Wolbachia-induced reproductive parasitism and applications

Abstract

Insects have been reported to be associated with a broad variety of microorganisms, affecting the host biology in many different ways. Among them, Wolbachia, an obligatory intracellular and maternally-inherited symbiont, has recently attracted a lot of attention. Beside insects, Wolbachia are found in association with a wide variety of other invertebrate species, including mites, scorpions, spiders, crustaceans, filarial nematodes. Several surveys have indicated that Wolbachia may be symbiont of up to 70% of all insect species, rendering Wolbachia the most ubiquitous intracellular symbiotic organism on Earth. Wolbachia-host interactions range from many forms of reproductive parasitism to mutualistic symbioses. Different Wolbachia strains have been found to induce a number of reproductive alterations such as feminization, parthenogenesis, male-killing or cytoplasmic incompatibility. Despite their common occurrence and major effects on host biology, speciation and ecological diversity, little is known on the molecular mechanisms that mediate Wolbachia-host interactions. Recent studies focus on the potential of Wolbachia-based methods for the biological control of insect pests and disease vectors of agricultural, environmental and medical importance.

DoesWolbachiainfection affect decision‐making in a parasitic wasp?

“…Drosophila simulans infected with Wolbachia are less effective in resisting eggs laid by the parasitoid Leptopilina heterotoma Thomson. Similarly, Wolbachia infection of L. heterotoma makes the parasitoid more vulnerable to the host's defenses (Fytrou et al., ; Saridaki & Bourtzis, ). Tagami et al.…”

“…Drosophila simulans infected with Wolbachia are less effective in resisting eggs laid by the parasitoid Leptopilina heterotoma Thomson. Similarly, Wolbachia infection of L. heterotoma makes the parasitoid more vulnerable to the host's defenses (Fytrou et al, 2006;Saridaki & Bourtzis, 2009). Tagami et al (2001) reported that the embryonic mortality of Wolbachiainfected strains of Trichogramma evanescens Westwood and T. cacoeciae was significantly higher than that of the non-infected lines.…”

Wolbachiastrains, and lack of genetic diversity and parthenogenesis in Brazilian populations ofTuta absoluta(Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

“…This abundant group of obligate intracellular bacteria is widespread among arthropods, and its multiple strains frequently affect the reproductive biology of their hosts in diverse ways (Biondi, Guedes, Wan, & Desneux, 2018;Correa & Ballard, 2016;Engelstädter & Telschow, 2009). As a consequence, Wolbachia exhibits potential for use in arthropod pest management, either in sterile insect techniques (or incompatible insect techniques) and/or in the introduction of fitness-reducing factors in pest populations (Bourtzis, 2008;Saridaki & Bourtzis, 2009;Werren, Baldo, & Clark, 2008). However, while compromising the insect reproductive biology this endosymbiont may impair important management tools when determining parthenogenesis and/or other sexual aberrations such as sex-specific lethality and conversion of sexuality.…”

Endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia: Emerged as a weapon in the war against mosquito born diseases

“…Although the mechanism is not well known, Wolbachia-induced CI has received considerable attention as a mechanism to control insect vectors and diseases. Wolbachia is responsible for inducing a number of reproductive modifications that enables its spread and maintenance in natural populations (Saridaki and Bourtzis, 2009;Guruprasad et al, 2013).…”