insects and can dramatically alter their host physiology. Many endosymbionts are defensive and protect their hosts against parasites or pathogens. Despite the widespread nature of defensive insect symbioses and their importance for the ecology and evolution of insects, the mechanisms of symbiont-mediated host protection remain poorly characterized. Here, we utilized the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and its facultative endosymbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii to characterize the mechanisms underlying symbiont-mediated host protection against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Our results indicate a variable effect of S. poulsonii on infection outcome, with endosymbiont-harboring flies being more resistant to Rhyzopus oryzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Providencia alcalifaciens but more sensitive or as sensitive as endosymbiont-free flies to the infections with Pseudomonas species. Further focusing on the protective effect, we identified Transferrin-mediated iron sequestration induced by Spiroplasma as being crucial for the defense against R. oryzae and P. alcalifaciens. In the case of S. aureus, enhanced melanization in Spiroplasma-harboring flies plays a major role in protection. Both iron sequestration and melanization induced by Spiroplasma require the host immune sensor protease Persephone, suggesting a role of proteases secreted by the symbiont in the activation of host defense reactions. Hence, our work reveals a broader defensive range of Spiroplasma than previously appreciated and adds nutritional immunity and melanization to the defensive arsenal of symbionts.

IMPORTANCE: Defensive endosymbiotic bacteria conferring protection to their hosts against parasites and pathogens are widespread in insect populations. However, the mechanisms by which most symbionts confer protection are not fully understood. Here, we studied the mechanisms of protection against bacterial and fungal pathogens mediated by the Drosophila melanogaster endosymbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii. We demonstrate that besides the previously described protection against wasps and nematodes, Spiroplasma also confers increased resistance to pathogenic bacteria and fungi. We identified Spiroplasma-induced iron sequestration and melanization as key defense mechanisms. Our work broadens the known defense spectrum of Spiroplasma and reveals a previously unappreciated role of melanization and iron sequestration in endosymbiont-mediated host protection. We propose that the mechanisms we have identified here may be of broader significance and could apply to other endosymbionts, particularly to Wolbachia, and potentially explain their protective properties.},
}

Animals
*Spiroplasma/physiology
*Symbiosis
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/immunology
*Iron/metabolism
Melanins/metabolism
Staphylococcus aureus/physiology/immunology
Providencia/metabolism/physiology/genetics
Disease Resistance

@article {pmid38938126,
year = {2024},
author = {Pan, Q and Yu, SJ and Lei, S and Zhang, SH and Ding, LL and Liu, L and Li, SC and Wang, XF and Lou, BH and Ran, C},
title = {Bacterial Symbionts Contribute to Insecticide Susceptibility of Diaphorina citri via Changing the Expression Level of Host Detoxifying Genes.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {72},
number = {27},
pages = {15164-15175},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.4c03049},
pmid = {38938126},
issn = {1520-5118},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics/drug effects ; Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; Wolbachia/drug effects/genetics ; Pyrethrins/pharmacology ; Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/classification/isolation & purification/metabolism ; Inactivation, Metabolic/genetics ; },
abstract = {Insecticide susceptibility is mainly determined by the insect host, but symbiotic bacteria are also an important affecting factor. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the structure of gut bacterial symbionts and insecticide susceptibility in Diaphorina citri, the important carrier of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the causal agent of Huanglongbing (HLB). Our results indicated that antibiotic treatment significantly increased the susceptibility of D. citri to bifenthrin and thiamethoxam, and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Wolbachia and Profftella, enzyme activities of CarEs, and expression level of multiple CarE genes. The relative loads of Wolbachia and Profftella were positively correlated with DcitCCE13, DcitCCE14, DcitCCE15, and DcitCCE16. RNAi and prokaryotic expression revealed that DcitCCE15 is associated with bifenthrin metabolism. These results revealed that bacterial symbionts might regulate DcitCCE15 expression, which is involved in the susceptibility of D. citri to bifenthrin.},
}

*Symbiosis
Animals
*Insecticides/pharmacology
*Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics/drug effects
Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Insecticide Resistance/genetics
Wolbachia/drug effects/genetics
Pyrethrins/pharmacology
Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/classification/isolation & purification/metabolism
Inactivation, Metabolic/genetics

@article {pmid38934782,
year = {2024},
author = {Amini, S and Fathipour, Y and Hoffmann, A and Mehrabadi, M},
title = {Wolbachia affect female mate preference and offspring fitness in a parasitoid wasp.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8272},
pmid = {38934782},
issn = {1526-4998},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia are widespread intracellular bacteria in insects that often have high rates of spread due to their impact on insect reproduction. These bacteria may also affect the mating behavior of their host with impacts on the fitness of host progeny. In this study, we investigated the impact of Wolbachia on a preference for mating with young or old males in the parasitoid wasp Habrobracon hebetor.

RESULTS: Our results showed that uninfected females from a tetracycline-treated line preferred to mate with young males, whereas Wolbachia-infected females had no preference. Time to mating was relatively shorter in the infected lines. Regardless of Wolbachia infection status, progeny resulting from matings with young males showed higher fitness than those from crosses with old males, and infected females crossed with infected young males showed the highest performance.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest an impact of Wolbachia on female mate preference and offspring fitness although it is unclear how this phenomenon increases Wolbachia transmission of infected wasps. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid38934580,
year = {2024},
author = {Mendel, BM and Asselin, AK and Johnson, KN and McGuigan, K},
title = {Effects of spontaneous mutations on survival and reproduction of Drosophila serrata infected with Drosophila C virus.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/evolut/qpae101},
pmid = {38934580},
issn = {1558-5646},
abstract = {The impact of selection on host immune function genes has been widely documented. However, it remains essentially unknown how mutation influences the quantitative immune traits that selection acts on. Applying a classical mutation accumulation (MA) experimental design in Drosophila serrata, we found the mutational variation in susceptibility (median time of death, LT50) to Drosophila C virus (DCV) was of similar magnitude to that reported for intrinsic survival traits. Mean LT50 did not change as mutations accumulated, suggesting no directional bias in mutational effects. Maintenance of genetic variance in immune function is hypothesised to be influenced by pleiotropic effects on immunity and other traits that contribute to fitness. To investigate this, we assayed female reproductive output for a subset of MA lines with relatively long or short survival times under DCV infection. Longer survival time tended to be associated with lower reproductive output, suggesting that mutations affecting susceptibility to DCV had pleiotropic effects on investment in reproductive fitness. Further studies are needed to uncover the general patterns of mutational effect on immune responses and other fitness traits, and to determine how selection might typically act on new mutations via their direct and pleiotropic effects.},
}

@article {pmid38924387,
year = {2024},
author = {Devereux, G and Bula, M and Tripp, K and Fitzgerald, R and Eraut, N and Alam, MS and Moriyama, T and Shinkyo, R and Walker, L and Wang, D and Gusovsky, F and van der Velde, J and Turner, JD and Hong, WD and O'Neill, PM and Taylor, MJ and Ward, SA},
title = {A Phase 1, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single Ascending Dose Trial of AWZ1066S, an Anti-Wolbachia Candidate Macrofilaricide.},
journal = {Clinical pharmacology in drug development},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {1071-1081},
doi = {10.1002/cpdd.1441},
pmid = {38924387},
issn = {2160-7648},
mesh = {Humans ; Double-Blind Method ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; *Wolbachia/drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Elephantiasis, Filarial/drug therapy ; Healthy Volunteers ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacokinetics/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Administration, Oral ; Onchocerciasis/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {AWZ1066S has been developed as a potential treatment for the neglected tropical diseases lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. AWZ1066S targets the Wolbachia bacterial endosymbiont present in the causative nematode parasites. This phase 1, first-in-human study aimed to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of AWZ1066S in healthy human participants. In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose study, healthy adults received a single oral dose of AWZ1066S (or placebo) and were followed up for 10 days. The planned single doses of AWZ1066S ranged from 100 to 1600 mg, and each dose was administered to a cohort of 8 participants (6 AWZ1066S and 2 placebo). In total 30 people participated, 18 (60%) female, median age 30.0 years (minimum 20, maximum 61). The cohorts administered 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg of AWZ1066S progressed unremarkably. After single 700-mg doses all 4 participants developed symptoms of acute gastritis and transient increases in liver enzymes. The severity of these adverse events ranged from mild to severe, with 1 participant needing hospital admission. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that AWZ1066S is rapidly absorbed with predictable pharmacokinetics. In conclusion, safety concerns prevented this study from reaching the human exposures needed for AWZ1066S to be clinically effective against lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.},
}

Humans
Double-Blind Method
Male
Female
Adult
Middle Aged
Young Adult
*Wolbachia/drug effects
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Elephantiasis, Filarial/drug therapy
Healthy Volunteers
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacokinetics/administration & dosage/adverse effects
Administration, Oral
Onchocerciasis/drug therapy

@article {pmid38923204,
year = {2024},
author = {Pratelli, A and Riparbelli, MG and Callaini, G},
title = {Axonemal tubules in the distal sperm tail of Wolbachia-infected Drosophila simulans males contain ring-like intraluminal structures that persist after axoneme fragmentation.},
journal = {Cytoskeleton (Hoboken, N.J.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/cm.21891},
pmid = {38923204},
issn = {1949-3592},
support = {2020CLZ5XW//Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; 2022TLYYPS_003//Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are obligate intracellular alphaproteobacteria that enhance their spreading by altering the reproductive mechanisms of several invertebrates. Among the reproductive alterations, Wolbachia also causes cytoplasmic incompatibility that leads to embryo death when infected males are crossed with uninfected females, thus selecting infected females. However, the presence of Wolbachia has important fitness costs and infected Drosophila simulans males produce less sperm than their uninfected counterparts. Such sperm suffer, indeed, of some structural alterations that hinder their proper function. We took advantage of the fact that several sperm have abnormal distal regions of the tail, in which the plasma membrane is broken and the axonemal components splayed, making the ultrastructural aspects clearly observable. We found that axoneme reduction in the distal region of the sperm does not follow a unique pattern as observed in other insects, but occurs by losing accessory tubules or peripheral doublets. The axonemal tubules contain distinct coaxial ring-like structures that are still observed after axoneme fragmentation and form large clusters of several units.},
}