@article {pmid41131131,
year = {2025},
author = {Corduneanu, A and Bendjeddou, ML and Sándor, AD and Mihalca, AD and Hornok, S and Péter, Á and Khelfaoui, F and Aželytè, J and Obregon, D and Mateos-Hernández, L and Maitre, A and Abuin-Denis, L and Wu-Chuang, A and Kratou, M and Ben Said, M and Cabezas-Cruz, A},
title = {Microbial network assembly in bat flies with differing host specificity from North Africa.},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41131131},
issn = {1618-1905},
support = {14/2022-2024//Ministerul Cercetării şi Inovării/ ; 1500107//Hungarian Research Network/ ; NTP-NFTÖ-20-B-0094//Hungarian Ministry of Human Resources, Hungary/ ; SGCE - RAPPORT No 0300//Collectivité de Corse/ ; ANR-10-LABX-62-IBEID//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
abstract = {The study investigates the microbial composition of bat flies (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) collected from Myotis punicus in Algeria, focusing on the diversity and dynamics of their microbiota through network analysis. The analysis targets two genera, Nycteribia and Penicillidia, comparing oioxenous and stenoxenous species to understand host specificity's influence on microbial communities. Utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing, alpha and beta diversity metrics, and co-occurrence networks, the study assesses microbial diversity, community composition, and the impact of specific bacteria (endosymbionts, commensals, and pathogens) on network stability. Results reveal significant microbial community variations between genera and species, with N. latreillii exhibiting the most complex network. We showed that host specificity and feeding strategies significantly influence microbial diversity and interactions within bat flies. Robustness analysis through node removal simulations identifies the roles of key bacteria, such as Wolbachia, Arsenophonus, and Bartonella, in maintaining network stability. Findings highlight the complex interplay between these microorganisms and their hosts, offering insights into microbial ecology and vector-pathogen dynamics. The research underscores the importance of bat flies in shaping pathogen transmission networks, contributing valuable knowledge to wildlife ecology, disease control, and conservation strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41129028,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, B and Wang, S and Li, X and Wang, J and Fang, C and Zhang, J and Su, J},
title = {The effects of the previous host on the adaptability of Tetranychus turkestani on soybean and its microbiome.},
journal = {Experimental & applied acarology},
volume = {95},
number = {4},
pages = {52},
pmid = {41129028},
issn = {1572-9702},
support = {2024B02003//Key Research and Development Project of the Xinjiang/ ; 2022B02043//Key Research and Development Project of Autonomous Region/ ; 2022ZD053//Guiding Science and Technology Plan Project of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Glycine max ; *Tetranychidae/microbiology/physiology/growth & development ; *Microbiota ; Female ; Male ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Herbivory ; },
abstract = {Polyphagous pests often undergo the phenomenon of host-switching to expand their diet and enhance their environmental adaptability. The Tetranychus turkestani is the dominant mite pest in the northern Xinjiang region. To evaluate the influence of feeding experiences and its microbiome on the adaptation of T. turkestani to soybean hosts. we constructed age-stage two-sex life table and 16 S rDNA sequencing technology, the effects of the pre-host on the adaptability of T. turkestani to soybeans and the microbiome community were systematically evaluated, and the correlation between the two was further explored. The results show that: before host-switching, T. turkestani exhibited the highest intrinsic rate (0.277 d [-1]) and net reproductive rate (124.500) on the soybean host. The r (0.185 d[-1]) and R0 (37.488) of T. turkestani are lowest when reared on Amaranthus retroflexus. After the host was switched to soybean, both the r and R0 of T. turkestani increased. Similarly, the Chao1 index of T. turkestani exhibited a significant increase. When T. turkestani feeds on A. retroflexus, Wolbachia (97.01%), an insect endosymbiont, is the predominant microbiome. In contrast, when it feeds on Chenopodium album, Spiroplasma (54.59%) becomes the dominant microbiome. After the host was switched to soybean, the composition of microbiome in T. turkestani became similar to that of populations feeding on soybean. Correlation analysis revealed that Spiroplasma and Wolbachia were significantly positively correlated with both the oviposition period in host-switching of T. turkestani.},
}

Animals
*Glycine max
*Tetranychidae/microbiology/physiology/growth & development
*Microbiota
Female
Male
Adaptation, Physiological
Herbivory

@article {pmid41126347,
year = {2025},
author = {Stejskalova, M and Jancarova, M and Pruzinova, K and Capova, K and Varotto-Boccazzi, I and Epis, S and Volf, P},
title = {Impact of Asaia bacteria on Leishmania major development in sand flies: implications for vector control strategies.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {424},
pmid = {41126347},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {Project No. LX22NPO5103//National Institute of Virology and Bacteriology. Funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Leishmania major/growth & development ; *Insect Vectors/microbiology/parasitology ; Female ; *Phlebotomus/microbiology/parasitology ; *Acetobacteraceae/physiology/genetics ; *Psychodidae/parasitology/microbiology ; Wolbachia/genetics ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; Superinfection ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Asaia spp., bacteria originally isolated from tropical plants, have also been identified in various insect species, including blood-feeding ones. Their ability to colonize different host tissues and transmit vertically between generations makes these bacteria good candidates for paratransgenesis. However, most existing data derived from studies on mosquitoes and other important vectors, such as phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae), remain understudied. In this study, we investigated the ability of wild-type Asaia siamensis, Asaia krungthepensis, and a genetically modified strain of Asaia expressing the Wolbachia surface protein (Asaia[WSP]) to colonize Phlebotomus duboscqi. In addition, we studied their vertical transmission and their interactions with Leishmania major during superinfection.

METHODS: Phlebotomus duboscqi females were provided with Asaia via a sugar meal. Bacterial presence and vertical transmission were assessed using both cultivation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In superinfection experiments, females were first offered sugar containing Asaia, followed by a blood meal infected with Le. major. The outcomes of superinfection were assessed by cultivation, PCR, and microscopically. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact or Chi-squared tests.

RESULTS: All tested Asaia strains colonized the gut of Ph. duboscqi. Both A. siamensis and A. krungthepensis were vertically transmitted to the progeny via egg smearing. These bacteria did not affect the infection rate and intensity of Le. major infection on days 2 and 5 post blood meal (pbm). However, by day 8 pbm, both species significantly reduced Le. major infection intensity. Moreover, A. krungthepensis significantly increased the proportion of metacyclic forms. Interestingly Asaia[WSP] did not have a significant effect on Le. major development in Ph. duboscqi.

CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated for the first time that A. siamensis and A. krungthepensis can infect Ph. duboscqi and be vertically transmitted to the next generation via egg smearing. These bacteria affect the late phase of Le. major infection, which could have important epidemiological consequences.},
}

Animals
*Leishmania major/growth & development
*Insect Vectors/microbiology/parasitology
Female
*Phlebotomus/microbiology/parasitology
*Acetobacteraceae/physiology/genetics
*Psychodidae/parasitology/microbiology
Wolbachia/genetics
Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
Superinfection

@article {pmid41124367,
year = {2025},
author = {Oladipupo, SO and Hochstrasser, M},
title = {Deubiquitylases and nucleases in bacterial symbiont-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility.},
journal = {Biochemical Society transactions},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1042/BST20253047},
pmid = {41124367},
issn = {1470-8752},
abstract = {In myriad arthropod species, maternally transmitted symbiotic bacteria spread through populations by manipulating host reproduction, most frequently by a mechanism called cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CI occurs when bacterially infected males fertilize uninfected females, typically causing paternal chromatin condensation and segregation defects and usually embryonic arrest in the first zygotic cell cycle. Embryos survive if the female is similarly infected, which promotes bacterial spread. The endosymbiont best known for CI is Wolbachia, now widely used against mosquitoes that vector viral diseases such as dengue fever. Although CI is induced by Wolbachia resident in testes, mature sperm carry no bacteria, indicating they alter sperm in a way that, following fertilization, interferes with embryogenesis. CI-inducing factors (Cifs) are expressed from syntenic Wolbachia cifA-cifB genes. CifB is required in the male germline to induce CI, while CifA expression in the host female is sufficient to rescue viability. Importantly, CifA suppresses lethality through its binding to CifB. Different CifB proteins have distinct CI-relevant enzymatic functions, in particular, deubiquitylase and nuclease activities. Consistent with these genetic data, CifB is packaged into sperm during spermiogenesis. While sperm morphological disruption has been observed in fruit flies carrying cif transgenes, a causal role in CI is unclear. Also not understood is how maternally provisioned CifA rescues embryo viability. Exciting new findings with diverse symbiotic bacteria reveal cifA-cifB-like operons on extrachromosomal plasmids. These results suggest far wider deployment of Wolbachia-related CI factors than previously thought and multiple mechanisms for lateral cif gene transfer.},
}

@article {pmid41107541,
year = {2025},
author = {Corrêa-Antônio, J and Baltar, JMC and Maciel-de-Freitas, R and David, MR and Pavan, MG},
title = {Midgut microbiota diversity and interactions shift when field Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carry the wMel strain of Wolbachia pipientis.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {1479},
pmid = {41107541},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {E26/201.844/2017//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support in the State of Rio de Janeiro)/ ; E26/210.335/2022//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support in the State of Rio de Janeiro)/ ; E26/201.370/2022//Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Carlos Chagas Filho Foundation for Research Support in the State of Rio de Janeiro)/ ; 404578/2021-7//Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation | Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development)/ ; Finance Code 001//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Brazilian Federal Agency for the Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education)/ ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in mosquito biology and immunity, but the effects of Wolbachia on microbiota diversity remain unclear. In Brazil, wMel-carrying Aedes aegypti were first deployed in 2015 to replace wild populations and block arbovirus transmission. We analyzed through 16S rRNA amplicon-sequencing (V3-V4 region) the midgut microbiota of field-caught wMel- and wMel + Ae. aegypti from areas of Rio de Janeiro with different wMel invasion status. Overall, wMel+ mosquitoes exhibited reduced bacterial diversity and altered microbiota composition. The interactions between bacterial taxa were also reduced in wMel+ when compared to sympatric wMel- mosquitoes from areas with partial Wolbachia introgression, suggesting a transitional microbial composition, whereas areas with full Wolbachia invasion displayed more homogeneous, densely connected bacterial communities. Although Wolbachia played a central role in microbial networks, its effects appeared contingent on other co-occurring taxa. Notably, certain bacteria such as Acetobacteraceae (Asaia), Moraxellaceae (Acinetobacter), and Xanthomonadaceae were associated with reduced wMel abundance, potentially impacting its pathogen-blocking efficiency. Targeting these interactions may enhance the success of Wolbachia-based vector control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41105260,
year = {2025},
author = {Phauk, S and Assentato, L and Sin, S and Uk, O and Hap, S and Terenius, O},
title = {Symbiont Diversity of Rice-Associated Leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) in the Tropical Floodplains of the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {109},
pmid = {41105260},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology/classification ; *Symbiosis ; *Oryza/parasitology ; Cambodia ; Female ; Lakes/microbiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Male ; Biodiversity ; Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Rice-associated leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) play a significant role in rice agroecosystems, contributing not only to direct crop damage but also to the transmission of plant pathogens. This study investigates the symbiont diversity of seventeen leafhopper species from the tropical floodplains of Tonle Sap Lake (TSL), Cambodia. The dominant symbiont across most species was Candidatus (Ca.) Karelsulcia muelleri, an obligate primary endosymbiont essential for nutrient synthesis. The co-obligate symbiont Ca. Nasuia deltocephalinicola was also consistently detected, particularly in Deltocephalinae hosts. In addition, several secondary symbionts, including Sodalis, Arsenophonus, Diplorickettsia, Rickettsia, Wolbachia, and Ca. Lariskella, were identified, showing species-specific associations and potential roles in host fitness and pathogen transmission. Variations in symbiont diversity were observed across cicadellid species, geographic origins, and between sex-associated symbionts, with notable differences in the bacterial composition of Nephotettix virescens. While geographical differences (Battambang vs. Kampong Thom) did not strongly affect microbial composition, sex-associated variations were evident in N. virescens. Females exhibited a higher abundance of Karelsulcia and Nasuia, suggesting possible microbial adaptation related to reproduction. This study highlights the complex and dynamic nature of cicadellid hosts-symbiont interactions and suggests that microbial communities are primarily structured by host species. While geographic distance can influence these communities, this effect is not the same for every species. These findings provide critical insights into the microbial diversity of rice-associated leafhoppers and their potential for ecological roles in rice farming systems. Further studies, including functional analysis and host-symbiont interactions, are crucial to understanding the ecological roles and evolutionary dynamics of these microbial communities.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology/classification
*Symbiosis
*Oryza/parasitology
Cambodia
Female
Lakes/microbiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Male
Biodiversity
Microbiota
Phylogeny

@article {pmid41098413,
year = {2025},
author = {Chuchuy, A and Rodriguero, MS and Micieli, MV},
title = {Strain-specific quantification of Wolbachia density in subtropical Argentinean Aedes albopictus: effects of tissue location and longevity.},
journal = {Frontiers in insect science},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1655459},
pmid = {41098413},
issn = {2673-8600},
abstract = {The intracellular bacterium Wolbachia pipientis has emerged as a promising tool for controlling mosquito-borne diseases; however, key aspects of its biology remain insufficiently understood, particularly how Wolbachia influences vector competence for certain arboviruses. The main factors implicated are the activation of mosquito antiviral pathways and competition for cellular resources at the viral replication site. Transinfection of Wolbachia strains into vector populations has proven to be an effective strategy for controlling arboviral diseases. Here, we investigate the within-host density and tissue distribution of two naturally occurring Wolbachia strains-wAlbA and wAlbB-n Aedes albopictus from Argentina, where infection patterns diverge from those observed globally. Using quantitative PCR, we assessed symbiont density in ovarian (n = 5) and somatic tissues (n = 5) of adult females, and in adult males across different ages: 0, 5 and 14 days post-emergence (n = 5 per age group). Our results reveal superinfection in ovaries (wAlbA + wAlbB) with similar densities (median relative density w AlbA = 3.78 and median relative density w AlbB = 3.31), but only wAlbB was consistently detected in somatic tissues (median relative density w AlbB = 0.41), suggesting tissue-specific distribution of strains. Additionally, wAlbB density in males remained stable throughout the adult lifespan (median relative densityTime0 = 0.83; median relative densitytime 5 = 1.98; median relative densitytime 14 = 0.66). These findings support the hypothesis that Wolbachia somatic localization is strain-specific and may be under evolutionary selection, with implications for vertical transmission and host fitness. By advancing our understanding of Wolbachia density dynamics in a natural mosquito vector population, this study contributes critical baseline data to inform and optimize Wolbachia-based biocontrol strategies in regions at risk of arboviral outbreaks. Because the wAlbB strain from Ae. albopictus is widely used in replacement techniques, any knowledge of its behavior in natural host populations is valuable.},
}

@article {pmid41091809,
year = {2025},
author = {Lindsey, AR and Tennessen, JM and Gelaw, MA and Jones, MW and Parish, AJ and Newton, ILG and Nemkov, T and D'Alessandro, A and Rai, M and Stark, N},
title = {The intracellular symbiont Wolbachia alters Drosophila development and metabolism to buffer against nutritional stress.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {21},
number = {10},
pages = {e1011905},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pgen.1011905},
pmid = {41091809},
issn = {1553-7404},
abstract = {The intracellular bacterium Wolbachia is a common symbiont of many arthropods and nematodes, well studied for its impacts on host reproductive biology. However, its broad success as a vertically transmitted infection cannot be attributed to manipulations of host reproduction alone. Using the Drosophila melanogaster model and natively associated Wolbachia strain "wMel", we show that Wolbachia infection supports fly development and buffers against nutritional stress. Wolbachia infection across two fly genotypes and a range of nutrient conditions resulted in reduced pupal mortality, increased adult emergence, and larger size. In parallel, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that Wolbachia impacts a wide range of developmental and metabolic processes. Wolbachia-infected larvae had strong signatures of shifts in glutathione and mitochondrial metabolism, plus significant changes in the expression of key developmental regulators including Notch, the insulin receptor (lnR), and the juvenile hormone receptor Methoprene-tolerant (Met). We propose that Wolbachia can enhance host fitness by supporting fly development, especially during periods of nutrient stress.},
}

@article {pmid41074217,
year = {2025},
author = {Martin, C and Rodrigues, J and Fercoq, F and Lhermitte-Vallarino, N and Sazmand, A and Kimura, D and Uni, S},
title = {Morphological redescription and taxonomic reassignment of Deraiophoronema evansi (Lewis, 1882) Romanovitch 1916 n. comb. (syn: Dipetalonema evansi) (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) from camels.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {406},
doi = {10.1186/s13071-025-07019-z},
pmid = {41074217},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {MHNN ATM project in 2022 and 2024//Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Camelus/parasitology ; Phylogeny ; Egypt ; Iran ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Female ; Wolbachia/genetics ; Male ; DNA, Helminth/genetics ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Filarioses are common nematode infections in camels (Camelus spp.). The most significant disease is caused by Deraiophoronema evansi, which impacts camel reproductive function, working ability, and productivity. The taxonomy of this onchocercid is equivocal, and its phylogenetic relationships within Onchocercidae are ambiguous.

METHODS: We analyzed D. evansi specimens from camels and examined their morphology. For comparative material, we analyzed fresh specimens from camels in Iran and specimens from Egypt deposited in the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN) collections. Multi-locus sequence analyses based on seven genes (two mitochondrial genes cox1 and 12S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and five nuclear genes 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, MyoHC, rbp1, and hsp70) of these filarioids and six genes of Wolbachia (16S rDNA, ftsZ, dnaA, coxA, fbpA, and gatB) were analyzed.

RESULTS: Deraiophoronema evansi (Lewis, 1882) Romanovitch 1916 combinatio nova (n. comb.)(syn: Dipetalonema evansi) was described on the basis of morphological characteristics and its genetic divergence from congeners. Molecular characteristics of the new species revealed its close evolutionary relationship with Setaria sp. Wolbachia endosymbiont was not present in D. evansi.

CONCLUSIONS: We provide new molecular and morphological data on D. evansi, increasing the number of valid genera of Setariinae to four and setting up the taxonomic information regarding this species of veterinary importance.},
}

Animals
*Camelus/parasitology
Phylogeny
Egypt
Iran
DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
Female
Wolbachia/genetics
Male
DNA, Helminth/genetics
Multilocus Sequence Typing

@article {pmid41073070,
year = {2025},
author = {Defilippo, F and Moreno, A and Ciccozzi, M and Losardo, M and Bia, P and Manna, A and de Gara, L and Giovanetti, M},
title = {Disrupting vector competence: exploring radiofrequency exposure as a novel approach to mosquito-borne disease prevention in a changing climate.},
journal = {Pathogens and global health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1080/20477724.2025.2573317},
pmid = {41073070},
issn = {2047-7732},
abstract = {The global expansion of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile virus is a major public health concern, intensified by climate change and environmental alterations. Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex pipiens are among the most important vectors for these pathogens, contributing to their transmission across increasingly broad geographic areas. In Europe, the expanding distribution and vectorial competence of Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens highlight the need for innovative control strategies beyond traditional chemical and mechanical interventions, which face growing limitations due to resistance and sustainability concerns. This review examines the potential of radiofrequency (RF) exposure as a novel method to disrupt mosquito development and reduce vector competence. While the biological effects of RF have been studied in other systems, its impact on mosquito physiology and pathogen transmission remains underexplored. Preliminary findings suggest that RF exposure may alter larval viability, adult emergence, and reproductive capacity, with possible downstream effects on pathogen replication and transmission. We contextualize RF-based approaches alongside other emerging biocontrol strategies, including Wolbachia-based methods, genetic modification, and sterile insect techniques, emphasizing their integration into climate-responsive vector control programs. Additional consideration is given to other arthropod vectors of medical relevance, such as sandflies (Phlebotominae) and biting midges (Culicoides spp.), which contribute to the spread of arboviruses. Finally, we identify research gaps and propose directions for interdisciplinary studies to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and ecological impact of RF-based interventions. By targeting mosquito competence through non-chemical, scalable technologies, RF exposure offers a promising avenue to strengthen arbovirus prevention in the context of climate-driven vector expansion.},
}

@article {pmid41066235,
year = {2025},
author = {Kaur, R and Kalra, M and Imchen, M and Crowley, BL and McGarry, A and Carpenter, L and Bordenstein, SR},
title = {Histone acetylation modulation by a small molecule inhibitor recapitulates symbiont-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {44},
number = {10},
pages = {116416},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116416},
pmid = {41066235},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {Symbiotic relationships between arthropod hosts and microorganisms have garnered global attention for their influence on host ecology, evolution, and vector control. A major gap in the field is to mechanistically define and reconstitute symbiotic traits in the absence of microbes. Here, we address this omission by identifying an evolutionarily conserved host mechanism that recapitulates Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI)-a paternal-effect embryonic lethality trait. We first show that Wolbachia alter histone acetylation during sperm development in Drosophila melanogaster. By chemically inhibiting histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity in aposymbiotic males, we reprogram the chromatin landscape of developing sperm to induce a rescuable CI phenotype. This phenotype is further modulated through transgenic knockdown of HAT and histone deacetylase enzymes, providing tunable control over natural CI intensity. Our findings uncover histone acetylation as a key host-intrinsic pathway, capable of inducing symbiont-independent CI for new avenues of basic and applied studies.},
}

@article {pmid41064819,
year = {2025},
author = {Espinoza-Carhuancho, F and Mauricio-Vilchez, C and Quispe-Tasayco, L and Mayta-Tovalino, F},
title = {Global trends in dengue research in veterinary medicine (2019-2024): A bibliometric analysis of scientific output, collaborations, and thematic shifts.},
journal = {Veterinary world},
volume = {18},
number = {8},
pages = {2311-2319},
pmid = {41064819},
issn = {0972-8988},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dengue is a significant mosquito-borne viral disease with increasing public health relevance, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Although it primarily affects humans, veterinary research plays a crucial role in understanding disease dynamics, particularly through the use of animal models and vector control strategies. This study aimed to analyze global research trends on dengue within the field of veterinary medicine between 2019 and 2024, identifying patterns in productivity, collaboration, and emerging thematic priorities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using Scopus-indexed publications retrieved on December 15, 2024. The search included terms related to dengue and Aedes species within the veterinary subject area. Data were analyzed using SciVal for metrics and collaboration patterns and RStudio for statistical summaries and visua-lizations. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed studies on dengue relevant to veterinary contexts published between 2019 and 2024.

RESULTS: A total of 742 publications were identified across 67 journals, including 652 articles and 60 reviews. Annual output showed a 3.01% decline, with an average document age of 2.56 years and 9.0 citations per article. International collaboration was evident in 41.51% of publications, with Brazil, Argentina, and Australia emerging as key contributors. Thematic evolution demonstrated a shift from basic entomological studies (2019-2020) to applied control strategies, including Wolbachia-based mosquito interventions and citizen surveillance (2021-2022). The most prolific institutions were Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Brazil) and the University of Florida (USA), while the journal Parasites and Vectors had the highest publication volume.

CONCLUSION: This bibliometric review highlights the growing interdisciplinary nature of dengue research in veterinary medicine and the pivotal role of international collaboration. The observed decline in publication rate underscores the need to reinvigorate research efforts. The findings advocate for a One Health approach integrating veterinary, ecological, and public health disciplines to address vector-borne diseases. Future efforts should focus on enhancing global partnerships, standardizing animal models, and supporting innovative vector control strategies to mitigate the burden of dengue.},
}

@article {pmid41060240,
year = {2025},
author = {Toro-Delgado, E and Laetsch, DR and Hayward, A and Talavera, G and Lohse, K and Vila, R},
title = {Wolbachia Host Shifts and Widespread Occurrence of Reproductive Manipulation Loci in European Butterflies.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70125},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70125},
pmid = {41060240},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {NE/L011522/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; BB/N020146/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; /ERC_/European Research Council/International ; 2021-SGR-00420//Departament de Recerca i Universitats, Generalitat de Catalunya/ ; 2021-SGR-01334//Departament de Recerca i Universitats, Generalitat de Catalunya/ ; FPU22/02358//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; PID2022-139689NB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; PID2023-152239NB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is the most frequent bacterial endosymbiont of arthropods and nematodes. Although it is mostly vertically transmitted, from parent to offspring through the egg cytoplasm, horizontal transfer of Wolbachia is thought to be common over evolutionary timescales. However, the relative frequency of each transmission mechanism has not been studied systematically in closely related species. Additionally, while Wolbachia is generally regarded as a reproductive manipulator, it is unclear how frequently the symbiont induces such effects. In this study, we investigated the presence, phenotypes and phylogenetic relationships among Wolbachia strains in whole genome sequence data for 18 European butterfly sister-species pairs. We find that sister-species share Wolbachia strains more often than random species pairs and that the probability of strain sharing is higher for younger pairs of host species, especially those with greater range overlap. We also find that split times between Wolbachia strains that infect the same sister-species pair generally pre-date host divergence, ruling out co-divergence in favour of horizontal transfer. However, some strains are younger than the mitochondrial split times of their hosts, so introgressive transfer cannot be ruled out in some cases. In addition, all newly assembled Wolbachia genomes contained putative homologues of genes associated with cytoplasmic incompatibility and male killing. This supports the potential for reproductive manipulation in Wolbachia strains infecting European butterflies, which until now was only inferred from mitochondrial diversity patterns. Our results show that horizontal and introgressive transfer of Wolbachia are frequent even between recently speciated host taxa, suggesting the symbiont's turnover rate is higher than had been inferred previously from surveys of distantly related hosts.},
}

@article {pmid41056267,
year = {2025},
author = {Sadowski, VA and Sapountzis, P and Kooij, PW and Boomsma, JJ and Adams, RMM},
title = {Bacterial communities of fungus-growing ant queens are species-specific and suggest vertical transmission.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {10},
pages = {e0306011},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0306011},
pmid = {41056267},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Female ; Species Specificity ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Fungi/growth & development ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Multipartite symbioses are inherently complex, involving dynamic ecological interactions between organisms with intertwined yet distinct evolutionary histories. The fungus-growing (attine) ants facilitate maintenance of a symbiotic species network through maternal vertical transmission of a fungal symbiont. While the gut microbiomes of fungus-growing ant species are remarkably simple, their fungus gardens support diverse microbial communities. Here, we focus on the garden pellet stored in the nest-founding queen's infrabuccal pocket-a food filter in the head that allows ants to expel large particles. The pellet is an inoculate of the new fungal garden but also contains other microbes. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to reconstruct the extent of vertical transmission of bacteria to new gardens via queen pellets in four sympatric fungus-growing ant species from Central Panama (Atta sexdens, Atta cephalotes, Acromyrmex echinatior, and Mycetomoellerius mikromelanos). We also characterized the bacterial communities associated with queen eggs and tissues (mesosomas, guts and ovaries) to assess whether queens are likely to transmit symbiotic bacteria, such as cuticular Actinomycetota and endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Mesoplasma, and Spiroplasma). We made within and between species comparisons, focusing on three hypotheses: (H1) Queens vertically transmit garden-associated bacteria in the garden pellet. (H2) Fungus-growing ant-associated bacteria are maintained through vertical transmission by queens. (H3) Vertically transmitted bacterial communities have host ant species-specificity. While we found mixed evidence for vertical transmission of garden bacteria, our results support maternal transmission as an important route for ant-associated symbionts. The ant species-specificity we see in queen bacterial microbiota mirrors patterns of known symbiont presence in workers from previous studies. Overall, our results suggest that vertical transmission of bacterial associates is mediated by the ant hosts, however the mechanism behind bacterial acquisition before a mating flight and dispersal is not yet understood.},
}

Animals
*Ants/microbiology
Symbiosis
Female
Species Specificity
*Bacteria/genetics/classification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Fungi/growth & development
*Microbiota

@article {pmid41043583,
year = {2025},
author = {Ahamed, A and Ali, S and Hoque, M},
title = {Wolbachia-Based biocontrol of Aedes aegypti: Current Progress, Challenges, and future prospects.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108468},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108468},
pmid = {41043583},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Wolbachia is used as potential bio-control tool to reduce the dengue mosquitoes and also to reduce dengue virus (DENV) load in transinfected Aedes aegypti. Different field trials including the ones by the World Mosquito Program (WMP) have deployed Wolbachia carrying DENV primary vectors at different target sites worldwide. Field trials suggest that through the Population Replacement Strategy (PRS) and Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT), Wolbachia can introgress into the local Ae. aegypti population or reduce the population size of the Aedes aegypti by cytoplasmic incompatibility phenomenon and subsequent reduction in dengue incidences at target sites. Challenges for this strategy are to establish and maintain the transinfected mosquito population, choosing the appropriate strain of the bacteria, long term establishment of transinfected dengue mosquitoes for several subsequent generations, selecting the appropriate approach of mosquito field release, operational challenges, and the viral evolution. Moreover, the outcome of Wolbachia mediated biological control of Aedes aegypti in a broad scale is yet to be seen and the long-term stability of Wolbachia in transinfected mosquitoes remains unconfirmed. Significant success has been recorded in a broad scale deployment of wAlbB-carrying Aedes aegypti through the ongoing Wolbachia Malaysia project, resulting in a reduction in dengue fever cases. Successful large-deployment of this strategy has also been performed in Colombia and Indonesia (1.7 to 3.3 million people and 135-540 km[2] area). Similar investigations on broad scale for longer period across different environmental conditions using transinfected mosquito deployment and associated risk analysis are imperative before adopting this biological control approach as a potent dengue control strategy worldwide.},
}

@article {pmid41034768,
year = {2025},
author = {Allen, T and Crouch, A and Russell, TL and Topp, SM},
title = {Community engagement approaches and influencing factors in Aedes mosquito management: a case study from North Queensland, Australia.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {3255},
pmid = {41034768},
issn = {1471-2458},
abstract = {AIM: Community engagement plays a crucial role in preventing and managing Aedes-borne mosquito disease outbreaks, such as dengue. There is limited research on the engagement approaches used in high-income country contexts with existing research suggesting a preference for top-down vector control relying on one-way communication to engage and mobilize at-risk communities. The reasons behind why authorities use certain engagement approaches over others are underexplored. This study explores the community engagement approaches used in Aedes mosquito management in Townsville, Australia, and the factors influencing the choice of these approaches.

METHODS: The study used a case study design employing two qualitative methodologies: semi-structured key informant interviews (N = 15) and a review of key documents (N = 13). Both inductive and deductive approaches were used to thematically analyse the data.

RESULTS: A range of approaches were used to engage the community in Aedes mosquito management. From mass media campaigns and door-to-door inspections, to engaging the community in Wolbachia mosquito-releases, and helping authorities with indoor spraying during outbreak response. The factors influencing the choice of these approaches included legal obligations and regulatory compliance, vector control norms, leadership beliefs, human and financial resourcing.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new insights into why authorities adopt specific community engagement approaches in Aedes mosquito management, within a high-income country context. It identifies barriers to enhancing community engagement and suggests strategies for addressing them in future planning. These findings are particularly relevant given the increasing Aedes mosquito risk in similar high-income country settings.},
}

@article {pmid41032418,
year = {2025},
author = {Loterio, RK and Fraser, JE},
title = {Beyond Wolbachia-Can a small molecule control insect reproduction?.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {44},
number = {10},
pages = {116335},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116335},
pmid = {41032418},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {Kaur et al.[1] demonstrate reduced histone acetylation as a key mechanism underpinning Wolbachia's paternal-effect embryonic lethality trait in Drosophila melanogaster. Recapitulation of this trait by inhibiting host histone acetyltransferase activity exposes opportunities for symbiont-independent applied research.},
}

@article {pmid41030195,
year = {2025},
author = {Vancaester, E and Oldrieve, GR and Reid, A and Koutsovoulos, G and Laetsch, DR and Makepeace, BL and Tanya, V and Poppert, S and Krücken, J and Wolstenholme, A and Blaxter, M},
title = {Ghosts of symbionts past: The hidden history of the dynamic association between filarial nematodes and their Wolbachia endosymbionts.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkaf226},
pmid = {41030195},
issn = {2160-1836},
abstract = {Many, but not all, parasitic filarial nematodes (Onchocercidae) carry intracellular, maternally-transmitted, alphaproteobacterial Wolbachia symbionts. The association between filarial nematodes and Wolbachia is often portrayed as mutualist, where the nematode is reliant on Wolbachia for an essential but unknown service. Wolbachia are targets for anti-filarial chemotherapeutic interventions for human disease. Wolbachia of Onchocercidae derive from four of the major supergroups (C, D, F and J) defined within the genus. We explored the evolutionary history of the filarial nematode-Wolbachia symbiosis in twenty-two nematode species, sixteen of which have current Wolbachia infections, by screening the nematode nuclear genome sequences for nuclear Wolbachia transfers, fragments of the Wolbachia genome that have been inserted into the nuclear genome. We identified Wolbachia insertions in five of the six species that have no current Wolbachia infection, showing they have previously had and have now lost Wolbachia infections. In currently-infected species we found a diversity of origins of the insertions, including many cases where they derived from a different supergroup to the current live infection. Mapping the origins of the insertions onto the filarial nematode phylogeny we derive a complex model of evolution of Wolbachia symbiosis. The history of association between Wolbachia and onchocercid nematodes includes not only cospeciation, as would be expected from a mutualist symbiosis, but also loss (in the five Wolbachia-free species), frequent symbiont replacement, and dual infection. This dynamic pattern is challenging to models that assume host-symbiont mutualism.},
}

@article {pmid41025674,
year = {2025},
author = {Ste-Croix, DT and Gagnon, AÈ and Mimee, B},
title = {The genome and stage-specific transcriptomes of the carrot weevil, Listronotus oregonensis, reveal adaptive mechanisms for host specialisation and symbiotic interactions.},
journal = {Insect molecular biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/imb.70012},
pmid = {41025674},
issn = {1365-2583},
support = {J-002846//Alternative Pest Management Solutions initiative/ ; //Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/ ; },
abstract = {Throughout their evolution, insects have become specialised to occupy diverse ecological niches. The carrot weevil, Listronotus oregonensis, is an important agricultural pest that exhibits a very specific host range. In this study, we characterised the genome and transcriptomes of each developmental stage of L. oregonensis and its Wolbachia endosymbiont to gain deeper knowledge of the genetic determinants controlling its biology. We annotated 14,637 genes and showed expression profiles across the developmental stages. We also compared orthologous genes between L. oregonensis and nine other species, with particular focus on chemoreceptors and detoxification genes. We identified 24 distinct odorant-binding protein genes and 41 genes for receptors involved in stimulus perception, relatively low numbers compared with other species, which would be consistent with a narrow host range. In contrast, we found a high number of detoxification genes, with significant expansion of certain gene families. Among the annotated genes, 46 were putatively acquired through horizontal gene transfer, with 17 showing strong evidence for this, including several cell-wall degrading enzymes. The phylogeny of a cytolethal distending toxin gene also suggests an initial transfer from a prokaryotic source and vertical dissemination in members of Curculionidae through recent evolution. The presence of the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia (supergroup A) was confirmed in all tested L. oregonensis individuals from several regions in northeastern North America and showed very little diversity. This study enhances our understanding of the genomic, functional, and evolutionary aspects of a significant agricultural pest and makes important and useful databases available to the scientific community.},
}

@article {pmid41017295,
year = {2025},
author = {Sritrakoon, N and Sawatwong, P and Siripattarapravat, K and Siludjai, D and Mueanpai, F and Hemarajata, P and Suksin, S and Chimnoi, W and Klinkaew, N and Nimsuphan, B},
title = {Subconjunctival Granuloma Caused by Dirofilaria repens in an Indoor Dog From Thailand: A Case Report and Mitochondrial Genome Analysis.},
journal = {Veterinary ophthalmology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/vop.70094},
pmid = {41017295},
issn = {1463-5224},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To describe a subconjunctival granuloma caused by Dirofilaria repens in a dog from Rayong province, eastern Thailand, along with the successful treatment outcomes. The causative nematode was identified through morphological examination and molecular techniques.

ANIMAL STUDIED: A 5-year-old female mixed-breed dog was presented with a subconjunctival mass at the temporal part of the left bulbar conjunctiva. The dog lived indoors with its owner.

METHODS: A complete ophthalmic examination was performed. The mass was surgically removed and submitted for histopathological examination. During the surgery, a long, slender, white-creamy nematode emerged from the mass, which was sent for parasitology examination and molecular identification. The left eyelids were closed using temporary tarsorrhaphy. Selamectin spot-on and doxycycline were prescribed.

RESULTS: Two weeks after surgery, the temporary tarsorrhaphy was removed. The excision site had healed completely without recurrence. The histopathological examination revealed eosinophilic granulomatous inflammation. A parasitic nematode was identified in the genus Dirofilaria spp. The full-length mitochondrial genome analysis showed 99.8% coverage of Dirofilaria repens sequences.

CONCLUSION: D. repens infection caused a subconjunctival granuloma in the current case. The treatments, combined with surgical excision and selamectin spot-on, resulted in a good response. The conjunctival wound had healed completely within 2 weeks, without complications or recurrences. To the authors' knowledge, this was the first report of canine subconjunctival dirofilariasis caused by D. repens in Thailand. The vector-borne transmission of D. repens, a zoonotic nematode, via mosquito bites in humans, should be a concern in Thailand, particularly in the eastern region.},
}

@article {pmid41011450,
year = {2025},
author = {Saberi, E and Qureshi, JA and Brown, JK},
title = {Time-Course Gene Expression of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum', Prophage, and Wolbachia Genes in Bactericera cockerelli from Ingestion to in Planta Transmission.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13092120},
pmid = {41011450},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {CDRE 2018-70016-27411//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {Psyllids are vectors of fastidious plant pathogenic 'Candidatus Liberibacter' species that infect both the psyllid vector and plant host. Understanding the molecular and cellular basis of 'Ca. Liberibacter' interactions with the psyllid host will aid in identification of effectors involved in invasion and multiplication and facilitate transmission to the host plant. The differential expression of previously identified genes/loci with predicted involvement in tomato host-plant- 'Ca. L. solanacearum'-prophage-Wolbachia endosymbiont dynamics was quantified by RT-qPCR amplification. Fifteen 'Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum genes and/or prophage loci and four predicted Wolbachia spp. loci were analyzed in potato psyllids in a 14-day time-course study, post-48-h acquisition-access period by potato psyllids on 'Ca. L. solanacearum'-infected tomato plants. The 'Ca. L. solanacearum'-infected tomato host plants were used as an infected host 'calibrator' species lacking involvement of psyllid effectors. 'Ca. L. solanacearum' genes with predicted functions in adhesion, motility, transport, and virulence that are associated with the prophage lysogenic lifestyle were differentially expressed. In contrast, the prophage-loci expression was synchronous with early or late phase of psyllid-'Ca. L. solanacearum' infection, respectively. The observations are consistent with the previously in silico-predicted 'Ca. L. solanacearum' gene and prophage/Wolbachia loci functions and time-course global expression patterns. Knockdown of 'Ca. L. solanacearum' genes involved in invasion, biofilm formation, and colonization would be expected to impair the vertical and horizontal transmission of 'Ca. L. solanacearum' to psyllid offspring and host plants, respectively.},
}

@article {pmid41003547,
year = {2025},
author = {Anders, KL and Ribeiro, GS and Lopes, RDS and Amadeu, P and da Costa, TR and Riback, TIS and Chalegre, KDM and de Oliveira, WP and da Silva, CC and Blanco, MVFM and Eppinghaus, ALF and Boas, FV and Frossard, T and Green, BR and O'Neill, SL and Ryan, PA and Simmons, CP and Moreira, LA},
title = {Long-Term Durability and Public Health Impact of City-Wide wMel Wolbachia Mosquito Releases in Niterói, Brazil, During a Dengue Epidemic Surge.},
journal = {Tropical medicine and infectious disease},
volume = {10},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/tropicalmed10090237},
pmid = {41003547},
issn = {2414-6366},
support = {25380.000814/2016-13//Brazil Ministry of Health/ ; },
abstract = {In 2024, the Americas experienced the largest dengue outbreak on record and Brazil was among the worst affected countries, reporting 6.6 million cases and 6200 deaths. We report the long-term entomological and epidemiological effectiveness of city-wide deployment of wMel-strain Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti in Niterói, a city of half a million people in Rio de Janeiro state, where Wolbachia releases across three-quarters of the urban population in 2017-2019 were expanded to remaining populated areas in 2023. wMel was durably established at ≥95% prevalence in Ae. aegypti populations throughout Niterói four years post-release, and up to seven years in the earliest release sites. Notified dengue case incidence in Niterói was 89% lower following Wolbachia releases, compared to the 10-year pre-intervention period of 2007-2016. Dengue incidence in Niterói in 2024, during a period of record high incidence in Brazil and the region, was 374 per 100,000 population, substantially lower than overall in Rio de Janeiro state (1884 per 100,000) and nationwide in Brazil (3157 per 100,000). Our findings show that city-wide Wolbachia coverage in Niterói provided sustained population-level reduction in dengue incidence throughout the five years post-intervention, including during the 2024 epidemic surge, averting an estimated three-quarters of the dengue case burden that may otherwise have been expected in Niterói in 2024.},
}

@article {pmid41000742,
year = {2025},
author = {Sodeinde, A and Finch, E and Li, K and Breban, MI and Bourgikos, E and Nolan, BL and Feriancek, NM and Ott, IM and Bakker, JW and Hill, V and Ross, PA and Gu, X and Huang, AT and Salje, H and Grubaugh, ND and Vogels, CBF},
title = {Heterogeneity in inhibition of genetically diverse dengue virus strains by Wolbachia.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.09.18.677129},
pmid = {41000742},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {The release of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transinfected with the virus-inhibiting Wolbachia bacterium has the potential to reduce the burden caused by dengue virus (DENV). However, the robustness of this control strategy across the wide genetic diversity of DENV remains unknown. Here, we systematically tested two commonly used Wolbachia strains (wAlbB and wMelM) for their ability to inhibit 60 genetically diverse DENV isolates spanning all four serotypes. We found stronger inhibition by wMelM (median relative dissemination: 0.04) than wAlbB (median relative dissemination: 0.19). Furthermore, while we found substantial heterogeneity in inhibition across DENV isolates, we found that more DENV-3 isolates were weakly inhibited (median relative dissemination: 0.47 for wAlbB and 0.39 for wMelM) compared to the other serotypes (median relative disseminations: 0.10-0.18 for wAlbB and 0-0.11 for wMelM). Using transmission dynamic models, we further showed that differential Wolbachia inhibition results in increased probability of reemergence, particularly in high transmission intensity settings, with strong selection for DENV strains that have higher relative dissemination in mosquitoes. Our work highlights the importance of considering DENV genetic diversity, including the long-term risk of selection, in Wolbachia-based control interventions.},
}

@article {pmid40998892,
year = {2025},
author = {Trillo, MC and Bidegaray-Batista, L and Aisenberg, A},
title = {Revealing parthenogenetic reproduction in a praying mantis inhabiting South American grasslands.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {32812},
pmid = {40998892},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {POS_NAC_2018_1_151161//Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovación/ ; BDDX_2021_1#39818985//Universidad de la República Uruguay/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Parthenogenesis/physiology ; Female ; Male ; Grassland ; *Mantodea/physiology/microbiology ; Uruguay ; Reproduction ; Wolbachia/physiology ; Sex Ratio ; Argentina ; },
abstract = {Mantids are charismatic insects due to their appearance and behaviors, but knowledge about them, in particular at the Neotropics, is scarce. Brunneria subaptera (Coptopterygidae) is the most abundant praying mantis species in Uruguay, inhabiting one of the world's largest natural grasslands. Data from collections and field observations indicated that Uruguayan samples of B. subaptera only included females, whereas both sexes were found in Argentina. This extreme-biased sex ratio could be explained through thelytokous parthenogenesis. Endosymbiotic bacteria, such as Wolbachia, can induce parthenogenesis, though their role in sex ratio distortions in diploid insects is understudied, with limited evidence from species like Mantis religiosa, where no phenotypic effects were observed. To test if B. subaptera females from Uruguay reproduce by parthenogenesis and evaluate Wolbachia infection as a possible cause, we bred virgin females in the laboratory. All produce viable offspring, confirming parthenogenesis in the studied Uruguayan localities. However, Wolbachia infection was not detected. Future studies will focus on studying other factors that may cause parthenogenesis in this species. These findings advance our understanding of mantids in the Neotropics, but will also constitute a very important step to unravel the reproductive biology and evolutionary processes behind reproduction in Neotropical mantids.},
}

Animals
*Parthenogenesis/physiology
Female
Male
Grassland
*Mantodea/physiology/microbiology
Uruguay
Reproduction
Wolbachia/physiology
Sex Ratio
Argentina

@article {pmid40997081,
year = {2025},
author = {Kittayapong, P and Ninphanomchai, S and Thayanukul, P and Limohpasmanee, W},
title = {Effect of egg irradiation on development and sterility of wild-type and Wolbachia trans-infected Aedes aegypti mosquito vectors.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {9},
pages = {e0333297},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0333297},
pmid = {40997081},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/radiation effects/growth & development ; *Wolbachia/physiology/radiation effects ; Female ; Male ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/radiation effects/growth & development ; *Ovum/radiation effects/microbiology ; X-Rays ; Larva/radiation effects/growth & development/microbiology ; Pupa/radiation effects/growth & development ; Mosquito Control/methods ; Infertility ; Pest Control, Biological ; },
abstract = {Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) or a combination of the two has become alternative promising vector control approaches. In order to apply these approaches, the targeted mosquitoes need to be sterilized and released. So far, the irradiation of mosquitoes has been conducted at the pupae or adult stages. In this study, we investigated the possibility of applying X-ray irradiation at the egg stage and also assessed the effect on the development and sterility of both wild-type and Wolbachia trans-infected Aedes aegypti mosquito vectors. The eggs of both wild-type and Wolbachia trans-infected lines were irradiated using X-ray at the doses of 1, 3, 5 and 7 Gy. Development of immature stages was observed. For wild-type Ae. aegypti, X-ray irradiation at the doses from 3 Gy decreased the development of the first-instar larvae and increased the development of the third-instar larvae but there was no effect on pupae. For Wolbachia trans-infected ones, a irradiation dose as low as 1 Gy could increase the development of the forth-instar larvae while an irradiation dose of 7 Gy induced significantly high mortality to the pupae (p < 0.05). To assess sterility, males and females that emerged from irradiated eggs were mated with the non-irradiated ones. Our results showed that an irradiation dose of 7 Gy significantly caused more than 90% sterility in both wild-type males and females (p < 0.05). However, this irradiation dose could be reduced to 5 Gy to sterilize both males and females infected with Wolbachia. Our findings revealed, for the first time, that applying a low-dose X-ray irradiation at the egg stage could sterilize both wild-type and Wolbachia trans-infected Ae. aegypti when they become adults. Egg irradiation could make the implementation of SIT, IIT or combined SIT/IIT for vector control much more feasible as the sterile eggs are easier to distribute and operate when compared to other developmental stages of mosquitoes.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/radiation effects/growth & development
*Wolbachia/physiology/radiation effects
Female
Male
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/radiation effects/growth & development
*Ovum/radiation effects/microbiology
X-Rays
Larva/radiation effects/growth & development/microbiology
Pupa/radiation effects/growth & development
Mosquito Control/methods
Infertility
Pest Control, Biological

@article {pmid40993806,
year = {2025},
author = {Md Yatim, MF and Ross, PA and Gu, X and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Impact of larval diet on fitness outcomes of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with wAlbB and wMelM.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {386},
pmid = {40993806},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {226166/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 226166/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Releases of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti are being used to effectively control diseases caused by arboviruses, such as dengue. A well-balanced larval diet is essential for producing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes with optimal fitness for release.

METHODS: In this study, four diets with varying protein-to-carbohydrate ratios were tested with three Ae. aegypti lines (carrying the wAlbB, wMelM Wolbachia infections or uninfected) to identify optimal diets for larval rearing on the basis of diet allocations ranging from 0.4 to 3.2 mg/larva/day. The diets were selected on the basis of a review of existing literature and are characterized by progressively increasing protein and decreasing carbohydrate content: diet 1 (Pd) was based on plant-based protein (low protein and high carbohydrate), diet 2 (Kd) was based on animal-based protein (moderate protein and high carbohydrate), diet 3 (Fd) involved Hikari fish food (high protein and moderate carbohydrate), and diet 4 (IAEA) followed a widely used very-high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The optimal concentration for each diet was determined using a fitness index that incorporated pupation success, fecundity, hatch proportion and development time.

RESULTS: The optimal dietary allocations for diets 1-4 were 1.6, 1.2, 1.2 and 0.8 mg/larva/day, respectively, regardless of Wolbachia status. There was a consistent significant positive relationship between female wing length and fecundity in wAlbB (r[2] = 0.881), wMelM (r[2] = 0.329), and uninfected (r[2] = 0.886) mosquitoes. Diet 3 (Fd) at optimal food allocation reduced a fitness cost commonly associated with the wAlbB line compared with the uninfected line when provided at the optimal concentration. The wMelM line showed a persistently low fecundity regardless of diet and concentration.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of an appropriate larval diet and dietary allocations in optimizing mosquito fitness for Wolbachia-based vector control programs. Further research into dietary composition, gut microbial interactions and Wolbachia associations could refine larval nutrition strategies, enhancing the effectiveness of mass-rearing for release programs.},
}

@article {pmid40988082,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Gong, JT and Liang, Y and Hu, L and Wei, Y and Gan, R and Wang, X and Yu, J and Tang, M and Hoffmann, AA and Zheng, B and Xi, Z},
title = {Ecological dynamics of field Aedes albopictus populations under Wolbachia-mediated suppression.},
journal = {Infectious diseases of poverty},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {96},
pmid = {40988082},
issn = {2049-9957},
support = {82102430//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 12371484//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 12331017//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2011S009//Guangdong Innovative Research Team Program/ ; 2013 L-P116//Scientific and Technological Leading Talents of Guangzhou Development District/ ; 2020M672573//Postdoctoral Research Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/physiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; Population Dynamics ; China ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Dengue/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The incompatible insect technique (IIT), based on Wolbachia-induced conditional sterility, has proven highly effective in suppressing mosquito populations for dengue control. However, concerns that accidental release of infected females could drive population replacement have prompted integration of IIT with irradiation or advanced sex-separation technologies. Moreover, the broader ecological consequences of IIT-based suppression remain insufficiently understood. Here, we investigated whether standalone IIT, leveraging Wolbachia-associated fitness costs under real-world conditions, can effectively suppress Aedes albopictus populations without causing replacement, while also addressing key ecological concerns related to IIT-based mosquito population suppression.

METHODS: We conducted field trials on Shazai Island, Nansha District, Guangzhou, China, releasing approximately 16,000 Wolbachia wPip-transinfected A. albopictus HC males per hectare per week from 2018 to 2019, following three years of combined IIT and sterile insect technique (SIT) application. Population suppression was monitored, with wPip infection frequency assessed to evaluate population replacement risks. Two-dimensional system of ordinary differential equations incorporating Wolbachia-induced fitness costs was established to predict population dynamics. Additionally, we assessed female mating preferences after three years of suppression and the impact on non-target Culex quinquefasciatus populations.

RESULTS: We offer both empirical evidence and a mathematical model, demonstrating that the fitness costs associated with a Wolbachia triple-strain infection in A. albopictus, especially in adverse field conditions, empower a standalone IIT to effectively suppress mosquito populations without causing population replacement. Remarkably, reducing the previous release numbers to just 20% sustained a similar suppression level. We found no evidence of changes in female mating preferences after a three-year field suppression. The suppression of A. albopictus does not impact the population of the coexisting nontarget species C. quinquefasciatus. After stopping releases, the population rebounded partially in Year 1 and appeared to fully recover in Year 2, with the rate of this recovery likely influenced by mosquito immigration associated with population flow.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the robustness, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and ecological safety of IIT as a tool for controlling mosquito-borne diseases. These findings support the implementation of field-applicable, low-dose IIT for sustainable dengue control.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/physiology
*Wolbachia/physiology
Female
Male
*Mosquito Control/methods
Population Dynamics
China
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
Dengue/prevention & control

@article {pmid40980060,
year = {2025},
author = {Russell, JE and Mizera, N and Brown, CG and Chuang, A and Coyle, DR and Nelsen, DR},
title = {Mitochondrial and Wolbachia phylogenetics of the introduced Jorō spider, Trichonephila clavata (Araneae: Araneidae) in North America.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19952},
pmid = {40980060},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/classification ; *Phylogeny ; *Spiders/microbiology/genetics ; Genetic Variation ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; *Mitochondria/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; North America ; Georgia ; },
abstract = {The introduction of Trichonephila clavata (L. Koch, 1878) (Araneae: Araneidae: subfamily Nephilinae) in the United States was first recorded in Georgia in 2014. Since its introduction, T. clavata has become a prominent feature of the arthropod fauna in several southeastern US states. Many questions regarding the introduction event(s) remain unanswered; for instance, was the introduction a single discrete event followed by rapid spread, or were there multiple introductions? The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit one gene region (COI), which was used to characterize the initial T. clavata observation in the US, has also been used to characterize within- and between-population genetic variation. One confounding factor for COI as a population genetic molecular marker, though, is the presence of cytoplasmic agents of selection such as intracellular bacteria in the genus Wolbachia. Given that Wolbachia infections have been detected in potential source populations of T. clavata, the present study sought to characterize mitochondrial genetic diversity and the status of Wolbachia infection in the North American population(s) closest to the originally proposed introduction site in Georgia. DNA sequencing revealed no mitochondrial genetic variation in the T. clavata population sampled in North America, and an exact sequence match to the previously reported T. clavata in Georgia and a sequence sample from Yunnan, China. Wolbachia was detected in the North American samples. However, phylogenetic analysis on a concatenated multi-locus type sequence suggested two distinct Wolbachia clades, one represented by samples collected in Georgia and another represented by a single sample collected in South Carolina. Sequence analyses of the multi-locus gene regions suggested that the Georgia T. clavata may be infected with two strains of Wolbachia (super-infection), and the South Carolina sample represented a separate single infection. The study's results emphasize the need for further research, including expanded sampling in the introduced and potential source population regions, as well as a more detailed molecular characterization of the populations.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/genetics/classification
*Phylogeny
*Spiders/microbiology/genetics
Genetic Variation
DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
*Mitochondria/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA
North America
Georgia

@article {pmid40979367,
year = {2025},
author = {Cojkic, A and Niazi, A and Hansson, I and Morrell, JM},
title = {Variations in bacterial profiles associated with semen collection timing and bull breed, analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1583136},
pmid = {40979367},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Bacterial contamination can occur at multiple stages of semen processing, necessitating the use of antibiotics in bull semen preservation, mandated by regulatory guidelines. To manage antimicrobial resistance (AMR), targeted antibiotic use based on bacterial identification is essential. This study aimed to characterize bacterial communities in bull semen using metagenomic analysis and MALDI-TOF MS across different semen collection times from the same bulls and between two breeds.

METHODS: Semen samples were collected from 20 dairy bulls (8 Viking Holstein and 12 Viking Red). Each bull provided three ejaculates within a week: the first after a 96 h since previous collection (T1), the second 48 h later (T2), and the third 24 h after the second (T3). Bacterial species were identified through culturing on cattle blood agar, followed by MALDI-TOF MS identification. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to determine bacterial diversity after DNA extraction.

RESULTS: MALDI-TOF analysis identified 33 bacterial species across 60 semen samples. Six species were exclusive to Viking Holstein (VH) bulls, while 12 were specific to Viking Red (VR) bulls. Certain bacterial species were present only at specific time points: three in the first ejaculate, seven in the second, and five in the third. Across individual bulls, Bacillus spp., Proteus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. were the most consistently detected. Metagenomic analysis revealed 23 phyla and 402 genera in semen samples. Alpha diversity (Shannon index) showed a trend toward p = 0.07 across the bull samples, while beta diversity significantly differed between breeds, with VH samples forming a distinct cluster and VR samples displaying greater microbiome variability. Additionally, specific genera appeared only at one collection time point: Bacteroides, Serratia, Pantoea at T1, Wolbachia, Prevotella, Peptococcus, Alloprevotella at T2, and Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma at T3. Specific genera, Acidocella and Escherichia, exhibited negative correlations with most bacterial taxa but showed a slight positive correlation with each other; while Acidocella was detected in nearly all semen samples, except for two samples.

DISCUSSION: The seminal microbiota of bulls varies over time and differs between breeds, indicating that it is influenced by a complex interaction of environmental, physiological, and host-related factors.},
}

@article {pmid40973632,
year = {2025},
author = {Lefoulon, E and Bordenstein, SR and Carpenter, LR and Buchser, JL and Nowicki, CJ and Yakhnina, AA and Gutierrez, JB and Kaur, R and Imchen, M and Bordenstein, SR},
title = {Evolutionary Diversification and Functions of the Candidate Male Killing Gene wmk.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evaf179},
pmid = {40973632},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Symbiont-mediated male killing (MK) is a mechanism that selectively eliminates male offspring, often by disrupting sex-specific developmental processes. In Drosophila melanogaster, the WO-mediated killing gene wmk from Wolbachia prophage WO transgenically reproduces the MK phenotype, yet how the gene evolves and functions across diverse Wolbachia has not been systematically investigated. We analyzed 32 Wolbachia genomes available in the NCBI database to study wmk homologs across different arthropod hosts, reproductive parasitism functions, and Wolbachia supergroups. First, we report at least five distinct wmk phylogenetic clusters (Type I-V), often organized in multigenic dyads or triads. Second, among MK Wolbachia, there is a significantly higher number of wmk genes and diversity in Lepidoptera strains than in Drosophila strains, which exclusively harbor wmk Types I and III. Third, there are three patterns of wmk sequence and genomic organizational changes in Drosophila MK strains that associate with different evolutionary trajectories underpinning the MK phenotype. Fourth, single and combinatory transgenic expression of Types I and III in D. melanogaster uncovers male-biased lethality associated with Type I; however, dual expression of the Types together elicits a major reduction in offspring number. Fifth, wmk genes have low expression level across D. melanogaster developmental stages relative to the cifA and cifB genes, which could explain why cytoplasmic incompatibility is expressed in this system. These findings establish a complex and phylogenetically-informed genetic basis of wmk-induced lethality, highlighting the role of gene copy number and expression, wmk Types, and host background in shaping the phenotype.},
}

@article {pmid40957832,
year = {2025},
author = {Phauk, S and Assentato, L and Meas, S and Terenius, O},
title = {Primary and Secondary Symbionts of Cambodian Cicadellidae and the Role of Parasitisation.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {5},
pages = {e70196},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.70196},
pmid = {40957832},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {//Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/parasitology ; *Symbiosis ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; Hymenoptera/microbiology/physiology ; Cambodia ; },
abstract = {Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) are important vectors of plant pathogens in agricultural systems. Biological control via parasitisation is a key management strategy, but little is known about how microbial symbionts mediate host-parasitoid interactions. Here, we characterise the bacterial communities of six Cambodian leafhopper species (Cofana spectra, Exitianus sp., Goniagnathus punctifer, Maiestas dorsalis, Nephotettix virescens, and Stirellus sp.) and their parasitoids from the families Dryinidae (Hymenoptera) and Halictophagidae (Strepsiptera). We found that the bacterial symbiont Sulcia dominates cicadellid microbiotas, often coexisting with secondary symbionts. For example, Nasuia is present alongside Sulcia in Nephotettix, while Wolbachia is prevalent in Exitianus and Goniagnathus. Parasitoids exhibited distinct microbiotas with greater diversity; Rhodobacteraceae and Comamonadaceae were in dryinids, while Wolbachia was common in Halictophagidae. We analysed the microbiota of individual pairs of host-parasitoid and although parasitism did not significantly alter cicadellid overall microbiotas, some secondary symbionts (e.g., Arsenophonus, Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Sodalis) were detected in both hosts and parasitoids, suggesting possible microbial transmission that warrants further investigation. These findings improve our understanding of host-parasitoid microbial interactions and highlight the relationship between primary and secondary symbiont communities.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/microbiology/parasitology
*Symbiosis
*Microbiota
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Host-Parasite Interactions
Hymenoptera/microbiology/physiology
Cambodia

@article {pmid40955762,
year = {2025},
author = {Abbasi, E},
title = {Arboviral Diseases in a Changing World: Evolutionary Dynamics, Host-Vector Interactions, and Novel Control Strategies.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1177/15303667251376450},
pmid = {40955762},
issn = {1557-7759},
abstract = {Introduction: Arboviral diseases, transmitted by hematophagous arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks, represent an escalating global public health challenge. The resurgence and geographic spread of arboviruses particularly dengue virus, Zika virus, chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and West Nile virus are closely linked to environmental change, urbanization, and increased human mobility. Understanding their evolutionary mechanisms, host-vector interactions, and emerging control strategies is critical to effective disease mitigation. Materials and Methods: This systematic review employed a comprehensive multidatabase search (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) from 2000 to 2025 using MeSH terms and Boolean logic to identify studies on arbovirus evolution, transmission, and control. From 16,320 initial records, 12 high-quality, peer-reviewed studies met the final inclusion criteria based on relevance, methodology, and publication standards. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and adopted an integrative analytical framework, including genomic analysis, meta-epidemiological synthesis, and predictive modeling. Results: The review highlights that arboviruses possess high genomic plasticity, enabling rapid adaptation through mutations (e.g., CHIKV A226V), recombination, and immune evasion. Key molecular mechanisms include subversion of RNA interference (RNAi) and Toll/IMD pathways, and saliva-assisted transmission in vectors. Environmental and anthropogenic driver's climate change, urban sprawl, and globalization are expanding arbovirus endemicity into new regions. Novel control strategies such as CRISPR gene drives, Wolbachia-based interventions, and RNAi antivirals offer promising alternatives to conventional vector control, with mRNA vaccine platforms showing significant potential. Discussion: The findings emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach integrating virology, vector biology, synthetic biology, and environmental modeling. Real-time genomic surveillance, predictive analytics, and eco-adaptive vector control strategies are essential for proactive response. However, ethical, ecological, and regulatory concerns around gene editing and microbial interventions warrant careful consideration. The evolving interplay between virus, vector, host, and environment necessitates dynamic public health strategies and sustained international collaboration.},
}

@article {pmid40953787,
year = {2025},
author = {Gabrielli, S and Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Napoli, E and De Benedetto, G and Liapis, DD and Cascio, A and Basile, A and Iatta, R and Perles, L and Pombi, M and Otranto, D and Brianti, E},
title = {Human exposure to Dirofilaria immitis following a canine heartworm disease elimination program in Linosa Island (Sicily, Italy).},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107838},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107838},
pmid = {40953787},
issn = {1873-6254},
abstract = {The recent reports of Dirofilaria immitis causing canine heartworm disease (HWD) in highly endemic foci of Italy suggested the increasing risk for dogs and humans. In southernmost areas, such as Linosa island (Sicily), previous studies showed D. immitis infection in 58.9% of dogs and a parasitic exposure in 7.9% of islanders. These findings prompted a targeted elimination program, which led to HWD elimination by 2022. Hence, the present study aimed to assess antibody response and kinetics among Linosa residents one year after the implementation of canine HWD elimination program. In 2023, blood samples were collected from 89 residents and 39 dogs. Participants completed a questionnaire with demographic and clinical data, including symptoms and relevant risk factors. Human sera were tested for D. immitis exposure using an in-house ELISA. Dog samples were analyzed using Knott test and a commercial ELISA rapid test (SNAP 4DX Plus, IDEXX). Additionally, previously infected dogs underwent echocardiographic evaluation. Genomic DNA was extracted from all human and dog samples and tested by PCR using Dirofilaria spp. and Wolbachia-specific protocols. Serological analyses revealed that 25.8% of the volunteers were seropositive for D. immitis, indicating an increase of seropositivity compared to 2020 (8%). None of the human and dog samples tested positive for Dirofilaria spp. or Wolbachia by PCR. Despite the successful elimination of D. immitis in dogs, the increased seroprevalence in humans indicates that the level of human exposure remains stable, even in the absence of canine infection. However, new seropositive cases may reflect exposures that had not yet seroconverted at the time of initial testing in 2020, or exposures that occurred outside the island. Long-term studies on antibody persistence and vector surveillance are essential to improve elimination efforts.},
}

@article {pmid40951973,
year = {2025},
author = {Ser, SL and Ware-Gilmore, F and Dennington, NL and Miller, A and McNulty, BP and Harris, ML and Jones, MJ and Hall, MD and Sgrò, CM and Shea, K and McGraw, EA},
title = {Repeated thermal stress exposure in Aedes aegypti co-infected with Wolbachia and dengue virus.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0012925},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00129-25},
pmid = {40951973},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, affecting the thermal tolerance of mosquitoes and potentially influencing the efficacy of the biological control agent, Wolbachia. This study investigates the impact of repeated thermal stress on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes co-infected with Wolbachia and dengue virus (DENV). We exposed infected mosquitoes (singly and in co-infection) to varying intensities, frequencies, and durations of thermal stress to assess their thermal sensitivity via a "knockdown assay" compared to uninfected controls. Our results demonstrate that co-infection with Wolbachia and DENV significantly increases thermal sensitivity, with mosquitoes exhibiting a twofold faster median knockdown time than either singly infected or uninfected controls in most cases. A comparison of mosquitoes with no prior heat exposure to those given a single exposure revealed some evidence of heat hardening, or a slight lengthening of time to knockdown. Additional exposures provided no substantial benefit, however. Extended thermal stress (60 mins) also significantly reduced DENV loads, while Wolbachia loads remained stable, indicating that prolonged heat may disrupt viral replication without affecting bacterial symbiosis. These findings suggest that heatwaves could lower vector competence and disproportionately affect DENV-infected mosquitoes in Wolbachia-release areas, with implications for biocontrol strategies. Field studies should explore how infection affects mosquitoes' ability to modulate thermal exposure behaviorally, providing insights for optimizing Wolbachia-based control efforts.

IMPORTANCE: Dengue virus (DENV), spread by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, is a major global health threat affecting millions of people. This study examines how repeated exposures to heat stress affect the thermal tolerance of mosquitoes infected with DENV and/or Wolbachia, a bacterium used for biological control. These repeated exposures mimic the experience of mosquitoes in the wild experiencing heatwaves of increasing frequency under climate change. Our research shows that Ae. aegypti co-infected with Wolbachia and DENV is more susceptible to thermal stress than singly infected or uninfected mosquitoes. We also demonstrate that multiple independent thermal stress exposures do not exacerbate the effect of infection. Understanding these interactions is essential for predicting how climate change may affect dengue transmission and the resilience of Wolbachia-based interventions.},
}

@article {pmid40945759,
year = {2025},
author = {Marinotti, O},
title = {The Urgent Need for More Research on Wolbachia-Based Mosquito Interventions in Public Health.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107815},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107815},
pmid = {40945759},
issn = {1873-6254},
abstract = {The release of Wolbachia pipientis-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes has emerged as a novel strategy to reduce the transmission of arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Wolbachia-based approaches to dengue control include population replacement, which reduces vector competence by establishing Wolbachia in wild populations of Aedes aegypti, and population suppression, which lowers mosquito densities through cytoplasmic incompatibility. Field trials of the population replacement strategy, based on wMel Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, have shown variable success and concerns persist about long-term efficacy, safety and ecological impact. Uncertainties arise from an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underlying pathogen blocking, possible bacteria and vector strain-specific effects, and the influence of environmental, host, and viral factors on the success of such a strategy. Moreover, some Wolbachia strains may enhance mosquito susceptibility to certain pathogens. Additionally, large-scale deployment raises the possibility of biodiversity disruption and the emergence of viral resistance. Given these unresolved concerns, it is premature and potentially irresponsible to expand the program to new areas without first rigorously assessing its safety, efficacy and sustainability.},
}

@article {pmid40939509,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Z and Wang, S and Luan, C and Liu, C and Niu, W and Yang, H and Wang, Z and Xiao, Y},
title = {Conserved motif pairs in CidA-CidB dictate Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility patterns.},
journal = {Biochemical and biophysical research communications},
volume = {783},
number = {},
pages = {152612},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.152612},
pmid = {40939509},
issn = {1090-2104},
abstract = {Insect incompatibility technology and population replacement strategies based on the principle of cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) have been proven to be effective in controlling mosquito-borne diseases. However, the genetic diversity of Wolbachia and the species-specificity of mosquito vectors lead to a range of CI phenotypes in the infected hosts. As key proteins regulating the CI phenomenon, CI factors (including CidA and CidB) play a critical role in this process. Studies have shown that the diversity of CI factors is closely related to the diversity of CI phenotypes, although the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we systematically analyzed the interactions between 21 CidA types (wPip (I-IV)) and 4 CidB types (wPip-I), and identified key interaction sites located in two distinct regions of their interaction interfaces. Each region is composed of two distinct amino acid motifs. This finding suggests that different types of CidA and CidB can form four different families, resulting in 16 distinct interaction patterns. By predicting the structure of representative CidA-CidB complexes, we further analyzed the specific amino acid interaction residues and confirmed that this interaction pattern is conserved between CidA (wPip (I-IV)) and CidB (wPip (I-III)). Our findings provide an important theoretical basis and technical platform for the artificial manipulation and regulation of Wolbachia-induced CI. This work offers a new direction for the precise cross-species control of CI factors through sequence- and structure-guided molecular modification and design.},
}

@article {pmid40931264,
year = {2025},
author = {Mrabti, I and Grijja, H and Benzahra, H and Brhadda, N and Ziri, R and Kubaa, RA and Mokrini, F and Afechtal, M},
title = {Detection of Wolbachia in Natural Populations of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) Infesting Argan Fruits in Morocco.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {95},
pmid = {40931264},
issn = {1678-8052},
abstract = {The argan tree (Argania spinosa L. Skeels), native to the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, is an endangered agroforestry species renowned for producing one of the world's most expensive and sought-after oils. However, this valuable resource is threatened by the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata (Wied.)), an invasive pest worldwide. Like other dipteran insects, C. capitata has developed mutualistic interactions with prokaryotic endosymbionts, including Wolbachia, a facultative intracellular bacterium that could play a role in the biology of this pest. Between 2022 and 2024, a field survey was conducted in the argan forests of Agadir, southern Morocco, to detect Wolbachia in natural populations of C. capitata and investigate its potential impact on this pest. A total of eighteen wild type specimens were captured to investigate the endosymbionts of this insect pest. Detection of Wolbachia was carried out by PCR using a primer pair targeting a specific fragment within the cox gene. Amplicons of the expected size were sequenced in both directions, and one sequence was deposited in the GenBank under accession Number PQ285444. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the obtained sequence belongs to the monophyletic clade of the Wolbachia B supergroup, known to infect a variety of insect species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the bacterium being detected and characterized in natural populations of the Mediterranean fruit fly infesting argan fruits in the country. These findings open new perspectives for integrated biological control strategies, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides for managing this insect pest species in Morocco.},
}

@article {pmid40930012,
year = {2025},
author = {Wei, X and Zhao, X},
title = {Blood meal modulates midgut bacterial community structure and metabolic function in Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part D, Genomics & proteomics},
volume = {56},
number = {},
pages = {101628},
doi = {10.1016/j.cbd.2025.101628},
pmid = {40930012},
issn = {1878-0407},
abstract = {The transmission of mosquito-borne diseases is intrinsically linked to mosquito blood-feeding behavior, yet the metabolic adaptations of the midgut microbiota in response to blood meals remain poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the structural and functional changes in the midgut microbiota of Aedes albopictus following blood feeding and to elucidate their potential physiological implications. In this study, we employed 16S rRNA gene amplification coupled with PacBio Sequel II sequencing to characterize shifts in the midgut microbiota of Aedes albopictus before and after blood feeding on mice. Following blood feeding, we observed a significant restructuring of the microbial composition. This shift was characterized by a marked enrichment of Acinetobacter and Wolbachia, with Wolbachia displacing Flavisolibacter as the dominant taxon. Functionally, blood feeding promoted the upregulation of pathways related to mobile genetic elements and stress tolerance, largely driven by Lactobacillaceae. Furthermore, we presented the first comprehensive analysis of blood meal-induced metabolic network remodeling in the mosquito midgut microbiota. Post-prandial microbiota exhibited enhanced metabolic capacity for pyruvate and glycine catabolism. These findings reveal that blood meals induce rapid microbial metabolic adaptation aimed at nutrient utilization and oxidative management. This study provides insight into how microbiota dynamics support mosquito host adaptation under nutritional stress and offers potential targets for microbiome-based strategies to interfere with vector competence.},
}

@article {pmid40926678,
year = {2025},
author = {Prabhu, D and Sureshan, M and Rajamanikandan, S and Jeyakanthan, J},
title = {Harnessing the potential of phytochemicals to design anti-filarial molecules targeting the MurE enzyme of Brugia malayi: a hierarchical virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation study.},
journal = {SAR and QSAR in environmental research},
volume = {36},
number = {8},
pages = {753-773},
doi = {10.1080/1062936X.2025.2556512},
pmid = {40926678},
issn = {1029-046X},
mesh = {*Brugia malayi/enzymology/drug effects ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; *Phytochemicals/pharmacology/chemistry ; Animals ; Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship ; Drug Design ; *Ligases/antagonists & inhibitors ; Wolbachia/enzymology ; *Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Filaricides/pharmacology/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Brugia malayi, a causative agent of lymphatic filariasis, relies on its endosymbiont Wolbachia for survival. MurE ligase, a key enzyme in Wolbachia peptidoglycan biosynthesis, serves as a promising drug target for anti-filarial therapy. In this study, we employed a hierarchical virtual screening pipeline to identify phytochemical inhibitors targeting the MurE enzyme of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of B. malayi (wBmMurE). A validated high-quality model of wBmMurE was used to screen 17,967 phytochemicals, and the identified hits were subjected to toxicity profiling, and ADME filters to select potent drug-like candidates. Five phytochemicals such as biotin, quisqualic acid, succinic acid, 9,14-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid, and N-isovaleroylglycine with permissible ADME profiles showed favourable binding affinities (GlideScore range: -12.86 to -10.57 kcal/mol), and stable interactions with catalytically important residues were selected from screened hits. Comparative analysis with reported MurE inhibitors validated the superior affinity and drug-like behaviour of our identified leads. Molecular dynamics simulations of 300 ns confirmed the conformational stability of ligand-bound complexes, while MM-GBSA analysis supported their favourable binding free energies. The results revealed that the identified compounds have the tendency of binding within substrate binding cavity of wBmMurE. These findings suggest that selected phytochemicals could serve as starting points for the development of novel anti-filarial agents.},
}

*Brugia malayi/enzymology/drug effects
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
*Phytochemicals/pharmacology/chemistry
Animals
Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship
Drug Design
*Ligases/antagonists & inhibitors
Wolbachia/enzymology
*Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology
*Filaricides/pharmacology/chemistry

@article {pmid40924749,
year = {2025},
author = {Amoros, J and Buysse, M and Floriano, AM and Moumen, B and Vavre, F and Bouchon, D and Duron, O},
title = {Diversity and spread of cytoplasmic incompatibility genes among maternally inherited symbionts.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {21},
number = {9},
pages = {e1011856},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pgen.1011856},
pmid = {40924749},
issn = {1553-7404},
abstract = {Cytoplasmic Incompatibility (CI) causes embryonic lethality in arthropods, resulting in a significant reduction in reproductive success. In most cases, this reproductive failure is driven by Wolbachia endosymbionts through their cifA/cifB gene pair, whose products disrupts arthropod DNA replication during embryogenesis. While a cif pair has been considered a hallmark of Wolbachia, its presence and functional significance in other bacterial lineages remains poorly investigated. Here, we conducted a comprehensive survey of 762 genomes spanning non-Wolbachia endosymbionts and their close relatives, revealing that the cif pair is far more widespread than previously recognized. We identified cif loci in 8.4% of the surveyed genomes, with a striking incidence of 17.4% in facultative symbionts. Beyond Wolbachia, cif pair occurs across eight bacterial genera spanning α-Proteobacteria, γ-Proteobacteria, Mollicutes, and Bacteroidota. Notably, cif pair has been identified in several intracellular pathogens of mammals showing high rate of transovarial transmission in their arthropod hosts, suggesting a potential role of cif pair and CI in vector-borne disease dynamics. Structural analyses further reveal that the PD(D/E)-XK nucleases and AAA-ATPase-like motifs are consistently conserved across cif pairs in all bacterial taxa. Moreover, cif pairs are frequently integrated within diverse mobile genetic elements, from transposons to large intact WO prophages in Wolbachia and RAGEs in Rickettsiaceae. Phylogenetic analyses reveal recent and potentially ongoing horizontal transfers of cif pair between distantly related bacterial lineages, a process potentially facilitated by mobile genetic elements. Indeed, the PDDEXK2 transposase exhibits a phylogenetic pattern consistent with the co-transmission of cif genes, suggesting that it may facilitate horizontal transfers of cif across bacterial lineages. Furthermore, the detection of endosymbionts harboring cif pair in arthropod groups where Wolbachia is scarce, such as ticks, suggests that CI may be more widespread than previously known, with significant implications for arthropod symbiosis, reproductive manipulation, and future biocontrol strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40920875,
year = {2025},
author = {Chappell, L and Peguero, R and Conner, WR and Fowler, S and Cooper, BS and Pfarr, K and Hoerauf, A and Lustigman, S and Sakanari, J and Sullivan, W},
title = {Fexinidazole and corallopyronin a target Wolbachia-infected sheath cells present in filarial nematodes.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {21},
number = {9},
pages = {e1012929},
doi = {10.1371/journal.ppat.1012929},
pmid = {40920875},
issn = {1553-7374},
abstract = {The discovery of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia as an obligate symbiont of. filarial nematodes has led to antibiotic-based treatments for filarial diseases. While lab. and clinical studies have yielded promising results, recent animal studies revealed that Wolbachia levels rebound following treatment with the antibiotic rifampicin. Previous work revealed that a potential source of the bacterial rebound in female worms were dense clusters of Wolbachia in ovarian tissue. The number, size, and density of these Wolbachia clusters were not diminished despite antibiotic treatment. Here we define the cellular characteristics of the Wolbachia clusters in Brugia pahangi (wBp) and identify drugs that target them. We show that the Wolbachia clusters originate from newly formed sheath cells adjacent to the distal tip cell. The dramatically enlarged volume of a Wolbachia-infected sheath cell is strikingly similar to endosymbiont-induced bacteriocytes found in many insect species. Ultrastructural analysis reveals that the clustered Wolbachia present within the sheath cells have a distinct morphology from those present within the oocytes, and that the sheath cell membrane appears to have interdigitations with the adjacent oocyte membrane. This includes membrane-based channels that provide a connection between Wolbachia-infected sheath cells and oocytes. We determined that the Wolbachia within the sheath cells are either quiescent or replicating at a very low rate. Screens of 11 known antibiotics and other drugs revealed that Fexinidazole, Corallopyronin A and Rapamycin reduced the number of Wolbachia clusters infecting sheath cells but only Fexinidazole and Corallopyronin A showed a highly significant difference (p < 0.0001) compared to the control group.},
}

@article {pmid40911655,
year = {2025},
author = {Travis, CT and Argibay, HD and Pellizzaro, M and de Oliveira, D and Santana, R and Palma, FAG and Lustosa, R and Santana, JO and Souza, FN and Alzate López, YA and Reis, MG and Ko, AI and Diggle, PJ and Ribeiro, GS and Begon, M and Costa, F and Khalil, H and Eyre, MT},
title = {Topography and environmental deficiencies are associated with chikungunya virus exposure in urban informal settlements in Salvador, Brazil.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {19},
number = {9},
pages = {e0013477},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0013477},
pmid = {40911655},
issn = {1935-2735},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus with a significant global public health burden. Delineating the specific contributions of individual behaviour, household, natural and built environment to CHIKV transmission is important for reducing risk in urban informal settlements but challenging due to their heterogeneous environments. The aim of this study was to quantify variation in CHIKV seroprevalence between and within four urban communities in a large Brazilian city, and identify the respective contributions of individual, household, and environmental factors for seropositivity.

A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted in four low-income communities in Salvador, Brazil in 2018 to collect individual, household and CHIKV IgG serology data for 1318 participants. Fine-scale community mapping of high-risk environmental features and remotely sensed environmental data were used to improve characterisation of the microenvironment close to the household. We categorised risk factors into three domains - individual, household, and environmental and used binomial mixed-effect models to identify associations with CHIKV seropositivity. CHIKV seroprevalence was 4.8%, 6.1% and 4.3% in three communities and 22.6% in one community which had a distinct topographical profile. The only individual domain variable associated with seropositivity was male sex (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.11 - 2.36), but several environmental variables, including living in a house on a steep hillside, at medium to high elevations, and with surface water nearby, were associated with higher seropositivity.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings indicate that CHIKV exposure risk can vary significantly between nearby communities and at fine spatial scales within communities and is likely to be driven more strongly by the availability of mosquito breeding sites rather than individual exposure patterns. They suggest that environmental deficiencies and topography, a proxy for several environmental processes including the degree of urbanisation and flooding risk, may play an important role in driving risk at both of these scales.},
}

@article {pmid40911652,
year = {2025},
author = {Serrato-Salas, J and Epelboin, Y and Bemplidaki, D and Roger, I and Gendrin, M},
title = {Extracellular microbes are required for mosquito development even in the presence of Wolbachia.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {19},
number = {9},
pages = {e0013481},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0013481},
pmid = {40911652},
issn = {1935-2735},
abstract = {Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium infecting a wide array of invertebrates, has gained attention for its potential in vector control. Its capacity to colonise host populations primarily relies on vertical transmission and reproductive manipulation in arthropods. This endosymbiont is additionally mutualistic in some hosts, across several Wolbachia supergroups; notably, in nematodes and, as recently demonstrated, in planthoppers and bedbugs, it functions as an essential nutritional symbiont by providing vitamins to its host. Since mosquito larvae require microbe-derived nutrients for development, we investigated whether Wolbachia alone can support larval development in Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. Our findings reveal that Wolbachia alone is insufficient to support larval development. Using transient colonisation with Escherichia coli, we developed a protocol to produce adult Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes harbouring Wolbachia only (germ-freeWol+). These results suggest that E. coli can support larval development in this species, which typically thrives in murky water; they also underscore the importance of extracellular microbes in larval growth. Furthermore, when Wolbachia infection was suppressed in germ-freeWol+ larvae using tetracycline treatment, we observed enhanced larval development, suggesting that Wolbachia acts as a metabolic parasite. In summary, this study opens the way for gnotobiology research in Culex quinquefasciatus and highlights the intricate interactions between Wolbachia and other members, which collectively influence mosquito development.},
}

@article {pmid40909553,
year = {2025},
author = {Pujhari, S and Heebner, J and Raumann, E and Zhong, T and Rasgon, JL and Swulius, MT and Shaffer, CL and Kaplan, M},
title = {In situ architecture of the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.08.29.673095},
pmid = {40909553},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Hidden within host cells, the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis is the most prevalent bacterial infection in the animal kingdom. Scientific breakthroughs over the past century yielded fundamental mechanisms by which Wolbachia controls arthropod reproduction to shape dynamic ecological and evolutionary trajectories. However, the structure and spatial organization of symbiont machineries that underpin intracellular colonization and orchestrate maternal inheritance remain unknown. Here, we used cryo-electron tomography to directly image the nanoscale architecture of bacterial tools deployed for host manipulation and germline transmission. We discovered that Wolbachia assembles multiple structures at the host-endosymbiont interface including a filamentous ladder-like framework hypothesized to serve as a specialized motility mechanism that enables bacterial translocation to specific host cell compartments during embryogenesis and somatic tissue dissemination. In addition, we present the first in situ structure of the Rickettsiales vir homolog type IV secretion system (rvh T4SS). We provide evidence that the rvh T4SS nanomachine exhibits architectural similarities to the pED208-encoded T4SS apparatus including the biogenesis of rigid conjugative pili extending hundreds of nanometers beyond the bacterial cell surface. Coupled with integrative structural modeling, we demonstrate that in contrast to canonical T4SS architectures, the α-proteobacterial T4SS outer membrane complex assembles a periplasmic baseplate structure predicted to comprise VirB9 oligomers complexed with cognate VirB10 subunits that form extended antennae projections surrounding the translocation channel pore. Collectively, these studies provide an unprecedented view into Wolbachia structural cell biology and unveil the molecular blueprints for architectural paradigms that reinforce ancient host-microbe symbioses.},
}

@article {pmid40906125,
year = {2025},
author = {Basit, A and Haq, IU and Hyder, M and Humza, M and Younas, M and Akhtar, MR and Ghafar, MA and Liu, TX and Hou, Y},
title = {Microbial Symbiosis in Lepidoptera: Analyzing the Gut Microbiota for Sustainable Pest Management.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14080937},
pmid = {40906125},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {National Natural Science Foundation of China (U22A20489; 32361143791).//National Natural Science Foundation of China (U22A20489; 32361143791)./ ; },
abstract = {Recent advances in microbiome studies have deepened our understanding of endosymbionts and gut-associated microbiota in host biology. Of those, lepidopteran systems in particular harbor a complex and diverse microbiome with various microbial taxa that are stable and transmitted between larval and adult stages, and others that are transient and context-dependent. We highlight key microorganisms-including Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Saccharomyces, Bifidobacterium, and Wolbachia-that play critical roles in microbial ecology, biotechnology, and microbiome studies. The fitness implications of these microbial communities can be variable; some microbes improve host performance, while others neither positively nor negatively impact host fitness, or their impact is undetectable. This review examines the central position played by the gut microbiota in interactions of insects with plants, highlighting the functions of the microbiota in the manipulation of the behavior of herbivorous pests, modulating plant physiology, and regulating higher trophic levels in natural food webs. It also bridges microbiome ecology and applied pest management, emphasizing S. frugiperda as a model for symbiont-based intervention. As gut microbiota are central to the life history of herbivorous pests, we consider how these interactions can be exploited to drive the development of new, environmentally sound biocontrol strategies. Novel biotechnological strategies, including symbiont-based RNA interference (RNAi) and paratransgenesis, represent promising but still immature technologies with major obstacles to overcome in their practical application. However, microbiota-mediated pest control is an attractive strategy to move towards sustainable agriculture. Significantly, the gut microbiota of S. frugiperda is essential for S. frugiperda to adapt to a wide spectrum of host plants and different ecological niches. Studies have revealed that the microbiome of S. frugiperda has a close positive relationship with the fitness and susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi; therefore, targeting the S. frugiperda microbiome may have good potential for innovative biocontrol strategies in the future.},
}

@article {pmid40899172,
year = {2025},
author = {Westphal, C and Stanhope, S and Cooper, W and Wang, C},
title = {A mathematical model for Zika virus disease: Intervention methods and control of affected pregnancies.},
journal = {Mathematical biosciences and engineering : MBE},
volume = {22},
number = {8},
pages = {1956-1979},
doi = {10.3934/mbe.2025071},
pmid = {40899172},
issn = {1551-0018},
mesh = {*Zika Virus Infection/prevention & control/transmission/epidemiology ; Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Wolbachia ; Animals ; Aedes/virology/microbiology ; Zika Virus ; Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control ; *Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control/epidemiology/virology ; Mosquito Vectors/virology/microbiology ; Computer Simulation ; Male ; Models, Biological ; Models, Theoretical ; Incidence ; Mathematical Concepts ; },
abstract = {Zika virus is spread to human populations primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, and Zika virus disease has been linked to a number of developmental abnormalities and miscarriages, generally coinciding with infection during early pregnancy. In this paper, we propose a new mathematical model for the transmission of Zika and study a range of control strategies to reduce the incidence of affected pregnancies in an outbreak. While most infectious disease models primarily focus on measures of the spread of the disease, our model is formulated to estimate the number of affected pregnancies throughout the simulated outbreak. Thus the effectiveness of control measures and parameter sensitivity analysis is done with respect to this metric. In addition to traditional intervention strategies, we consider the introduction of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes into the native population. Our results suggest a threshold parameter for Wolbachia as an effective control measure, and show the natural time scale needed for Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to effectively replace the native population. Additionally, we consider the possibility of a Zika vaccine, both to avoid an outbreak through herd immunity and as a control measure administered during an active outbreak. With emerging data on persistence of Zika virus in semen, the proposed compartmental model also includes a component of post-infectious males, which introduces a longer time scale for sexual transmission than the primary route. While the overall role of sexual transmission of Zika in an outbreak scenario is small compared with the dominant human-vector route, this model predicts conditions under which subpopulations may make this secondary route more significant.},
}

*Zika Virus Infection/prevention & control/transmission/epidemiology
Humans
Female
Pregnancy
Wolbachia
Animals
Aedes/virology/microbiology
Zika Virus
Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control
*Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control/epidemiology/virology
Mosquito Vectors/virology/microbiology
Computer Simulation
Male
Models, Biological
Models, Theoretical
Incidence
Mathematical Concepts

@article {pmid40898656,
year = {2025},
author = {Saeedi, S and Karimian, F and Moosa-Kazemi, SH and Nejati, J and Bavani, MM and Koosha, M and Choubdar, N and Khosravi, G and Oshaghi, MA},
title = {Wolbachia Infection in Iranian Malaria Vectors: Prevalence and Biocontrol Implications.},
journal = {Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/tmi.70031},
pmid = {40898656},
issn = {1365-3156},
support = {41418//Tehran University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia-based vector control is an emerging tool in malaria prevention research. This study evaluates Wolbachia infection in Iranian mosquitoes, focusing on seven known malaria vectors. Mosquitoes were collected from nine provinces of Iran (2016-2019), and Wolbachia infection status was analysed via PCR targeting eight genes: wsp, gatB, ftsZ, dnaA, groEL, gltA, CoxA and fbpA. We examined 1094 specimens from seven malaria vectors (Anopheles stephensi Liston, 1901; Anopheles culicifacies s.l. James, 1901; Anopheles fluviatilis s.l. James, 1902; Anopheles maculipennis s.l. Meigen, 1818; Anopheles sacharovi Favr, 1903; Anopheles dthali Patton, 1905; Anopheles superpictus s.l. Grassi, 1899), four non-malaria vectors (Anopheles mongolensis Linton, Lee and Curtis, 2005; Anopheles hyrcanus Pallas, 1771; Anopheles claviger Meigen, 1804; Anopheles turkhudi Liston, 1901) and three Culex species (Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758; Culex perexiguus Theobald, 1903; Culex theileri Theobald, 1903). PCR revealed Wolbachia DNA exclusively in An. dthali and Culex species, with infection rates of 73.4% for An. dthali and 77.78%-96.77% for Culex, notably higher in males. Wolbachia was detected in all regions except one in the north. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Wolbachia strains in An. dthali and Culex belong to supergroup B, closely related to strains in An. moucheti and An. demeilloni. This suggests broader applications for biocontrol strategies. The high Wolbachia prevalence in An. dthali is promising for malaria prevention. Future research should confirm cytoplasmic incompatibility and explore wAdth's potential to block malaria transmission.},
}

@article {pmid40882880,
year = {2025},
author = {Niu, Z and Guo, H and Li, D and Xu, Y and Liu, J and Xiao, Y and Li, W and Promboon, A and Xia, Q and Goldsmith, MR and Mita, K},
title = {Characterizing the Symbiotic Relationship between Wolbachia (wSpic) and Spodoptera picta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): From Genome to Phenotype.},
journal = {Insect biochemistry and molecular biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104396},
doi = {10.1016/j.ibmb.2025.104396},
pmid = {40882880},
issn = {1879-0240},
abstract = {Wolbachia is a genus of symbiotic bacteria prevalent in arthropods, with diverse effects on host reproduction and fecundity; however, it is unclear how Wolbachia modulates the host reproductive system. In this study, a novel Wolbachia strain, wSpic, was identified in the Noctuid moth Spodoptera picta and its effect on the reproduction of this host was investigated. We sequenced and annotated the 1,339,720 bp genome of wSpic. We identified a total of five WO phage regions in the genome and found no evidence of any plasmids associated with wSpic. Evolutionary analysis revealed that wSpic belongs to supergroup B and has undergone horizontal transmission between S. picta and Trichogramma pretiosum, a wasp parasitoid of insect eggs. The removal of Wolbachia by antibiotic treatment resulted in significantly decreased fecundity and abnormal development of S. picta ovaries, but no differences in egg hatching rate. An integrated transcriptome and proteome analysis indicated that major molecular pathways for Wolbachia-induced reproduction fitness benefits include its effects on insect juvenile hormone, vitellogenesis, choriogenesis, and nutritional metabolism. Our findings demonstrate that wSpic plays a critical role in promoting ovary development and sustaining fecundity in S. picta hosts.},
}

@article {pmid40882152,
year = {2025},
author = {Kataki, AS},
title = {A review of the microbiome's role in resistance evolution and life-history trait variation in mosquitoes.},
journal = {Journal of vector borne diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4103/jvbd.Jvbd_147_25},
pmid = {40882152},
issn = {0972-9062},
abstract = {Vector control programs have historically relied on chemical insecticides including organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids but the rapid escalation of insecticide resistance in mosquito populations now threatens the sustainability of these interventions. While genetic and biochemical resistance mechanisms are well characterized, emerging evidence implicates the mosquito microbiome as an additional, underexplored factor influencing resistance. Several microbial taxa (Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas spp., Wolbachia) have been associated with detoxification pathways, yet causal links between these microbiota and specific resistance phenotypes remain weakly defined. Furthermore, the extent to which microbiome shifts modulate mosquito life-history traits such as survival, fecundity, and development time under sustained insecticide selection remains largely unknown. These traits are key determinants of vectorial capacity, and microbiome-mediated changes could alter disease transmission dynamics in ways not currently accounted for in control strategies. This review critically synthesizes evidence from 2005-2024, drawing on peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews, and experimental work from NCBI, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. We evaluate the interplay between insecticide-driven selection, microbiome composition, and mosquito biology, highlighting mechanistic uncertainties, methodological limitations, and gaps in longitudinal validation. The analysis underscores the urgent need for integrative research combining microbiome manipulation, functional genomics, and ecological monitoring to move from correlation to causation. By clarifying the microbiome-resistance nexus, this work aims to inform more sustainable, evidence-based strategies for long-term vector control.},
}

@article {pmid40872788,
year = {2025},
author = {Jeon, J and Kwon, M and Lee, BC and Kil, EJ},
title = {Comparative Endosymbiont Community Structures of Nonviruliferous and Rice Stripe Virus-Viruliferous Laodelphax striatellus (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) in Korea.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v17081074},
pmid = {40872788},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {PJ01556601//Rural Development Administration/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/virology ; *Symbiosis ; *Tenuivirus/physiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Insect Vectors/microbiology/virology ; Republic of Korea ; Oryza/virology ; Wolbachia/genetics ; Plant Diseases/virology ; Burkholderia/genetics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; Rickettsia/genetics/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {Insects and their bacterial endosymbionts form intricate ecological relationships, yet their role in host-pathogen interactions are not fully elucidated. The small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus), a polyphagous pest of cereal crops, acts as a key vector for rice stripe virus (RSV), a significant threat to rice production. This study aimed to compare the endosymbiont community structures of nonviruliferous and RSV-viruliferous L. striatellus populations using 16S rRNA gene sequencing with high-throughput sequencing technology. Wolbachia was highly dominant in both groups; however, the prevalence of other endosymbionts, specifically Rickettsia and Burkholderia, differed markedly depending on RSV infection. Comprehensive microbial diversity and composition analyses revealed distinct community structures between nonviruliferous and RSV-viruliferous populations, highlighting potential interactions and implications for vector competence and virus transmission dynamics. These findings contribute to understanding virus-insect-endosymbiont dynamics and could inform strategies to mitigate viral spread by targeting symbiotic bacteria.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/microbiology/virology
*Symbiosis
*Tenuivirus/physiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Insect Vectors/microbiology/virology
Republic of Korea
Oryza/virology
Wolbachia/genetics
Plant Diseases/virology
Burkholderia/genetics
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Microbiota
Phylogeny
Rickettsia/genetics/isolation & purification

@article {pmid40872311,
year = {2025},
author = {Etebari, K and Tugaga, AM and Divekar, G and Uelese, OA and Tusa, SSA and Vaega, E and Sasulu, H and Uini, L and Ren, Y and Furlong, MJ},
title = {Characterising the Associated Virome and Microbiota of Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri) in Samoa.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens14080801},
pmid = {40872311},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {HORT/2016/185//Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/virology/microbiology ; *Virome/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; *Citrus/microbiology/parasitology ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Phylogeny ; Insect Vectors/microbiology/virology ; },
abstract = {The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) is an economically important pest of citrus as it is a vector of the bacterium (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, CLas) that causes huanglongbing disease (HLB). Understanding the virome of D. citri is important for uncovering factors that influence vector competence, to support biosecurity surveillance, and to identify candidate agents for biological control. Previous studies have identified several D. citri-associated viruses from various geographical populations of this pest. To further investigate virus diversity in this pest, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyse D. citri populations from the Samoan islands of Upolu and Savai'i. Eleven novel viruses from the Yadokariviridae, Botourmiaviridae, Nodaviridae, Mymonaviridae, Partitiviridae, Totiviridae, and Polymycoviridae were identified as well as some that corresponded to unclassified groups. In addition, microbiome analysis revealed the presence of several endosymbiotic microorganisms, including Wolbachia, as well as some plant pathogenic fungi, including Botrytis cinerea. However, the causative agent of HLB disease (CLas) was not detected in the RNA-Seq data. These findings highlight the complex and diverse microbiota associated with D. citri and suggest potential interactions and dynamics between microorganisms and psyllid-associated viruses. Further research is needed to understand the ecological significance of these discoveries, and whether the novel viruses play a role in regulating field populations of the psyllid.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/virology/microbiology
*Virome/genetics
*Microbiota
Plant Diseases/microbiology
*Citrus/microbiology/parasitology
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Phylogeny
Insect Vectors/microbiology/virology

@article {pmid40870567,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, X and Yang, H and Yan, Z and Wang, Y and Wang, Q and Huo, S and Chen, Z and Cheng, J and Yang, K},
title = {Host-Dependent Variation in Tetranychus urticae Fitness and Microbiota Composition Across Strawberry Cultivars.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16080767},
pmid = {40870567},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2021kj39//Science Fund of the Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry/ ; 21KJB210012//Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China/ ; 663-1121025//Qingdao Agricultural University High-level Talent Fund/ ; 2024kj02//Yafu Technology Innovation Team/ ; 2023kj14//Key Research Projects of Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry/ ; },
abstract = {Tetranychus urticae, commonly known as the two-spotted spider mite, is a highly adaptable and polyphagous arthropod in the family Tetranychidae, capable of feeding on over 1200 plant species, including strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). The fitness and microbiota of herbivorous arthropods can vary significantly across different plant species and cultivars. In this study, we investigated the fecundity, longevity, growth rate, and microbiota composition of T. urticae reared on seven Chinese strawberry cultivars: Hongyan (HY), Yuexiu (YX), Tianshi (TS), Ningyu (NY), Xuetu (XT), Zhangjj (ZJ), and Xuelixiang (XLX). Our findings revealed significant differences among cultivars: mites reared on the XT cultivar exhibited the highest fecundity (166.56 ± 7.82 eggs), while those on XLX had the shortest pre-adult period (7.71 ± 0.13 days). Longevity was significantly extended in mites reared on XLX, XT, and NY cultivars (25.95-26.83 days). Microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing showed that Proteobacteria dominated (>89.96% abundance) across all mite groups, with Wolbachia as the predominant symbiont (89.58-99.19%). Male mites exhibited higher bacterial diversity (Shannon and Chao1 indices) than females, though Wolbachia abundance did not differ significantly between sexes or cultivars. Functional predictions highlighted roles of microbiota in biosynthesis, detoxification, and energy metabolism. These findings underscore the influence of host plant variety on T. urticae fitness and microbiota composition, suggesting potential strategies for breeding resistant strawberry cultivars and leveraging microbial interactions for pest management.},
}

@article {pmid40832234,
year = {2025},
author = {Malagon, DA and Camper, B and Millard, S and Harden, C and Gil, ER and Caterino, M and Greene, MA and Seekatz, A and Bordenstein, SR and Bordenstein, SR and Bewick, S},
title = {Host and Microbe Scale Processes Shape Spatial Variation in Aphaenogaster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Genetics and Their Microbiota.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40832234},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Like all ecological communities, host-associated (HA) microbiota are shaped by environmental selection and dispersal limitation. However, unlike communities of free-living organisms, communities of HA microbes experience selection and dispersal at two separate scales - the scale of the microbes and the scale of their hosts. Thus, HA microbes must tolerate not only the environment created by their host (microbe-scale environment), but also, the environment in which their host resides (host-scale environment). Likewise, HA microbes can disperse between hosts through either horizontal or vertical transmission (microbe-scale dispersal) but can also disperse between locations through host movement (host-scale dispersal). In this paper, we examine how multiscale environmental selection and dispersal limitation shape the genetics and HA microbiota of ants in the Aphaenogaster fulva-rudis-texana (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) complex. We begin by showing how spatial variation in Aphaenogaster genetics is shaped by host-scale environmental selection and dispersal limitation. We then show how this allows both host- and microbe-scale environmental selection to govern spatial variation in Aphaenogaster microbiota. Finally, we discuss the possibility that microbe-scale dispersal limitation also impacts spatial variation in Aphaenogaster microbiota and that this, in turn, may contribute to spatial variation in Aphaenogaster genetics. Ultimately, our results help to shed light on the myriad of interacting factors governing spatial variation in HA microbiota, including the potential for complex, bidirectional interactions between host- and microbe-scale processes.},
}

@article {pmid40855892,
year = {2023},
author = {Wang, B and Dufault, SM and Small, DS and Jewell, NP},
title = {RANDOMIZATION INFERENCE FOR CLUSTER-RANDOMIZED TEST-NEGATIVE DESIGNS WITH APPLICATION TO DENGUE STUDIES: UNBIASED ESTIMATION, PARTIAL COMPLIANCE, AND STEPPED-WEDGE DESIGN.},
journal = {The annals of applied statistics},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {1592-1614},
pmid = {40855892},
issn = {1932-6157},
abstract = {In 2019, the World Health Organization identified dengue as one of the top 10 global health threats. For the control of dengue, the Applying Wolbachia to Eliminate Dengue (AWED) study group conducted a cluster-randomized trial in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and used a novel design, called the cluster-randomized test-negative design (CR-TND). This design can yield valid statistical inference with data collected by a passive surveillance system and thus has the advantage of cost-efficiency compared to traditional cluster-randomized trials. We investigate the statistical assumptions and properties of CR-TND under a randomization inference framework, which is known to be robust for small-sample problems. We find that, when the differential healthcare-seeking behavior comparing intervention and control varies across clusters (in contrast to the setting of Dufault and Jewell (Stat. Med. 39 (2020a) 1429-1439) where the differential healthcare-seeking behavior is constant across clusters), current analysis methods for CR-TND can be biased and have inflated type I error. We propose the log-contrast estimator that can eliminate such bias and improve precision by adjusting for covariates. Furthermore, we extend our methods to handle partial intervention compliance and a stepped-wedge design, both of which appear frequently in cluster-randomized trials. Finally, we demonstrate our results by simulation studies and reanalysis of the AWED study.},
}

@article {pmid40852124,
year = {2025},
author = {Douglas S Stuehler, and Hunter, WB and Qureshi, JA and Cano, LM},
title = {Transcriptomic characterization of Wolbachia endosymbiont from Leuronota fagarae (Hemiptera: Psylloidae).},
journal = {Microbiome research reports},
volume = {4},
number = {2},
pages = {19},
pmid = {40852124},
issn = {2771-5965},
abstract = {Aim: Wolbachia species are among the most abundant intracellular endosymbionts of insects worldwide. The extensive distribution of Gram-negative Wolbachia among insects highlights their evolutionary success and close relationship with many insect host species. This study aimed to characterize a novel Wolbachia strain from the Wild Lime Psyllid, Leuronota fagarae (L. fagarae), to understand its evolutionary relationship with Wolbachia from psyllid pests like Diaphorina citri, the vector of Huanglongbing (HLB). Methods: Wild-caught L. fagarae colonies from Florida, USA, were maintained on Zanthoxylum fagara. RNA was extracted from the salivary glands, heads, and whole bodies of male and female adult L. fagarae. Four cDNA libraries were sequenced using short read technology and de novo transcriptome assembly was performed. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of nine conserved loci and wsp gene analysis classified the strain's phylogeny, while sequence mapping and functional annotation provided insight into host-microbe interactions. Results: The new Wolbachia strain, designated Wolbachia endosymbiont of Leuronota fagarae (wLfag-FL), was assigned to supergroup B, showing relation to Wolbachia strains of other related psyllids. Transcriptome analysis identified 1,359 Wolbachia transcripts with 465 assigned functions encompassing metabolic and secretion system pathways. Ankyrin domain proteins and a partial bacterioferritin sequence were detected, suggesting nutritional provisioning roles. Conclusion: The characterization of wLfag-FL expands the known Wolbachia host range and informs HLB-related pest biology. Its phylogenetic placement and transcript annotations offer insights into symbiotic interactions, potentially guiding environmentally safe pest control strategies targeting psyllid fitness and pathogen transmission.},
}

@article {pmid40835204,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, HY and Shan, Y and Dong, QJ and Zhou, JC and Ma, XH and Zhang, LS and Che, WN and Dong, H},
title = {Outbreeding of isofemale lines as a candidate approach to improve the quality of thelytokous Wolbachia-infected line of the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma dendrolimi Matsumura (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108430},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108430},
pmid = {40835204},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {The egg parasitoids, Trichogramma spp. are important biological control agents targeting various lepidopteran pests in agriculture. However, laboratory rearing often reduces genetic diversity, and potentially decreased fitness of Trichogramma wasps. Besides, infection of parthenogenesis-inducing Wolbachia allow Trichogramma females to produce nearly 100 % females, but may decrease fitness of infected females. This study investigated whether outbreeding the Wolbachia-infected thelytokous line (Td-W) with the high-fecundity bisexual line (Td-H) could improve its fitness. Furthermore, a bisexual Wolbachia-free line (Td), sharing the same genetic background as Td-W, and a line with less favorable traits (Td-L) were involved in cross-breeding experiments. The results showed that Td-W females could mate and be fertilized by bisexual males. Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis revealed no significant difference in the proportion of heterozygous offspring between mated Td-W and uninfected bisexual females. Outbreeding significantly increased the fecundity and body size of infected and uninfected offspring. Heterozygous offspring exhibited heterosis in fecundity and body size, regardless of Wolbachia infection, and displayed heterosis in emergence rates in Td-H♂×Td♀, Td♂×Td-L♀, and Td-L♂×Td♀ crosses. However, the emergence rate of Wolbachia-infected heterozygous offspring was lower than that of their Td-H or Td-L parents. Additionally, the adult longevity of heterozygous offspring did not differ significantly from that of their parents, irrespective of Wolbachia infection. Our findings suggest that outbreeding enhances fecundity and body size of Wolbachia-infected T. dendrolimi, regardless of the particular bisexual isofemale line used. This study proposes a strategy to improve the quality of Wolbachia-infected Trichogramma by outbreeding different isofemale lines before field release in biological control programs.},
}

@article {pmid40831659,
year = {2025},
author = {Graham, JM and Klobusicky, J and Hague, MTJ},
title = {Stochastic Fluctuations of the Facultative Endosymbiont Wolbachia due to Finite Host Population Size.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e71989},
pmid = {40831659},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Many insects and other animals host heritable endosymbionts that alter host fitness and reproduction. The prevalence of facultative endosymbionts can fluctuate in host populations across time and geography for reasons that are poorly understood. This is particularly true for maternally transmitted Wolbachia bacteria, which infect roughly half of all insect species. For instance, the frequencies of several wMel-like Wolbachia, including wMel in host Drosophila melanogaster, fluctuate over time in certain host populations, but the specific conditions that generate temporal variation in Wolbachia prevalence are unresolved. We implemented a discrete generation model in the new R package symbiontmodeler to evaluate how finite-population stochasticity contributes to Wolbachia fluctuations over time in simulated host populations under a variety of conditions. Using empirical estimates from natural Wolbachia-Drosophila systems, we explored how stochasticity is determined by a broad range of factors, including host population size, maternal transmission rates, and Wolbachia effects on host fitness (modeled as fecundity) and reproduction (cytoplasmic incompatibility; CI). While stochasticity generally increases when host fitness benefits and CI are relaxed, we found that a decline in the maternal transmission rate had the strongest relative impact on increasing the size of fluctuations. We infer that non- or weak-CI-causing strains like wMel, which often show evidence of imperfect maternal transmission, tend to generate larger stochastic fluctuations compared to strains that cause strong CI, like wRi in D. simulans. Additional factors, such as fluctuating host fitness effects, are required to explain the largest examples of temporal variation in Wolbachia. The conditions we simulate here using symbiontmodeler serve as a jumping-off point for understanding drivers of temporal and spatial variation in the prevalence of Wolbachia, the most common endosymbionts found in nature.},
}

@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 {pmid40815476,
year = {2025},
author = {Papaleo, S and Panelli, S and Bitar, I and Sterzi, L and Nodari, R and Comandatore, F},
title = {Nucleotide composition shapes gene expression in Wolbachia pipientis: a role for MidA methyltransferase?.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0077925},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00779-25},
pmid = {40815476},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Wolbachia pipientis is an obligate intracellular bacterium, associated with several arthropods and filarial nematodes. Wolbachia establishes a variety of symbiotic relationships with its hosts, with consequent genomic rearrangements, variation in gene content, and loss of regulatory regions. Despite this, experimental studies show that Wolbachia gene expression is coordinated with host developmental stages, but the mechanism is still unknown. In this work, we analyzed published RNA-seq data of four Wolbachia strains, finding a correlation between gene nucleotide composition and gene expression. The strength and direction of this phenomenon changed with the expression of the S-adenosyl-methionine-dependent methyltransferase midA. Specifically, when midA is overexpressed, there is a negative relationship between gene adenine content and gene expression, while downregulation of midA reverses this trend. MidA is known to methylate protein arginine, with potential effect on protein affinity for substrates, including nucleic acids. To expand our understanding of this poorly characterized enzyme, we investigated its ability to methylate DNA expressing it in Escherichia coli. The experiment revealed that the Wolbachia MidA can methylate both adenine and cytosine. Lastly, we found upstream the midA gene, a conserved binding site for the Ccka/CtrA signaling transduction system, and we hypothesize that this mechanism could be involved in the communication between the host and the bacterium. Overall, these findings suggest a cascade mechanism in which the host activates the bacterium Ccka/CtrA signaling system, thus inducing the expression of the midA gene, with subsequent effect on the expression of several Wolbachia genes on the basis of their nucleotide composition.

IMPORTANCE: Wolbachia pipientis is one of the most common intracellular bacteria in insects, and it is currently utilized as a tool for the control of vector-borne diseases. As for many other endosymbiont bacteria, Wolbachia experienced important genome rearrangements, gene content changes, and the loss of several regulatory sequences, affecting the integrity of operons and promoters. Nevertheless, experimental studies have shown that Wolbachia gene expression is coordinated with the host physiology (e.g., developmental stages), although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this work, based on in silico analyses and an experimental study on wOo methyltransferase, we propose that bacterial DNA methylation could be a key mechanism regulating Wolbachia gene expression. Additionally, we found evidence suggesting that the DNA methylation process in Wolbachia can be activated by the host.},
}

@article {pmid40808288,
year = {2025},
author = {Rahimpour, H and Talebi, AA and Raz, A and Azarbad, H and Mehrabadi, M},
title = {Geographic variation and diversity of bacterial endosymbionts in Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, from Iran.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70100},
pmid = {40808288},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Iran National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Asian citrus psylla (ACP, Diaphorina citri), a destructive insect, poses a significant threat to citrus industries worldwide. As the primary vector of huanglongbing (HLB), ACP infestations have caused devastating economic losses and declines in citrus production across many regions. Despite the role of endosymbionts in psyllid biology and HLB transmission, their geographic distribution in Iran remains uncharacterized. In this study, the composition of bacterial endosymbiont communities associated with ACP was examined across four geographic regions in Iran (Sarbaz, Roudan, Faryab, and Jahrom).

RESULTS: Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), the presence and abundance of bacterial endosymbionts, including Carsonella, Profftella, and Wolbachia, were confirmed in both nymphal and adult stages of this insect across all populations. Other bacteria, such as Diplorickettsia, Hamiltonella, and Lactobacillus, were identified only in certain populations. Phylogenetic analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and heatmap clustering highlighted geographical variation in the abundance and diversity of endosymbionts, with the Jahrom population exhibited considerable geographical variation than other regions.

CONCLUSION: Our results revealed significant geographic variation in the prevalence of key bacterial taxa, including Wolbachia and Carsonella. In addition, we report for the first time the presence of Hamiltonella defensa and Diplorickettsia in this insect vector, offering potential targets for microbiome-based pest control strategies tailored to local ACP populations. These findings underscore the importance of understanding how endosymbionts shape ACP biology and its ability to transmit pathogens, and they highlight the potential for innovative pest control approaches, such as manipulating symbiont populations to reduce ACP fitness or disease transmission. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40804622,
year = {2025},
author = {Tamuton, ACM and Mfopit, YM and Yusuf, AB and Mahbou, PY and Gouegni, EF and Amos, GA and Mamman, M and Adamu, A and Chechet, GD and Kabir, J},
title = {Spiroplasma, Wolbachia, Sodalis and trypanosome associations in Glossina Tachinoides from Yankari game reserve, Nigeria.},
journal = {BMC veterinary research},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {514},
pmid = {40804622},
issn = {1746-6148},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tsetse flies are vectors of African trypanosomiasis, a disease that affects both humans and animals. Trypanosomiasis remains a threat to lives and it is an impediment to socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. In spite of decades of chemotherapy and vector control, the disease has not been eradicated. Parasitic drug resistance has been developed to existing drugs, while vector control strategies are expensive and unsustainable. Therefore, there is a need to explore other control approaches, such as the transformation of tsetse fly endosymbionts to render the fly refractory to trypanosome infection. This research focused on investigating the prevalence and triparty association of infection of trypanosomes with some endosymbionts of tsetse flies from Yankari Game Reserve.

METHODS: Tsetse flies were captured using biconical traps, identified morphologically, dissected and their entire guts were isolated and used for DNA extraction. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used in confirming the identity of the tsetse flies by amplifying the cytochrome C oxidase-1 gene. PCR was also used to screen for the presence of endosymbionts (Sodalis glossinidius, Wolbachia, and Spiroplasma sp.) and trypanosomes.

RESULTS: Glossina tachinoides was the only vector species identified. Trypanosome infection rate was 10.70% with Trypanosoma grayi being the most prevalent (9.78%) amongst the three trypanosome species detected. The prevalence of Wolbachia and Spiroplasma species were 2.80% and 40.8% respectively in flies. Sodalis glossinidius was not detected. There was an association between the presence of trypanosomes and Wolbachia, while no association was depicted between trypanosomes and Spiroplasma.

CONCLUSION: It has been observed from this study that the presence of Wolbachia seems to favour trypanosome infections. Investigation on the Wolbachia genetic polymorphism in tsetse could help to better understand this association.},
}

@article {pmid40804293,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, M and Zhai, R and Niu, G and Chen, J and Tan, B and Wu, D and Meng, G and Wei, M},
title = {Telomere-to-telomere genome assembly uncovers Wolbachia-driven recurrent male bottleneck effect and selection in a sawfly.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {1211},
pmid = {40804293},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {20232BAB215017//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province (Jiangxi Province Natural Science Foundation)/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, a widespread endosymbiotic bacterium, profoundly impacts insect hosts by distorting reproduction and population dynamics. Despite extensive laboratory research, its long-term effects on host evolution in nature remain poorly understood, especially the genomic consequences linked to disruptions in sex determination and reproductive processes. We present the first telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly of the sawfly Analcellicampa danfengensis and the complete genome of its symbiotic Wolbachia. Comparative population genomics across six Analcellicampa species revealed that Wolbachia-infected populations show starkly different demographic signals. While uninfected populations show similar demographic signals for both sexes, infected populations exhibit a lower apparent effective population size (Ne) in males, which may reflect a recurrent male bottleneck effect driven by Wolbachia-induced male scarcity. Genomic scans identified positively selected genes associated with reproductive functions, sensory perception, neural development, and longevity, suggesting that Wolbachia likely manipulates critical host pathways to promote its transmission. These findings provide direct genomic insights into Wolbachia as an evolutionary force, highlighting specific host genes and regions under selection resulting from these altered evolutionary dynamics. This work provides deeper insights into host-endosymbiont coevolution and has important implications for evolutionary theory and pest management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40796904,
year = {2025},
author = {Nowak, KH and Hartop, E and Prus-Frankowska, M and Buczek, M and Kolasa, MR and Roslin, T and Ovaskainen, O and Łukasik, P},
title = {What lurks in the dark? An innovative framework for studying diverse wild insect microbiota.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {186},
pmid = {40796904},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {2016-203 4.3//Swedish Taxonomy Initiative/ ; 856506//Horizon 2020/ ; 336212//Research Council of Finland/ ; PPN/PPO/2018/1/00015//Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej/ ; 2018/31/B/NZ8/01158//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symbiotic microorganisms can profoundly impact insect biology, including their life history traits, population dynamics, and evolutionary trajectories. However, microbiota remain poorly understood in natural insect communities, especially in 'dark taxa'-hyperdiverse yet understudied clades.

RESULTS: Here, we implemented a novel multi-target amplicon sequencing approach to study microbiota in complex, species-rich communities. It combines four methodological innovations: (1) To establish a host taxonomic framework, we sequenced amplicons of the host marker gene (COI) and reconstructed barcodes alongside microbiota characterisation using 16S-V4 rRNA bacterial gene amplicons. (2) To assess microbiota abundance, we incorporated spike-in-based quantification. (3) To improve the phylogenetic resolution for the dominant endosymbiont, Wolbachia, we analysed bycatch data from the COI amplicon sequencing. (4) To investigate the primary drivers of host-microbe associations in massive multi-dimensional datasets, we performed Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC). Applying this approach to 1842 wild-caught scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) from northern Sweden, we organised them into 480 genotypes and 186 species and gained unprecedented insights into their microbiota. We found orders-of-magnitude differences in bacterial abundance and massive within-population variation in microbiota composition. Patterns and drivers differed among microbial functional categories: the distribution and abundance of facultative endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma) were shaped by host species, genotype, and sex. In contrast, many other bacterial taxa were broadly distributed across species and sites.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights facultative endosymbionts as key players in insect microbiota and reveals striking variations in distributional patterns of microbial clades. It also demonstrates the power of integrative sequencing approaches in uncovering the ecological complexity and significance of symbiotic microorganisms in multi-species natural communities. Video Abstract.},
}

@article {pmid40796352,
year = {2025},
author = {Namias, A and Martinez, J and Boussou, I and Terretaz, K and Conner, W and Justy, F and Makoundou, P and Perriat-Sanguinet, M and Labbé, P and Sicard, M and Landmann, F and Weill, M},
title = {Recombination, truncation and horizontal transfer shape the diversity of Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility patterns.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/molbev/msaf200},
pmid = {40796352},
issn = {1537-1719},
abstract = {Wolbachia are endosymbiotic bacteria inducing various reproductive manipulations of which cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is the most common. CI leads to reduced embryo viability in crosses between males carrying Wolbachia and uninfected females or those carrying an incompatible symbiont strain. In the mosquito Culex pipiens, the Wolbachia wPip causes highly complex crossing patterns. This complexity is linked to the amplification and diversification of the CI causal genes, cidA and cidB, with polymorphism located in the CidA-CidB interaction regions. We previously showed that some compatibility patterns correlated with the presence or absence of specific cid variants. It is still unknown, however, whether cid gene polymorphism alone is sufficient to explain the diversity of crossing patterns observed in C. pipiens. Taking advantage of a new method enabling full-gene acquisition, we sequenced complete cid repertoires from 45 wPip strains collected worldwide. We demonstrated that the extensive diversity of cid genes arises from recombination and horizontal transfers. We uncovered further cidB polymorphism outside the interface regions and strongly correlated with CI patterns. Most importantly, we showed that in every wPip genome, all but one cidB variant are truncated. Truncated cidBs located in palindromes are partially or completely deprived of their deubiquitinase domain, crucial for CI. The identity of the sole full-length cidB variant seems to dictate CI patterns, irrespective of the truncated cidBs present. Truncated CidBs exhibit reduced toxicity and stability in Drosophila cells, which potentially hinders their loading into sperm, essential for CI induction.},
}

@article {pmid40790814,
year = {2025},
author = {Ni, J and Li, Z and Hu, X and Zhou, H and Gong, Z},
title = {Chikungunya's global rebound and Asia's growing vulnerability: Implications for integrated vector control and pandemic preparedness.},
journal = {Bioscience trends},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.5582/bst.2025.01239},
pmid = {40790814},
issn = {1881-7823},
abstract = {Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by an RNA virus of the Alphavirus genus and is characterized by fever and severe joint pain. The disease is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. Since its re-emergence in 2005, chikungunya has spread extensively, affecting more than 2.8 billion people across 119 countries worldwide. This article reviews the global epidemiological features of chikungunya, with a focus on its transmission dynamics, the characteristics of the virus and its vectors, as well as the influence of ecological and climatic factors. The article also discusses public health response measures, including the Wolbachia strategy, vaccine development, and integrated vector management. Despite China being a non-epidemic area, imported cases have led to localized outbreaks, prompting the implementation of the 'Four Pests-free Village' initiative to reduce mosquito density and improve public health. Notably, as of July 31, 2025, Guangdong Province in China has reported over 5,158 chikungunya cases and has initiated a Level 3 emergency response in the City of Foshan. In the face of global challenges such as climate change and the spread of invasive species, establishing a normalized rapid response system and enhancing monitoring, early warning, and inter-departmental collaboration are crucial to controlling the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and protecting public health.},
}

@article {pmid40787530,
year = {2025},
author = {Abbasi, E},
title = {Innovative approaches to vector control: integrating genomic, biological, and chemical strategies.},
journal = {Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)},
volume = {87},
number = {8},
pages = {5003-5011},
pmid = {40787530},
issn = {2049-0801},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) remain a significant global public health challenge, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Traditional vector control methods, particularly chemical insecticides, face increasing limitations due to the rapid evolution of resistance and environmental concerns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review explores recent advancements in vector control, focusing on the integration of genomic, biological, and chemical strategies as innovative solutions to address these challenges. These methods include genomic tools such as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated systems, biological interventions like Wolbachia-based strategies and sterile insect techniques (SIT), and chemical innovations involving insecticides with novel modes of action and advanced delivery systems.

RESULTS: Genomic strategies like CRISPR/Cas9 gene drives show significant potential for precisely targeting vector reproduction and pathogen spread but face ecological and ethical hurdles to widespread use. Successful biological interventions, such as Wolbachia and SIT, have proven effective in reducing vector populations, yet they demand strong community involvement and ongoing funding for scalability. Additionally, innovative chemical solutions, including new insecticides and delivery methods, tackle resistance issues while reducing environmental harm, with techniques like microencapsulation and synergists improving sustainability.

DISCUSSION: This review highlights the importance of Integrated Vector Management (IVM) frameworks that combine genomic, biological, and chemical strategies. These integrated approaches maximize synergies while mitigating the limitations of individual methods. Key findings emphasize the potential of integrated approaches to achieve sustainable reductions in vector populations and disease transmission. However, significant challenges remain, including the need for standardized protocols, long-term effectiveness data, and considerations of ecological risks and climate change impacts.},
}

@article {pmid40782506,
year = {2025},
author = {McCall, JW and Kramer, L and Genchi, C and Guerrero, J and Dzimianski, MT and Mansour, A and McCall, S and Carson, B and Evans, CC},
title = {Effects of doxycycline on prepatent and patent infections of Brugia pahangi in dogs and observations on the growth and survival of L3 in jirds and dogs.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {339},
number = {},
pages = {110568},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110568},
pmid = {40782506},
issn = {1873-2550},
abstract = {The effects of doxycycyline administered orally at 10 mg/kg twice daily for 30-day periods in 20 Beagles with SC-induced infections of Brugia pahangi and the effects of treatment on in vivo development of L3 fed on blood from these dogs was studied. Doxycycline was administered on Days 0-29, 40-69 or 65-94, with an untreated control. No worms were recovered from dogs treated on Days 0-29, while all dogs treated on Days 40-69 and 65-94 had some live, stunted worms at necropsy on 218-22 days PI. All control dogs had normal worms. Mosquitoes were fed blood from dogs to assess the ability of L3 to develop in jirds and dogs. L3 from treated and untreated groups were injected IP into jirds. Worm recovery for the treated group at Day 35 PI was somewhat lower than for controls, while recovery for the treated group at Day 60 PI was significantly lower. When L3 from treated and control groups were injected SC into dogs, none of the dogs in the treated group had Mf or live adult worms at necropsy on Day 88 PI, while all control dogs were microfilaremic and had live worms. In conclusion, doxycycline treatment of dogs infected with B. pahangi killed all developing larvae, most immature adults, and some mature adults and disrupted embryogenesis. L3 from mosquitoes fed on dogs treated with doxycycline were unable to complete development when injected into dogs, and IP inoculation into jirds revealed short-term growth, stunting and gradual reduction in survival of the worms.},
}

@article {pmid40781723,
year = {2025},
author = {Escobar-Prieto, JD and Van Goethem, MW and Vernooij, B and Antony, CP and Cheng, L and Mishra, H and Marasco, R and Daffonchio, D},
title = {Microbial diversity and functional potential of the Halobates melleus (Heteroptera: Gerridae) microbiome from the Red Sea coastline.},
journal = {Environmental microbiome},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {103},
pmid = {40781723},
issn = {2524-6372},
support = {CRG-7-3739//King Abdullah University of Science and Technology/ ; CRG-7-3739//King Abdullah University of Science and Technology/ ; CRG-7-3739//King Abdullah University of Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Halobates, commonly known as sea skaters, are predatory Hemipterans uniquely adapted to tropical marine environments. Their ability to thrive in oligotrophic and environmentally extreme habitats, such as the open ocean surface and marine coastal areas, suggests the evolution of specialised adaptations, possibly including symbiotic associations with microorganisms that can support nutrition, niche adaptation, and stress resilience. To explore this hypothesis, we analysed the bacterial communities associated with Halobates melleus, a species inhabiting the Red Sea coastal mangroves in Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS: Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic analyses of composite body and gut samples from adult H. melleus revealed a population-level bacterial community dominated by Wolbachia and Spiroplasma, consistent with patterns observed in several terrestrial predatory insects. Members of Providencia and Swaminathania were also detected, along with other minor taxa that may represent transient environmental commensals. The identified bacteria encoded genes for the biosynthesis of essential vitamins and prosthetic groups, such as riboflavin and heme-compounds typically not synthesised de novo by insects-as well as amino acids, likely contributing to the host's nutritional requirements. Notably, the Wolbachia metagenome-assembled genome from H. melleus clustered within the supergroup B, showing high genetic similarity to strains from phylogenetically distant Dipteran and Lepidopteran hosts that nonetheless inhabit common ecological niches, i.e., mangrove and tropical environments. This extends the known ecological breadth of Wolbachia symbioses to marine insects, underscoring their evolutionary and environmental versatility.

CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the potential nutritional and metabolic roles of the Halobates-associated bacterial microbiome, particularly members of the Wolbachia genus. This emphasises the importance of microbial symbionts in the ecological success and adaptation of marine insects, offering a perspective complementary to previously studied terrestrial insect microbiomes.},
}

@article {pmid40777272,
year = {2025},
author = {Berardi, L and Colvin, A and West, M and Odorizzi, G and Starai, VJ},
title = {Wbm0152, an outer membrane lipoprotein of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi , inhibits yeast ESCRT complex activity.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.07.21.665852},
pmid = {40777272},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Human pathogenic filarial nematodes of the family Onchocercidae, including Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus, cause debilitating filarial diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and river blindness. These mosquito-borne pathogens are obligately colonized by the gram-negative intracellular alphaproteobacterium, Wolbachia pipientis, which is essential for nematode sexual reproduction, long-term survival, and pathogenicity in the mammalian host. Like many intracellular bacteria, Wolbachia likely uses numerous surface-exposed and secreted effector proteins to regulate its ability to persist and replicate within nematode host cells. However, due to the inability to cultivate Wolbachia in the laboratory and the genetic intractability of both filarial nematodes and the bacterium, the molecular underpinnings that define the bacterium:nematode relationship are almost completely unknown. In this work, we show that the expression of a Wolbachia outer membrane lipoprotein, w Bm0152, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae inhibits the activity of the conserved Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) complex and strongly disrupts endosomal maturation, leading to defects in ubiquitylated protein turnover. Using in vivo bimolecular fluorescence complementation, we find that Wbm0152 interacts with the Vps2p subunit of the ESCRT-III subcomplex as well as the Vps2p ortholog (BmVps2, Bm6583b) from a Wolbachia host nematode, Brugia malayi . These data suggest a novel role of ESCRT in Wolbachia persistence providing insight into the elusive relationship between these two organisms.

AUTHOR SUMMARY: Filarial diseases of mammals, including lymphatic filariasis and canine heartworm, are caused by vector-borne filarial nematodes of the family Onchocercidae. Many of the nematodes in this family are obligately colonized by an intracellular bacterium, Wolbachia pipientis , which is essential for the nematode's long-term survival, reproduction, and pathogenicity. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms used by Wolbachia to persist and replicate within host cells could provide new molecular targets for treating filarial infections. Due to the genetic intractability of both nematode and bacterium, however, significant progress on characterizing these interactions have proven difficult. In this work, we show that a predicted outer membrane lipoprotein, Wbm0152, of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi inhibits yeast Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) complex activity in vivo. Wbm0152 interacts with a core subunit of the yeast ESCRT-III complex, as well as with the orthologous ESCRT-III protein from Brugia . ESCRTs are conserved across eukaryotes and are important for diverse cellular processes such as endosomal maturation, autophagy, and cellular division. As Wolbachia persists within a membrane-bound compartment within Brugia and must avoid host autophagic pathways, this study presents a potential mechanism by which Wolbachia may regulate Brugia membrane trafficking pathways to ensure its intracellular survival.},
}

@article {pmid40766715,
year = {2025},
author = {Vlaenderen, LV and Conner, WR and Shropshire, JD},
title = {Counting cytoplasmic incompatibility factor mRNA using digital droplet PCR.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40766715},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia bacteria inhabit over half of all insect species and often spread through host populations via efficient maternal transmission and cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), killing aposymbiotic embryos when fertilized by symbiotic males. Wolbachia's cifB gene triggers CI in males, while cifA, expressed in females, rescues embryos from CI-induced lethality. In some systems, cifA also contributes to CI induction. CI strength-the percentage of embryos that die from CI-is a key determinant of Wolbachia's prevalence in host populations, and cifB mRNA levels in testes generally correlate with CI strength. Yet, cifB's rarity can hamper precise quantification, necessitating tissue pooling for reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to achieve reliable measurements, obscuring variation at the level of individual insect tissues. Here, we present four RT digital droplet PCR (RT-ddPCR) assays to count rare cifA and cifB mRNA from wMel Wolbachia in Drosophila melanogaster. These assays count cif transcripts alongside a synthetic spike-in RNA or a D. melanogaster housekeeping gene to normalize for technical or biological variation. These assays have a limit of detection of about 1 cifA and 3 cifB copies per reaction. We expect these methods to be useful for mosquito-control programs that use wMel to block the spread of pathogens from Aedes aegypti to humans. Moreover, the oligos were designed with homology to cifA and cifB sequences from at least 33 Wolbachia strains, suggesting utility beyond wMel. These methods will allow researchers to measure cif mRNA levels from individual insect tissues, enabling efforts to pair molecular and phenotypic data at unprecedented resolutions.},
}

@article {pmid40754130,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, WJ and Hsu, PW and Vargo, EL and Yang, CS},
title = {Microbial, genetic, and urban drivers of ant invasions.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101417},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2025.101417},
pmid = {40754130},
issn = {2214-5753},
abstract = {Invasive ants are among the most destructive invaders worldwide, causing ecological disruption, economic losses, and public health risks. While classic traits such as polygyny, colony budding, and supercoloniality are well-known contributors to their success, emerging research reveals a broader suite of mechanisms driving their invasiveness. This review synthesizes recent findings on the microbial, genetic, and behavioral factors that facilitate ant invasions. Microbial interactions play a crucial role; invasive ants often exhibit a loss of natural enemies, including microbial pathogens such as Wolbachia. However, Wolbachia has received growing attention for its potential mutualistic role in enhancing colony productivity and nutrient provisioning. The bridgehead effect, wherein invasive populations establish strategic hubs that facilitate secondary invasions, has been increasingly recognized as a key driver of global ant spread and may promote genetic intermixing among invasive lineages. Genetic mechanisms such as double clonality, sexually antagonistic selection, and tolerance to inbreeding help invasive ants maintain genetic diversity despite founding populations often consisting of relatively few individuals. Additionally, urban environments impose unique selective pressures that may lead to adaptations favoring success across all stages of the invasion process. This framework aligns with the Anthropogenically Induced Adaptation to Invade (AIAI) hypothesis and helps explain why many urban-adapted ants become globally invasive. As urbanization continues to expand, human-modified landscapes may inadvertently serve as breeding grounds for future invasive species. Understanding these multifaceted invasion dynamics provides critical insights for managing invasive ant populations and mitigating their widespread impacts.},
}

@article {pmid40747604,
year = {2025},
author = {Abbasi, E},
title = {Aedes aegypti and dengue: insights into transmission dynamics and viral lifecycle.},
journal = {Epidemiology and infection},
volume = {153},
number = {},
pages = {e88},
pmid = {40747604},
issn = {1469-4409},
abstract = {Dengue virus (DENV) remains a pressing global health challenge, primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biological, environmental, and molecular factors influencing DENV transmission, drawing upon 120 peer-reviewed studies. The narrative analysis highlights the mosquito’s vector competence, shaped by genetic variability, midgut barriers, and immune responses. Environmental drivers particularly temperature, humidity, and urbanization emerge as critical determinants of transmission dynamics. A meta-analysis of 30 studies reveals a strong positive correlation (r = 0.85, p < 0.01) between temperature (25 °C–30 °C) and transmission efficiency. Proteomic studies further detail molecular interactions facilitating viral entry and replication. Although novel interventions such as Wolbachia-based biocontrol and genetic modification show promise, context-specific implementation remains challenging, especially in low-resource settings. Key research gaps include the impact of climate change, co-infections with other arboviruses, and the long-term efficacy of vector control innovations. Prioritizing interdisciplinary approaches and adapting strategies to local contexts are vital to reducing the dengue burden and informing future public health responses.},
}

@article {pmid40739429,
year = {2025},
author = {Numajiri, Y and Kondo, NI and Toquenaga, Y and Kageyama, D},
title = {Both maternal and paternal genotypes modulate Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility in graham bean beetles.},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {134},
number = {8},
pages = {512-518},
pmid = {40739429},
issn = {1365-2540},
support = {23570017//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JPJ009237//Cabinet Office, Government of Japan/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Male ; Female ; *Coleoptera/genetics/microbiology ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Genotype ; Cytoplasm/genetics ; },
abstract = {Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is a phenomenon where embryonic development is disrupted-often leading to complete failure-when the female parent lacks the symbiont strain carried by the male parent. This mechanism, employed by maternally transmitted symbionts such as Wolbachia, facilitates their rapid spread within a host population. CI has significant potential as a tool for achieving population replacement or suppression, particularly targeting disease vectors and agricultural pests. While complete expression of CI is ideal for such applications, its intensity can vary. Despite extensive research on the symbiont genotypes, the influence of host genetic background on CI expression remains poorly understood. Here, we found that in the bean beetle Callosobruchus analis, the Wolbachia strain wCana2 induces weak CI in its native nuclear background but strong CI in a previously unassociated nuclear background. Crossing experiments reveal that the nuclear backgrounds of both male and female parents can significantly affect CI expression independent of Wolbachia titres in C. analis. These findings uncover novel perspectives on the host-symbiont interactions underlying CI and highlight the complexities to be addressed for its practical application.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics
Male
Female
*Coleoptera/genetics/microbiology
Symbiosis/genetics
Genotype
Cytoplasm/genetics

@article {pmid40733541,
year = {2025},
author = {Mickelson, AR and Felton, J and Cheschi, O and Spacone, E and Connors, K and Thornsberry, J and Teramoto, T},
title = {Infections of Aedes Mosquito Cells by Wolbachia Strains wAu and wMelpop Modulate Host Cellular Transcriptomes Differently and Suppress Dengue Viral Replication.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40733541},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {R21AI154088/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/virology/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Virus Replication ; *Dengue Virus/physiology ; *Transcriptome ; Cell Line ; *Mosquito Vectors/virology/microbiology ; Dengue/virology ; Symbiosis ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; },
abstract = {Dengue virus serotypes 1-4 (DENV1-4) have spread through tropical and subtropical countries, causing endemic and epidemic diseases. Recently, a novel field approach using the Wolbachia symbiont was proposed to suppress DENV transmission via the mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Previously, we showed that a Wolbachia strain, wMelPop, suppresses DENV2 replication in the C6/36 albopictus cell line, with the mutant DENV2 appearing and replacing the wild type DENV2. In this study, we expanded the analysis to include replications of all DENV serotypes 1-4, effects of wAu Wolbachia in C6/36 cells, and wMelPop-influences on the Aag2 aegypti cell line. It was revealed that both wAu and wMelPop reduce all DENV infectious titers without dominant appearances of the mutant viruses, despite varied effects on the viral copy numbers. The host transcriptomic profiles by RNA-seq were also variously altered by wAu and wMelPop (ranging from 10 to 30%, Log2FC > 2 or <-2, p < 0.05). Those transcripts were not further altered by DENV infection. In contrast, abundant transcriptomic alterations by DENV infection in naïve C6/36 and Aag2 cells were blocked by either wAu or wMelPop. These results indicate that Wolbachia prevents host cellular transcriptomic alterations which are induced by DENV infection, affecting the cellular homeostasis necessary for DENV replication.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/virology/microbiology
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Virus Replication
*Dengue Virus/physiology
*Transcriptome
Cell Line
*Mosquito Vectors/virology/microbiology
Dengue/virology
Symbiosis
Host-Pathogen Interactions

@article {pmid40732700,
year = {2025},
author = {Blažeková, V and Stanko, M and Zubriková, D and Vargová, L and Švirlochová, KM and Víchová, B},
title = {First Molecular Evidence of Ixodiphagus hookeri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna (Acari: Ixodida) Ticks from Inland and Coastal Areas of the Balkan Peninsula.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40732700},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Animals ; Balkan Peninsula ; *Ixodes/parasitology/microbiology ; *Ixodidae/parasitology/microbiology ; Nymph/microbiology/parasitology ; Croatia ; Bulgaria ; *Wasps/genetics ; Larva/microbiology/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Ixodiphagus hookeri (Howard, 1907) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a hyperparasitic wasp that parasitizes hard ticks, has been documented in various parts of Europe; however, data on its presence in southeastern regions has been lacking. This study provides the first molecular evidence of I. hookeri in ticks from the coastal areas of the Balkan Peninsula, specifically Croatia and Bulgaria. A total of 1043 questing ticks were collected between 2011 and 2013 across 15 locations. Molecular screening revealed I. hookeri DNA in Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs from inland Croatia (overall prevalence: 18.72%) and in Haemaphysalis concinna (Koch, 1844) (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs and larvae from coastal Bulgaria (prevalence: 17.2%). All I. hookeri-positive samples were co-infected with Wolbachia spp. (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae). This detection marks the southernmost record of I. hookeri in Central Europe, expanding its known range to the Balkan Peninsula and supporting its relevance as a potential natural enemy in integrated tick management strategies.},
}

Animals
Balkan Peninsula
*Ixodes/parasitology/microbiology
*Ixodidae/parasitology/microbiology
Nymph/microbiology/parasitology
Croatia
Bulgaria
*Wasps/genetics
Larva/microbiology/parasitology

@article {pmid40731996,
year = {2025},
author = {Asimakis, E and Galiatsatos, I and Apostolopoulou, G and Savvidou, EC and Balatsos, G and Karras, V and Evangelou, V and Dionyssopoulou, E and Augustinos, A and Papadopoulos, NT and Michaelakis, A and Stathopoulou, P and Tsiamis, G},
title = {The Symbiotic Bacterial Profile of Laboratory-Reared and Field-Caught Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes from Greece.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40731996},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {«moSquITo»: Innovative approaches for monitoring and management of the Asian tiger mosquito with emphasis on the Sterile Insect Technique (ΤΑΕΔΚ06173)//National Recovery and Resilience Plan, "Greece 2.0" & EU Funding - Next Generation EU/ ; },
abstract = {The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is a highly invasive species capable of transmitting human pathogens. For population management, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is considered an effective and sustainable alternative to conventional methods, such as insecticides and reducing or eliminating breeding sites. The use of symbiotic bacteria to improve the application of SIT or design combined SIT/incompatible insect technique (IIT) approaches is currently considered. In this context, exploring the microbiota of local mosquito populations is crucial for identifying interesting components. This study employed 16S rRNA sequencing and microbiological methods to characterize the diversity of laboratory and wild Ae. albopictus in Greece. Differences were recorded between wild and lab-reared mosquitoes, with laboratory samples exhibiting higher diversity. Laboratory treatment, sex, and developmental stage also resulted in variations between communities. Populations reared in the same facility developed mostly similar bacterial profiles. Two geographically distant wild populations displayed similar bacterial profiles, characterized by seasonal changes in the relative abundance of Pantoea and Zymobacter. Wolbachia was dominant in most groups (63.7% relative abundance), especially in field-caught mosquitoes. It was identified with two strains, wAlbA (21.5%) and wAlbB (42.2%). Other frequent taxa included Elizabethkingia, Asaia, and Serratia. Blood feeding favored an increase in Serratia abundance. Various Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Aeromonas, and Acinetobacter strains were isolated from larval and adult mosquito extracts and could be further characterized as diet supplements. These findings suggest that the microbiota of local populations is highly variable due to multiple factors. However, they retain core elements shared across populations that may exhibit valuable nutritional or functional roles and could be exploited to improve SIT processes.},
}

@article {pmid40730791,
year = {2025},
author = {Johnson, RM and Breban, MI and Nolan, BL and Sodeinde, A and Ott, IM and Ross, PA and Gu, X and Grubaugh, ND and Perkins, TA and Brackney, DE and Vogels, CBF},
title = {Implications of successive blood feeding on Wolbachia-mediated dengue virus inhibition in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {6971},
pmid = {40730791},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {T32 AI055403/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001863/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; AI148477//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; R01 AI148477/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM143029/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; DGE-2139841//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; R35GM143029//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; DE230100067//Department of Education and Training | Australian Research Council (ARC)/ ; T32AI055403//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; },
mesh = {Wolbachia ; Blood ; *Dengue Virus/physiology ; *Dengue/prevention & control/transmission ; Animals ; *Aedes/physiology/virology ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology ; Feeding Behavior ; Saliva/virology ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a promising strategy to inhibit dengue virus (DENV) transmission by Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Laboratory studies assessing DENV inhibition by Wolbachia typically have not considered natural frequent mosquito blood feeding behavior. Here, we determine the impact of successive feeding on DENV-2 transmission by Ae. aegypti in the presence or absence of Wolbachia (wAlbB and wMelM strains). We show that successive feeding shortens the extrinsic incubation period (EIP) in wildtype (WT; without Wolbachia) and wAlbB mosquitoes through enhanced dissemination. Feeding empirical data into models showed that successive feeding increases the probability of WT and wAlbB mosquitoes surviving beyond the EIP. Importantly, the more epidemiologically relevant comparison of the odds of wAlbB mosquitoes surviving beyond the EIP relative to WT, reveals a larger impact of successive feeding on WT than wAlbB. This indicates a strong inhibitory effect of Wolbachia even in the context of natural frequent mosquito blood feeding behavior.},
}

Wolbachia
Blood
*Dengue Virus/physiology
*Dengue/prevention & control/transmission
Animals
*Aedes/physiology/virology
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology
Feeding Behavior
Saliva/virology
Humans

@article {pmid40728918,
year = {2025},
author = {Vannette, RL and Williams, NM and Peterson, SS and Martin, AN},
title = {Pollen diet, more than geographic distance, shapes provision microbiome composition in two species of cavity-nesting bees.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {101},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40728918},
issn = {1574-6941},
support = {1929516//National Science Foundation/ ; //USDA/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bees/microbiology/physiology ; *Pollen/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics ; Fungi/classification/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Diet ; California ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The microbial composition of stored food can influence its stability and the microbial species consumed by the organism feeding on it. Many bee species store nectar and pollen in provisions constructed to feed developing offspring. Yet, whether microbial composition is determined by the pollen types within provisions, variation between bee species at the same nesting sites, or geographic distance was unclear. Here, we sampled two species of cooccurring cavity nesting bees in the genus Osmia at 13 sites in California and examined the composition of pollen, fungi, and bacteria in provisions. Pollen composition explained 15% of variation in bacterial composition and ∼30% of variation in fungal composition, whereas spatial distance among sites explained minimal additional variation. Symbiotic microbe genera Ascosphaera, Sodalis, and Wolbachia showed contrasting patterns of association with pollen composition, suggesting distinct acquisition and transmission routes for each. Comparing provisions from both bee species comprised of the same pollens points to environmental acquisition rather than bee species as a key factor shaping the early stages of the bee microbiome in Osmia. The patterns we observed also contrast with Apilactobacillus-dominated provision microbiome in other solitary bee species, suggesting variable mechanisms of microbial assembly in stored food among bee species.},
}

Animals
Bees/microbiology/physiology
*Pollen/microbiology
*Microbiota
Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics
Fungi/classification/isolation & purification/genetics
*Diet
California
Symbiosis

@article {pmid40727308,
year = {2025},
author = {Moore, CO and Robveille, C and Qurollo, B and Breitschwerdt, EB},
title = {Detection of Dirofilaria repens and Mansonella llewellyni in the United States by Wolbachia Surveillance.},
journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {2778610},
pmid = {40727308},
issn = {1865-1682},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/isolation & purification/genetics ; United States/epidemiology ; *Dirofilaria repens/isolation & purification ; *Dirofilariasis/epidemiology/parasitology ; Dogs ; Phylogeny ; *Dog Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology ; *Filariasis/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; Animals, Wild ; },
abstract = {In mammals, detection of Wolbachia bacteria can be used to diagnose filarial infection, while antibiotic treatment to eliminate Wolbachia can assist in eliminating filarial infections. Because Wolbachia are necessary for survival of several filarioids and closely related to Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, we analyzed Wolbachia DNA amplification by Anaplasma/Ehrlichia qPCR, from 39,526 domestic and wildlife animal blood samples submitted to a diagnostic laboratory between 2017 and 2023. Filarial infection was confirmed by 28S gene amplification, followed by phylogenetic analysis utilizing filarial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), myosin heavy chain (myoHC), and 70 kilodalton heat shock protein (hsp70) gene sequencing. Wolbachia DNA was detected in 57 domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and three raccoons (Procyon lotor) from 23 states and Puerto Rico. A majority of the Wolbachia sequences from dogs were Dirofilaria immitis-associated (89%, 51/57), whereas DNA from other Wolbachia were associated with insects (9%, 5/57) or Dirofilaria repens (2%, 1/57). D. immitis infection was confirmed by 28S filarial PCR for all samples with D. immitis-associated Wolbachia available for testing (n = 41). D. repens infection was confirmed by 28S and cox1 PCR in the dog infected with D. repens-associated Wolbachia. This dog was originally imported from Slovakia. The Wolbachia DNA amplified from raccoons most closely aligned with Wolbachia from Mansonella ozzardi (98.9%). 28S filarial, cox1, myoHC, and hsp70 sequencing did not align with currently available GenBank sequences but did align with Mansonella. Morphologically, microfilariae from additional raccoons were consistent with Mansonella llewellyni. Molecular surveillance for Wolbachia in wildlife and domestic animals has the potential to identify novel filarial species in the United States, including zoonotic species.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/isolation & purification/genetics
United States/epidemiology
*Dirofilaria repens/isolation & purification
*Dirofilariasis/epidemiology/parasitology
Dogs
Phylogeny
*Dog Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology
*Filariasis/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology
Animals, Wild

@article {pmid40719630,
year = {2025},
author = {Kelleher, LA and Ramalho, MO},
title = {Impact of rising temperatures on the bacterial communities of Aphaenogaster ants.},
journal = {Biology open},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/bio.062145},
pmid = {40719630},
issn = {2046-6390},
support = {//The Ohio State University/ ; },
abstract = {Studies have shown that biodiversity will be impacted by global climate change, with the effect on ants just beginning to be documented. The influence on ant symbiotic bacterial communities remains understudied. Aphaenogaster Mayr, 1853, are seed-dispersing ants in deciduous forests and their bacterial communities have just been uncovered; however, much is unknown. We aim to determine the impact that warming temperatures will have on Aphaenogaster survival and on their bacterial communities. Ants from four colonies were collected from West Chester, PA, USA and entire colonies were subjected to a control temperature (22°C). After 6-12 months, the same colonies were subjected to an experimental temperature (32°C). DNA was then extracted from ants of all development stages and the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced following the NGS amplicon approach. The findings revealed that Aphaenogaster ant mortality rates increased, and their symbiotic bacterial communities changed in warmer temperatures. This resulted in a decrease in the presence of Wolbachia spp. and an increase in the presence of Corynebacterium sp. This study reveals important information about the impact of warming temperature on Aphaenogaster ants, and we suggest methods to help protect these ants and other insects in the future.},
}

@article {pmid40708921,
year = {2025},
author = {Umanzor, EF and Kelly, SE and Ravenscraft, A and Matsuura, Y and Hunter, MS},
title = {The facultative intracellular symbiont Lariskella is neutral for lifetime fitness and spreads through cytoplasmic incompatibility in the leaffooted bug, Leptoglossus zonatus.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1595917},
pmid = {40708921},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The maternally-inherited, intracellular bacterium Lariskella (Alphaproteobacteria: Midichloreaceae) has been widely detected in arthropods including true bugs, beetles, a wasp, a moth, and pathogen-vectoring fleas and ticks. Despite its prevalence, its role in the biology of its hosts has been unknown. We set out to determine the role of this symbiont in the leaffooted bug, Leptoglossus zonatus (Hempitera: Coreidae). To examine the effects of Lariskella on bug performance and reproduction as well as in possible interactions with the bug's obligate nutritional symbiont, Caballeronia, bugs were reared in a factorial experiment with both Lariskella and Caballeronia positive and negative treatments. Lifetime survival analysis (~120 days) showed significant developmental delays and decrease in survival for bugs that lacked Caballeronia, and Caballeronia-free bugs did not reproduce. However, among the Caballeronia carrying treatments, there were no significant differences in lifetime survival or reproduction in treatments with and without Lariskella, suggesting this symbiont is neutral for overall bug fitness. To test for reproductive manipulation, crossing among Lariskella-positive and negative individuals was performed. When Lariskella-negative females were mated with Lariskella positive males, fewer eggs survived early embryogenesis, consistent with a cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) phenotype. Wild L. zonatus from California and Arizona showed high but not fixed Lariskella infection rates. Within individuals, Lariskella titer was low during early development (1st-3rd instar), followed by an increase that coincided with development of reproductive tissues. Our results reveal Lariskella to be among a growing number of microbial symbionts that cause CI, a phenotype that increases the relative fitness of females harboring the symbiont. Understanding the mechanism of how Lariskella manipulates reproduction can provide insights into the evolution of reproductive manipulators and may eventually provide tools for management of hosts of Lariskella, including pathogen-vectoring ticks and fleas.},
}

@article {pmid40705355,
year = {2025},
author = {Mathieson, OL and Schultz, DL and Hunter, MS and Kleiner, M and Schmitz-Esser, S and Doremus, MR},
title = {The ecology, evolution, and physiology of Cardinium: a widespread heritable endosymbiont of invertebrates.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology reviews},
volume = {49},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40705355},
issn = {1574-6976},
support = {#2426306//National Science Foundation/ ; #2002987//National Science Foundation/ ; #2426304//National Science Foundation/ ; IOS #2426305//National Science Foundation/ ; IOS #2003107//National Science Foundation/ ; 2023-67012-39352//National Institute for Food and Agriculture-United States Department of Agriculture/ ; #2023-67013-39897//National Institute for Food and Agriculture-United States Department of Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {Candidatus Cardinium hertigii (Cardinium) are maternally transmitted obligate intracellular bacteria found in a wide range of invertebrate hosts, including arthropods and nematodes. Infection with Cardinium has substantial consequences for host biology, with many strains manipulating host reproduction to favor symbiont transmission by (i) feminizing male hosts, (ii) altering host sex allocation, (iii) inducing parthenogenesis, or (iv) causing cytoplasmic incompatibility. Other Cardinium strains can confer benefits to their host or alter host behavior. Cardinium-modified host phenotypes can result in selective sweeps of cytological elements through host populations and potentially reinforce host speciation. Cardinium has potential for applications in controlling arthropod pest species and arthropod-vectored disease transmission, although much remains to be explored regarding Cardinium physiology and host interactions. In this review, we provide an overview of Cardinium evolution and host distribution. We describe the various host phenotypes associated with Cardinium and how biological and environmental factors influence these symbioses. We also provide an overview of Cardinium metabolism, physiology, and potential mechanisms for interactions with hosts based on recent studies using genomics and transcriptomics. Finally, we discuss new methodologies and directions for Cardinium research, including improving our understanding of Cardinium physiology, response to environmental stress, and potential for controlling arthropod pest populations.},
}

@article {pmid40703634,
year = {2025},
author = {Kauai, F and Wybouw, N},
title = {Reciprocal Host-Wolbachia Interactions Shape Infection Persistence Upon Loss of Cytoplasmic Incompatibility in Haplodiploids.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {18},
number = {7},
pages = {e70138},
pmid = {40703634},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {Maternally transmitted symbionts such as Wolbachia spread within host populations by mediating reproductive phenotypes. Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is a reproductive phenotype that interferes with embryonal development when infected males fertilize uninfected females. Wolbachia-based pest control relies on strong CI to suppress or replace pest populations. Host genetic background determines CI strength, and host suppressors that cause weak CI threaten the efficacy of Wolbachia-based pest control programs. In haplodiploids, CI embryos either die (Female Mortality, FM-CI) or develop into uninfected males (Male Development, MD-CI). The reciprocal spread of host suppressors and infection, as well as the interaction with the two CI outcomes in haplodiploids, remains poorly understood. The contribution of sex allocation distortion (Sd), an independent Wolbachia-mediated reproductive phenotype that causes a female-biased sex ratio, to infection persistence in haplodiploids is also poorly understood, especially with imperfect maternal transmission. To address these issues, we developed individual-based simulations and validated this computational tool by tracking Wolbachia spread in experimental Tetranychus urticae populations and by contrasting infection dynamics with deterministic mathematical models. Within ⁓14 host generations, we found that deterministic models inflate infection frequencies relative to simulations by ⁓8.1% and overestimate the driving potential of CI, particularly under low initial infection frequencies. Compared to MD-CI, we show that FM-CI strongly extends infection persistence when nuclear suppressors are segregating in the population. We also quantify how maternal transmission modulates the reciprocal spread of suppressors and infection. Upon loss of CI, we show that hypomorphic expression of Sd (~5%) is sufficient for a stable persistence of infection. We derive a mathematical expression that approximates the stable polymorphic infection frequencies that can be maintained by Sd. Collectively, our results advance our understanding of how symbiosis with CI-inducing Wolbachia and haplodiploid hosts might evolve and inform CI-based pest control programs of potential future risks.},
}

@article {pmid40700442,
year = {2025},
author = {Pavan, MG and Gnonhoue, FJ and Corrêa-Antônio, J and Padilha, KP and Garcia, GA and de Oliveira, F and Brito, LP and Dias, L and Martins, AJ and Corbel, V and Lima, JBP and Wallau, GL and Hoffmann, A and Cruz, OG and Villela, DAM and Maciel-de-Freitas, R},
title = {The long-term persistence of the wMel strain in Rio de Janeiro is threatened by poor integrated vector management and bacterium fitness cost on Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {19},
number = {7},
pages = {e0013372},
pmid = {40700442},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/virology ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology ; Brazil ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; Female ; Dengue/prevention & control/transmission ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Humans ; Genetic Fitness ; },
abstract = {New tools and methods are currently under evaluation by the World Health Organization for preventing arbovirus transmission, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. One promising approach involves deploying Aedes aegypti with the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia pipientis to disrupt arbovirus transmission within endemic urban environments. The release program of mosquitoes with the Wolbachia's wMel strain started in August 2017 in 6.88% of the city area of Rio de Janeiro, where 13.1% of the city's population live (~890,000 inhabitants). The deployment of Wolbachia wMel strain in Rio finished in December 2019 with a suboptimal 32% introgression of wMel strain, which coincided with a 38% and 10% reduction of dengue and chikungunya, respectively. We conducted an independent evaluation during 20 consecutive months to evaluate whether the wMel distribution and frequency would expand or retract. More than 50,000 mosquitoes were sampled in 12 neighborhoods with estimated 500,000 inhabitants, of which 39.2% were Ae. aegypti. In total, 7,613 of 19,427 collected Ae. aegypti were screened individually for wMel. Climate, environmental and insecticide application data was used to model the spatiotemporal introgression of wMel. The routine insecticide rotation adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health caused the crash of both wMel-infected and -uninfected populations shortly after an increase in coverage with spinosad. However, the wMel-uninfected mosquitoes recovered soon to levels even higher than before, whereas the wMel-infected failed to recover after the population crash. The well documented fitness cost of wMel in egg hatching leads to the absence of an egg bank necessary to recover after adult population was disrupted. Finally, we observed the mtDNA haplotype associated with released Wolbachia at a frequency of ~25% in field-caught uninfected mosquitoes. The reason underlying the poor introgression of Wolbachia wMel strain is multifold. The adoption of an effective larvicide that crashed both wMel-infected and -uninfected populations, the absence of an egg bank due to high fitness cost of egg hatching in the wMel-infected mosquitoes, a suboptimal Wolbachia invasion before the intervention, and Wolbachia loss synergically contributed to the lower invasion and, by corollary, modest epidemiological outcome in Rio de Janeiro. Our results highlight the need to plan and implement technical guidance on Integrated Vector Management in Brazil prior and during the nationwide release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to optimize dengue mitigation efforts while ensuring the judicious use of resources.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/virology
*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology
Brazil
*Mosquito Control/methods
Female
Dengue/prevention & control/transmission
Pest Control, Biological/methods
Humans
Genetic Fitness

@article {pmid40696756,
year = {2025},
author = {Peretz, T and Cattan-Tsaushu, E and Conti, C and Rosental, B and Steindler, L and Avrani, S},
title = {Cyanophage Infections in a Sponge Intracellular Cyanobacterial Symbiont.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {7},
pages = {e70155},
pmid = {40696756},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {GBMF9352//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation/ ; 933/23//Israel Science Foundation/ ; 1386/20//Israel Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Bacteriophages/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology ; *Porifera/microbiology/virology ; *Synechococcus/virology/physiology/genetics ; Prophages/genetics ; *Cyanobacteria/virology ; Genome, Viral ; },
abstract = {Sponges are sessile animals that play crucial roles in marine ecosystems by facilitating nutrient cycling, enhancing biodiversity, and structuring benthic habitats. Microbial symbionts, including cyanobacteria, are vital to sponges, aiding in nutrient cycling, metabolism, and defence. However, due to the sponge's ability to concentrate phages from seawater, extracellular sponge symbionts are particularly vulnerable to phage infection. By contrast, little is known about the susceptibility of intracellular sponge symbionts to phage predation. Here, we present evidence that Candidatus Synechococcus feldmannii, a facultative, horizontally transmitted cyanobacterial endosymbiont of the sponge Petrosia ficiformis, is susceptible to cyanophages. We analysed four Ca. S. feldmannii genomes and found evidence for phage interactions in two, including CRISPR spacers matching sipho- and T4-like cyanophages. One genome harboured a prophage region resembling freshwater cyanobacterial prophages, featuring conserved regions associated with Type VI secretion systems, similar to Wolbachia endosymbionts prophages. Additionally, we developed a method for isolating cyanophages directly from purified sponge bacteriocytes (specialised sponge cells harbouring symbionts) and identified nine T4-like cyanophages with less than 60% similarity to known relatives. Collectively, our findings indicate that Ca. S. feldmannii is susceptible to cyanophages and suggest potential functional parallels between phages infecting endosymbionts across different animal hosts.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Bacteriophages/genetics/isolation & purification/physiology
*Porifera/microbiology/virology
*Synechococcus/virology/physiology/genetics
Prophages/genetics
*Cyanobacteria/virology
Genome, Viral

@article {pmid40678899,
year = {2025},
author = {Ren, L and Men, YJ and Bing, XL and Hoffmann, A and Hong, XY},
title = {Transovarial transmission of Wolbachia bacteria via P44/Msp2-IMP2 mediated endocytosis.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70129},
pmid = {40678899},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {32020103011//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32202290//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a maternally inherited endosymbiont that stably localizes in oocytes of arthropods to ensure successful transovarial transmission. However, the source of Wolbachia in oocytes is unclear. Here, we obtained a Wolbachia strain that is transovarially transmitted with complete fidelity in the agricultural pest spider mite Tetranychus truncatus. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we showed that Wolbachia migrate from the digestive cells to the reproductive system as a female develops. When Wolbachia from T. truncatus was transferred to Aedes albopictus cells, we demonstrated that its cell-to-cell spread was regulated by the host's endocytosis system. By assaying the proteome, we identified a bacterial surface protein P44/Msp2 from Wolbachia that interacted with the host's integral membrane protein 2 (IMP2). RNA interference of IMP2 indicated that it facilitated entry of Wolbachia. Our results show that Wolbachia from somatic cells contribute to its transovarial transmission, and that Wolbachia also utilize the surface protein to invade new host cells. This extends our understanding of how Wolbachia is transmitted between cells and facilitates artificial transfection work.},
}

@article {pmid40675096,
year = {2025},
author = {Ahmed, I and Amjid, M and Azhar, E and Jamal, M and Faiz, Z},
title = {Fractional order modeling and solution of West Nile virus epidemic model in presence of Wolbachia.},
journal = {Computers in biology and medicine},
volume = {196},
number = {Pt B},
pages = {110652},
doi = {10.1016/j.compbiomed.2025.110652},
pmid = {40675096},
issn = {1879-0534},
abstract = {This study investigates a deterministic mathematical model to analyze the dynamics of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the presence of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes as a biocontrol strategy to reduce West Nile virus transmission. The model comprises twelve compartments, including four compartments for bird populations, four compartments for Wolbachia-free and four compartments for Wolbachia-infected mosquito populations. An artificial neural network (ANN) trained with the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm is employed to solve the resulting complex nonlinear system. Using Caputo fractional derivatives, reference datasets for the model are generated numerically using the Adams-Bashforth-Moulton method. The ANN-LM framework partitions the data into training (70%), validation (15%), and testing (15%) subsets. Three scenarios of vertical transmission probabilities (η) of Wolbachia are evaluated: persistence of Wolbachia-free mosquitoes only (η = 0.6), coexistence of both type of mosquitoes (η = 0.8), and persistence of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes only (η = 1). The model is further tested under fractional orders (α = 0.7, 0.8, 0.9). Simulations reveal that the Wolbachia dominant scenario (η = 1) combined with α = 0.9 reduces WNV prevalence in bird hosts by over 65%, confirming the bacterium's efficacy in blocking transmission. The ANN-LM method achieves high accuracy, with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.99, mean square errors as low as 1.6×10[-3], and absolute errors consistently below 10[-4]. The plots for regression analysis and error histograms further validate the model's robustness. These findings highlight the potential of Wolbachia-based biocontrol strategies and neural network optimization in enhancing the precision and computational efficiency of fractional-order epidemiological models.},
}

@article {pmid40671882,
year = {2025},
author = {Taha, MME and Abdelwahab, SI and Mohamed, HY and Jerah, A and Alabsi, AM and Abdullah, SM and Oraibi, B and Alfaifi, HA and Babiker, YOH and Aziz Ibrahim, IA and Alshahrani, S and Farasani, AM and Alamer, AS and Altherwi, T},
title = {Comprehensive review of Wolbachia research (1936-2024): Global landscape, mapping progress and themes.},
journal = {Parasite epidemiology and control},
volume = {30},
number = {},
pages = {e00438},
pmid = {40671882},
issn = {2405-6731},
abstract = {Wolbachia, an obligatory gram-negative intracellular bacterium associated with Rickettsia, was initially identified in Culex pipiens mosquitoes and later in diverse invertebrates. This study utilizes bibliometric methodologies to quantitatively analyze Wolbachia research (WR), filling a gap in systematic analysis. Following PRISMA guidelines, original English papers were extracted from Scopus and analyzed using VOSViewer and Bibliometrix to assess performance indices, citations, co-word mapping, emerging themes, and the evolution of WR. Since its inception between 1936 and 1961, WR has grown to 4800 documents by 2024, with notable surges in 2022 and 2024. Scholars like O'Neill, Hoffmann, and Bourtzis have significantly influenced this field. Bradford's law highlights WR distribution among 876 sources, with 37.54 % of studies being collaborative. Six thematic areas have evolved toward practical applications, particularly in vector control and disease management. Emerging topics since 2015, such as "cytoplasmic incompatibility" and "arboviruses," reflect growing interest in microbiology and disease control.},
}

@article {pmid40660387,
year = {2025},
author = {Dilinuer, P and Li, M and Lin, D and Wu, Y and Wu, Z and Zheng, X and Zhang, D},
title = {Effects of Wolbachia removal on microbial composition and diversity in Aedes albopictus: implication of using wAlbB for discriminating irradiation-based sterile and wild males.},
journal = {Infectious diseases of poverty},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {67},
pmid = {40660387},
issn = {2049-9957},
support = {82261128006//NSFC-BMGF/ ; 2022YFML1005//NSFC-BMGF/ ; SL2024A04J01715//Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; 20201192//the 6th Nuclear Energy R & D Project/ ; RAS5095//IAEA Department of Technical Cooperation/ ; D44005//IAEA Coordinated Research Project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/radiation effects ; *Wolbachia/physiology/isolation & purification ; Male ; Female ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The sterile insect technique (SIT) requires distinguishing sterile from wild male mosquitoes to evaluate male qualities and maintain an appropriate release ratio for efficient population suppression. Current dye/powder marking methods have limitations and may affect SIT effectiveness, necessitating alternative discrimination strategies. Aedes albopictus naturally harbors two Wolbachia infections (wAlbA/wAlbB), which can be eliminated via tetracycline. Although Wolbachia removal minimally affect host fitness, its impact on microbiota remains unclear. Characterizing post-elimination microbial communities is the first step to identify novel endogenous biomarkers for SIT monitoring.

METHODS: We analyzed the bacterial diversity and composition of two strains of wild-type GUA (Wolbachia-infected) and GT (Wolbachia-free) mosquitoes using the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region sequencing. qPCR was employed to confirm the relative abundance of four major bacterial genera, while PCR was used to validate selected biomarkers for distinguishing factory-reared sterile males from wild males. Kruskal-Wallis or Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the comparable parameters between GUA and GT strains.

RESULTS: Five-day-old GUA and GT females showed similar microbial diversity/composition, while young males shared diversity but differed in composition. The core microbiota in both strains consisted of Proteobacteria (64.27%), Firmicutes (16.09%), Actinobacteriota (11.22%), and Bacteroidota (4.96%). Asaia was dominant in both strains (GUA: 47.33%; GT: 32.69%), whereas Enterococcus increased in GT males with aging. Wolbachia was absent in GT mosquitoes, and Elizabethkingia was undetected in GUA males. qPCR further confirmed these trends. PCR analysis revealed that wAlbB exhibited higher stability in differentiating factory-reared GT males from their wild counterparts (96.7% infection in field males, n = 60) compared to wAlbA (61.7%, n = 60) or Enterococcus (65.8%, n = 120). The mark-release-recapture experiment further confirmed the detectability using wAlbB biomarker.

CONCLUSIONS: Without obvious fitness costs observed previously in the Ae. albopictus GT strain compared to GUA strain, the removal of Wolbachia significantly changes the microbial composition in male mosquitoes in this study. Wolbachia wAlbB is recommended as a reliable biomarker for distinguishing sterile males from wild males when using GT strain in SIT programs targeting Ae. albopictus.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/radiation effects
*Wolbachia/physiology/isolation & purification
Male
Female
*Microbiota
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics

@article {pmid40660128,
year = {2025},
author = {Miyata, M and Nomura, M and Kageyama, D},
title = {Elusive origin of mitochondria shared by two sister species of Eurema butterflies.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {71},
pmid = {40660128},
issn = {2730-7182},
support = {18J21090//JSPS KAKENHI/ ; 23K26922//JSPS KAKENHI/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies/genetics/microbiology/classification ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Mitochondria/genetics ; Haplotypes ; Japan ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia are maternally inherited arthropod endosymbionts known for their diverse effects on host reproduction, which serve to increase their prevalence in host populations. As Wolbachia spreads, the frequency of the associated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes tends to increase within the host population. Two distinct Wolbachia strains, wCI and wFem, are shared by two pierid butterfly sister species: Eurema mandarina and Eurema hecabe. The congruence of mtDNA phylogeny and Wolbachia infection status suggests hybrid introgression of mtDNA from E. hecabe to E. mandarina. This inference is based on the observation that uninfected E. mandarina have unique mtDNA haplotypes, distinct from the mtDNA haplotypes found in Wolbachia-infected E. mandarina and E. hecabe. In E. hecabe, Wolbachia infection has been considered fixed, with no expectation of uninfected individuals.

RESULTS: Unexpectedly, Wolbachia-free E. hecabe individuals were discovered on the Yonaguni Island of Japan. We included these individuals in the phylogenetic analyses to reassess the impact of Wolbachia infection on Eurema butterflies. The nuclear Triosephosphate isomerase gene-based phylogenetic tree formed two discrete clades corresponding to E. mandarina and E. hecabe. Contrastingly, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene-based tree consisted of three clades, Wolbachia-free E. mandarina, Wolbachia-free E. hecabe, and a clade consisting of Wolbachia-infected E. mandarina and E. hecabe, as well as two other Eurema species, Eurema ada and Eurema lacteola.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the mitochondria shared by E. mandarina and E. hecabe likely originate from a different species of Eurema (E. ada, E. lacteola, or others). Although the origin was not identified, our results indicate that Wolbachia provides significant evolutionary advantages to the associated mtDNA haplotypes across multiple Eurema species, leading to a complex mtDNA phylogeny.},
}

Animals
*Butterflies/genetics/microbiology/classification
*Wolbachia/genetics/physiology
Phylogeny
DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
*Mitochondria/genetics
Haplotypes
Japan
Symbiosis

@article {pmid40658623,
year = {2025},
author = {Francis, NM and Chrostek, E},
title = {Generation of Monoclonal Cultures from Wolbachia-infected Drosophila melanogaster JW18 Cell Line.},
journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE},
volume = {},
number = {220},
pages = {},
pmid = {40658623},
issn = {1940-087X},
support = {101040311/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/growth & development ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/cytology ; Cell Line/microbiology ; Clone Cells ; },
abstract = {Cell lines are widely used models in biological research. They are particularly useful in studies of intracellular bacteria that cannot be efficiently propagated outside host organisms. Wolbachia, an intracellular symbiont of many invertebrates, induces strong reproductive and antiviral effects in its insect hosts. Wolbachia-infected insect cells have been widely used to study Wolbachia phenotypes. However, these cell lines often consist of mixed populations of cells with potentially varying phenotypes and responses to experimental treatments. In particular, cell lines with Wolbachia have been reported to exhibit variable growth rates and variable Wolbachia infection prevalence from one passage to the next. To remedy this, we generated monoclonal cell lines from the Wolbachia-infected Drosophila melanogaster-derived JW18 cell line. These clonal lines were established at different timepoints and show different Wolbachia infection statuses. This variability suggests that any treatment applied to a parental JW18 population could lead to the selection of sub-populations as opposed to influencing the physiology of the entire culture. Here, we present a protocol for generating single-cell clones and continuous clonal cultures from Wolbachia-infected insect cells, enabling more controlled and reproducible experiments.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology/growth & development
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/cytology
Cell Line/microbiology
Clone Cells

@article {pmid40644522,
year = {2025},
author = {Fercoq, F and Cormerais, C and Remion, E and Gal, J and Plisson, J and Fall, A and Alonso, J and Lhermitte-Vallarino, N and Hübner, MP and Kohl, L and Landmann, F and Martin, C},
title = {Host environment shapes filarial parasite fitness and Wolbachia endosymbionts dynamics.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {21},
number = {7},
pages = {e1013301},
pmid = {40644522},
issn = {1553-7374},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/immunology ; *Symbiosis/immunology ; Mice ; Female ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; *Filarioidea/microbiology/immunology ; *Filariasis/immunology/parasitology/microbiology ; *Host-Parasite Interactions/immunology ; Male ; },
abstract = {Filarial nematodes, responsible for diseases like lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, depend on symbiotic Wolbachia bacteria for reproduction and development. Using the Litomosoides sigmodontis rodent model, we investigated how host type-2 immunity influences Wolbachia dynamics and parasite development. Wild-type and type-2 immune-deficient (Il4rα[-]/[-]Il5[-]/[-]) BALB/c mice were infected with L. sigmodontis, and the distribution and abundance of Wolbachia were analyzed at different developmental stages using quantitative PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Our results show that type-2 immune environments selectively reduce germline Wolbachia in female filariae from wild-type mice, a change associated with disrupted oogenesis, embryogenesis, and microfilarial production, while somatic Wolbachia remain unaffected. Antibiotic treatments achieving systemic Wolbachia clearance result in similar reproductive impairments. Notably, Wolbachia-free microfilariae are observed shortly after Wolbachia depletion, suggesting that early-stage embryogenesis can proceed temporarily before progressive germline dysfunction ensues. Wolbachia-free microfilariae develop into infective larvae in the vector, but stall beyond the L4 stage in vertebrate hosts, showing arrested growth and reproductive organ maturation defects in both male and female larvae. These findings highlight the variable dependency on Wolbachia across life stages and provide insights into host-parasite-endosymbiont interactions shaped by environmental pressures.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology/immunology
*Symbiosis/immunology
Mice
Female
Mice, Inbred BALB C
*Filarioidea/microbiology/immunology
*Filariasis/immunology/parasitology/microbiology
*Host-Parasite Interactions/immunology
Male

@article {pmid40635644,
year = {2025},
author = {Zanganeh, M and Fathipour, Y and Hoffmann, A and Mehrabadi, M},
title = {Population incompatibility associated with Wolbachia in the Asian citrus psyllids, Diaphorina citri: insights for pest management.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8914},
pmid = {40635644},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Iran National Science Foundation (INSF)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia are the most common intracellular symbiont in invertebrates primarily found in the reproductive tissues of their hosts inducing various host phenotypes such as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) that can affect their persistence and spread in host populations. This study explores the presence and likely impact of Wolbachia bacteria in the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri.

RESULTS: We detected Wolbachia in populations of ACP collected from Roodan (Ro) and Jahrom (Ja) in Iran and quantified their titers in different stages and tissues. Wolbachia titers were higher in the Ja population than the Ro population across stages and tissues. In both populations Wolbachia showed perfect vertical transmission. Based on the ftsZ gene, ACP Wolbachia belong to supergroup B. Using tetracycline treatment, we eliminated Wolbachia from ACP adults. However, the cured insects did not breed, preventing the establishment a Wolbachia-free line. We also crossed the Ja and Ro populations reciprocally and surprisingly found that the resultant eggs did not hatch although crosses of males and females within populations showed normal hatching. This suggests a bidirectional CI phenotype, likely as a result of different Wolbachia infections in the two populations. To test Wolbachia divergence further, we used quantitative polymerase chain reaction high-resolution melting analysis targeting the ftsZ gene followed by ftsZ sequence analysis, which revealed differences in the Wolbachia strains from the two ACP populations. To characterize the reproductive phenotype further and consider its potential use to suppress ACP populations, we varied the proportions of males and females from the different populations and released them on lemon seedlings where hatch rates were recorded. The hatch rates varied from 84.85 ± 1.8% in populations with an equal number of ♀ and ♂ from the Ro population to a low of 2.02 ± 1.7% where there was a ratio of 1:1:10 (♀Ro:♂Ro:♂Ja) present, reflecting the expected strong bidirectional CI when Ja males were released at a high relative frequency into an Ro population.

CONCLUSION: Together, these results suggest that Wolbachia strains with perfect vertical transmission may induce strong population-level bidirectional CI with potential use for suppression of ACP populations. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40635576,
year = {2025},
author = {Mackevicius-Dubickaja, V and Gottlieb, Y and White, JA and Doremus, MR},
title = {Wolbachia Feminises a Spider Host With Assistance From Co-Infecting Symbionts.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {7},
pages = {e70149},
pmid = {40635576},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {1953223//National Science Foundation/ ; 201697//United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation/ ; 1020740//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 7007679//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2023-67012-39352//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2809/23//Israel Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Female ; Male ; Feminization ; },
abstract = {Arthropods commonly harbour maternally-transmitted bacterial symbionts that manipulate host biology. Multiple heritable symbionts can co-infect the same individual, allowing these host-restricted bacteria to engage in cooperation or conflict, which can ultimately affect host phenotype. The spider Mermessus fradeorum is infected with up to five heritable symbionts: Rickettsiella (R), Tisiphia (T), and three strains of Wolbachia (W1-3). Quintuply infected spiders are feminised, causing genetic males to develop as phenotypic females and produce almost exclusively female offspring. By comparing feminisation across nine infection combinations, we identified a Wolbachia strain, W1, that is required for feminisation. We also observed that spiders infected with both W1 and W3 produced ~10% more females than those lacking W3. This increase in feminisation rate does not seem to be due to direct changes in W1 titre, nor does W1 titre correlate with feminisation rate. Instead, we observed subtle titre interactions among symbionts, with lower relative abundance of R and T symbionts in strongly feminised infections. This synergistic effect of co-infection on Wolbachia feminisation may promote the spread of all five symbionts in spider populations. These results confirm the first instance of Wolbachia-induced feminisation in spiders and demonstrate that co-infecting symbionts can improve the efficacy of symbiont-induced feminisation.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics
*Spiders/microbiology/physiology
*Symbiosis
Female
Male
Feminization

@article {pmid40631325,
year = {2025},
author = {Dregni, J and Lindsey, ARI and Ferrer-Suay, M and Celis, SL and Heimpel, GE},
title = {Wolbachia-mediated parthenogenesis induction in the aphid hyperparasitoid Alloxysta brevis (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Charipinae).},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40631325},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM150991/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Thelytokous parthenogenesis (thelytoky), in which females can produce female offspring without mating, can be caused by parthenogenesis-inducing endosymbiotic bacteria in the genus Wolbachia. This interaction is well known in hymenopteran parasitoids, where unfertilized eggs typically develop as males via haplo-diploidy in the absence of parthenogenesis-inducing bacteria. We report on a case of thelytoky in Alloxysta brevis (Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a globally widespread aphid hyperparasitoid. A previous study had shown that sex ratios of this species collected in Minnesota (USA) were extremely female biased, and we found here that unmated females reared from field-collected hosts produced female offspring without exposure to males. This result demonstrated thelytoky, and we tested for the role of bacterial endosymbionts by comparing offspring production of unmated females fed the antibiotic rifampicin to offspring production of control females not fed antibiotics. Antibiotic-fed females produced almost exclusively male offspring, and control females produced mainly females. This result showed that antibiotic treatment facilitated male production by unmated Alloxysta brevis females, thus implicating bacterial symbiosis in the expression of thelytoky. We then used molecular analyses to determine the identity of the symbiont. These analyses identified a Wolbachia strain from supergroup B, and excluded other bacteria known to mediate parthenogenesis induction, such as Cardinium and Rickettsia. While Wolbachia had been previously detected by molecular analysis in this species, these are the first experiments demonstrating Wolbachia-mediated parthenogenesis in the figitid subfamily Charipinae.},
}

@article {pmid40609856,
year = {2025},
author = {Qu, Z and Childs, LM},
title = {Assessing the impact of the Wolbachia-based control of malaria.},
journal = {Mathematical biosciences},
volume = {387},
number = {},
pages = {109466},
doi = {10.1016/j.mbs.2025.109466},
pmid = {40609856},
issn = {1879-3134},
mesh = {*Wolbachia ; Animals ; Humans ; *Malaria/prevention & control/transmission ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Basic Reproduction Number ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; Mathematical Concepts ; Models, Theoretical ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; *Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {Malaria remains a significant infectious disease globally, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Traditional control methods, such as disease surveillance and mosquito control, along with the development of malaria vaccines, have made strides in reducing the disease's impact, but new control methods are urgently needed. Wolbachia is a natural bacterium that can infect mosquitoes and reduce their ability to transmit diseases. While initially used to control dengue fever, recent research explored its potential for malaria control. In this study, we develop and analyze a novel mathematical model to assess the potential use of Wolbachia-based strategies for malaria control. The model describes the complex Wolbachia transmission dynamics among mosquitoes and incorporates key features of malaria transmission in humans with dynamical immunity feedback. We derive the basic reproduction number of the malaria disease transmission, which depends on the prevalence of Wolbachia in mosquitoes. Our findings reveal bifurcations in both Wolbachia transmission among mosquitoes and malaria transmission in humans, suggesting the potential for malaria elimination through Wolbachia-based interventions. The sensitivity analysis identifies the important parameters for the basic reproduction number and for malaria reduction and elimination. We numerically explore the integration of Wolbachia and other malaria controls. When control focuses on reducing the malaria burden in humans, there is a substantial rebound in malaria prevalence following the intervention in humans, and our results suggest post-Wolbachia malaria control leads to the greatest reduction in total days of infection. When Wolbachia release is integrated with pre-release mosquito control, there is a comparably large reduction in total days of infection if pre-release mosquito control occurs only a few days before Wolbachia release.},
}

*Wolbachia
Animals
Humans
*Malaria/prevention & control/transmission
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
Basic Reproduction Number
*Mosquito Control/methods
Mathematical Concepts
Models, Theoretical
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
*Models, Biological

@article {pmid40606155,
year = {2025},
author = {Fu, Q and Wang, W and Chen, B and Hu, Y and Ma, R and Zhu, E and Jin, S and Cai, H and Xiao, G and Du, G},
title = {Longitudinal dynamics of intestinal bacteria in the life cycle and their effects on growth and development of potato tuber moth.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1542589},
pmid = {40606155},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an oligophagous pest that damages potatoes. Intestinal microorganisms play important roles in regulating the life activities of host insects. The gut of PTM is rich in microbials, but it is unclear that the dynamics of the structure and diversity of intestinal bacteria in the different development period of potato tuber moth. In this study, the dynamics of the intestinal bacterial community across the whole life cycle of PTM were evaluated using single molecule real-time sequencing. The intestinal microbiota of PTM is predominantly composed of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, and it is different with the difference of development stages. Wolbachia endosymbionts were the dominant species of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in eggs and the first-instar larvae. Enterococcus mundtii was the dominant species of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in the second, third, and the fourth instar larvae, as well as in both male and female pupae. Moreover, the predominant species of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in female adults is Enterobacter ludwigii, while the dominant bacterial species is Serratia rubidaea in male adults. Principal component analysis and non-metric Multi-dimensional scaling analysis confirmed the differences in intestinal symbiotic bacteria structure at different developmental stages. In addition, after reintroducing the bacteria following antibiotic treatment, it was found that the antibiotics significantly inhibited the development of the potato tuber moth, whereas the gut bacteria appeared to facilitate its growth. The findings of this study will enhance our understanding of intestinal microorganisms on the development of their host insects across the life cycle. Moreover, it will establish a foundation for elucidating the physiological functions of key microorganisms in the intestinal tract of the potato tuber moth, while also offering new insights and strategy to the biological control of this pest.},
}

@article {pmid40601059,
year = {2025},
author = {Chao, LL and Shih, CM},
title = {Molecular Survey and Genetic Identification of Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Dwelling-Caught Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes from Taiwan.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {69},
pmid = {40601059},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {NSTC 113-2320-B-037-010; NSTC 114-2923-B-037-001//National Science and Technology Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/physiology ; *Culex/microbiology ; Taiwan ; *Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Female ; Male ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {The genetic identity of Wolbachia endosymbionts was determined in dwelling-caught Culex quinquefasciatus from Taiwan. A total of 370 Cx. quinquefasciatus (245 females and 125 males) was initially screened for Wolbachia infection targeting the universal 16S gene, and the positive samples were further identified their genogroup by a nested-polymerase chain reaction assay to amplify the group-specific Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene. In general, 44.59% of Cx. quinquefasciatus was detected with Wolbachia endosymbionts, and 43.2% (54/125) in male and 45.31% (111/245) in female. The group-specific detection was observed in 2.16% (8/370), 41.35% (153/370), and 1.08% (4/370) with groups A, B, and co-infection (A&B), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the genetic identities of these Taiwan strains were genetically similar to the groups A and B of Wolbachia with the high sequence homogeneity of 98.7-100% and 96.5-99.8%, respectively. Genetic relatedness is clearly discriminated using both methods of maximum likelihood (ML) and unweighted pair group with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). This study demonstrates the initial genetic identity of Wolbachia endosymbionts with a low prevalence (2.16%) of group A and a high prevalence (41.35%) of group B in dwelling-caught Cx. quinquefasciatus of Taiwan. Because the Cx. quinquefasciatus had been known as a vector for various viral pathogens, the possible impacts of Wolbachia endosymbionts on vector competence of Cx. quinquefasciatus in Taiwan need to be further identified.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/physiology
*Culex/microbiology
Taiwan
*Symbiosis
Phylogeny
Female
Male
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
DNA, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid40601033,
year = {2025},
author = {Nariman, N and Entling, MH and Krehenwinkel, H and Kennedy, S},
title = {The Microbiome of an Invasive Spider: Reduced Bacterial Richness, but no Indication of Microbial-Mediated Dispersal Behaviour.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {70},
pmid = {40601033},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Introduced Species ; Symbiosis ; Europe ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {Mermessus trilobatus, an invasive North American linyphiid spider, has expanded its invasion range up to 1400 km in Europe, accelerating its dispersal speed in less than 40 years. The high heritability of dispersal behaviour and the spatial sorting of high and low dispersers indicate a genetic basis of dispersal behaviour. However, microbial endosymbionts can moderate dispersal behaviour in related species (Rickettsia in Erigone atra). Hence, dispersal behaviour in M. trilobatus might also be dictated by the activity of dispersal-mediating endosymbionts. Here, we investigated the microbiome of invasive M. trilobatus spiders extracted from (1) high- and low-dispersive individuals and (2) spiders originating from locations close to the edge and core of the expansion. We examine the microbiomes for the presence of potential dispersal- and reproduction-mediating bacterial strains and compare the microbial assemblages of spiders based on their dispersal behaviour and locations of origin. The composition of microbial assemblages was similar among spiders of different geographic origins and dispersal behaviour. However, microbial richness was lower in high- than in low-dispersive individuals. Surprisingly, none of the known dispersal- or reproduction-altering endosymbionts of arthropods was identified in any tested spider. This contrasts with published results from North America, where M. trilobatus is a known host of Rickettsia and Wolbachia. Thus, the invasive European population appears to have lost its associated endosymbionts. As endosymbionts can reduce spider mobility, it is possible that their absence facilitates the spread of the invasive spider population. The absence of endosymbionts among the analysed individuals substantiates the role of genetic mechanisms behind the variable dispersal behaviour of invasive M. trilobatus in Europe.},
}

Animals
*Spiders/microbiology/physiology
*Microbiota
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Introduced Species
Symbiosis
Europe
Animal Distribution

@article {pmid40597597,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, S and Bland, DM and Dahlstrom, E and Redekar, N and Guizzo, MG and Barbian, K and Hinnebusch, BJ and Ribeiro, JMC},
title = {An insight into the draft genome of the Oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, together with its Wolbachia endosymbiont.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {621},
pmid = {40597597},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Xenopsylla/genetics/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Genome, Insect ; Rats ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, is a main vector of plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Transcriptomic analysis of this insect and the interaction between Yersinia and the flea digestive tract have been the subject of several studies. However, to develop more refined studies on this vector in the future, we sequence and describe a draft genome of the rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis, discuss the physiological implications of its genetic features, and compare them with the only other sequenced member of the Siphonaptera, the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis.

RESULTS: Sequencing data from both long and short reads were assembled into 7,694 contigs, from which 95,638 putative coding sequences (CDSs) were extracted and functionally annotated, providing insights into various aspects of flea physiology. This includes the identification of putative salivary proteins, such as acid phosphatases and FS-H/I, associated with blood acquisition; classification of multiple serine peptidases likely representing the primary digestive enzymes of X.cheopis; and the identification of all enzymes involved in heme biosynthesis, as well as heme oxygenases and unique heme-binding proteins potentially involved in heme detoxification. Comparison of detoxification-related genes-namely those in the cytochrome P450, carboxylesterase, and glutathione S-transferase families-with homologs from the cat flea (C. felis) revealed the presence of a platelet-activating factor (PAF) acetyl hydrolase that appears to be unique to rat fleas, cat fleas, and human head and body lice, but is absent in other blood-feeding arthropods. Additionally, we identified key components of immune-related pathways known from other arthropods, including the Toll, IMD, and JAK/STAT pathways. Finally, a contig encoding a novel bacterium was discovered within the assembled flea genome. Phylogenetic analysis of the Wolbachia endosymbiont in X. cheopis suggests it is closely related to the Wolbachia strain found in Drosophila melanogaster.

CONCLUSIONS: The disclosure of the X. cheopis genome, together with its Wolbachia symbiont, should advance research on the biology of this vector.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis/genetics
*Xenopsylla/genetics/microbiology
*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics
Phylogeny
*Genome, Insect
Rats