@article {pmid40305550,
year = {2025},
author = {Shepard, DS and Lee, SR and Halasa-Rappel, YA and Rincon Perez, CW and Harker Roa, A},
title = {Economic evaluation of Wolbachia deployment in Colombia: A modeling study.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {4},
pages = {e0307045},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0307045},
pmid = {40305550},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; Colombia/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Dengue/epidemiology/economics/prevention & control ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Animals ; *Models, Economic ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Wolbachia are bacteria that inhibit dengue virus replication within the mosquito. A cluster-randomized trial in Indonesia found Wolbachia reduced virologically-confirmed dengue cases by 77.1%. Previous models predicted Wolbachia to be highly cost-effective in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brazil. To inform decisions about future extensions in Colombia, we performed economic evaluations of potential Wolbachia deployments in 11 target cities.

METHODS: We assembled the numbers and distribution by severity of reported dengue cases from Colombia's national disease surveillance system and the health service provision registry (RIPS). An epidemiological panel of three experts estimated the shares of dengue that were non-medical, under-reported, or misreported as another disease. We determined costs (in 2020 US dollars at market prices) of treating dengue illness from the benchmark insurance tariff and RIPS data on treatment services per symptomatic dengue case. Our central estimates projected 10 years of efficacy and focused on Cali, the target city with the highest number of dengue cases.

RESULTS: For Cali, we estimated a net health-sector savings of US$4.95 per person and averting 369 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 population. From a societal perspective, at 10 years Wolbachia deployment is expected to have highly favorable benefit-cost ratios, with benefits per dollar invested of US$5.50 in Cali and US$4.68 over all target cities.

CONCLUSIONS: Over 10 years, Wolbachia is highly beneficial on economic grounds, and almost universally cost saving. The Wolbachia program's economic benefits exceeded its costs in all 11 cities. The program's savings in healthcare costs alone would more than offset deployment costs nationally and in 9 of 11 target cities. Wolbachia is likely to be the most cost-effective or cost-saving dengue control option in municipalities with both high incidence of dengue and high population density, whereas areas with high dengue incidence but low population density should consider vaccination.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology
Colombia/epidemiology
Humans
*Dengue/epidemiology/economics/prevention & control
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Animals
*Models, Economic

@article {pmid40293253,
year = {2025},
author = {Boothman, SM and Preston, S and Minden, J},
title = {Wolbachia infection confers post-translational modification of glutamic acid decarboxylase and other proteins in D. melanogaster.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0246524},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.02465-24},
pmid = {40293253},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Wolbachia pipientis is a ubiquitous intracellular bacterium that is known for its manipulation of reproduction in arthropod hosts. Wolbachia has also been shown to colonize virtually all somatic tissues, including the brain, but little is known about the interaction between host and bacterium in these locations. To this end, we studied the effects of Wolbachia infection on the brain of Drosophila melanogaster. Using comparative proteomics, we uncovered the post-translational modification of many proteins within the Drosophila head and body upon infection, with glutamic acid decarboxylase being modified within the head only. Given this enzyme's role in neurotransmitter synthesis, we next tested how Wolbachia infection impacts host behaviors and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) production within Drosophila. We discovered an improved response to yeast odors in Wolbachia-infected, mated females compared with their uninfected counterparts. Gross measurements of GABA in whole brains showed no detectable change in GABA abundance upon infection. Treatments with a GABA antagonist indicated that the behavioral change was not GABA-dependent, leaving the mechanism behind Wolbachia-mediated changes in behavior obscure. Given the multiple protein changes in the Drosophila head upon infection, we propose a model in which Wolbachia drives the modification of glutamic acid decarboxylase and several metabolic proteins to increase survival in the specialized niche of the brain. These results give rise to new questions about the Wolbachia-Drosophila relationship, and future work will focus on the mechanism through which Wolbachia confers these protein changes.IMPORTANCEIn order to fully understand the biology of an organism, we must understand its interactions with its resident microbes. Wolbachia is commonly used to study such interactions, but the molecular interactions this bacterium has with its hosts are not well understood, especially within somatic tissues. Here, we address this knowledge gap by characterizing the changes in host proteins within Drosophila melanogaster upon Wolbachia infection. Our results provide the first description of post-translational modifications induced by Wolbachia infection within a host, unveiling a new level of regulation in the Wolbachia-host relationship. The modification of glutamic acid decarboxylase within the Drosophila head was not shown to be connected to changes in GABA production or host behavior, indicating another role for this enzyme during Wolbachia infection within the brain. Altogether, these results provide more information about Wolbachia's infection of somatic tissue and spark new inquiries into the host-bacterium relationship.},
}

@article {pmid40287743,
year = {2025},
author = {Torres-Llamas, A and Díaz-Sáez, V and Morales-Yuste, M and Ibáñez-De Haro, P and López-López, AE and Corpas-López, V and Morillas-Márquez, F and Martín-Sánchez, J},
title = {Assessing Wolbachia circulation in wild populations of phlebotomine sand flies from Spain and Morocco: implications for control of leishmaniasis.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {155},
pmid = {40287743},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {PID2022-142230NB-I00//Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and FEDER, EU/ ; PREP2022-000570//Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vector-borne diseases such as leishmaniasis exert a huge burden of morbidity and mortality that are mainly controlled through vector control. The increasing threat of insecticide-resistant vectors entails incorporating more vector control interventions to eliminate these diseases. Introduction of Wolbachia into wild vector populations has been suggested as a potential vector control measure that would require extensive regional knowledge. The aim of this work is to estimate the prevalence of Wolbachia infection and monitor circulating strains in wild sand fly populations from Spain and Morocco, two countries where leishmaniasis is endemic.

METHODS: Wolbachia was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Haplotype diversity was performed by sequencing, and phylogenetic relationships were then established. In silico prediction of the Wolbachia surface protein (WSP) structures was performed. To investigate the relationship between epidemiological variables and the presence of Wolbachia, regression analyses were employed.

RESULTS: Wolbachia was detected in 45.8% of the specimens tested (319/697), and similar infection rates were found (P = 0.92) in males (46.1%; 94/204) and females (45.6%; 225/493). Differences in infection were detected among Spanish sand fly species (P < 0.001), being higher for Phlebotomus papatasi (35/52) and Phlebotomus perniciosus (239/384). No infected Phlebotomus sergenti specimens were found in Spain, whereas two different Wolbachia haplotypes were detected in P. sergenti sand flies from Morocco. No significant differences were found between sex, species, or capture sites in specimens captured in Morocco (P > 0.05). Five Wolbachia haplotypes distributed in the known A and B supergroups were identified. Structural analysis showed a nine-amino acid insertion in the fourth loop of a Wolbachia haplotype found in P. sergenti specimens from El Borouj (Morocco).

CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the circulation of different Wolbachia strains in all sand fly species investigated. All L. infantum proven or suspected vectors shared the same, or a closely related, Wolbachia haplotype. The haplotype bearing the loop insertion was found in the locality undergoing an anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis outbreak. These extracellular loops might have some role in enhancing or inhibiting the development of Leishmania and other pathogens in sand flies. These findings are very promising and highlight the need to further investigate the tripartite interactions between Wolbachia strain, Leishmania species, and sand fly species/lineage.},
}

@article {pmid40274861,
year = {2025},
author = {Biswas, S and Rajkonwar, J and Jena, SR and Gogoi, P and Nirmolia, T and Vinayagam, S and Hazarika, G and Sihag, AK and Borah, B and Pebam, R and Kaur, H and Baruah, K and Narain, K and Subbarao, SK and Bhattacharyya, DR and Borkakoty, B and Bhowmick, IP},
title = {Detection of a sympatric cryptic species mimicking Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in dengue and Chikungunya endemic forest villages of Tripura, India, posing a daunting challenge for vector research.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {14237},
pmid = {40274861},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {The Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1985) (Diptera: Culicidae) is one of the major vectors for Dengue and Chikungunya. However, our study uncovered another mosquito species morphologically similar to Ae. albopictus but is genetically different. The male genitalia of this species possess minute differences in the IX tergum with Ae. albopictus. Nucleotide diversity and mean genetic distance analysis confirmed the genetic difference from Ae. albopictus and other Aedes species. However, this species has a significant degree of genetic similarity with the cryptic species of Ae. albopictus earlier reported from Vietnam and China. The time tree revealed the median divergence time of this species and Ae. albopictus species to be approximately 36.13 million years ago. This study marks the discovery of an Aedes nr. Albopictus species resembling Ae. albopictus in India and third in the world, also reports the distinct morphological feature of the male genitalia for the first time. Our study indicates the sympatric behavior of this species as it shares the breeding habitat of Ae. albopictus. The absence of endosymbiont Wolbachia in this species raises the possibility of reproductive isolation with Ae. albopictus leading to sympatric speciation and increasing virus-carrying capability for this species, having significant implications for vector-borne disease control.},
}

@article {pmid40267478,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheong, YL and Mohd Ghazali, S and Mat Hashim, MH and Che Ibrahim, MK and Amran, A and Tiunh, TY and Lim, HL and Cheah, YK and Gill, BS and Lim, KH},
title = {Exploring 97 Years of Aedes aegypti as the Vector for Dengue, Yellow Fever, Zika, and Chikungunya (Diptera: Culicidae): Scientometric Analysis.},
journal = {Interactive journal of medical research},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e65844},
doi = {10.2196/65844},
pmid = {40267478},
issn = {1929-073X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti is an important vector that transmits dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses. Although research on Aedes aegypti has been conducted for decades, scientometric studies on Aedes aegypti are scarce, are limited to regions, and cover short periods. Thus, there is still a knowledge gap in the current trend, research focuses and directions, leading authors and collaboration, journal and citation impacts, countries, and worldwide collaborations.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study are to investigate the research trend, focus and directions, citation impact, leading authors and collaboration, journals, and countries of the published works on Aedes aegypti to inform the current knowledge gaps and future direction of the control of the vector.

METHODS: In this study, we searched the Scopus database for articles on Aedes aegypti published from the year 1927 until April 5th, 2024, and included articles, reviews, books, and book chapters that were written in English. A total of 16,247 articles in 160 journals with 481,479 citations were included. Inconsistencies in authors' names were checked and cleaned using OpenRefine. The data were grouped into 4 periods; years 1927-1999, 2000-2009, 2010-2019, and 2020-2023. The relative growth rate and doubling time of publications were calculated. The analysis was conducted using VOSviewer, R bibliometrics, and citeSpace.

RESULTS: The overall RGR was 0.1. Doubling time increased from 9.3 in 1978-1998 to 12.1 in 2000-2009. The main research clusters were "using Wolbachia," "Dengue Zika," "worldwide diversity," "community support," "larvicidal activity," "mosquito genotype-dependent," and "sterile insect technique." Journal of Medical Entomology was the leading journal (758/16,247, 4.7%). The most cited articles were authored by Halstead SB and team in Science (N=1355) and Kraemer MU and team in eLife (N=1324). The United States (5806/23,538, 24.7%) and Brazil (2035/23,538, 8.6%) were the top countries. Gubler DJ was the top co-cited author (n=2892) from 2000 to 2019. The co-cited author cluster patterns informed the significant specialty research on Aedes aegypti across time. Authors from various specialized research fields tended to collaborate across countries, especially neighboring countries. Countries with more research funding on the study of Aedes aegypti published more papers.

CONCLUSIONS: Researchers or entomologists could understand the current knowledge gap on Aedes aegypti and plan for future research pathways. This study contributed to the public health stakeholders in improving the vector control interventions and elucidated the extent of research subject areas.},
}

@article {pmid40266381,
year = {2025},
author = {Cuny, MAC and Gloder, G and Bourne, ME and Kalisvaart, SN and Verreth, C and Crauwels, S and Cusumano, A and Lievens, B and Poelman, EH},
title = {Parasitoid Calyx Fluid and Venom Affect Bacterial Communities in Their Lepidopteran Host Labial Salivary Glands.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {33},
pmid = {40266381},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {ALWOP.368//Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research/ ; ALWOP.368//Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research/ ; ALWOP.368//Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research/ ; ALWOP.368//Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research/ ; ALWOP.368//Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research/ ; G.0961.19 N//Flemish Fund for Scientific Research/ ; G.0961.19 N//Flemish Fund for Scientific Research/ ; G.0961.19 N//Flemish Fund for Scientific Research/ ; G.0961.19 N//Flemish Fund for Scientific Research/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Salivary Glands/microbiology ; *Wasps/physiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/drug effects ; *Microbiota ; Larva/parasitology/microbiology ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Butterflies/microbiology/parasitology ; Hemolymph/microbiology ; Polydnaviridae/physiology ; *Wasp Venoms/pharmacology ; *Moths/microbiology/parasitology ; },
abstract = {The influence of gut and gonad bacterial communities on insect physiology, behaviour, and ecology is increasingly recognised. Parasitism by parasitoid wasps alters many physiological processes in their hosts, including gut bacterial communities. However, it remains unclear whether these changes are restricted to the gut or also occur in other tissues and fluids, and the mechanisms underlying such changes are unknown. We hypothesise that host microbiome changes result from the injection of calyx fluid (that contain symbiotic viruses known as polydnaviruses) and venom during parasitoid oviposition and that these effects vary by host tissue. To test this, we microinjected Pieris brassicae caterpillars with calyx fluid and venom from Cotesia glomerata, using saline solution and natural parasitism by C. glomerata as controls. We analysed changes in the bacterial community composition in the gut, regurgitate, haemolymph, and labial salivary glands of the host insects. Multivariate analysis revealed distinct bacterial communities across tissues and fluids, with high diversity in the salivary glands and haemolymph. Parasitism and injection of calyx fluid and venom significantly altered bacterial communities in the salivary glands. Differential abundance analysis showed that parasitism affected bacterial relative abundance in the haemolymph, and that Wolbachia was only found in the haemolymph of parasitized caterpillars. Altogether, our findings reveal that parasitism influences the host haemolymph microbiome, and both parasitism and injection of calyx fluid and venom drive changes in the bacterial community composition within the host salivary glands. Given that the composition of salivary glands can influence plant response to herbivory, we discuss these results in the broader context of plant-parasitoid interactions.},
}

Animals
*Salivary Glands/microbiology
*Wasps/physiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/drug effects
*Microbiota
Larva/parasitology/microbiology
Host-Parasite Interactions
*Butterflies/microbiology/parasitology
Hemolymph/microbiology
Polydnaviridae/physiology
*Wasp Venoms/pharmacology
*Moths/microbiology/parasitology

@article {pmid40252916,
year = {2025},
author = {Dainty, KR and Duyvestyn, JM and Flores, HA},
title = {Targeted knockdown of in vitro candidates does not alter Wolbachia density in vivo.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108346},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108346},
pmid = {40252916},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia has emerged as an effective biocontrol method to reduce arbovirus transmission. Transinfection of wMel Wolbachia from Drosophila melanogaster to Aedes aegypti results in the transfer of important Wolbachia-induced phenotypes including the reproductive modification, cytoplasmic incompatibility, and inhibition of viruses including dengue and chikungunya. However, the mechanisms underlying these critical traits as well other Wolbachia-host interactions are still not fully understood. Recently an in vitro genome wide RNAi screen was performed on wMel-infected Drosophila S2 cells and identified large cohorts of host genes that alter wMel density when targeted. If these findings can be replicated in vivo, this would provide a powerful tool for modulating wMel density both systemically and in a tissue-specific manner allowing for interrogation of wMel-host interactions. Here, we used the GAL4/UAS system to express RNAi molecules targeting host gene candidates previously identified to dysregulate wMel density in vitro. We found systemic knockdown of two candidate D. melanogaster genes does not lead to wMel density dysregulation. To explore the lack of consistency between our study and previous work, we also examined native tissue-specific density of wMel in D. melanogaster. We show density is varied between tissues and find that individual tissue densities are not reliable linear predictors of other tissue densities. Our results demonstrate the complexities of implementing in vitro findings in systemic applications.},
}

@article {pmid40252673,
year = {2025},
author = {Knoblauch, S and Mukaratirwa, RT and Pimenta, PFP and de A Rocha, AA and Yin, MS and Randhawa, S and Lautenbach, S and Wilder-Smith, A and Rocklöv, J and Brady, OJ and Biljecki, F and Dambach, P and Jänisch, T and Resch, B and Haddawy, P and Bärnighausen, T and Zipf, A},
title = {Urban Aedes aegypti suitability indicators: a study in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.},
journal = {The Lancet. Planetary health},
volume = {9},
number = {4},
pages = {e264-e273},
doi = {10.1016/S2542-5196(25)00049-X},
pmid = {40252673},
issn = {2542-5196},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/physiology/growth & development ; Brazil ; Cities ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology ; *Ecosystem ; Larva/physiology/growth & development ; Mosquito Control ; *Animal Distribution ; Seasons ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Controlling Aedes aegypti stands as the primary strategy in curtailing the global threat of vector-borne viral infections such as dengue fever, which is responsible for around 400 million infections and 40 000 fatalities annually. Effective interventions require a precise understanding of Ae aegypti spatiotemporal distribution and behaviour, particularly in urban settings where most infections occur. However, conventionally applied sample-based entomological surveillance systems often fail to capture the high spatial variability of Ae aegypti that can arise from heterogeneous urban landscapes and restricted Aedes flight range.

METHODS: In this study, we aimed to address the challenge of capturing the spatial variability of Ae aegypti by leveraging emerging geospatial big data, including openly available satellite and street view imagery, to locate common Ae aegypti breeding habitats. These data enabled us to infer the seasonal suitability for Ae aegypti eggs and larvae at a spatial resolution of 200 m within the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

FINDINGS: The proposed microhabitat and macrohabitat indicators for immature Ae aegypti explained the distribution of Ae aegypti ovitrap egg counts by up to 72% (95% CI 70-74) and larval counts by up to 74% (72-76). Spatiotemporal interpolations of ovitrap counts, using suitability indicators, provided high-resolution insights into the spatial variability of urban immature Ae aegypti that could not be captured with sample-based surveillance techniques alone.

INTERPRETATION: The potential of the proposed method lies in synergising entomological field measurements with digital indicators on urban landscape to guide vector control and address the prevailing spread of Ae aegypti-transmitted viruses. Estimating Ae aegypti distributions considering habitat size is particularly important for targeting novel vector control interventions such as Wolbachia.

FUNDING: German Research Foundation and Austrian Science Fund.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/physiology/growth & development
Brazil
Cities
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology
*Ecosystem
Larva/physiology/growth & development
Mosquito Control
*Animal Distribution
Seasons

@article {pmid40251382,
year = {2025},
author = {Al-Amin, HM and Gyawali, N and Graham, M and Alam, MS and Lenhart, A and Xi, Z and Rašić, G and Beebe, NW and Hugo, LE and Devine, GJ},
title = {Fitness compatibility and dengue virus Inhibition in a Bangladeshi strain of Aedes aegypti infected with the Wolbachia strain wAlbB.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {13425},
pmid = {40251382},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/virology/microbiology/genetics ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Dengue Virus/physiology ; Bangladesh ; *Dengue/transmission/virology/prevention & control ; *Mosquito Vectors/virology/microbiology ; Genetic Fitness ; Female ; Mosquito Control ; },
abstract = {Dengue cases in Bangladesh have surged in recent years. The existing insecticide-based control program is challenged by issues of insufficient household coverage and high levels of insecticide resistance in the primary dengue virus (DENV) vector, Aedes aegypti. A more sustainable, effective alternative could be the implementation of a Wolbachia-mediated disease management strategy. Hence, we created and characterised a Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti strain with a Dhaka wild-type genetic background, and compared its reproductive compatibility, maternal inheritance, fitness, and virus-blocking ability to the parental strains (Dhaka wild-type and wAlbB2-F4). The new Ae. aegypti strain wAlbB2-Dhaka demonstrated complete cytoplasmic incompatibility with the wild-type and complete maternal transmission, retaining levels of pyrethroid resistance of the Dhaka wild-type. No significant fitness costs were detected during laboratory comparison. Compared to the wild-type, wAlbB2-Dhaka mosquitoes demonstrated a significantly reduced genome copies of DENV in the bodies (44.4%, p = 0.0034); a two-fold reduction in dissemination to legs and wings (47.6%, p < 0.0001); and > 13-fold reduction of DENV in saliva expectorates (proxy of transmission potential) (92.7%, p < 0.0001) 14 days after ingesting dengue-infected blood. Our work indicates that the wAlbB2-Dhaka strain could be used for Ae. aegypti suppression or replacement strategies for dengue management in Bangladesh.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/virology/microbiology/genetics
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Dengue Virus/physiology
Bangladesh
*Dengue/transmission/virology/prevention & control
*Mosquito Vectors/virology/microbiology
Genetic Fitness
Female
Mosquito Control

@article {pmid40249197,
year = {2025},
author = {Hubert, J and Glowska-Patyniak, E and Dowd, SE and Klimov, PB},
title = {Cardinium disrupts Wolbachia-host dynamics in the domestic mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae: evidence from manipulative experiments.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0176924},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.01769-24},
pmid = {40249197},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: We investigated the tripartite interactions between two intracellular bacterial symbionts, Cardinium and Wolbachia in Tyrophagus putrescentiae. Cultures of Tyrophagus putrescentiae are typically single-infected by one intracellular symbiont. However, co-infection can be experimentally induced by mixing single-infected cultures, resulting in 10% of mite individuals being double-infected (Cardinium + Wolbachia) and a corresponding reduction in host fitness. Here, we assembled the genomes of Cardinium and Wolbachia and analyzed their gene expression in parental single-infected and mixed mite cultures using population-level samples (ranging from 7,500 to 10,000 mites). Wolbachia interacts more extensively with its mite host than Cardinium in single-infected cultures. However, in mixed cultures, (i) Wolbachia exhibited reduced regulation of the host compared with Cardinium; (ii) the gene expression profile of Cardinium shifted, increasing its interactions with the host, whereas the gene expression profile of Wolbachia remained unchanged; and (iii) Wolbachia genes exhibited a loss of interactions with mite gene expression, as indicated by reduced correlations (for example with host MAPK, endocytosis, and calcium signaling pathways). The experiments show that at the mite population level, symbiont infection disrupts gene expression interaction between the two symbionts and their host in different ways. Wolbachia was more influenced by Cardinium gene expression than vice versa. Cardinium can inhibit the growth of Wolbachia by disrupting its interaction with the host, leading to a loss of Wolbachia's influence on mite immune and regulatory pathways. The reasons for responses are due to co-infection or the reduced frequency of Wolbachia single-infected individuals due to the analyses of population-level samples.

IMPORTANCE: We found that Cardinium disrupts the interaction between Wolbachia and mite host. In Wolbachia single-infected cultures, strong correlations exist between symbiont and host gene expressions. Interestingly, although Cardinium can also interact with the host, this interaction appears weaker compared with Wolbachia in single-infected cultures. These results suggest that both symbionts affect mite host gene expression, particularly in immune and regulatory pathways. In mixed samples, Cardinium appears to outcompete Wolbachia by disrupting its host interaction. It indicates competition between these two intracellular symbionts in mite populations. Wolbachia belongs to a mite-specific supergroup Q, distinct from the more commonly studied Wolbachia supergroups. As these mite-specific bacteria exhibit pathogen-blocking effects, our findings may have relevance for other systems, such as ticks and tick-borne diseases. The study sheds light on intracellular symbiont interaction within a novel mite-symbiont model.},
}

@article {pmid40243374,
year = {2025},
author = {Kustra, MC and Carrier, TJ},
title = {Microbes as manipulators of egg size and developmental evolution.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0365524},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.03655-24},
pmid = {40243374},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Marine invertebrates mainly reproduce by energy-poor eggs that develop into feeding larvae or energy-rich eggs that develop into non-feeding larvae. Evolutionary transitions between these developmental modes have been studied in detail, yet the evolutionary factor(s) responsible for these switches remains elusive. Here, we use theoretical models to support the premise that microbes with the capacity to manipulate host reproduction may be one possible factor. Our model predicts that microbial manipulators could create a sperm-limited environment that selects for larger eggs by shifting the host's sex ratio toward female dominance and, as a result, drive an evolutionary transition in the developmental mode for marine invertebrates. The loss of a microbial manipulator could then recover the ancestral egg size and developmental mode. We also suggest more than a dozen genera of marine invertebrates from throughout the world's oceans that fit the framework of a microbe-induced evolutionary transition between these predominant developmental modes. We anticipate that microbial manipulators have a yet-to-be-appreciated influence on the developmental evolution of marine invertebrates. We find it paramount to understand whether evolutionary transitions in developmental mode occur with and without microbial manipulators as well as whether the underlying mechanisms of these manipulations are convergent with terrestrial systems.

IMPORTANCE: Microbes that manipulate animal reproduction are widespread on land, and their evolutionary influence is widely acknowledged. Relatives of these manipulators are increasingly found in the ocean, but uniquely with taxa that recently underwent a transition in developmental evolution from feeding to non-feeding larvae. Here, we present theoretical models supporting that microbial manipulators could create a sperm-limited environment that selects for larger eggs by shifting the host's sex ratio toward female dominance and, as a result, drive an evolutionary transition in the developmental mode for free-spawning marine invertebrates. This theoretical model provides a complementary viewpoint to the theory regarding the evolutionary process that marine invertebrates undergo to transition between developmental modes as well as a fruitful opportunity to compare with terrestrial systems.},
}

@article {pmid40240454,
year = {2025},
author = {Leroy, E and Gao, S and Gonzalez, M and Ellies-Oury, MP and Tuda, M},
title = {Wolbachia infection facilitates adaptive increase in male egg size in response to environmental changes.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {13213},
pmid = {40240454},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {19K06840//JSPS/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Male ; Female ; *Ovum/microbiology/physiology ; *Coleoptera/microbiology/physiology ; Climate Change ; Symbiosis ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Environment ; Temperature ; Longevity ; },
abstract = {Under challenging conditions such as maladapted biotic and abiotic conditions, females can plastically adjust their egg size (gamete or zygote size) to counteract fitness declines early in life. Recent evidence suggests that endosymbionts may enhance this egg-size plasticity. Possible endosymbionts' modification of impact of multiple stressors is not well explored. Therefore, this study aims to test (1) whether Wolbachia infection influences the plasticity of parental investment in egg size under suboptimal environmental conditions and (2) whether the plasticity depends on the sex of eggs. We used three lines of the azuki bean beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis): a line coinfected with the wBruCon and wBruOri Wolbachia strains, a cured line infected solely with the wBruCon, and an uninfected (cured) line. These lines were subjected to either a control environment or a simulated climate change environment (elevated temperature and carbon dioxide levels, eT&CO2) to examine Wolbachia infection effects on parental investment in their offspring (egg size) and its subsequent impact on offspring fitness, including survival, development, and adult lifespan under starvation. After two days of eT&CO2 exposure, coinfected parents increased male egg size only. Larger eggs developed faster in both sexes and exhibited higher survival. However, offspring adult lifespan was not influenced by egg size but by environment, sex, Wolbachia infection, and development time: eT&CO2 reduced male lifespan but not female lifespan, the singly-infected line females lived longer than coinfected and uninfected line females, and shorter development time linked to longer lifespan. The negative correlation between development time and lifespan was higher under eT&CO2 but not sex-specific. This study is the first to demonstrate sex-specific egg size plasticity associated with Wolbachia infection in species with sex determination systems other than haplodiploid.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology
Male
Female
*Ovum/microbiology/physiology
*Coleoptera/microbiology/physiology
Climate Change
Symbiosis
*Adaptation, Physiological
Environment
Temperature
Longevity

@article {pmid40237471,
year = {2025},
author = {Njogu, AK and Logozzo, F and Conner, WR and Shropshire, JD},
title = {Counting rare Wolbachia endosymbionts using digital droplet PCR.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0326624},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03266-24},
pmid = {40237471},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Wolbachia is the most widespread animal-associated intracellular microbe, living within the cells of over half of insect species. Since they can suppress pathogen replication and spread rapidly through insect populations, Wolbachia is at the vanguard of public health initiatives to control mosquito-borne diseases. Wolbachia's abilities to block pathogens and spread quickly are closely linked to their abundance in host tissues. The most common method for counting Wolbachia is quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), yet qPCR can be insufficient to count rare Wolbachia, necessitating tissue pooling and consequently compromising individual-level resolution of Wolbachia dynamics. Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) offers superior sensitivity, enabling the detection of rare targets and eliminating the need for sample pooling. Here, we report three ddPCR assays to measure total Wolbachia abundance, Wolbachia abundance adjusted for DNA extraction efficiency, and Wolbachia density relative to host genome copies. Using Drosophila melanogaster with wMel Wolbachia as a model, we show these ddPCR assays can reliably detect as few as 7 to 12 Wolbachia gene copies in a 20 µL reaction. The designed oligos are homologous to sequences from at least 106 Wolbachia strains across supergroup A and 53 host species from the Drosophila, Scaptomyza, and Zaprionus genera, suggesting broad utility. These highly sensitive ddPCR assays are expected to significantly advance Wolbachia-host interactions research by enabling the collection of molecular data from individual insect tissues. Their ability to detect rare Wolbachia will be especially valuable in applied and natural field settings where pooling samples could obscure important variation.IMPORTANCEWolbachia bacteria live inside the cells of many animals, especially insects. In many insect species, almost every individual carries Wolbachia. How common Wolbachia becomes within a population often depends on how much of it is present in the insect's body. Therefore, accurately measuring Wolbachia levels is crucial for understanding how these bacteria interact with their hosts and spread. However, traditional molecular assays can lack the sensitivity needed for accurate, individual-level quantification of rare Wolbachia. Here, we present three highly sensitive digital droplet PCR assays for Wolbachia detection, offering superior sensitivity compared to existing methods. These assays will be useful for studies that measure Wolbachia abundance and related phenotypes in individual insects, providing enhanced resolution and improving efforts to characterize the mechanisms that govern phenotypic variation.},
}

@article {pmid40229230,
year = {2025},
author = {Sewade, W and Polat, C and Kasap, OE},
title = {Molecular evidence of Wolbachia and Orthoflavivirus infection in field-collected mosquitoes in three provinces of Türkiye.},
journal = {Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/tmi.14099},
pmid = {40229230},
issn = {1365-3156},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mosquitoes transmit various pathogens causing diseases like Zika, Dengue, West Nile and Chikungunya. They also harbour insect-specific viruses (ISVs) and Wolbachia, which can block arbovirus transmission. This study investigated the prevalence of Orthoflavivirus and Wolbachia in mosquito populations from three provinces in Türkiye.

METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected using CDC Miniature Light traps in 2022-2023. Morphologically identified specimens were pooled (1-10 individuals) and screened for Orthoflavivirus and Wolbachia via PCR and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Infection prevalence was estimated using the maximum likelihood method. Mosquito taxa richness across provinces was estimated using the abundance-based, non-parametric Chao1 index.

RESULTS: Among 8766 mosquitoes (11 taxa) collected, Culex perexiguus, Ochlerotatus caspius and Anopheles claviger were most abundant. Anopheles flavivirus (AnFV) detected in one Oc. caspius pool, while Wolbachia sequences belonging to supergroup B were detected in An. claviger, Cx. pipiens s.l., Cx. perexiguus and Oc. caspius, with an overall infection prevalence of 0.0119 (95% CI: 0.008-0.0161). The richest mosquito fauna was detected in Ankara, followed by Adana, and Çankırı.

CONCLUSION: This study provides new insights into mosquito richness and the prevalence of Orthoflavivirus and Wolbachia in Türkiye, contributing to vector surveillance and the potential use of Wolbachia in mosquito control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40227227,
year = {2025},
author = {Arai, H and Katsuma, S and Matsuda-Imai, N and Lin, SR and Inoue, MN and Kageyama, D},
title = {Prophage-encoded Hm-oscar gene recapitulates Wolbachia-induced male-killing in the tea tortrix moth Homona magnanima.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40227227},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {19J13123//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 21J00895//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 22K14902//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 23H02229//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 24H02293//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 22H00366//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 24H02289//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 21KK0105//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Male ; *Moths/microbiology/physiology/genetics ; *Prophages/genetics ; Female ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are maternally transmitted bacterial symbionts that are ubiquitous among arthropods. They can hijack host reproduction in various ways, including male-killing (MK), where the sons of infected mothers are killed during development. The recent discovery of MK-associated Wolbachia genes, i.e., oscar in Ostrinia moths and wmk in Drosophila flies, stimulates our interest in the diversity and commonality of MK mechanisms, which remain largely unclear. We recently discovered that a Wolbachia symbiont of the moth Homona magnanima carries an MK-associated prophage region encoding homologs of oscar (Hm-oscar) and wmk (wmk-1-4). Here, we investigated the effects of these genes in the native host. Upon transient overexpression, Hm-oscar, but not wmk, induced male lethality in H. magnanima, in contrast to our observations in Drosophila, where the wmk homologs, but not Hm-oscar, killed the males. Hm-oscar disrupted sex determination in male embryos by inducing a female-type doublesex splicing and impaired dosage compensation, recapitulating the Wolbachia phenotype. Cell-based transfection assays confirmed that Hm-oscar suppressed the function of masculinizer, the primary male sex determinant involved in lepidopteran dosage compensation. Our study highlights the conserved roles of oscar homologs in Wolbachia-induced lepidopteran MK and argues that Wolbachia have evolved multiple MK mechanisms in insects.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/genetics
Male
*Moths/microbiology/physiology/genetics
*Prophages/genetics
Female
Symbiosis

@article {pmid40218346,
year = {2025},
author = {Esteves-Guimarães, J and Montoya-Alonso, JA and Matos, JI and Ramalheira, E and Carretón, E and Rodríguez-Escolar, I and Balmori-de la Puente, A and Collado-Cuadrado, M and Morchón, R and Fontes-Sousa, AP},
title = {Raising Awareness of Canine, Feline and Human Dirofilariosis in Aveiro, Portugal: A One Health Perspective.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40218346},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {UIDB/04308/2020 and UIDP/04308/2020//Foundation for Science and Technology/ ; LANZADERA_2024//General Foundation of the University of Salamanca/ ; },
abstract = {Climatic and various socio-geographical variables have significantly influenced the global spread of Dirofilaria immitis. The coastal district of Aveiro, Portugal, marked by its unique hydrographic structure, Ria de Aveiro, and a concerning rise in heartworm disease, was the focus of our study. We aimed to update the prevalence of D. immitis in dogs and the seroprevalence in cats and humans, correlating these data with epidemiological information. A total of 430 dogs were sampled for D. immitis antigens, and 426 cats and 398 humans for D. immitis and Wolbachia sp. antibodies. In addition, we developed and validated an infection risk map for D. immitis with the geolocation of positive samples. Our results indicate a canine prevalence of 4.7%, peaking at 16.7% in Vagos. Feline and human seroprevalences were 8.9% (26.7% in Espinho) and 3.0% (Vagos presented the most alarming results), respectively. Positive samples were found in both high- and low-risk areas highlighting the need for chemoprophylaxis in all municipalities. Risk factors identified included lack of vaccination and internal deworming in cats, while dogs faced risks from inadequate vaccination and outdoor exposure. Our study identifies Aveiro as an endemic area, with a need for control measures to address this public health threat.},
}

@article {pmid40209710,
year = {2025},
author = {Arai, H and Wijonarko, A and Katsuma, S and Naka, H and Kageyama, D and Hornett, EA and Hurst, GDD},
title = {Evolution of Wolbachia male-killing mechanism within a host species.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.03.027},
pmid = {40209710},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Male-killing bacterial symbionts, prevalent in arthropods, skew population sex ratios by selectively killing male progeny, profoundly impacting ecology and the evolution of their hosts. Male killing is a convergently evolved trait, with microbes evolving diverse male-killing mechanisms across host species with widely divergent sex determination pathways. A common evolutionary response to male-killing presence is the spread of suppressor mutations that restore male survival. In this study, we demonstrate the evolution of a novel male-killing mechanism that is insensitive to an existing male-killing suppressor. Hypolimnas bolina butterflies from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, showed extreme female-biased population sex ratio associated with high prevalence of a male-killing Wolbachia. This strain, wBol1Y, shared a very recent common ancestor with the previously characterized "suppressed" male-killing strain in the species, wBol1, but it retained its male-killing ability in the presence of the male-killing suppressor. The genome of wBol1Y differed from the suppressed wBol1 in carrying an additional prophage that included strong candidate genes for male killing. In vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that wBol1Y feminized splicing and expression of lepidopteran sex determination pathway genes and that the gene Hb-oscar-present on wBol1Y's unique prophage insert-was sufficient to disrupt the male sex determination pathway. Our study demonstrates that the diversity of male-killing mechanisms is a product both of interaction with varying insect sex determination systems and the evolution of male killing within a host species. Our data indicate that the male killer and host may be involved in escalating arms races, where spreading male-killing suppression drives the evolution of additional systems that reestablish male killing by the symbiont.},
}

@article {pmid40207924,
year = {2025},
author = {Hendricks, A and Philips, TK and Engl, T and Plarre, R( and Martinson, VG},
title = {The bacterial microbiome in spider beetles and deathwatch beetles.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0198124},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.01981-24},
pmid = {40207924},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The beetle family Ptinidae contains a number of economically important pests, such as the cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne, the drugstore beetle Stegobium paniceum, and the diverse spider beetles. Many of these species are stored product pests, which target a diverse range of food sources, from dried tobacco to books made with organic materials. Despite the threat that the 2,200 species of Ptinidae beetles pose, fewer than 50 have been surveyed for microbial symbionts, and only a handful have been screened using contemporary genomic methods. In this study, we screen 116 individual specimens that cover most subfamilies of Ptinidae, with outgroup beetles from closely related families Dermestidae, Endecatomidae, and Bostrichidae. We used 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon data to characterize the bacterial microbiomes of these specimens. The majority of these species had never been screened for microbes. We found that, unlike in their sister family, Bostrichidae, that has two mutualistic bacteria seen in most species, there are no consistent bacterial members of ptinid microbiomes. For specimens which had Wolbachia infections, we did additional screening using multilocus sequence typing and showed that our populations have different strains of Wolbachia than noted in previous publications.

IMPORTANCE: Ptinid beetles are both household pests of pantry goods and economic pests of dried goods warehouses and cultural archives, such as libraries and museums. Currently, the most common pest control measures for ptinid beetles are phosphine and/or heat treatments. Many ptinid beetles have been observed to have increasing resistance to phosphine, and heat treatments are not appropriate for many of the goods commonly infested by ptinids. Pest control techniques focused on symbiotic bacteria have been shown to significantly decrease populations and often have the beneficial side effect of being more specific than other pest control techniques. This survey provides foundational information about the bacteria associated with diverse ptinid species, which may be used for future control efforts.},
}

@article {pmid40202691,
year = {2025},
author = {Pimentel, AC and Cesar, CS and Martins, AHB and Martins, M and Cogni, R},
title = {Wolbachia Offers Protection Against Two Common Natural Viruses of Drosophila.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {24},
pmid = {40202691},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Drosophila melanogaster/virology/microbiology ; *Drosophila/virology/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Female ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia pipientis is a maternally transmitted endosymbiont infecting more than half of terrestrial arthropod species. Wolbachia can express parasitic phenotypes such as manipulation of host reproduction and mutualist phenotypes such as protection against RNA virus infections. Because Wolbachia can invade populations by reproductive manipulation and block virus infection, it is used to modify natural insect populations. However, the ecological importance of virus protection is not yet clear, especially due to scarce information on Wolbachia protection against viruses that are common in nature. We used systemic infection to investigate whether Wolbachia protects its host by suppressing the titer of DMELDAV and DMelNora virus, two viruses that commonly infect Drosophila melanogaster flies in natural populations. Antiviral protection was tested in three systems to assess the impact of Wolbachia strains across species: (1) a panel of Wolbachia strains transfected into Drosophila simulans, (2) two Wolbachia strains introgressed into the natural host D. melanogaster, and (3) two native Wolbachia strains in their natural hosts Drosophila baimaii and Drosophila tropicalis. We showed that certain Wolbachia strains provide protection against DMelNora virus and DMELDAV, and this protection is correlated with Wolbachia density, which is consistent with what has been observed in protection against other RNA viruses. Additionally, we found that Wolbachia does not protect its original host, D. melanogaster, from DMELDAV infection. While native Wolbachia can reduce DMELDAV titers in D. baimaii, this effect was not detected in D. tropicalis. Although the Wolbachia protection-induced phenotype seems to depend on the virus, the specific Wolbachia strain, and the host species, our findings suggest that antiviral protection may be one of the mutualistic effects that helps explain why Wolbachia is so widespread in arthropod populations.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Drosophila melanogaster/virology/microbiology
*Drosophila/virology/microbiology
Symbiosis
Female

@article {pmid40178596,
year = {2025},
author = {Arnce, LR and Bubnell, JE and Aquadro, CF},
title = {Comparative Analysis of Drosophila Bam and Bgcn Sequences and Predicted Protein Structural Evolution.},
journal = {Journal of molecular evolution},
volume = {93},
number = {2},
pages = {278-291},
pmid = {40178596},
issn = {1432-1432},
support = {R01 GM095793/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01-GM095793//National Institute of Health (US)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila Proteins/genetics/chemistry/metabolism ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; Female ; Male ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Selection, Genetic ; *Drosophila/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The protein encoded by the Drosophila melanogaster gene bag of marbles (bam) plays an essential role in early gametogenesis by complexing with the gene product of benign gonial cell neoplasm (bgcn) to promote germline stem cell daughter differentiation in males and females. Here, we compared the AlphaFold2 and AlphaFold Multimer predicted structures of Bam protein and the Bam:Bgcn protein complex between D. melanogaster, D. simulans, and D. yakuba, where bam is necessary in gametogenesis to that in D. teissieri, where it is not. Despite significant sequence divergence, we find very little evidence of significant structural differences in high confidence regions of the structures across the four species. This suggests that Bam structure is unlikely to be a direct cause of its functional differences between species and that Bam may simply not be integrated in an essential manner for GSC differentiation in D. teissieri. Patterns of positive selection and significant amino acid diversification across species is consistent with the Selection, Pleiotropy, and Compensation (SPC) model, where detected selection at bam is consistent with adaptive change in one major trait followed by positively selected compensatory changes for pleiotropic effects (in this case perhaps preserving structure). In the case of bam, we suggest that the major trait could be genetic interaction with the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia pipientis. Following up on detected signals of positive selection and comparative structural analysis could provide insight into the distribution of a primary adaptive change versus compensatory changes following a primary change.},
}

Animals
*Drosophila Proteins/genetics/chemistry/metabolism
*Evolution, Molecular
Drosophila melanogaster/genetics
Female
Male
Amino Acid Sequence
Selection, Genetic
*Drosophila/genetics
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40176883,
year = {2025},
author = {Safaei, S and Derakhshan-Sefidi, M and Karimi, A},
title = {Wolbachia: A bacterial weapon against dengue fever- a narrative review of risk factors for dengue fever outbreaks.},
journal = {New microbes and new infections},
volume = {65},
number = {},
pages = {101578},
pmid = {40176883},
issn = {2052-2975},
abstract = {Arboviruses constitute the largest known group of viruses and are responsible for various infections that impose significant socioeconomic burdens worldwide, particularly due to their link with insect-borne diseases. The increasing incidence of dengue fever in non-endemic regions underscores the urgent need for innovative strategies to combat this public health threat. Wolbachia, a bacterium, presents a promising biological control method against mosquito vectors, offering a novel approach to managing dengue fever. We systematically investigated biomedical databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Embase) using "AND" as a Boolean operator with keywords such as "dengue fever," "dengue virus," "risk factors," "Wolbachia," and "outbreak." We prioritized articles that offered significant insights into the risk factors contributing to the outbreak of dengue fever and provided an overview of Wolbachia's characteristics and functions in disease management, considering studies published until December 25, 2024. Field experiments have shown that introducing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes can effectively reduce mosquito populations and lower dengue transmission rates, signifying its potential as a practical approach for controlling this disease.},
}

@article {pmid40171161,
year = {2025},
author = {Dupuis, B and Pocquet, N and Failloux, AB},
title = {Understanding the role of trehalose in interactions between Wolbachia and Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1547873},
pmid = {40171161},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/metabolism/physiology ; *Aedes/microbiology ; Animals ; *Trehalose/metabolism ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology ; Symbiosis ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; },
abstract = {Mosquito-borne diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika represent a major burden on global public health. To fight against these arboviruses, vector control strategies are a priority. One existing strategy is based on the use of an endosymbiotic bacterium, Wolbachia, which reduces the transmission of arboviruses by the mosquito Aedes aegypti via a pathogen blocking effect. Wolbachia in Ae. aegypti disrupts several pathways of the host's metabolism. Trehalose is a carbohydrate circulating mainly in insect hemolymph and plays a role in numerous mechanisms as energy source or stress recovery molecule and in chitin synthesis. This study explores the importance of trehalose in the interactions between Wolbachia and Ae. aegypti, and attempts to understand the pathogen blocking effect.},
}

*Wolbachia/metabolism/physiology
*Aedes/microbiology
Animals
*Trehalose/metabolism
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology
Symbiosis
Host-Pathogen Interactions

@article {pmid40162749,
year = {2025},
author = {Brunner, A and Gauliard, C and Tutagata, J and Bordenstein, SR and Bordenstein, SR and Trouche, B and Reveillaud, J},
title = {Wolbachia and its pWCP plasmid show differential dynamics during the development of Culex mosquitoes.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0004625},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.00046-25},
pmid = {40162749},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Mosquitoes are major vectors of pathogens such as arboviruses and parasites, causing significant health impacts each year. Wolbachia, an intracellular bacterium widely distributed among arthropods, represents a promising vector control solution. This bacterium can reduce the transmission of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya arboviruses and manipulate the reproduction of its host through its prophage WO. Although research on the Wolbachia mobilome primarily focuses on WO and the phenotypes it induces, the function of Wolbachia plasmid pWCP, recently discovered and reported to be strikingly conserved worldwide, remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the presence and abundance of pWCP as well as Wolbachia in two different species of Culex mosquitoes, one of the most widespread genera in the world and a vector of numerous diseases. We compared the relative densities of the bacterium and its mobile genetic element in Culex pipiens molestus and Culex quinquefasciatus, a facultatively autogenous and an anautogenous species, respectively, throughout their development from the larval stage L1 to the adult individual specimen using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Our results suggest that 2-5 copies of pWCP occur in Wolbachia cells on average, and the plasmid co-replicates with Wolbachia cells. Moreover, Wolbachia and pWCP exhibit differential levels of abundance at specific development stages throughout the mosquito's life cycle in each species. These findings indicate important, and likely beneficial, roles for the plasmid in the bacterium's biology in different mosquito species as well as complex interaction dynamics between Wolbachia and its host during its life cycle.IMPORTANCEMosquitoes of the Culex genus are critical vectors for numerous diseases, causing significant public health concerns. The intracellular bacterium Wolbachia has emerged as a promising vector control solution due to its ability to interfere with pathogen transmission and manipulate mosquito reproduction. However, unlike the extensively studied WO phage, the biological significance and function of Wolbachia's pWCP plasmid, a recently discovered and strikingly conserved mobile genetic element in Culex species, remain unknown. This study investigates the developmental dynamics of pWCP and Wolbachia in two Culex mosquito species, Culex pipiens molestus and Culex quinquefasciatus across their life cycle. In general, the abundance levels of Wolbachia and the plasmid were found to vary across life stages and differ between the two species. However, a relatively small number of pWCP copies were observed per Wolbachia cell, together with a co-replication of the plasmid with the bacterium for most developmental stages. Altogether, these findings suggest a likely beneficial and non-parasitic role for pWCP in Wolbachia's biology, which may contribute to the intricate interactions between the bacterium and its mosquito hosts.},
}

@article {pmid40161648,
year = {2025},
author = {Nelson, E and Pereira, TN and Ribeiro, EMC and Mafra E Silva, BD and Camillo, C and Rodrigues da Costa, T and Teixeira, MM and Ko, AI and Cummings, DAT and Moreira, LA},
title = {Comparison of oviposition and adult trapping to monitor w Mel introgression for Wolbachia- based vector control.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40161648},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {TL1 TR001864/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Wolbachia introgression into Aedes aegypti mosquito populations has been shown to be effective in preventing dengue and is being evaluated for WHO prequalification. Monitoring the long-term introgression of Wolbachia (w Mel)-positive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, however, requires labor-intensive and costly BG-Sentinel traps (BG-traps). More affordable alternatives, such as using oviposition traps (ovitraps), have not been fully evaluated. Ae. aegypti eggs and adults were collected from 124 ovitraps and 237 BG-traps, respectively, across 12 clusters in Belo Horizonte, Brazil from March to May 2023 as part of the EVITA Dengue trial. We used a qPCR assay to detect w Mel in a sample of L3-L4 stage larvae (up to 29) that were reared from eggs in ovitraps and adults from BG-traps (up to 10 per BG-trap). We used mixed effects models to compare estimates of cluster-level w Mel introgression from ovitrap and BG-trap data over time. Among 3,675 larvae reared from ovitraps, w Mel prevalence was 0.50 (95% CI: 0.48-0.51). Among 1,244 adult Ae. aegypti tested from BG-traps, w Mel prevalence was 0.45 (95% CI: 0.42-0.48). Cluster-level w Mel introgression in larvae and adults was highly correlated (Spearman's r = 0.70, p = 6.71e-06). Multivariate analysis found that ovitrap estimates of introgression were associated with BG-trap estimates in the same month when models incorporated the previous month's ovitrap w Mel-positive count, the proportion of w Mel in ovitraps in the current and previous month, and Ae. aegypti abundance. Leveraging this model, predicted w Mel introgression from ovitrap data were highly correlated with observed introgression from BG-trap data (r s,counts =0.98, p=1.53e-14; r s,prevalences =0.82, p=0.11e-05) and provided greater precision than crude ovitrap-based estimates. These findings indicate that ovitrap-based monitoring represents a low cost, more efficient approach to evaluating introgression as the Wolbachia -based interventions are scaled up and implemented broadly in high burden regions for dengue and other arboviral diseases.

AUTHOR SUMMARY: Dengue fever is a major global health burden, and one promising way to control it is by releasing Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with a bacteria called Wolbachia . This bacteria reduces the mosquitoes' ability to spread dengue. However, monitoring the success of Wolbachia in mosquito populations over time requires expensive and labor-intensive traps. Our study explored a more affordable alternative: using oviposition traps (ovitraps), which collect mosquito eggs instead of adults. In Belo Horizonte, Brazil, we compared data from eggs collected in ovitraps with data from standard mosquito traps (BG-traps) that catch adult mosquitoes. By analyzing the mosquitoes for Wolbachia , we found that the egg-based method provided reliable estimates of Wolbachia levels in the mosquito population. These results suggest that ovitraps could be a cost-effective and efficient way to monitor Wolbachia 's spread. This approach could help improve dengue prevention efforts, making it easier for public health programs to track and expand this control strategy in areas where dengue is a major concern.},
}

@article {pmid40155909,
year = {2025},
author = {Lim, JT and Mailepessov, D and Chong, CS and Dickens, B and Lai, YL and Ng, Y and Lu, D and Lee, C and Tan, LY and Chain, G and Ho, SH and Chang, CC and Ma, P and Bansal, S and Lee, V and Sim, S and Tan, CH and Ng, LC},
title = {Adjacent spillover efficacy of Wolbachia for control of dengue: emulation of a cluster randomised target trial.},
journal = {BMC medicine},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {184},
pmid = {40155909},
issn = {1741-7015},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; *Dengue/prevention & control/transmission ; Humans ; Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/virology ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Middle Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Aged ; Mosquito Control/methods ; Infant ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Matings between male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with wAlbB strain of Wolbachia and wild-type females yield non-viable eggs, thereby suppressing Ae. aegypti abundance in the field. We evaluated the spillover efficacy of releasing wAlbB-infected Ae. aegypti male mosquitoes to suppress dengue in sites adjacent to release sites (spillover sites).

METHODS: The protocol of a two-arm cluster-randomised test-negative controlled trial (cRCT) was specified and emulated using a nationally representative dengue test-negative/positive database of 454,437 individuals reporting for febrile illness to primary or secondary care in public healthcare institutions. Spillover intervention sites were defined by geolocating locations which were adjacent to, i.e. shared geographical borders with, actual Wolbachia intervention sites. We built a cohort of individuals who resided in spillover sites versus a comparator control group who resided in sites which did not receive Wolbachia interventions. We emulated a constrained randomisation protocol used in cRCTs to balance dengue risk between spillover and control arms in the pre-intervention period. We matched individuals reporting for testing in intervention and control groups by calendar time and a high-dimensional battery of sociodemographic, environmental and anthropogenic variables. Intention-to-treat analysis was conducted to estimate the protective efficacy against dengue given spillover Wolbachia exposure.

RESULTS: The final cohort consisted of 2354 matched individuals residing in Wolbachia spillover and control sites for at least 3 months in the study period. Compared to the controls, individuals residing in spillover sites for 3 or more months were associated with a 45% (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.42‒0.74) reduction in risk of contracting dengue. Higher durations of spillover Wolbachia exposure also modestly increased protective efficacies. Compared to the control arm, the proportion of virologically confirmed dengue cases was lower in the spillover arm overall and across each subgroup. Protective efficacies were found across all years, age and sex subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated the potential of Wolbachia-mediated sterility for reducing the risk of contracting dengue even in sites which were not directly treated by the intervention.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology
*Dengue/prevention & control/transmission
Humans
Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/virology
Male
Female
Adult
Young Adult
Adolescent
Middle Aged
Child
Child, Preschool
Aged
Mosquito Control/methods
Infant

@article {pmid40151487,
year = {2025},
author = {Shishkina, OD and Gruntenko, NE},
title = {Symbiosis of intracellular bacteria Wolbachia with insects: a hundred years of study summarized.},
journal = {Vavilovskii zhurnal genetiki i selektsii},
volume = {29},
number = {1},
pages = {79-91},
doi = {10.18699/vjgb-25-10},
pmid = {40151487},
issn = {2500-0462},
abstract = {Wolbachia pipientis is an α-proteobacterium, which is a widespread intracellular symbiont in a number of Arthropoda and some Nematoda species. With insects, W. pipientis forms a symbiont-host system characterized by very close interactions between its components. The mutual effects of Wolbachia on the host and the host on Wolbachia are important biotic factors for both components of this symbiotic system. Wolbachia is able to affect both host reproduction and somatic organ function. Due to its prevalence among insects and a wide variety of both negative (cytoplasmic incompatibility and androcide are among the most well-known examples) and positive (increasing resistance to biotic and abiotic factors, providing vitamins and metabolites) effects on the host organism, Wolbachia is of great interest for both entomologists and microbiologists. The diversity of host phenotypes induced by Wolbachia provides a broad choice of evolutionary strategies (such as reproductive parasitism or mutually beneficial symbiont-host relationships) that it utilizes. The influence of Wolbachia is to be considered in the design of any experiment conducted on insects. The application of sequencing technologies has led to new approaches being created to study the existing relationships within the Wolbachia-insect system, but interpretation of the data obtained is challenging. Nevertheless, the prospects for the use of the whole-genome analysis data to study Wolbachia-host coevolution are beyond doubt. Ongoing projects to introduce Wolbachia strains, which provide antiviral host defense, into insect populations to control the spread of RNA-viruses are actively pursued, which could result in saving many human lives. The aim of this brief review is to summarize the data collected by scientists over the past hundred years of Wolbachia studies and the current understanding of its genetic diversity and mechanisms of interaction with the host, including those based on transcriptome analysis.},
}

@article {pmid40146382,
year = {2025},
author = {Nain, D and Rana, A and Raychoudhury, R and Sen, R},
title = {Parasite-Induced Replacement of Host Microbiota: Impact of Xenos gadagkari Parasitization on the Microbiota of Polistes wattii.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {20},
pmid = {40146382},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {DST/INSPIRE/03/2021/000175, IF200146//Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India/ ; 1061830779//Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India/ ; CRG-2021/007010//Science and Engineering Research Board/ ; CRG-2021/007010//Science and Engineering Research Board/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/microbiology/physiology ; *Microbiota ; Female ; Male ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Seasons ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {The study of microbiota of social insects under different ecological conditions can provide important insights into the role of microbes in their biology and behavior. Polistes is one of the most widely distributed and extensively studied genera of social wasps, yet a comprehensive study on the microbiota of any species of Polistes or any primitively eusocial wasp is missing. Polistes wattii is an Asian wasp, which hibernates in winter and exhibits a biannual nest founding strategy. It is often parasitized by the strepsipteran endoparasite/parasitoid Xenos gadagkari, which changes the morpho-physiology and behavior of their hosts. In this study, we employ 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, using the Oxford Nanopore platform, to study the microbial community of P. wattii and investigate the effects of seasonality, sex, and Xenos parasitism. We show that the microbiota differs in females from solitary foundress spring nests and multiple foundress summer nests. The microbiota also differs in males and females. Finally, we show that X. gadagkari parasitism replaces and homogenizes the microbiota of P. wattii. Unlike the unparasitized wasps, the microbiota of X. gadagkari parasitoids and parasitized wasps are dominated by Wolbachia and Providencia. Although the normal microbiota of P. wattii resembles that of highly eusocial vespid wasps, we show that the microbiota of parasitized P. wattii becomes more like the microbiota of strepsipterans. Therefore, it appears that X. gadagkari and other such strepsipteran parasitoids may have a bigger impact on the biology of their hosts than previously thought.},
}

Animals
*Wasps/microbiology/physiology
*Microbiota
Female
Male
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Host-Parasite Interactions
Seasons
Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification

@article {pmid40144380,
year = {2025},
author = {Gokhman, VE and Ryabinin, AS and Bykov, RA and Ilinsky, YY},
title = {The lowest chromosome number in the family Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea): the karyotype and other genetic features of Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani, 1875).},
journal = {Vavilovskii zhurnal genetiki i selektsii},
volume = {29},
number = {1},
pages = {108-112},
doi = {10.18699/vjgb-25-12},
pmid = {40144380},
issn = {2500-0462},
abstract = {Various genetic features of the hitman strain of the widespread parasitoid of Drosophilidae (Diptera), Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani, 1875) (Pteromalidae, Pachyneurinae) were studied. This strain was established and is maintained at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Novosibirsk, Russia). An analysis of air-dried chromosome preparations from prepupae of this parasitoid showed that it has n = 4 and 2n = 8 in males and females, respectively, which is the lowest known chromosome number in the family Pteromalidae. All chromosomes in the karyotype of this species are metacentric. The first and second chromosomes are of similar size, the remaining ones are substantially shorter. The same results were obtained for an additional strain of this species kept at the Moscow State University (Moscow, Russia). A comparison of the DNA sequence of the barcoding region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene of the hitman strain of P. vindemmiae with those available from the GenBank and BoLD databases demonstrated that this strain clustered together with conspecifics originating from China, Turkey and Italy. Despite certain endosymbionts being previously reported for the genus Pachycrepoideus Ashmead, 1904 as well as for P. vindemmiae itself, the hitman strain turned out to be free of endosymbiotic bacteria in the genera Arsenophonus Gherna et al., 1991, Cardinium Zchori-Fein et al., 2004, Rickettsia da Rocha-Lima, 1916, Spiroplasma Saglio et al., 1973 and Wolbachia Hertig, 1936. The above-mentioned results improve our knowledge of various genetic features of parasitoids of the family Pteromalidae and those of P. vindemmiae in particular.},
}

@article {pmid40142534,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, S and Wang, X and Basit, A and Wei, Q and Zhao, K and Zhao, Y},
title = {Interactions Between Endosymbionts Wolbachia and Rickettsia in the Spider Mite Tetranychus turkestani: Cooperation or Antagonism?.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40142534},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {No. 32260676,No. 31860508//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 2022CB002 - 06//the Program for Young Leading Scientists in Science and Technology of XPCC/ ; No. 2024DA018//the Natural Science Foundation of XPCC/ ; },
abstract = {Maternally inherited endosymbionts are widespread in arthropods, with multiple symbionts commonly co-existing within a single host, potentially competing for or sharing limited host resources and space. Wolbachia and Rickettsia, two maternally-inherited symbionts in arthropods, can co-infect hosts, yet research on their combined impacts on host reproduction and interaction remains scarce. Tetranychus turkestani (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an important agricultural pest mite, characterized by rapid reproduction, a short life cycle, and being difficult to control. Wolbachia and Rickettsia are two major endosymbiotic bacteria present in T. turkestani. This study used diverse parthenogenetic backcross and antibiotic screening to explore the reproductive effects of these two symbionts on T. turkestani. The results show that single Rickettsia infection induced male killing in the amphigenesis of T. turkestani, leading to arrhenotokous embryo death and fewer offspring. Single Wolbachia infection induced strong cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). During dual infection, CI intensity decreased because Rickettsia's male-killing effect antagonized the Wolbachia-induced CI. Dual-infected mites had increased oviposition, lower mortality, a higher female-to-male ratio, and more offspring, thus enhancing T. turkestani's fitness. These findings will be helpful for understanding the nature of host-endosymbiont interactions and the potential for evolutionary conflicts, offering insights into their co-evolutionary relationship.},
}

@article {pmid40142501,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, X and Wang, S and Basit, A and Wei, Q and Zhao, K and Liu, F and Zhao, Y},
title = {Metabolomics Provides New Insights into the Mechanisms of Wolbachia-Induced Plant Defense in Cotton Mites.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40142501},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {32260676//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31860508//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022CB002-06//China Corps strong youth science and technology leading talent project/ ; 2024DA018//Natural Science Foundation of the China Corps/ ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria play a significant role in the co-evolution of insects and plants. However, whether they induce or inhibit host plant defense responses remains unclear. In this study, non-targeted metabolomic sequencing was performed on cotton leaves fed with Wolbachia-infected and uninfected spider mites using parthenogenetic backcrossing and antibiotic treatment methods. A total of 55 differential metabolites were identified, which involved lipids, phenylpropanoids, and polyketides. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed seven significantly enriched metabolic pathways. Among them, flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and ether lipid metabolism showed extremely significant differences. In Wolbachia-infected cotton leaves, the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was significantly up-regulated, including quercetin and myricetin, suggesting that the plant produces more secondary metabolites to enhance its defense capability. Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) and sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine (PE) were significantly down-regulated, suggesting that Wolbachia may impair the integrity and function of plant cell membranes. The downregulation of lysine and the upregulation of L-malic acid indicated that Wolbachia infection may shorten the lifespan of spider mites. At various developmental stages of the spider mites, Wolbachia infection increased the expression of detoxification metabolism-related genes, including gene families such as cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferase, carboxylesterase, and ABC transporters, thereby enhancing the detoxification capability of the host spider mites. This study provides a theoretical basis for further elucidating the mechanisms by which endosymbiotic bacteria induce plant defense responses and expands the theoretical framework of insect-plant co-evolution.},
}

@article {pmid40137770,
year = {2025},
author = {Moretti, R and Lim, JT and Ferreira, AGA and Ponti, L and Giovanetti, M and Yi, CJ and Tewari, P and Cholvi, M and Crawford, J and Gutierrez, AP and Dobson, SL and Ross, PA},
title = {Exploiting Wolbachia as a Tool for Mosquito-Borne Disease Control: Pursuing Efficacy, Safety, and Sustainability.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40137770},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology ; *Vector Borne Diseases/prevention & control/transmission ; Humans ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; Female ; Male ; Culicidae/microbiology/virology ; Mosquito-Borne Diseases ; },
abstract = {Despite the application of control measures, mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose a serious threat to human health. In this context, exploiting Wolbachia, a common symbiotic bacterium in insects, may offer effective solutions to suppress vectors or reduce their competence in transmitting several arboviruses. Many Wolbachia strains can induce conditional egg sterility, known as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), when infected males mate with females that do not harbor the same Wolbachia infection. Infected males can be mass-reared and then released to compete with wild males, reducing the likelihood of wild females encountering a fertile mate. Furthermore, certain Wolbachia strains can reduce the competence of mosquitoes to transmit several RNA viruses. Through CI, Wolbachia-infected individuals can spread within the population, leading to an increased frequency of mosquitoes with a reduced ability to transmit pathogens. Using artificial methods, Wolbachia can be horizontally transferred between species, allowing the establishment of various laboratory lines of mosquito vector species that, without any additional treatment, can produce sterilizing males or females with reduced vector competence, which can be used subsequently to replace wild populations. This manuscript reviews the current knowledge in this field, describing the different approaches and evaluating their efficacy, safety, and sustainability. Successes, challenges, and future perspectives are discussed in the context of the current spread of several arboviral diseases, the rise of insecticide resistance in mosquito populations, and the impact of climate change. In this context, we explore the necessity of coordinating efforts among all stakeholders to maximize disease control. We discuss how the involvement of diverse expertise-ranging from new biotechnologies to mechanistic modeling of eco-epidemiological interactions between hosts, vectors, Wolbachia, and pathogens-becomes increasingly crucial. This coordination is especially important in light of the added complexity introduced by Wolbachia and the ongoing challenges posed by global change.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics
Animals
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology
*Vector Borne Diseases/prevention & control/transmission
Humans
*Mosquito Control/methods
Female
Male
Culicidae/microbiology/virology
Mosquito-Borne Diseases

@article {pmid40134009,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, J and Lv, T and Tan, S and Yu, L and Chi, Y and Chen, J and Fan, X and Lu, X},
title = {Screening helper T lymphocyte epitopes based on IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio for developing a novel multi-epitope vaccine candidate using Wolbachia surface protein as an adjuvant against visceral leishmaniasis.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {116},
pmid = {40134009},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {82404961//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 226-2024-00001//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; },
mesh = {*Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology ; *Interferon-gamma/metabolism/immunology ; *Leishmaniasis Vaccines/immunology ; *Adjuvants, Immunologic ; *Leishmaniasis, Visceral/prevention & control/immunology ; Animals ; *Interleukin-10/metabolism/immunology ; *Wolbachia/immunology ; Membrane Proteins/immunology ; Humans ; Bacterial Proteins/immunology ; Th1 Cells/immunology ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology ; Toll-Like Receptor 2/immunology ; Leishmania donovani/immunology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most lethal form of leishmaniasis. In terms of anti-leishmanial vaccines, favorable immune responses are Th1 responses that primarily produce interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and activate macrophages for leishmanicidal effects. The selection of IFN-γ-inducing epitopes in silico may reduce the steps of pre-clinical evaluation and increase the certainty of the better-designed vaccine. Wolbachia surface protein (WSP) derived from Wolbachia bacteria that have been reported to reside in sandflies can trigger TLR2 and TLR4 activation to favor Th1 immune responses, which may serve as a potential adjuvant candidate for the Leishmania vaccine. Therefore, in this study, helper T lymphocyte epitopes that may induce favorable immune responses were identified, and WSP was served as an adjuvant to design a novel multi-epitope vaccine candidate.

METHODS: Leishmania hemoglobin receptor (HbR), kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 (KMP-11), glycoprotein of 63 kDa (Gp63), thiol-specific antioxidant antigen (TSA), and sterol 24-c-methyltransferase (SMT) were analyzed by immunoinformatics to screen helper T lymphocyte and cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes. The antigenicity, toxicity, allergenicity, and IFN-γ-inducing epitope potential of T epitopes were predicted. The immune simulation was performed to calculate IFN-γ/interleukin (IL)-10 ratios to predict the immune responses induced by the helper T lymphocyte epitopes. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to analyze the interactions and stability of the docked complexes. The immune simulation of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate was carried out to predict its immunogenicity.

RESULTS: Some helper T lymphocyte epitopes that were predicted with the potential of inducing Th1 responses and cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes were selected to develop a novel multi-epitope vaccine candidate with WSP as an adjuvant. It was found in molecular docking and interaction analysis that TLR2 and TLR4 can recognize WSP, supporting the potential of adjuvant for the Leishmania vaccine. The results from immune simulation demonstrated that the multi-epitope vaccine candidate induced obvious cytokine (IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL-2) secretion and Th1 as well as memory T cell production, similar to that of Leish-111f.

CONCLUSIONS: Our vaccine candidate may interact with TLR2 and TLR4 and exhibit good immunogenicity, favoring Leishmania clearance. Our strategy provides a novel multi-epitope vaccine candidate and references for other vaccine developments.},
}

*Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
*Interferon-gamma/metabolism/immunology
*Leishmaniasis Vaccines/immunology
*Adjuvants, Immunologic
*Leishmaniasis, Visceral/prevention & control/immunology
Animals
*Interleukin-10/metabolism/immunology
*Wolbachia/immunology
Membrane Proteins/immunology
Humans
Bacterial Proteins/immunology
Th1 Cells/immunology
Molecular Docking Simulation
T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology
Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology
Toll-Like Receptor 2/immunology
Leishmania donovani/immunology

@article {pmid40128692,
year = {2025},
author = {Leitner, M and Murigneux, V and Etebari, K and Asgari, S},
title = {Wolbachia elevates host methyltransferase expression and alters the m[6]A methylation landscape in Aedes aegypti mosquito cells.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {164},
pmid = {40128692},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {DP210101791//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics ; Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/genetics ; *Methyltransferases/genetics/metabolism ; *Adenosine/analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; Methylation ; Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia pipientis is an intracellular endosymbiotic bacterium that blocks the replication of several arboviruses in transinfected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, yet its antiviral mechanism remains unknown. For the first time, we employed Nanopore direct RNA sequencing technology to investigate the impact of wAlbB strain of Wolbachia on the host's N[6]-methyladenosine (m[6]A) machinery and post-transcriptional modification landscape. Our study revealed that Wolbachia infection elevates the expression of genes involved in the mosquito's m[6]A methyltransferase complex. However, knocking down these m[6]A-related genes did not affect Wolbachia density. Nanopore sequencing identified 1,392 differentially modified m[6]A DRACH motifs on mosquito transcripts, with 776 showing increased and 616 showing decreased m[6]A levels due to Wolbachia. These m[6]A sites were predominantly enriched in coding sequences and 3'-untranslated regions. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that genes with reduced m[6]A levels were over-represented in functional GO terms associated with purine nucleotide binding functions critical in the post-transcriptional modification process of m[6]A. Differential gene expression analysis of the Nanopore data uncovered that a total of 643 protein-coding genes were significantly differentially expressed, 427 were downregulated, and 216 were upregulated. Several classical and non-classical immune-related genes were amongst the downregulated DEGs. Notably, it revealed a critical host factor, transmembrane protein 41B (TMEM41B), which is required for flavivirus infection, was upregulated and methylated in the presence of Wolbachia. Indeed, there is a strong correlation between gene expression being upregulated in genes with both increased and decreased levels of m[6]A modification, respectively. Our findings underscore Wolbachia's ability to modulate many intracellular aspects of its mosquito host by influencing post-transcriptional m[6]A modifications and gene expression, and it unveils a potential link behind its antiviral properties.},
}

*Wolbachia/genetics
Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/genetics
*Methyltransferases/genetics/metabolism
*Adenosine/analogs & derivatives/metabolism
Methylation
Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid40126663,
year = {2025},
author = {Karkuzhali, N and Edward, YSJT and Chitra, N and Senthilkumar, M and Ramalingam, J},
title = {Unveiling the diversity of gut microbes in green lacewings (Chrysopidae: Neuroptera) and their role as protagonist in nutrition.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {207},
number = {5},
pages = {100},
pmid = {40126663},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification ; Insecta/microbiology ; Larva/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Green lacewings (Chrysopidae; Neuroptera) plays a crucial role as predators against insect pests in diverse cropping systems. Larval chrysopids are predatory on mealybugs, aphids, scales, whiteflies, mites and eggs of many arthropods. Adults are palynoglycophagous and feed on nectar, pollen, and honeydew secreted by aphids. Many insects cannot synthesize necessary vitamins and amino acids on their own and depend on gut microbes. Microbes associated with chrysopid gut help them with balanced nutrition and ecological fitness to withstand extreme stresses, especially adult gut microbiota, which constitutes an indispensable part of nutrients in addition to reproduction. Except for yeast, microbes such as bacteria in the chrysopid larval and adult gut have not been extensively studied. This review aims to seek a comprehensive overview of the gut microbes present in the chrysopids and their role in improving the fitness of chrysopids through adequate nutrition. This will pave the way for further research on understanding the microbe-mediated metabolic activities, their role in toxin production, and the development of probiotic feed from the novel gut microbiota for improving the productivity of laboratory-reared chrysopids used in augmentative biological control of major pests in agricultural ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification
Insecta/microbiology
Larva/microbiology

@article {pmid40126013,
year = {2025},
author = {Hubert, J and Glowska-Patyniak, E and Dowd, SE and Klimov, PB},
title = {A novel Erwiniaceae gut symbiont modulates gene expression of the intracellular bacterium Cardinium in the stored product mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0087924},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00879-24},
pmid = {40126013},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {We examined host and bacterial gene expression profiles in the stored product mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae co-infected with Wolbachia (wTPut) and Cardinium (cTPut) while varying the presence of the Erwiniaceae symbiont (SLS). SLS, a novel symbiont in the family Erwiniaceae, with a genome size of 1.7 Mb, is found in 16% of mite species in infected cultures. In addition, SLS was detected in mite feces but not in their eggs. Although Wolbachia expression remained unchanged, the presence or absence of SLS significantly affected Cardinium expression. It indicated that the effect of Wolbachia on SLS was neutral. In SLS-positive samples, Cardinium exhibited 29 upregulated and 48 downregulated genes compared to SLS-negative samples. Furthermore, Cardinium gene expression strongly correlated with mite KEGG gene expression in SLS-positive samples. Positive Spearman's correlations between Cardinium gene expression and mite KEGG immune and regulatory pathways were doubled in SLS-positive compared to SLS-negative samples. The diversity of expressed genes in the mite host decreased in the presence of SLS. Cardinium had more interacting genes to mite host in SLS-positive samples than without SLS. Transposases are the most affected Cardinium genes, showing upregulation in the presence of SLS. Correlation analyses revealed interactions between Cardinium and SLS via mite immune and regulatory pathways, including lysosome, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, PIK3_Akt, and cGMP-PKG. The results showed that Cardinium indirectly affects the gut symbionts of mites.IMPORTANCEThis study introduces a new model to analyze interactions between intracellular bacterial symbionts, gut bacterial symbionts, and their mite hosts. Using gene expression correlations, we investigated how the intracellular Cardinium responds to the novel Erwiniaceae gut symbiont in the mold mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae. The data showed that both mite and Cardinium gene expression are different in the samples with and without Erwiniaceae symbionts. In the presence of Erwiniaceae symbionts, Cardinium increased the interaction with the mite host in terms of changes in gene expression. The mite immune and regulatory pathway gene expression is differently correlated to Cardinium genes in relation to Erwiniaceae symbionts. As a well-known producer of allergens, T. putrescentiae physiology and thus its allergen production are influenced by both symbionts, potentially affecting the release of allergens into human environments.},
}

@article {pmid40110431,
year = {2025},
author = {Bednarikova, S and Danek, O and Dundarova, H and Nemcova, M and Piacek, V and Zukalova, K and Zukal, J and Pikula, J},
title = {Filariasis of parti-colored bats: phylogenetic analysis, infection prevalence, and possible vector mite identification.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1546353},
pmid = {40110431},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The epidemiology of filarial infections is a neglected area of bat research, with little information on filarial species diversity, life cycles, host ranges, infection prevalence and intensity, parasite pathogenicity, or competent vectors. Furthermore, molecular data for filarial worms are largely lacking.

METHODS: Here, we examined 27 cadavers of parti-colored bat (Vespertilio murinus) from Czech rescue centers for filarial infection using gross necropsy. We also used nested polymerase chain reactions targeting partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) partial gene to detect and genotype filarial parasites within organs, and ectoparasites of V. murinus from Russian and Slovak summer bat colonies. Samples with mixed filarial infections were cloned to extract separate sequences. The COI gene sequences were then subjected to phylogenetic analysis and a phylogenetic tree constructed. Adult filarial worms were also screened for the bacterial symbiont Wolbachia, using a standard PCR targeting the partial 16S rRNA gene.

RESULTS: Two filarial nematode species were identified in single and mixed V. murinus infections, Litomosa sp. and a species of Onchocercidae. Adult Litomosa sp. and a species of Onchocercidae. Adult Litomosa sp. nematodes were only recorded during necropsy of the abdominal, thoracic, and gravid uterine cavities of four bats. Molecular screening of organs for filarial DNA revealed prevalences of 81.5, 51.9 and 48.1% in Litomosa sp., Onchocercid sp. and co-infected bats, respectively. Adult Litomosa sp. worms proved negative for Wolbachia. The macronyssid mite Steatonyssus spinosus, collected in western Siberia (Russia), tested positive for Onchocercid sp. and mixed microfilarial infection.

DISCUSSION: Our results revealed high prevalence, extensive geographic distribution and a potential vector of filarial infection in V. murinus. Our data represent an important contribution to the field of bat parasitology and indicate the need for a taxonomic revision of bat-infecting filarial nematodes based on both morphological and molecular methods.},
}

@article {pmid40108258,
year = {2025},
author = {Szymkowiak, P and Konecka, E and Rutkowski, T and Pecyna, A and Szwajkowski, P},
title = {Alien spiders in a palm house with the first report of parthenogenetic Triaeris stenaspis (Araneae: Oonopidae) infected by Wolbachia from new supergroup X.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {9512},
pmid = {40108258},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology/classification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Poland ; Parthenogenesis ; },
abstract = {Palm houses in Europe serve as urban biodiversity hot spots for alien spiders. As a result of several years of research in the Poznań Palm House, we documented the occurrence of 14 spider species, 9 of which were alien to Europe: Coleosoma floridanum, Hasarius adansoni, Howaia mogera, Ostearius melanopygius, Parasteatoda tabulata, Parasteatoda tepidariorum, Scytodes fusca, Spermophora kerinci and Triaeris stenaspis. The most abundant species was C. floridanum (39.9%). Three spider species were recorded for the first time in Poland: C. floridanum, S. fusca and S. kerinci. We studied the occurrence of endosymbiotic Wolbachia and Cardinium in parthenogenetic T. stenaspis and recorded for the first time the occurrence of Wolbachia in this spider. The endosymbiont was characterized based on the sequences of six bacterial housekeeping genes: 16S rRNA, coxA, fbpA, ftsZ, gatB and hcpA. Our phylogenetic reconstruction of Wolbachia supergroups revealed that the bacteria recovered from the spider formed distinct lineages in relation to all known supergroups. We assigned it to a novel supergroup X with unique sequences within the 16S rRNA and ftsZ genes. We discussed faunistic results in terms of long-term survival rates and the risk of invasion of alien species of spiders.},
}

Animals
*Spiders/microbiology/physiology
*Phylogeny
*Wolbachia/genetics/physiology/classification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Symbiosis
Poland
Parthenogenesis

@article {pmid40101296,
year = {2025},
author = {Ohm, JR and Lynd, A and McGowan, A and Cupid, A and Bellot, V and Le, JQ and Kakani, E and Livni, J and Crawford, JE and White, BJ},
title = {Mark-Release-Recapture of Packed and Shipped Aedes aegypti with Wolbachia: Implications for Conducting Remote Incompatible Insect Technique Programs.},
journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4269/ajtmh.24-0262},
pmid = {40101296},
issn = {1476-1645},
abstract = {Male mosquitoes containing the endosymbiont Wolbachia (Wb+) can be used as a tool to suppress wild mosquito populations through a technique termed incompatible insect technique (IIT). IIT programs reduce wild mosquitoes via incompatible matings between released males and wild females to reduce the number of viable offspring produced in the next generation. Successful programs rely on regular release of incompatible males to outcompete wild males for female mates. Past IIT programs have relied on local production of Wb+ males to support regular releases of incompatible males. Here, we evaluated the survival and dispersal of packed and shipped Wb+ Aedes aegypti males in mark-release-recapture studies at a release site in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), separated by over 3,600 miles from the centralized production facility. Released mosquitoes were recaptured using BG-Sentinel 2 traps collected daily for up to 7 days after release. Wb+ male mosquitoes packed and shipped from a centralized production facility performed similarly to males that were locally reared in the BVI in survival, dispersal, and recapture rates. Our results support the conclusion that packing and shipping live Wb+ male mosquitoes does not impact their ability to survive and disperse in release sites and suggests that IIT mosquito control programs can feasibly be conducted nearly anywhere in the world without the need for local mosquito production facilities.},
}

@article {pmid40084540,
year = {2025},
author = {Detcharoen, M and Nilsai, A and Thaochan, N and Nuansuwon, C},
title = {Low Wolbachia incidence in Bactrocera and Zeugodacus species from Thailand and genome analysis of Wolbachia associated with Zeugodacus apicalis.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf054},
pmid = {40084540},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {SCI6402027S//Prince of Songkla University/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are bacterial endosymbionts found widely in arthropods and filarial nematodes. Infecting about half of all arthropod species, Wolbachia manipulate their hosts in various ways, including cytoplasmic incompatibility. Here, we investigated Wolbachia diversity in Bactrocera and Zeugodacus, two prevalent tephritid fruit fly genera, using molecular methods. Wolbachia was only detected in Zeugodacus apicalis (de Meijere) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and not in the other 7 studied species. This newly discovered strain, named wZap, belongs to supergroup B with a 1.3 Mb genome containing 1,248 genes. Phylogenetic analysis of its cytoplasmic incompatibility factor genes cifA and cifB revealed their placement within the Type I clade. Given the presence of cif genes in the wZap genome, further research into their roles in fruit flies could be crucial for developing pest control strategies that exploit CI mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid40069226,
year = {2025},
author = {Carcauzon, V and Cordonin, C and Sebbane, F and Soarimalala, V and Goodman, SM and Tortosa, P},
title = {Malagasy flea microbiota results from a combination of vertically transmitted and environmentally acquired microbes.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {8461},
pmid = {40069226},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology ; Madagascar ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Insect Vectors/microbiology ; Plague/transmission/microbiology/epidemiology ; Host Specificity ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Seasons ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {Fleas (Insecta, Siphonaptera) are the known vectors of serious bacterial pathogens, such as Yersinia pestis and Rickettsia typhi. The microbiota of fleas has been poorly investigated although it has a known influence on vector competence. Here, we report and analyse the microbiota of 577 flea specimens from Madagascar, a hotspot of plague transmission. Importantly, endemic Malagasy fleas show low host specificity, allowing addressing the importance of vertebrate host species in microbiota composition, as well as that of abiotic variables. We describe through Illumina sequencing of 2 hypervariable regions of 16 S rDNA the bacterial composition of 577 flea specimens of Madagascar. We address the importance of biotic (mammalian host and flea species) and abiotic (season and sampling site) variables on bacterial community composition. Bacterial composition appears driven by flea species and season, but interestingly not by the flea's vertebrate hosts. These results suggest that the flea microbiota is at least in part acquired before they become adult, possibly in the immature off-host stages. Taken together, our results suggest that the microbiota of sampled fleas are composed of bacterial taxa with vertical transmission, such as Wolbachia which are prevalent in the present dataset, together with several bacterial taxa for which the occurrence is driven by environment factors, especially season and habitat. Given the importance of the microbiota in vector competence, we discuss the epidemiological consequences of environmentally-driven acquisition of microbiota in fleas on plague transmission in Madagascar.},
}

Animals
*Siphonaptera/microbiology
Madagascar
*Microbiota/genetics
Insect Vectors/microbiology
Plague/transmission/microbiology/epidemiology
Host Specificity
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Seasons
Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification

@article {pmid40067786,
year = {2025},
author = {Darío Velez, I and Uribe, A and Barajas, J and Uribe, S and Ángel, S and David Suaza-Vasco, J and Sebastian Duran Ahumada, J and Camila Mejia Torres, M and Patricia Arbeláez, M and Santacruz-Sanmartin, E and Duque, L and Martínez, L and Posada, T and Cristina Patiño, A and Milena Gonzalez, S and Lucía Velez, A and Ramírez, J and Salazar, M and Gómez, S and Osorio, JE and Iturbe-Ormaetxe, I and Dong, Y and Muzzi, FC and Rances, E and Johnson, PH and Smithyman, R and Col, B and Green, BR and Frossard, T and Brown-Kenyon, J and Joubert, DA and Grisales, N and Ritchie, SA and Denton, JA and Gilles, JRL and Anders, KL and Kutcher, SC and Ryan, PA and O'Neill, SL},
title = {Correction: Large-scale releases and establishment of wMel Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes throughout the Cities of Bello, Medellín and Itagüí, Colombia.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {19},
number = {3},
pages = {e0012936},
pmid = {40067786},
issn = {1935-2735},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011642.].},
}

@article {pmid40065479,
year = {2025},
author = {Pomari, E and Voronin, D and Alvarez-Martinez, MJ and Arsuaga, M and Bottieau, E and Luzón-García, MP and Nickel, B and Rubio, JM and Salas-Coronas, J and Salvador, F and Soriano-Pérez, MJ and Sulleiro, E and Goterris, L and Van Esbroeck, M and van Hellemond, JJ and Wammes, LJ and Zammarchi, L and Lavezzari, D and Degani, M and Tais, S and Held, J and Gobbi, F and Tamarozzi, F},
title = {Wolbachia bacteria in Mansonella perstans isolates from patients infected in different geographical areas: a pilot study from the ESCMID Study Group for Clinical Parasitology.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {97},
pmid = {40065479},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {Individual reserach grant to EP//European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases/ ; Fondi "Ricerca Corrente" - L2 to IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar//Ministero della Salute/ ; to DV//Division of Intramural Research (DIR) of NIAID/NIH USA/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/drug effects/classification ; *Mansonella/genetics/isolation & purification/drug effects ; Humans ; Pilot Projects ; *Mansonelliasis/epidemiology/parasitology ; Animals ; *Phylogeny ; Male ; Female ; Africa, Western/epidemiology ; Microfilariae/drug effects/isolation & purification ; Adult ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mansonella perstans is a vector-borne filarial parasite widely endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with sporadic cases in Latin America. Infection is often overlooked; treatment is not standardized, and effectiveness of common regimes is difficult to ascertain. Anti-Wolbachia macrofilaricidal treatment with doxycycline has been applied, but there are scant and contrasting reports about the presence of Wolbachia in M. perstans isolates from different geographical locations. Taking advantage of a network of European centres expert in traveller and migrant health, we aimed to expand the knowledge concerning the distribution of Wolbachia in M. perstans to contribute to the design of optimal treatment approaches.

METHODS: We analysed 19 samples of concentrated microfilariae or whole blood from M. perstans-infected patients who reported having resided or travelled in one or more of 10 West African countries. Wolbachia was detected by PCR targeting 16S and ftsZ genes and phylogenetic analysis of M. perstans was performed based on COX1 gene sequencing.

RESULTS: Wolbachia was identified in 14/19 (74%) samples. With the possible inaccuracy deriving from potential origin of infection being identified retrospectively from routine clinical visit's documents, this study identified Wolbachia in M. perstans from Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Guinea and Senegal for the first time to our knowledge. Furthermore, Wolbachia might also be present in M. perstans from Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.

CONCLUSIONS: The retrieval of Wolbachia-positive and Wolbachia-negative M. perstans samples can either be explained by technical limitations or reflect the real existence of Wolbachia-positive and Wolbachia-negative M. perstans populations. However, this latter hypothesis was not supported by our phylogenetic analysis. Our results suggest that doxycycline could be used for the treatment of M. perstans infection upfront or, if possible, after ascertaining the presence of Wolbachia by PCR performed on concentrated microfilariae using two targets to avoid false-negative results.},
}

*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/drug effects/classification
*Mansonella/genetics/isolation & purification/drug effects
Humans
Pilot Projects
*Mansonelliasis/epidemiology/parasitology
Animals
*Phylogeny
Male
Female
Africa, Western/epidemiology
Microfilariae/drug effects/isolation & purification
Adult
Polymerase Chain Reaction

@article {pmid40044916,
year = {2025},
author = {Zheng, B and Yang, H and Elaydi, S and Yu, J},
title = {wStri spread dynamics in Nilaparvata lugens via discrete mathematical models.},
journal = {Journal of mathematical biology},
volume = {90},
number = {4},
pages = {38},
pmid = {40044916},
issn = {1432-1416},
support = {12371484//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 12331017//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology/growth & development ; *Wolbachia/physiology/pathogenicity ; *Models, Biological ; *Mathematical Concepts ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods/statistics & numerical data ; Population Dynamics/statistics & numerical data ; Computer Simulation ; Female ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, an intracellular bacterium, is well-known for inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility, which has become a promising and environmentally sustainable strategy for controlling pest populations. The strain wStri, specifically identified in Nilaparvata lugens (brown planthopper), has shown potential for such biocontrol applications. In this study, we develop a comprehensive discrete mathematical model to analyze the dynamics of wStri spread in a mixed population of wStri-infected, wLug-infected, and uninfected Nilaparvata lugens under both constant and periodically varying environmental conditions. Under a constant environment, the model identifies the critical threshold necessary for the successful establishment of wStri within the population. Our analysis reveals that the model exhibits a strong Allee effect, where a population must exceed a certain critical density-the Allee threshold-for the wStri strain to persist and spread. Below this threshold, the wStri strain is likely to be eliminated, failing in pest control efforts. When the environment varies periodically, the model transforms into a non-autonomous periodic discrete model, introducing additional complexity. In this scenario, we derive sufficient conditions that ensure the composition of finitely many Allee maps continues to function as an Allee map. Furthermore, we prove that a unique periodic orbit exists within such a periodic environment. This orbit is characterized as unstable and acts as a threshold, determining whether wStri will establish itself in the population or die out over time. The findings from this model provide critical insights into the conditions under which wStri can be effectively used to control Nilaparvata lugens, particularly in environments that are not constant but fluctuate periodically. These insights have significant implications for the practical deployment of Wolbachia-based biocontrol methods in pest management strategies.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology/growth & development
*Wolbachia/physiology/pathogenicity
*Models, Biological
*Mathematical Concepts
*Pest Control, Biological/methods/statistics & numerical data
Population Dynamics/statistics & numerical data
Computer Simulation
Female

@article {pmid40032901,
year = {2025},
author = {Brar, G and Ngor, L and McFrederick, QS and Torson, AS and Rajamohan, A and Rinehart, J and Singh, P and Bowsher, JH},
title = {High abundance of lactobacilli in the gut microbiome of honey bees during winter.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {7409},
pmid = {40032901},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Bees/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Lactobacillus/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Seasons ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Honey bee gut microbiota play specific roles in promoting host growth and physiology by regulating the immune system, behavior, metabolism, and neurological processes. While the gut microbiota of honey bee queens, workers, and larvae has been extensively studied, less is known about the composition of gut microbiota in the winter worker bees. This study investigates the dynamics of the gut microbiota in overwintering adult worker bees, focusing on two commercial bee strains: Bolton™ bees and Mann Lake™ bees. These Apis mellifera strains were investigated under different storage conditions (indoor storage at 6 °C and outdoor storage in natural conditions) during the winter months (October, November, and December). Utilizing 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we characterized the microbial composition of the whole gut. We observed the Lactobacilli dominated in all the overwintering honey bee guts with a significantly higher abundance of unclassified Lactobacillus species in November, while Lactobacillus apis showed significantly higher abundance in October. Bolton bees exhibited significantly higher abundance levels of Bartonella (denoted as uncultured) and Bifidobacterium, along with an unexpected presence of Wolbachia. In contrast, Mann Lake bees demonstrated an increased abundance of Commensalibacter. Our results suggest that Shannon diversity is influenced by the month rather than by the bee strain or storage conditions. We also found significant differences in Bray Curtis diversity index by month. Overall, taxonomical abundance was not affected by whether the hives were stored outside or in constant temperature indoor storage. However, various bacterial species showed differences in abundance across different months, with slight variations observed between bee strains. Given the potential benefits of the honey bee gut microbiome for health and nutrition, our data suggests that the genus Lactobacillus may play a significant role in bee health during winter and overwintering storage.},
}

Animals
Bees/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Lactobacillus/genetics/isolation & purification
*Seasons
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics

@article {pmid40024849,
year = {2025},
author = {Calle-Tobón, A and Rojo-Ospina, R and Zuluaga, S and Giraldo-Muñoz, JF and Cadavid, JM},
title = {Corrigendum to "Evaluation of Wolbachia infection in Aedes aegypti suggests low prevalence and highly heterogeneous distribution in Medellín, Colombia" [Acta Tropica, Volume 260, December 2024, 107423].},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {263},
number = {},
pages = {107572},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107572},
pmid = {40024849},
issn = {1873-6254},
}

@article {pmid40023240,
year = {2025},
author = {Diesbourg, EE and Kidd, KA and Perrotta, BG},
title = {Effects of municipal wastewater effluents on the invertebrate microbiomes of an aquatic-riparian food web.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {372},
number = {},
pages = {125948},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.125948},
pmid = {40023240},
issn = {1873-6424},
mesh = {Animals ; *Microbiota ; *Wastewater/microbiology ; *Food Chain ; *Spiders/microbiology ; Invertebrates ; Insecta/microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; Larva/microbiology ; Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {Municipal wastewater effluents (MWWEs) contain antimicrobials and other contaminants that can alter the microbiomes of exposed aquatic animals, potentially negatively impacting host health. Contaminants and nutrients from MWWEs may be transferred across the aquatic - riparian boundary by aquatic insects, potentially altering the microbiomes of both prey and consumers. We evaluated host microbiome compositions of several taxa of freshwater larval and adult insects, and riparian spiders at sites upstream and downstream of three wastewater treatment plants. Host microbiome compositions were analyzed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene and MWWE exposure was assessed using stable carbon (δ[13]C) and nitrogen (δ[15]N) isotopes and effluent-associated bacteria. Most downstream insects and riparian spiders were enriched in δ[13]C and δ[15]N, indicating exposure to MWWEs and transfer of MWWE-derived nutrients to riparian consumers. Within sites, insect microbiomes varied after metamorphosis with a greater proportion of endosymbionts and effluent-associated bacteria and decreased alpha diversity in adults, and the microbiomes of Tetragnathidae spiders were dominated by endosymbionts (mainly Rickettsia and Wolbachia) compared to all other taxa. Downstream, larval caddisfly (Hydropsychidae) microbiomes had a significantly lower proportion of endosymbionts (Rickettsia) and higher diversity, and Araneidae spiders also had higher diversity. However, there were no significant downstream changes in endosymbiont proportions or alpha diversity of larval and adult chironomids, larval and adult mayflies, larval stoneflies, or Tetragnathidae spiders. Most downstream invertebrates (except larval Chironomidae, adult Diptera, and Tetragnathidae spiders) had altered beta diversity (community compositions); however, host taxonomy explained more of the variation in microbiome composition than site or the interaction between them did. Overall, MWWE bacteria and nutrients were incorporated into most insect larvae and retained throughout metamorphosis, however there were taxa-dependent alterations in downstream insect microbiomes and minimal microbiome alterations to their riparian spider predators.},
}

Animals
*Microbiota
*Wastewater/microbiology
*Food Chain
*Spiders/microbiology
Invertebrates
Insecta/microbiology
Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
Larva/microbiology
Environmental Monitoring

@article {pmid40018116,
year = {2024},
author = {Kumar, G and Baharia, R and Singh, K and Gupta, SK and Joy, S and Sharma, A and Rahi, M},
title = {Addressing challenges in vector control: a review of current strategies and the imperative for novel tools in India's combat against vector-borne diseases.},
journal = {BMJ public health},
volume = {2},
number = {1},
pages = {e000342},
pmid = {40018116},
issn = {2753-4294},
abstract = {Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) exert a substantial burden across the world, especially in tropical countries. Malaria, chikungunya, dengue, visceral leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis and Japanese encephalitis are among the public health concerns for India. One of the major pillars for the containment of VBDs is vector control and different tools have been employed for several decades. These range from chemical insecticides used in indoor residual sprays, space sprays, fogging, treated bednets and larvicides to biological control methods such as larvivorus fishes and environmental control and modification measures such as source reduction. However, these methods are increasingly becoming less effective due to several reasons such as insecticide resistance, outdoor biting, behavioural changes in vectors for biting and resting, climate change, movement of population, vector incursion to newer areas and others. It is essential to develop and test new tools for vector control to surmount these challenges. Though focusing on India's public health concerns, the new tools enumerated here can be tested by any country with similar epidemiological and environmental conditions. The promising new vector control tools are insecticide-treated nets with synergist and/or pyrrole chlorfenapyr, alternatives/additions to synthetic pyrethroids like neonicotinoids, clothianidin for indoor residual spray, newer formulations such as Bacillus sphaericus for use in larvicides, attractive toxic sugar baits, especially to curtail outdoor transmission, endectocides like ivermectin for use in animals/humans, insecticidal paints, spatial repellents, insecticide-treated wearables and others. Genetic modification technologies (Sterile Insect Technique/Incompatible Insect Technique/Wolbachia transfection) are also upcoming strategies. Among the six VBDs, India is committed to the elimination of three (malaria, visceral leishmaniasis and lymphatic filariasis) and it will require additional and/or novel tools to overcome the roadblocks in our current journey to the goal of control/elimination of these VBDs.},
}

@article {pmid40012073,
year = {2025},
author = {Chu, Y and Sakamoto, K and Evans, CC and Dzimianski, MT and Fricks, C and Mansour, A and DiCosty, U and McCall, S and McCall, JW and Nelson, CT and Moorhead, AR},
title = {Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry detection of Wolbachia in adult Dirofilaria immitis from dogs treated with doxycycline and ivermectin.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {78},
pmid = {40012073},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/drug effects/genetics ; *Dirofilaria immitis/drug effects ; Dogs ; *Doxycycline/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *Ivermectin/therapeutic use/administration & dosage ; *Dirofilariasis/drug therapy/parasitology ; Male ; Female ; *Dog Diseases/parasitology/drug therapy/microbiology ; *Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; *Immunohistochemistry ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use/administration & dosage ; Filaricides/therapeutic use/administration & dosage ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is present in all life stages of Dirofilaria immitis. Wolbachia surface protein (WSP) can be highly immunogenic and induce acute inflammatory reactions in the host upon worm death. To avoid the abrupt release of Wolbachia and its antigens from deceased parasites, the American Heartworm Society (AHS) has recommended using doxycycline (DOXY) and having a 1-month wait period between the DOXY treatment and the adulticidal process for Wolbachia elimination. Studies have shown that the 28 day, 10 mg/kg twice daily (BID) administration of DOXY can effectively clear Wolbachia in the bloodstream of the host. The 1-month wait period is hypothesized to allow for further reduction of Wolbachia. However, the levels of Wolbachia in adult parasites after the DOXY treatment remain unknown.

METHODS: Forty-five purposely bred dogs were intravenously transplanted with 20 Dirofilaria immitis adults, consisting of 12 females and 8 males. The dogs were divided into nine groups of five dogs each. Two groups each received 5, 7.5, or 10 mg/kg DOXY BID orally for 28 days, and ivermectin (IVM) monthly (6 µg/kg.) Three groups remained untreated as controls. Study animals were necropsied on day 0, day 30, and day 60, following the start of treatment. Adult worms were collected at necropsy and preserved for analysis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry for WSP were performed on worms collected at each time point. The data were analyzed using a linear mixed model (LMM). Multiple comparisons were adjusted using Tukey's test.

RESULTS: The qPCR results showed that all treatment doses significantly reduced Wolbachia levels compared with the control groups at 30 and 60 days. The intradose comparison indicated a significant decrease on day 60 compared with day 30. No significant differences were found between different doses on the two examination dates. Immunohistochemistry indicated the markedly reduced presence of Wolbachia in treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS: All DOXY dosages can be considered effective in reducing Wolbachia on both tested dates (30 and 60 days). On the basis of the further reduction of Wolbachia levels in adult D. immitis, the 1-month rest period in the AHS heartworm treatment guidelines is beneficial. Wolbachia can still be detected on day 60 in all dosage groups.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/drug effects/genetics
*Dirofilaria immitis/drug effects
Dogs
*Doxycycline/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*Ivermectin/therapeutic use/administration & dosage
*Dirofilariasis/drug therapy/parasitology
Male
Female
*Dog Diseases/parasitology/drug therapy/microbiology
*Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
*Immunohistochemistry
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use/administration & dosage
Filaricides/therapeutic use/administration & dosage

@article {pmid40009197,
year = {2025},
author = {Kelleher, LA and Ramalho, MO},
title = {Impact of Species and Developmental Stage on the Bacterial Communities of Aphaenogaster Ants.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {4},
pages = {157},
pmid = {40009197},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {7513312112//West Chester University/ ; },
mesh = {*Ants/microbiology ; Animals ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Pennsylvania ; Phylogeny ; Ecosystem ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Ants are distributed across the globe and there are currently over 14,000 described species. Due to the high diversity between species, ants are considered vital keystone species to many ecosystems. They provide basic ecosystem services such as: seed dispersal, soil bioturbation, decomposition, and pest control. Within these ecosystems ants form complex symbiotic relationships with plants, fungi, and bacteria. Studying the interaction between ants and their bacteria is important because of the crucial role that microbes play in the overall health of ants. Aphaenogaster Mayr, 1853, which is a globally distributed ant genus, remains understudied in terms of their bacterial community. This study aims to determine the taxonomic composition and abundance of the Aphaenogaster bacterial community and to determine if development stage and species impact the bacterial community composition. For this study, ants from several colonies were collected from the Gordon Natural Area in West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA. DNA was then extracted from the ants in all stages of development and the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequencing following the NGS amplicon approach. The findings from this study reveal that species and development stage have a significant impact upon the bacterial community composition and abundance of Aphaenogaster ants, and Wolbachia is highly associated with these ants.},
}

*Ants/microbiology
Animals
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
*Microbiota
Symbiosis
DNA, Bacterial/genetics
Pennsylvania
Phylogeny
Ecosystem
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40005669,
year = {2025},
author = {Duan, YX and Zhuang, YH and Wu, YX and Huang, TW and Song, ZR and Du, YZ and Zhu, YX},
title = {Wolbachia Infection Alters the Microbiota of the Invasive Leaf-Miner Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae).},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40005669},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {BK20231330//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; XCX20240707//the 2024 College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Yangzhou University/ ; },
abstract = {Microbe-microbe interactions within a host drive shifts in the host's microbiota composition, profoundly influencing host physiology, ecology, and evolution. Among these microbes, the maternally inherited endosymbiont Wolbachia is widespread in the invasive pest Liriomyza huidorbrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae). However, its influence on the host microbiota remains largely unexplored. In the study presented herein, we investigated the bacterial communities of Wolbachia wLhui-infected (wLhui+) and -uninfected lines (wLhui-) of L. huidorbrensis using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. For both leaf-miner lines, Bacteroidota was the dominant phylum (relative abundance: 59.18%), followed by Pseudomonadota (36.63%), Actinomycetota (2.42%), and Bacillota (0.93%). We found no significant differences in alpha-diversity indices between the wLhui+ and wLhui- lines (p > 0.05). However, principal coordinates analysis revealed significant differences in microbiota composition between the wLhui+ and wLhui- lines (PERMANOVA: p < 0.001), explaining 76.70% of the variance in microbiota composition. Correlation network analysis identified robust negative and positive associations between Wolbachia and several genera, suggesting that Wolbachia shapes microbial composition through competitive or cooperative interactions with specific taxa. Overall, our study suggests that Wolbachia plays a key role in shaping the leaf-miner microbiome, potentially affecting host fitness.},
}

@article {pmid40003849,
year = {2025},
author = {Gwiazdowska, A and Rutkowski, R and Sielezniew, M},
title = {Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Danube Clouded Yellow Butterfly Colias myrmidone (Esper, 1780) in the Last Central European Stronghold: Diversity, Wolbachia Infection and Balkan Connections.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40003849},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {EZ.271.3.7.2021//General Directorate of the Polish State Forests/ ; },
abstract = {The Danube Clouded Yellow (Colias myrmidone) has experienced one of the most dramatic declines among European butterflies. To estimate genetic diversity in the last population in Poland that has survived in the Knyszyn Forest (KF), we analyzed mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (EF-1α) polymorphisms in individuals sampled in 2014 and 2022. The results were compared with genetic data obtained in 2014 from a recently extirpated nearby population (Czerwony Bór, CB). Because mtDNA polymorphisms in insects can be modulated by endosymbionts, the samples were screened for Wolbachia. The polymorphism of EF-1α indicated that diversity was gradually decreasing. The KF experienced rapid demographic processes, manifested by a significant change in allele frequency. The small differentiation in nuclear markers between the KF and CB in 2014 suggests that the regional population used to be genetically uniform. Four COI haplotypes that were identified in this study probably belong to two different haplogroups. Wolbachia was detected only in individuals with one specific haplotype, and the prevalence was female-biased, suggesting the induction of two reproductive manipulations. The most common COI haplotype found in Poland was the same as that reported from other parts of Europe, not only for C. myrmidone but also C. caucasica. These results allow us to question the distinctiveness of each taxa.},
}

@article {pmid40003778,
year = {2025},
author = {M'madi, SA and Zan Diarra, A and Bérenger, JM and Hasnaoui, B and Parola, P},
title = {Identification of Bed Bugs from Comoros, Using Morphological, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, and Molecular Biology Tools, and the Detection of Associated Bacteria.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40003778},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {ANR-10- IAHU-03//Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, the French National Research Agency under the "Investissements d'avenir" programme/ ; },
abstract = {After virtually disappearing from domestic dwellings in the Western world at the end of the Second World War, bed bugs have re-emerged in recent years. Few studies, however, have been carried out on these insects in tropical islands. In this study, we focussed on describing bed bug specimens collected from dwellings in a high-altitude village in Grande Comore, an island in the Comoros, in the Indian Ocean. We also aimed to detect the bacteria associated with them. Using MALDI-TOF MS coupled with molecular biology, we were able to confirm that the C. hemipterus species (the tropical bug) was the bug infesting these homes. Interestingly, the results also show that MALDI-TOF MS can differentiate between the developmental stages of bed bugs (immature and adult). Screening for bacteria was carried out using qPCR, regular PCR, and sequencing, with only Wolbachia DNA being found. Widespread surveys throughout the country are needed to ascertain the level of bed bug infestation, with a view to implementing appropriate control measures.},
}

@article {pmid40003744,
year = {2025},
author = {Price, G and Simard, A and McGraw, BA},
title = {Evaluation of Bacterial Communities of Listronotus maculicollis Kirby Reared on Primary and Secondary Host Plants.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40003744},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The annual bluegrass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis Kirby) is a devastating insect pest of annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) and, to a lesser extent, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) on golf courses. Listronotus maculicollis-reared A. stolonifera, a comparatively tolerant host, incurs fitness costs, including longer developmental periods and reduced larval survivorship. This study sought to characterize microbiota diversity in L. maculicollis adults and larvae reared on P. annua and A. stolonifera cultivars (Penncross & A4) to explore whether intrinsic factors, such as microbial community composition, vary across host plants and developmental stages, potentially influencing host suitability. Alpha diversity analyses showed adults feeding on A4 exhibited higher bacterial species richness than their offspring reared on the same cultivar. Beta diversity analysis revealed significant dissimilarities between L. maculicollis adults and offspring regardless of host. Pseudomonas sp. was consistently abundant in larvae across all turfgrasses, indicating a potential association with larval development. Elevated levels of Wolbachia sp., known for insect reproductive manipulation, were observed in adults, but appear to be unrelated to host plant effects. The most prevalent bacterium detected was Candidatus Nardonella, a conserved endosymbiont essential for cuticular hardening in weevils. Given the role of cuticular integrity in insecticide resistance, further investigations into insect-microbe-plant interactions could guide the development of targeted pest management strategies, reducing resistance and improving control measures for L. maculicollis.},
}

@article {pmid39998220,
year = {2025},
author = {Kwak, Y and Argandona, JA and Miao, S and Son, TJ and Hansen, AK},
title = {A dual insect symbiont and plant pathogen improves insect host fitness under arginine limitation.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {e0358824},
pmid = {39998220},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {S10 OD010786/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; 2019-70016-29066//U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology ; *Arginine/metabolism/deficiency ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; *Liberibacter/physiology/genetics ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Some facultative bacterial symbionts are known to benefit insects, but nutritional advantages are rare among these non-obligate symbionts. Here, we demonstrate that the facultative symbiont Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous enhances the fitness of its psyllid insect host, Bactericera cockerelli, by providing nutritional benefits. L. psyllaurous, an unculturable pathogen of solanaceous crops, also establishes a close relationship with its insect vector, B. cockerelli, increasing in titer during insect development, vertically transmitting through eggs, and colonizing various tissues, including the bacteriome, which houses the obligate nutritional symbiont, Carsonella. Carsonella supplies essential amino acids to its insect host but has gaps in some of its essential amino acid pathways that the psyllid complements with its own genes, many of which have been acquired through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from bacteria. Our findings reveal that L. psyllaurous increases psyllid fitness on plants by reducing developmental time and increasing adult weight. In addition, through metagenomic sequencing, we reveal that L. psyllaurous maintains complete pathways for synthesizing the essential amino acids arginine, lysine, and threonine, unlike the psyllid's other resident microbiota, Carsonella, and two co-occurring Wolbachia strains. RNA sequencing reveals the downregulation of a HGT collaborative psyllid gene (ASL), which indicates a reduced demand for arginine supplied by Carsonella when the psyllid is infected with L. psyllaurous. Notably, artificial diet assays show that L. psyllaurous enhances psyllid fitness on an arginine-deplete diet. These results corroborate the role of L. psyllaurous as a beneficial insect symbiont, contributing to the nutrition of its insect host.IMPORTANCEUnlike obligate symbionts that are permanently associated with their hosts, facultative symbionts rarely show direct nutritional contributions, especially under nutrient-limited conditions. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that Candidatus Liberibacter psyllaurous, a facultative symbiont and a plant pathogen, enhances the fitness of its Bactericera cockerelli host by supplying an essential nutrient arginine that is lacking in the plant sap diet. Our findings reveal how facultative symbionts can play a vital role in helping their insect hosts adapt to nutrient-limited environments. This work provides new insights into the dynamic interactions between insect hosts, their symbiotic microbes, and their shared ecological niches, broadening our understanding of symbiosis and its role in shaping adaptation and survival.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology
*Arginine/metabolism/deficiency
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Host-Pathogen Interactions
*Liberibacter/physiology/genetics
Plant Diseases/microbiology

@article {pmid39976626,
year = {2025},
author = {Sharpe, SR and Madhav, M and Klein, MJ and Blasdell, KR and Paradkar, PN and Lynch, SE and Eagles, D and López-Denman, AJ and Ahmed, KA},
title = {Characterisation of the virome of Culicoides brevitarsis Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a vector of bluetongue virus in Australia.},
journal = {The Journal of general virology},
volume = {106},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39976626},
issn = {1465-2099},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ceratopogonidae/virology ; *Virome ; *Bluetongue virus/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Insect Vectors/virology ; *Phylogeny ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Genome, Viral ; Australia ; New South Wales ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; },
abstract = {Culicoides spp., a common biting midge genus, are haematophagous insects that can transmit pathogens to humans and other animals. Some species transmit arboviruses, including bluetongue virus, epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus, African horse sickness virus and Schmallenberg virus to vertebrates, which can be detrimental to livestock and wild animals. Culicoides spp. can also have a diversity of insect-specific viruses (ISVs) that can only be transmitted between insects and others related to known arboviruses. For Culicoides brevitarsis and other Culicoides spp. in Australia, the virome is largely unexplored. We used high-throughput sequencing to characterise the virome of C. brevitarsis collected from Casino, New South Wales, Australia. For virus detection, the total RNA was extracted from pools of C. brevitarsis followed by rRNA depletion and Illumina short-read-based RNA sequencing. The reads were quality-checked, filtered and assembled into contigs, compared with the non-redundant protein and conserved domain databases for viral detection and genome organisation, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis was used to further characterise the viruses. We detected new virus diversity including ten viruses belonging to eight different families with complete or near-complete coding regions. Seven of these were novel virus species belonging to the families: Chuviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Qinviridae, Rhabdoviridae and Solemoviridae. In addition, the novel Peribunyaviridae virus should also be considered part of a new genus. Whilst most of the detected viruses grouped into families with viruses that can infect insects, animals or both, the novel species of Solemoviridae was closely related to an economically important plant pathogen, the sugarcane yellow leaf virus. Our quantitative PCR-based screening confirmed the absence of any Wolbachia endosymbiont within the collected samples. Furthermore, we detected fragments of three more virus families known to infect fungi and plants. The detection of potential arboviruses and ISVs in Culicoides spp. is important in understanding virus epidemiology.},
}

Animals
*Ceratopogonidae/virology
*Virome
*Bluetongue virus/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
*Insect Vectors/virology
*Phylogeny
High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
Genome, Viral
Australia
New South Wales
RNA, Viral/genetics

@article {pmid39975058,
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 = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39975058},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R01 AI148477/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM143029/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI055403/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001863/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne virus that poses a continued and increasing threat to public health. A promising strategy to mitigate the burden of DENV is introgression of the virus-inhibiting Wolbachia pipientis bacterium into Aedes aegypti populations in the field. While previous studies on Wolbachia-mediated virus inhibition have typically assessed viral replication following a single bloodmeal, the main vector of DENV, Ae. aegypti, feeds frequently, often biting multiple hosts per gonotrophic cycle and promptly attempting to refeed following egg laying. Previously, we demonstrated that successive blood feeding reduces the extrinsic incubation period (EIP) and shortens the time it takes for a mosquito to be able to transmit viruses to a new host. With this in mind, we investigated the impact of successive blood meals on DENV serotype 2 (DENV-2) in Ae. aegypti in the presence or absence of Wolbachia (w AlbB and w MelM). We found that both WT and Wolbachia transinfected had increased DENV-2 dissemination 7 days post-infection as well as higher body titers of DENV-2 in the double-fed groups. Using these empirical data in a binomial regression model, we estimated that successive feeding increased the probability of WT and Wolbachia transinfected mosquitoes surviving the EIP. When we estimated the odds of surviving the EIP for mosquitoes with Wolbachia relative to WT mosquitoes, successive feeding increased the chances of WT mosquitoes surviving the EIP more than in mosquitoes with Wolbachia, indicating a strong inhibitory effect of Wolbachia even in the context of natural frequent blood feeding behavior. Our work shows that mosquito feeding behavior should be considered when assessing the inhibitory effects of Wolbachia on DENV.},
}

@article {pmid39971081,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, Z and Gao, J and Wang, G and Zhao, M and Xing, D and Zhao, T and Zhang, H},
title = {Effects of Wolbachia on mitochondrial DNA variation in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae).},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {263},
number = {},
pages = {107561},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107561},
pmid = {39971081},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics ; Animals ; *DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Aedes/microbiology/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Haplotypes ; Female ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia species are symbiotic bacteria that are commonly found in arthropods and nematodes and live inside their cells. In nature, endosymbiont-host interactions and dynamics are complex, often depending on environmental conditions and evolutionary history. Both Wolbachia and mitochondrial DNA are maternally inherited in cells, and after a long period of coexistence, the presence of Wolbachia may have an impact on mitochondrial sequence diversity, thereby confounding mtDNA-based host phylogeny. The universal and typing primers for the wsp gene were used for PCR amplification, the number of positive samples was counted, and the infection pattern was analysed. The mitochondrial DNA diversity of four groups (Wolbachia-infected and uninfected samples, as well as between singly and double infected samples.) was analysed. PACo and ParaFitGlobal tests were used to explore evolutionary associations. The overall prevalence of Wolbachia in the 22 natural populations was 94.2 %, with Type A, Type B and A × B mixed infections detected in Aedes albopictus and coinfection between wAlbA and wAlbB prevalent. The mitochondrial DNA haplotype associated with Wolbachia (Hap1) became the dominant haplotype and was the most abundant and widely distributed in the population. The linkage map showed the predominant haplotype, Hap1, was more closely associated with wAlbA than with wAlbB. Neutral evolution deviated significantly from zero. The diversity of mtDNA COI genes associated with Wolbachia infection was reduced. Wolbachia infection may lead to the selective sweep of mitochondrial DNA in Ae. albopictus.},
}

*Wolbachia/genetics
Animals
*DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
*Aedes/microbiology/genetics
*Genetic Variation
Phylogeny
Symbiosis
Haplotypes
Female
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins

@article {pmid39966714,
year = {2025},
author = {Jain, A and Li, T and Huston, DC and Kaur, J and Trollip, C and Wainer, J and Hodda, M and Linsell, K and Riley, IT and Toktay, H and Olowu, EA and Edwards, J and Rodoni, B and Sawbridge, T},
title = {Insights from draft genomes of Heterodera species isolated from field soil samples.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {158},
pmid = {39966714},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tylenchoidea/genetics ; *Soil/parasitology ; *Genome, Helminth ; Phylogeny ; Genomics/methods ; Australia ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The nematode phylum includes many species key to soil food webs with trophic behaviours extending from feeding on microbes to macrofauna and plant roots. Among these, the plant parasitic cyst nematodes retain their eggs in protective cysts prolonging their survival under harsh conditions. These nematodes, including those from the genus Heterodera, cause significant economic losses in agricultural systems. Understanding of nematode diversity and ecology has expanded through application of genomic research, however, for Heterodera species there are very few available whole genome sequences. Sequencing and assembling Heterodera genomes is challenging due to various technical limitations imposed by the biology of Heterodera. Overcoming these limitations is essential for comprehensive insights into Heterodera parasitic interactions with plants, population studies, and for Australian biosecurity implications.

RESULTS: We hereby present draft genomes of six species of which Heterodera australis, H. humuli, H. mani and H. trifolii are presently recorded in Australia and two species, H. avenae and H. filipjevi, currently absent from Australia. The draft genomes were sequenced from genomic DNA isolated from 50 cysts each using an Illumina NovaSeq short read sequencing platform. The data revealed disparity in sequencing yield between species. What was previously identified as H. avenae in Australia using morphological traits is now confirmed as H. australis and may have consequences for wheat breeding programs in Australia that are breeding for resistance to H. avenae. A multigene phylogeny placed the sequenced species into taxonomic phylogenetic perspective. Genomic comparisons within the Avenae species group revealed orthologous gene clusters within the species, emphasising the shared and unique features of the group. The data also revealed the presence of a Wolbachia species, a putative bacterial endosymbiont from Heterodera humuli short read sequencing data.

CONCLUSION: Genomic research holds immense significance for agriculture, for understanding pest species diversity and the development of effective management strategies. This study provides insight into Heterodera, cyst nematode genomics and the associated symbionts and this work will serve as a baseline for further genomic analyses in this economically important nematode group.},
}

Animals
*Tylenchoidea/genetics
*Soil/parasitology
*Genome, Helminth
Phylogeny
Genomics/methods
Australia

@article {pmid39958813,
year = {2025},
author = {Abe, J and Takahashi, JI and Tsuchida, K},
title = {High Microsatellite but No Mitochondrial DNA Variation in an Invasive Japanese Mainland Population of the Parasitoid Wasp Melittobia sosui.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {e71026},
pmid = {39958813},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Invasive populations are predicted to have reduced genetic diversity due to bottleneck events. The parasitoid wasp Melittobia sosui was previously identified only in the subtropical area of the southern Japanese islands and Taiwan but was recently found in the temperate area of the Japanese mainland. The distribution of this species may have recently expanded northward due to factors such as climatic events and global warming. The population genetics of both the native and invasive regions were investigated using mitochondrial and nuclear microsatellite DNA. As expected, mitochondrial variation was observed in the native region but not in the invasive region, which had only one haplotype. However, the two regions exhibited similar levels of microsatellite variation, and an average of 43% and 38% of alleles were uniquely found in the native and invasive populations, respectively. The difference in genetic variation between mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA in the invasive populations may be explained by the faster mutation rate of microsatellites, as well as the population structure of Melittobia, in which the subdivision into small inbreeding lineages may facilitate the accumulation of mutations. The high proportion of private alleles suggests that the mainland population diverged from the native populations at least 100 years ago, ruling out the possibility that the mainland population was established recently. The present study suggests that M. sosui might have already existed on the mainland but at a low frequency or that the mainland population was derived from a ghost population that diverged from the native populations more than 100 years ago.},
}

@article {pmid39957355,
year = {2025},
author = {Prabhu, D and Dharshini, MKD and Rajamanikandan, S and Padmavathi, AR and Velusamy, P and Gopinath, SCB},
title = {Potential Anti-Filarial Molecules Against ATP Binding Site of MurE Enzyme: A Molecular Docking and Dynamics Approach to Combat Lymphatic Filariasis.},
journal = {Biotechnology and applied biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/bab.2727},
pmid = {39957355},
issn = {1470-8744},
support = {//KAHE-Seed money research Grant/ ; //Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India/ ; },
abstract = {Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by parasitic nematodes Brugia malayi, Brugia timori, and Wuchereria bancrofti. The drugs available are effective in several cases, and the absence of vaccination is the crucial factor hindering the elimination of LF. The UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanyl-D-glutamate-2,6-diaminopimelate ligase (MurE) plays an important role in the peptidoglycan biosynthesis of Wolbachia endosymbiont B. malayi, which are reported to be a vital drug target for bacterial and endosymbiotic hosts. Thus, we selected the ATP binding cavity of MurE as the potential site to screen inhibitors. The MurE structure was modeled using AlphaFold due to the absence of an experimental structure. Structure-based screening identified five potent phytochemicals targeting the ATP binding site with higher Glide scores and affinity. The top five phytochemicals CID 311, CID 445713, CID 441626, CID 39077, and CID 10814 showed a docking score of -16.812, -16.117, -15.668, -15.324, and -13.442 kcal/mol, respectively. Further, the molecular dynamics simulations depicted the binding stability of the phytochemical inhibitors bound to the MurE complex. Moreover, ADME assessment and Density Functional Theory analyses of the predicted compounds have shown acceptable pharmacokinetic properties and high reactivity with the drug target of MurE.},
}

@article {pmid39937795,
year = {2025},
author = {Kittayapong, P and Ninphanomchai, S and Thayanukul, P and Yongyai, J and Limohpasmanee, W},
title = {Comparison on the quality of sterile Aedes aegypti mosquitoes produced by either radiation-based sterile insect technique or Wolbachia-induced incompatible insect technique.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {2},
pages = {e0314683},
pmid = {39937795},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/radiation effects ; *Wolbachia/physiology/radiation effects ; Male ; Female ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/radiation effects ; Longevity/radiation effects ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/radiation effects ; Infertility, Male/microbiology/etiology ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; },
abstract = {Novel and alternative vector control approaches using a sterile male-based release to suppress Aedes aegypti mosquito vectors have recently been tested in the field in many countries. These approaches included the sterile insect technique (SIT), incompatible insect technique (IIT), and a combination of both techniques. In this study, we conducted a series of experiments to compare the quality between radiation-based and Wolbachia-induced sterile males in terms of flight ability, sterility, mating competitiveness, survival rate, and longevity. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes irradiated at 50 Gy (SIT) and those trans-infected with wAlbB Wolbachia (IIT) were used for quality comparison. Our results showed that irradiated and Wolbachia trans-infected males were not significantly different in flight ability (p > 0.05) and both could induce sterility in wild-type females. In addition, although irradiation at 50 Gy or Wolbachia trans-infection reduced male mating competitiveness, combined irradiation and Wolbachia wAlbB trans-infection increased male competitiveness at the one-to-one ratio. Increasing the number of sterile males released could compensate for reduced competitiveness but it does not make them more competitive. Irradiation did not affect the survival and longevity of irradiated males, but it showed significant negative impacts on females (p < 0.05); while the opposite was observed in the case of Wolbachia infection, i.e., with significant increase in the survival rate of Wolbachia trans-infected males (p < 0.05), but both survival and longevity were reduced in Wolbachia trans-infected females with no significant impacts (p > 0.05). In conclusion, neither irradiation nor Wolbachia trans-infection significantly affected the quality of sterile males except their mating competitiveness; but this could compensate by increasing the number of sterile males released. Sterility could be induced by either 50 Gy irradiation or wAlbB trans-infection. Mating competitiveness results showed that a higher number of sterile males produced by irradiation need to be released in comparison to those produced by Wolbachia trans-infection. Our results should be useful for planning SIT, IIT, or a combination for Ae. aegypti vector control.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/radiation effects
*Wolbachia/physiology/radiation effects
Male
Female
*Mosquito Control/methods
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/radiation effects
Longevity/radiation effects
Sexual Behavior, Animal/radiation effects
Infertility, Male/microbiology/etiology
Pest Control, Biological/methods

@article {pmid39934832,
year = {2025},
author = {Perlmutter, JI and Atadurdyyeva, A and Schedl, ME and Unckless, RL},
title = {Wolbachia enhances the survival of Drosophila infected with fungal pathogens.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {42},
pmid = {39934832},
issn = {1741-7007},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology/virology ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Female ; Male ; Longevity ; Symbiosis ; Fungi/physiology/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia bacteria of arthropods are at the forefront of basic and translational research on multipartite host-symbiont-pathogen interactions. These vertically transmitted microbes are the most widespread endosymbionts on the planet due to factors including host reproductive manipulation and fitness benefits. Importantly, some strains of Wolbachia can inhibit viral pathogenesis within and between arthropod hosts. Mosquitoes carrying the wMel Wolbachia strain of Drosophila melanogaster have a greatly reduced capacity to spread viruses like dengue and Zika to humans. While significant research efforts have focused on viruses, relatively little attention has been given to Wolbachia-fungal interactions despite the ubiquity of fungal entomopathogens in nature.

RESULTS: Here, we demonstrate that Wolbachia increase the longevity of their Drosophila melanogaster hosts when challenged with a spectrum of yeast and filamentous fungal pathogens. We find that this pattern can vary based on host genotype, sex, and fungal species. Further, Wolbachia correlates with higher fertility and reduced pathogen titers during initial fungal infection, indicating a significant fitness benefit. Finally, RNA sequencing results show altered expression of many immune and stress response genes in the context of Wolbachia and fungal infection, suggesting host immunity may be involved in the mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates Wolbachia's protective role in diverse fungal pathogen interactions and determines that the phenotype is broad, but with several variables that influence both the presence and strength of the phenotype. It also is a critical step forward to understanding how symbionts can protect their hosts from a variety of pathogens.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology
Animals
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology/virology
*Host-Pathogen Interactions
Female
Male
Longevity
Symbiosis
Fungi/physiology/genetics

@article {pmid39933580,
year = {2025},
author = {Kaur, R and Bordenstein, SR},
title = {Cytoplasmic incompatibility factor proteins from Wolbachia prophage are costly to sperm development in Drosophila melanogaster.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2040},
pages = {20243016},
pmid = {39933580},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //Penn State/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Drosophila melanogaster/physiology/microbiology ; Male ; *Spermatozoa/physiology ; *Prophages/physiology/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Female ; Cytoplasm/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The symbiosis between arthropods and Wolbachia bacteria is globally widespread, largely due to selfish-drive systems that favour the fitness of symbiont-transmitting females. The most common drive, cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), is central to arboviral control efforts. In Drosophila melanogaster carrying wMel Wolbachia deployed in mosquito control, two prophage genes in Wolbachia, cifA and cifB, cause CI that results in a paternal-effect lethality of embryos in crosses between Wolbachia-bearing males and aposymbiotic females. While the CI mechanism by which Cif proteins alter sperm development has recently been elucidated in D. melanogaster and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the Cifs' extended impact on male reproductive fitness such as sperm morphology and quantity remains unclear. Here, using cytochemical, microscopic and transgenic assays in D. melanogaster, we demonstrate that both CifA and CifB cause a significant portion of defects in elongating spermatids, culminating in malformed mature sperm nuclei. Males expressing Cifs have reduced spermatid bundles and sperm counts, and transgenic expression of Cifs can occasionally result in no mature sperm formation. We reflect on Cifs' varied functional impacts on the Host Modification model of CI as well as host evolution, behaviour and vector control strategies.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Drosophila melanogaster/physiology/microbiology
Male
*Spermatozoa/physiology
*Prophages/physiology/genetics
Symbiosis
Female
Cytoplasm/metabolism

@article {pmid39932664,
year = {2025},
author = {da Fonseca Meireles, S and Ramalho, MO and Montenegro, H and do Nascimento Neto, JF and da Silva, JS and Cruz, DLV and Roque, RA and Rafael, MS},
title = {Do the microbiota of larval breeding site and the blood meal influence the composition and diversity of bacterial communities in the midgut of Mansonia humeralis (Diptera: Culicidae) from the western Amazon?.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39932664},
issn = {1678-4405},
abstract = {Mansonia humeralis is a neotropical mosquito common in floodplain ecosystems and a potential host of Mayaro virus in the Amazon region. Studies show that bacterial communities associated with the midgut of mosquito vectors can mediate insecticide detoxification and modulate vector competence. Understanding the characteristics of the intestinal microbiota, and the factors that shape them, is essential for effective mosquito control. This study investigated the influence of bacterial communities in water from the larval environment on the composition and bacterial diversity in Ma. humeralis larval intestines and characterized the midgut microbiota of adult females with and without apparent blood. Samples were obtained from the Jirau Hydroelectric Plant, Madeira River, AM, Brazil, and their bacteria characterized using the 16S rRNA molecular marker. A total of 402 bacterial Amplicon Sequencing Variants (ASVs) were identified to genus level. The sample groups (water, larvae, blood + and blood-) had distinct bacterial communities, especially the larvae, probably due to the intense feeding activity which occurs at this stage. The phylum Proteobacteria was dominant in water, blood + and blood- (52.5; 99 and 98%), respectively, while Firmicutes dominated in larvae (45%). The most abundant taxa in water were: ASV Comamonadaceae (11.7%) and hgcI_clade (9.6%), in larvae: ASV Synergistaceae (11.1%) and ASV Rhodocyclaceae (7.8%), in blood-: Serratia (46.9%) and Asaia (12.6%) and, in blood+: ASV Enterobacteriaceae (54.5%) and Serratia (21.1%). Some 19% of the taxonomic groups from water were also recorded in larvae, while 46.7% of blood- microbiota were present in blood+. Wolbachia, Acinetobacter and Enterobacter bacteria were recorded at low frequency in all samples. This result provides a powerful tool for understanding the ecology of the intestinal microbiota of Ma. humeralis and the relationships with the ambient microbiota derived from larval filter, and adult blood, feeding. The results will also be useful for future studies which focusing the development of potential tools for the biological control of this vector.},
}

@article {pmid39925617,
year = {2025},
author = {Halford, G and Maes, D and Yung, CJ and Whiteford, S and Bourn, NAD and Bulman, CR and Goffart, P and Hodgson, JA and Saccheri, IJ},
title = {Genomic Monitoring of a Reintroduced Butterfly Uncovers Contrasting Founder Lineage Survival.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {e70074},
pmid = {39925617},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {Genetic factors can have a major influence on both short- and long-term success of reintroductions. Genomic monitoring can give a range of insights into the early life of a reintroduced population and ultimately can help to avoid wasting limited conservation resources. In this study, we characterise the genetic diversity of a reintroduced Carterocephalus palaemon (Chequered Skipper butterfly) population in England with respect to the spatial genetic structure and diversity of the source populations in south Belgium. We aim to evaluate the success of the reintroduction, including the effectiveness of the donor sampling strategy, and assess genetic vulnerabilities that may affect the population's future. We also use an isolation-by-distance approach to make quantitative inferences about dispersal, and we explore covariance between host mitochondrial and Wolbachia genomes. We find that, four generations following the initial release, the reintroduced population, founded by 66 wild-caught adults, has an effective size of c. 33, yet has retained similar levels of genomic heterozygosity to those in the source subpopulations in Belgium and shows low levels of inbreeding. However, the restricted number of founders and variance in reproductive success among the surviving families have resulted in a higher level of kinship, likely to result in somewhat higher rates of inbreeding in the future. Furthermore, there is a distinct split between two source landscapes in Belgium, and all genomic evidence suggests that the reintroduced population is descended from only one of these landscapes (called Fagne). We discuss potential causes behind these results, including whether Wolbachia strains are causing genetic incompatibility between clades. We conclude that a conservative strategy for any further translocations would prefer Fagne sites as sources because of the strong evidence of their ability to survive. However, our results warrant further investigation into the reasons for the divergence found in Belgium.},
}

@article {pmid39914231,
year = {2025},
author = {Páez-Triana, L and Martinez, D and Patiño, LH and Muñoz, M and Sandoval-Ramírez, CM and Pinilla León, JC and Ramirez, JD},
title = {Exploring endosymbionts and pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis with Oxford Nanopore Technology.},
journal = {Research in veterinary science},
volume = {185},
number = {},
pages = {105562},
doi = {10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105562},
pmid = {39914231},
issn = {1532-2661},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiology ; *Ctenocephalides/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Colombia ; Wolbachia/genetics/physiology ; Rickettsia/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Nanopore Sequencing/methods ; Rickettsiales/genetics ; },
abstract = {Fleas and ticks play a crucial role in public health as vectors of multiple diseases affecting humans and animals. Several rickettsial pathogens and endosymbionts are transmitted by fleas and ticks. Therefore, understanding this group of microorganisms is essential for fully grasping the spectrum of pathogens transmitted by vectors and the interactions between endosymbiotic microorganisms and their hosts. This study evaluated the presence and diversity of Rickettsiales species in fleas and ticks collected from the Santander department in Colombia. For the methodology a 16S gene amplification approach through Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis was used. Our findings revealed the presence of multiple pathogenic and endosymbiotic microorganisms, particularly from the Rickettsia and Wolbachia groups. We observed a clear association between Rickettsia species and ticks, while Wolbachia was predominantly found in fleas. Additionally, other important microorganisms were identified, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia conorii, and different strains of Wolbachia that serve as endosymbionts in various arthropods. These results underscore the importance of fleas and ticks in the transmission of both pathogenic and endosymbiotic microorganisms. The distinct patterns of association between specific pathogens and vectors provide insight into their transmission dynamics. Identifying pathogens such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia conorii further highlights the need for continued research into vector-borne diseases in Colombia. Understanding the interactions between endosymbionts and pathogenic microorganisms in these vectors could lead to the development of more effective strategies for controlling diseases transmitted by fleas and ticks.},
}

Animals
*Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiology
*Ctenocephalides/microbiology
*Symbiosis
Colombia
Wolbachia/genetics/physiology
Rickettsia/genetics
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Nanopore Sequencing/methods
Rickettsiales/genetics

@article {pmid39909190,
year = {2025},
author = {Carbonara, M and Perles, L and Venco, L and Gabrielli, S and Barrs, VR and Miró, G and Papadopoulos, E and Lima, C and Bouhsira, E and Baneth, G and Pantchev, N and Iatta, R and Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Decaro, N and Schunack, B and Benelli, G and Otranto, D},
title = {Dirofilaria spp. infection in cats from the Mediterranean basin: diagnosis and epidemiology.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology},
volume = {55},
number = {6},
pages = {317-325},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpara.2025.01.011},
pmid = {39909190},
issn = {1879-0135},
mesh = {Animals ; Cats ; *Dirofilariasis/epidemiology/diagnosis/parasitology ; *Cat Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology/diagnosis ; Dirofilaria immitis/isolation & purification/genetics/immunology ; Female ; Mediterranean Region/epidemiology ; Wolbachia/isolation & purification/genetics ; Male ; Dirofilaria repens/isolation & purification/genetics/immunology ; Antibodies, Helminth/blood ; Risk Factors ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Coinfection/veterinary/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, causing heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively, are zoonotic mosquito-borne filarioids infecting a plethora of hosts including cats. Only fragmented data are available on the diagnosis and epidemiology of feline dirofilariosis. We assessed the occurrence of both nematode infections, their risk factors and clinicopathological abnormalities in cats, from six countries of the Mediterranean Basin. In addition, Wolbachia spp. endosymbionts were assessed in Dirofilaria spp.-positive animals. Blood and sera samples were obtained from cats with outdoor access from Spain (n = 354), Portugal (n = 287), Italy (n = 125), Greece (n = 116), Israel (n = 101) and France (n = 100). Cat sera were tested by both direct antigenic (SNAP test, commercial ELISA kit) and indirect antibodies (in-house ELISA) serological tools, and blood samples by real time and conventional PCR targeting Dirofilaria spp. DNA, followed by sequencing. A statistical analysis was run to assess the link between Dirofilaria spp. infection and independent variables, as well as among feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and/or feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) co-infections, and clinicopathological abnormalities. Overall, 3.8% (i.e., 41/1,083) cats scored positive for Dirofilaria spp. infection with prevalences ranging from 2% in Israel to 7.8% in Greece. Of the 41 positive cats, 16 were infected by D. immitis (by SNAP test and/or PCR) and two by D. repens (by PCR); the remaining animals were antibody-positive for Dirofilaria spp. using the in-house ELISA. Wolbachia DNA was detected in one D. immitis-infected cat. Nematode positivity was significantly associated with age, breed, hyporexia, dandruff, and dyspnoea. This study provides data on the prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. infection in cats from the Mediterranean Basin, as well as new insights on its diagnosis, revealing the importance of performing strategic chemoprophylactic treatments for cats living in areas where the infection is endemic in dogs.},
}

Animals
Cats
*Dirofilariasis/epidemiology/diagnosis/parasitology
*Cat Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology/diagnosis
Dirofilaria immitis/isolation & purification/genetics/immunology
Female
Mediterranean Region/epidemiology
Wolbachia/isolation & purification/genetics
Male
Dirofilaria repens/isolation & purification/genetics/immunology
Antibodies, Helminth/blood
Risk Factors
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Coinfection/veterinary/epidemiology

@article {pmid39896488,
year = {2025},
author = {Chappell, L and Peguero, R and Conner, WR and Fowler, S and Cooper, B 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 = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39896488},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM139595/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
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 reveal that Wolbachia levels may rebound following treatment with suboptimal doses of the antibiotic rifampicin. Previous work showed that a likely source of the bacterial rebound in females 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 also target them. We have evidence that the Wolbachia clusters originate from newly formed sheath cells adjacent to the ovarian Distal Tip Cells. The dramatically enlarged volume of an 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 exhibit a distinct morphology and form direct connections with the oocyte membrane and possibly the cytoplasm. This includes membrane-based channels providing a connection between Wolbachia-infected sheath cells and oocytes. We also determined that the Wolbachia within the sheath cells are either quiescent or replicating at a very low rate. Screens of known antibiotics and other drugs revealed that two drugs, Fexinidazole and Corallopyronin A, significantly reduced the number of clustered Wolbachia located within the sheath cells.},
}

@article {pmid39892716,
year = {2025},
author = {Dudzic, JP and McPherson, AE and Taylor, KE and Eben, A and Abram, PK and Perlman, SJ},
title = {Candidate DNA and RNA viruses of Drosophila suzukii from Canada and Germany, and their interactions with Wolbachia.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {209},
number = {},
pages = {108274},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108274},
pmid = {39892716},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology ; *Drosophila/microbiology/virology ; *RNA Viruses/genetics ; Germany ; *DNA Viruses/genetics ; British Columbia ; Virome ; Symbiosis ; Canada ; },
abstract = {Some species of insects harbour strains of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia that do not cause obvious reproductive manipulations, and so it is unclear why they persist in host populations. There is some evidence that some of these endosymbionts may provide their hosts with protection against viruses, which would help to explain their persistence, but few studies have explored associations between Wolbachia and naturally occurring, common viruses in natural populations. Here, we asked whether individuals of the invasive vinegar fly Drosophila suzukii infected with the wSuz strain of Wolbachia were less likely to be infected by naturally occurring viruses in its invaded range, in western North America and in Europe. First, using next-generation sequencing, we conducted a virome survey of adult and larval D. suzukii in British Columbia, Canada, finding eight candidate RNA viruses and two candidate DNA viruses; all but one have not been reported previously. Only the previously described Teise virus, an RNA virus, was abundant in our virome survey. We then screened individual flies from British Columbia and Germany for Teise virus and Wolbachia. Wolbachia-infected D. suzukii from the field were not less likely to be infected by Teise virus. Overall, our results do not provide conclusive evidence that wSuz provides strong protection for D. suzukii against viruses that are common in natural populations. However, the other viruses that we discovered in this study deserve further characterization in terms of their pathogenicity to D. suzukii and the frequency and dynamics of infection in wild populations.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/genetics/physiology
*Drosophila/microbiology/virology
*RNA Viruses/genetics
Germany
*DNA Viruses/genetics
British Columbia
Virome
Symbiosis
Canada

@article {pmid39888481,
year = {2025},
author = {Yao, RK and Gomgnimbou, MK and Coulibaly, IZ and Essoh, CY and Traoré, I and Amara, MF and Ako, BA and Diabate, A and Bilgo, E},
title = {Molecular detection of Wolbachia sp. and Cytoplasmic incompatibility factors (CifA/B) in wild caught mosquitoes in Côte d'Ivoire.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {52},
number = {1},
pages = {181},
pmid = {39888481},
issn = {1573-4978},
support = {ref/letter acceptation CEA/ITECH-MTV du 04/02/2021 à YAO R. Karlhis//CEA/ITECH-MTV/ ; ref/letter acceptation CEA/ITECH-MTV du 04/02/2021 à AMARA Miriam Félicité//CEA/ITECH-MTV/ ; 218771/Z/19/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification ; Animals ; Cote d'Ivoire ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/genetics ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Culicidae/microbiology ; Aedes/microbiology/genetics ; Culex/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Cytoplasm/microbiology ; Female ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is an endosymbiont bacterium known to stimulate host immunity against arboviruses and protozoa. Côte d'Ivoire is in a malaria-endemic region, and has experienced several dengue epidemics in recent decades as well. In order to help reduce the transmission of pathogens by mosquito vectors, we studied the prevalence of Wolbachia and the distribution of Cytoplasmic incompatibility factors (Cif) genes in different mosquito species caught in the wild in Cote d'Ivoire.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Mosquitoes of the genera Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, Eretmapodites and Mansonia were captured in five cities. Mosquitoes were collected at larval stage in breeding sites and adults were captured using BG sentinel traps. The mosquitoes were identified morphologically and Wolbachia and Cif were screened using qPCR targeting the 16s rRNA gene and the CifA, B genes. A total of 518 mosquito samples belonging to 15 species and 4 genera were examined. 60% of the species were infected with Wolbachia. The three medically important mosquito species Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Culex quinquefasciatus had a prevalence of 12.84%, 13.46% and 72.64% respectively. The Wolbachia strains infecting the different mosquito species of the genus Culex encoded 98.46% for the CifA gene and 77.69% for the CifB gene.

CONCLUSION: The presence of Wolbachia and CifA, B genes in mosquitoes of different species in Côte d'Ivoire offer a promising opportunity to reduce the competence of mosquito vectors. Characterization of Wolbachia strains and cytoplasmic incompatibility factors will provide a better understanding of these endosymbionts, enabling the development of vector control strategies.},
}

*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification
Animals
Cote d'Ivoire
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/genetics
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Culicidae/microbiology
Aedes/microbiology/genetics
Culex/microbiology
Symbiosis
Cytoplasm/microbiology
Female

@article {pmid39887637,
year = {2025},
author = {Cagatay, NS and Akhoundi, M and Izri, A and Brun, S and Hurst, GDD},
title = {Prevalence of Heritable Symbionts in Parisian Bedbugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae).},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {e70054},
pmid = {39887637},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {//TÜBİTAK [The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye]/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Bedbugs/microbiology/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Paris ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Haplotypes ; Prevalence ; },
abstract = {Like many insects, the biology of bedbugs is impacted by a range of partner heritable microbes. Three maternally inherited symbionts are recognised: Wolbachia (an obligate partner), Symbiopectobacterium purcellii strain SyClec, and Candidatus Tisiphia sp. (facultative symbionts typically present in some but not all individuals). Past work had examined the presence of these heritable microbes from established laboratory lines, but not from broader field samples. We therefore deployed targeted endpoint PCR assays to determine the symbiont infection status for 50 bedbugs collected from 10 districts of Paris during the 2023 outbreak. All three symbionts were found to be broadly present across Cimex lectularius samples, with the Symbiopectobacterium-Candidatus Tisiphia-Wolbachia triple infection most commonly observed. A minority of individuals lacked either one or both facultative symbionts. Five mtDNA haplotypes were observed across the COI barcode region, and triple infections were found in all mtDNA haplotypes, indicating that symbiont infection is not a recent invasion event. We conclude that the Parisian bedbug outbreak was one in which the host's secondary symbionts were present at high-frequency coinfections, and facultative symbionts are an important but uncharacterised component of bedbug populations.},
}

Animals
*Symbiosis
*Bedbugs/microbiology/genetics
*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Paris
DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
Haplotypes
Prevalence

@article {pmid39881623,
year = {2025},
author = {Kryukova, NA and Polenogova, OV and Rotskaya, UN and Zolotareva, KA and Chertkova, EA},
title = {Wolbachia does not give an advantage to the ectoparasitoid Habrobracon hebetor (Say, 1836) when it develops on an infected host.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-10},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485324000890},
pmid = {39881623},
issn = {1475-2670},
abstract = {The effect of Wolbachia on the viability and antimicrobial activity of the ectoparasitoid Habrobracon hebetor was evaluated in laboratory experiments. Two lines of the parasitoid, Wolbachia-infected (W+) and Wolbachia-free (W-), were used. Parasitoid larvae were fed with a host orally infected with a sublethal dose of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and on the host uninfected with Bt. Parasitoid survival was assessed at developmental stages from second-instar larvae to adults. At all developmental stages, there were no statistically significant differences in survival between lines W+ and W-, regardless of host Bt infection. In both W+ and W- lines, the expression of lysozyme-like proteins, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and Hsp70 genes was analysed in fourth-instar larvae fed with an infected and uninfected host. In addition, lysozyme-like activity and antibacterial activity were evaluated. The expression of AMPs was significantly higher in W- larvae and did not get induced during the feeding on the Bt-infected host. mRNA expression of lysozyme-like proteins and lysozyme activity were significantly higher in W+ larvae than in W- larvae and did not get induced when the larvae were fed with the infected host. In whole-body homogenates of H. hebetor larvae fed with the uninfected host, antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis) was significantly higher in the W+ line and did not get induced during the feeding with the Bt-infected host. Therefore, there is no obvious immunostimulatory effect of Wolbachia in H. hebetor larvae when they feed on a host infected with an entomopathogenic bacterium.},
}

@article {pmid39865193,
year = {2025},
author = {Chavarria, X and Choi, JH and Oh, S and Kim, M and Kang, D and Lee, IY and Jang, YS and Yi, MH and Yong, TS and Kim, JY},
title = {Metabarcoding for the Monitoring of the Microbiome and Parasitome of Medically Important Mosquito Species in Two Urban and Semi-urban Areas of South Korea.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {3},
pages = {102},
pmid = {39865193},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {NRF-2020R1I1A2074562//National Research Foundation of Korea (KR)/ ; 6-2023-0065//Yonsei University College of Medicine/ ; HI23C1527//Ministry of Health and Welfare/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Republic of Korea ; *Microbiota ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Aedes/microbiology ; Culex/microbiology ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Interactions between microbial communities and the host can modulate mosquito biology, including vector competence. Therefore, future vector biocontrol measures will utilize these interactions and require extensive monitoring of the mosquito microbiome. Metabarcoding strategies will be useful for conducting vector monitoring on a large scale. We used 16S and 18S rRNA gene metabarcoding through iSeq100 sequencing to characterize the microbiome and eukaryome of Aedes albopictus (Skuse 1894) and Culex pipiens (Linnaeus 1758), two globally important vectors present in South Korea. Mosquitoes were collected from an urban and a semi-urban location in South Korea. Bacterial alpha and beta diversities varied by population. Pseudomonadota dominated the microbiomes of both species. The microbiome composition varied by population and was dominated by different taxa. At the genus level, Wolbachia sp. was the most enriched genus in Cx. pipiens, followed by Aeromonas sp. In Ae. Albopictus, the most abundant group was Enterococcus sp. The gregarine parasite Ascogregarina taiwanensis was highly prevalent in Ae. Albopictus and its absence was marked by the presence of seven bacterial taxa. To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of the microbiome of Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens in these regions of South Korea and contributes to the current information on the microbiome of mosquito species, which can be used in further studies to assess pathogen-microbiome and microbiome-microbiome interactions.},
}

Animals
Republic of Korea
*Microbiota
*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Aedes/microbiology
Culex/microbiology
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics

@article {pmid39859599,
year = {2024},
author = {Fallon, AM},
title = {Resistance of Wolbachia to Trimethoprim: Insights into Genes Encoding Dihydrofolate Reductase, Thymidylate Synthase and Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase in the Rickettsiales.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39859599},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Bacterial and eukaryotic dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzymes are essential for DNA synthesis and are differentially sensitive to the competitive inhibitors trimethoprim and methotrexate. Unexpectedly, trimethoprim did not reduce Wolbachia abundance, and the wStri DHFR homolog contained amino acid substitutions associated with trimethoprim resistance in E. coli. A phylogenetic tree showed good association of DHFR protein sequences with supergroup A and B assignments. In contrast, DHFR is not encoded by wFol (supergroup E) and wBm (supergroup D) or by genomes of the closely related genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neorickettsia, and possibly Orientia. In E. coli and humans, DHFR participates in a coupled reactions with the conventional thymidylate synthase (TS) encoded by thyA to produce the dTMP required for DNA synthesis. In contrast, Wolbachia and other Rickettsiales express the unconventional FAD-TS enzyme encoded by thyX, even when folA is present. The exclusive use of FAD-TS suggests that Wolbachia DHFR provides a supplementary rather than an essential function for de novo synthesis of dTMP, possibly reflecting the relative availability of, and competing demands for, FAD and NAD coenzymes in the diverse intracellular environments of its hosts. Whether encoded by thyA or thyX, TS produces dTMP by transferring a methyl group from methylene tetrahydrofolate to dUMP. In the Rickettsiales, serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SMHT), encoded by a conserved glyA gene, regenerates methylene tetrahydrofolate. Unlike thyA, thyX lacks a human counterpart and thus provides a potential target for the treatment of infections caused by pathogenic members of the Rickettsiales.},
}

@article {pmid39845033,
year = {2024},
author = {Luo, QC and Li, YY and Ren, YS and Yang, XH and Zhu, DH},
title = {Phage WO diversity and evolutionary forces associated with Wolbachia-infected crickets.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1499315},
pmid = {39845033},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Phage WO represents the sole bacteriophage identified to infect Wolbachia, exerting a range of impacts on the ecological dynamics and evolutionary trajectories of its host. Given the extensive prevalence of Wolbachia across various species, phage WO is likely among the most prolific phage lineages within arthropod populations. To examine the diversity and evolutionary dynamics of phage WO, we conducted a screening for the presence of phage WO in Wolbachia-infected cricket species from China.

METHODS: The presence of phage WO was detected using a PCR-based methodology. To elucidate the evolutionary forces driving phage WO diversity, analyses of intragenic recombination were conducted employing established recombination techniques, and horizontal transmission was investigated through comparative phylogenetic analysis of the phages and their hosts.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Out of 19 cricket species infected with Wolbachia, 18 species were found to harbor phage WO. Notably, 13 of these 18 cricket species hosted multiple phage types, with the number of types ranging from two to 10, while the remaining five species harbored a single phage type. Twelve horizontal transmission events of phage WO were identified, wherein common phage WO types were shared among different Wolbachia strains. Notably, each phage WO horizontal transfer event was associated with distinct Wolbachia supergroups, specifically supergroups A, B, and F. Previous studies have found that four Wolbachia strains infect two to five species of crickets. However, among these cricket species, in addition to the shared phage WO types, all harbored species-specific phage WO types. This suggests that Wolbachia in crickets may acquire phage WO types through horizontal viral transfer between eukaryotes, independent of Wolbachia involvement. Furthermore, nine putative recombination events were identified across seven cricket species harboring multiple phage types. These findings suggest that horizontal transmission and intragenic recombination have played a significant role in the evolution of the phage WO genome, effectively enhancing the diversity of phage WO associated with crickets.},
}

@article {pmid39840979,
year = {2025},
author = {Lejarre, Q and Scussel, S and Esnault, J and Gaudillat, B and Duployer, M and Mavingui, P and Tortosa, P and Cattel, J},
title = {Development of the Incompatible Insect Technique targeting Aedes albopictus: introgression of a wild nuclear background restores the performance of males artificially infected with Wolbachia.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {91},
number = {2},
pages = {e0235024},
pmid = {39840979},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {//Crédit Impôt Recherche-French Ministry of Research and Higher Education/ ; SEYWOL n{degree sign}:
REU004954//European Regional Development Fund - ERDF Interreg VI/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/physiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology ; Male ; Female ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/physiology/genetics ; Genetic Introgression ; Mosquito Control/methods ; Culex/microbiology/physiology ; Fertility ; },
abstract = {The bacterium Wolbachia pipientis is increasingly studied for its potential use in controlling insect vectors or pests due to its ability to induce Cytoplasmic Incompatibility (CI). CI can be exploited by establishing an opportunistic Wolbachia infection in a targeted insect species through trans-infection and then releasing the infected males into the environment as sterilizing agents. Several host life history traits (LHT) have been reported to be negatively affected by artificial Wolbachia infection. Wolbachia is often considered the causative agent of these detrimental effects, and the importance of the host's genetic origins in the outcome of trans-infection is generally overlooked. In this study, we investigated the impact of host genetic background using an Aedes albopictus line recently trans-infected with wPip from the Culex pipiens mosquito, which exhibited some fitness costs. We measured several LHTs including fecundity, egg hatch rate, and male mating competitiveness in the incompatible line after four rounds of introgression aiming at restoring genetic diversity in the nuclear genome. Our results show that introgression with a wild genetic background restored most fitness traits and conferred mating competitiveness comparable to that of wild males. Finally, we show that introgression leads to faster and stronger population suppression under laboratory conditions. Overall, our data support that the host genome plays a decisive role in determining the fitness of Wolbachia-infected incompatible males.IMPORTANCEThe bacterium Wolbachia pipientis is increasingly used to control insect vectors and pests through the Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) inducing a form of conditional sterility when a Wolbachia-infected male mates with an uninfected or differently infected female. Wolbachia artificial trans-infection has been repeatedly reported to affect mosquitoes LHTs, which may in turn compromise the efficiency of IIT. Using a tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) line recently trans-infected with a Wolbachia strain from Culex pipiens and displaying reduced fitness, we show that restoring genetic diversity through introgression significantly mitigated the fitness costs associated with Wolbachia trans-infection. This was further demonstrated through experimental population suppression, showing that introgression is required to achieve mosquito population suppression under laboratory conditions. These findings are significant for the implementation of IIT programs, as an increase in female fecundity and male performance improves mass rearing productivity as well as the sterilizing capacity of released males.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/physiology
*Wolbachia/genetics/physiology
Male
Female
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/physiology/genetics
Genetic Introgression
Mosquito Control/methods
Culex/microbiology/physiology
Fertility

@article {pmid39836703,
year = {2025},
author = {Sánchez-González, L and Crawford, JE and Adams, LE and Brown, G and Ryff, KR and Delorey, M and Ruiz-Valcarcel, J and Nazario, N and Borrero, N and Miranda, J and Mitchell, SN and Howell, PI and Ohm, JR and Behling, C and Wasson, B and Eldershaw, C and White, BJ and Rivera-Amill, V and Barrera, R and Paz-Bailey, G},
title = {Incompatible Aedes aegypti male releases as an intervention to reduce mosquito population-A field trial in Puerto Rico.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {e0012839},
pmid = {39836703},
issn = {1935-2735},
support = {U01 CK000580/CK/NCEZID CDC HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/virology/physiology ; Male ; Puerto Rico/epidemiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; *Mosquito Vectors/virology/microbiology ; Female ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Dengue/prevention & control/transmission/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Mosquito-transmitted viruses such as dengue are a global and growing public health challenge. Without widely available vaccines, mosquito control is the primary tool for fighting the spread of these viruses. New mosquito control technologies are needed to complement existing methods, given current challenges with scalability, acceptability, and effectiveness. A field trial was conducted in collaboration with the Communities Organized to Prevent Arboviruses project in Ponce, Puerto Rico, to measure entomological and epidemiological effects of reducing Aedes aegypti populations using Wolbachia incompatible insect technique. We packed and shipped Wolbachia-males from California and released them into 19 treatment clusters from September 2020 to December 2020. Preliminary evaluation revealed sub-optimal Wolbachia-male densities and impact on the wild-type population. In 2021, we shifted to a phased release strategy starting in four clusters, reducing the mosquito population by 49% (CI 29-63%). We describe the investigation into male quality and other factors that may have limited the impact of Wolbachia-male releases. Laboratory assays showed a small but significant impact of packing and shipping on male fitness. However, mark-release-recapture assessments suggest that male daily survival rates in the field may have been significantly impacted. We compared induced-sterility levels and suppression of the wild population and found patterns consistent with mosquito population compensation in response to our intervention. Analysis of epidemiological impact was not possible due to very low viral transmission rates during the intervention period. Our entomological impact data provide evidence that Wolbachia incompatible-male releases reduced Ae. aegypti populations, although efficacy will be maximized when releases are part of an integrated control program. With improvement of shipping vessels and shipped male fitness, packing and shipping male mosquitoes could provide a key solution for expanding access to this technology. Our project underscores the challenges involved in large and complex field effectiveness assessments of novel vector control methods.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/microbiology/virology/physiology
Male
Puerto Rico/epidemiology
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Mosquito Control/methods
*Mosquito Vectors/virology/microbiology
Female
Pest Control, Biological/methods
Dengue/prevention & control/transmission/epidemiology

@article {pmid39829853,
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 cytoplasmic incompatibility patterns.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39829853},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
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 correlations between the identity of gene variants and CI patterns. However, these correlations were limited to specific crosses, and it is still unknown whether cid gene polymorphism in males' and females' Wolbachia can explain and predict the wide range of crossing types 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 {pmid39824916,
year = {2025},
author = {Wong, WJ and Tan, CH and Verkaik, MG and Ng, LC and Hoffmann, AA and Chong, CS},
title = {Suppression of Aedes aegypti may not affect sympatric Aedes albopictus populations: findings from two years of entomological surveillance in Singapore.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {2253},
pmid = {39824916},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/physiology/virology ; Singapore ; *Mosquito Vectors/virology ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; Wolbachia/physiology ; Dengue/transmission/prevention & control ; Dengue Virus/physiology ; },
abstract = {Globally, multiple trials have successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of novel tools, such as the sterile and incompatible insect techniques, in suppressing Aedes aegypti populations. However, there is concern that Aedes albopictus, another arbovirus-competent vector, may occupy the niches vacated by Ae. aegypti in areas where these species occur in sympatry. Here we investigate these concerns within the context of a Wolbachia-based Ae. aegypti suppression programme in highly urban Singapore, where general mosquito management is sustained through environmental management. Using nationally representative and longitudinal Aedes surveillance data, we show (1) no consistent association of increase in Ae. albopictus abundance with Ae. aegypti population suppression within Wolbachia-Aedes release sites, and (2) no significant change in the vertical spatial distribution of Ae. albopictus in high-rise residential apartment blocks even after two years of Ae. aegypti suppression. Finally, we report that dengue viruses were less prevalent in field Ae. albopictus than in Ae. aegypti, which is consistent with previous findings that Ae. albopictus is a lesser vector than Ae. aegypti in Singapore. Together, these results indicate that suppression of Ae. aegypti in the community may not be directly associated with any increase of Ae. albopictus population or capacity. Nonetheless, the risk of increase in Ae. albopictus population is anticipated if the reduction in disease transmission leads to less aggressive source reduction efforts and environmental management for mosquito control.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/physiology/virology
Singapore
*Mosquito Vectors/virology
*Mosquito Control/methods
Wolbachia/physiology
Dengue/transmission/prevention & control
Dengue Virus/physiology

@article {pmid39819374,
year = {2025},
author = {Asselin, A and Johnson, K},
title = {The infectivity of virus particles from Wolbachia-infected Drosophila.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {25},
pmid = {39819374},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/virology ; *Dicistroviridae/physiology/pathogenicity ; *Virus Replication ; Nodaviridae/physiology/pathogenicity ; Virion ; Symbiosis ; Female ; Insect Viruses/physiology/pathogenicity ; },
abstract = {Viruses transmitted by arthropods pose a huge risk to human health. Wolbachia is an endosymbiotic bacterium that infects various arthropods and can block the viral replication cycle of several medically important viruses. As such, it has been successfully implemented in vector control strategies against mosquito-borne diseases, including Dengue virus. Whilst the mechanisms behind Wolbachia-mediated viral blocking are not fully characterised, it was recently shown that viruses grown in the presence of Wolbachia in some Dipteran cell cultures are less infectious than those grown in the absence of Wolbachia. Here, we investigate the breadth of this mechanism by determining if Wolbachia reduces infectivity in a different system at a different scale. To do this, we looked at Wolbachia's impact on insect viruses from two diverse virus families within the whole organism Drosophila melanogaster. Drosophila C virus (DCV; Family Dicistroviridae) and Flock House virus (FHV; Famliy Nodaviridae) were grown in adult D. melanogaster flies with and without Wolbachia strain wMelPop. Measures of the physical characteristics, infectivity, pathogenicity, and replicative properties of progeny virus particles did not identify any impact of Wolbachia on either DCV or FHV. Therefore, there was no evidence that changes in infectivity contribute to Wolbachia-mediated viral blocking in this system. Overall, this is consistent with growing evidence that the mechanisms behind Wolbachia viral blocking are dependent on the unique tripartite interactions occurring between the host, the Wolbachia strain, and the infecting virus.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/virology
*Dicistroviridae/physiology/pathogenicity
*Virus Replication
Nodaviridae/physiology/pathogenicity
Virion
Symbiosis
Female
Insect Viruses/physiology/pathogenicity

@article {pmid39809813,
year = {2025},
author = {Mewis, V and Wendt, M and Schmitt, T},
title = {Phylogeographic analyses reveal recent dispersal and multiple Wolbachia infections of the bright-eyed ringlet Erebia oeme within the European mountain systems.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {1956},
pmid = {39809813},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Animals ; *Phylogeography ; *Phylogeny ; Europe ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {The genus Erebia comprises numerous species in Europe. Due to preference of cold environments, most species have disjunct distributions in the European mountain systems. However, their biogeographical patterns may differ significantly. The Bright-eyed ringlet Erebia oeme is widespread in high-altitude grasslands of the European high mountains, hence showing a disjunct distribution pattern. Over its distribution, E. oeme shows high morphological variability indicating pronounced intraspecific differentiation. We analysed two mitochondrial (COI, Cytb) and eight nuclear markers as well as the Wolbachia surface protein-coding gene (WSP). A total of four lineages were identified: two Balkan lineages, one Slovenian lineage as well as one lineage containing all other individuals (Alps, Massif Central, Pyrenees). COI data only indicate a fifth lineage in the southern Carpathians. The region of origin of E. oeme is most likely the western Balkans. From here, E. oeme spread to the eastern Balkan area and further to the southern Carpathians as well as to Slovenia, from where it rapidly crossed the Alps to Massif Central and Pyrenees. Wolbachia was found to be highly prevalent with multiple strains, partly within one population. However, recent Wolbachia impact on the mitochondrial DNA and consequently influence on the intraspecific genetic structure was not detected.},
}

*Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Animals
*Phylogeography
*Phylogeny
Europe
DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
Genetic Variation

@article {pmid39794995,
year = {2024},
author = {Glowska-Patyniak, E and Kaszewska-Gilas, K and Laniecka, I and Olechnowicz, J and Ostrowska, K and Dmuchowska, W and Schmidt, BK and Hubert, J and Trzebny, A},
title = {First Detection of Wolbachia in Namibian Bird Ectoparasites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) with a Description of New Quill Mite Species.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39794995},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {UMO-2021/03/Y/NZ8/00060//National Science Centre of Poland/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a common intracellular bacterial genus that infects numerous arthropods and filarial nematodes. In arthropods, it typically acts as a reproductive parasite, leading to various phenotypic effects such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, parthenogenesis, feminization, or male-killing. Quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) are a group of bird parasites that have recently attracted increasing interest due to the detection of unique phylogenetic lineages of endosymbiotic bacteria and potentially pathogenic taxa. Our study used an unbiased 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing approach to examine several populations of Namibian quill mites for the presence of bacteria that could affect their biology. We detected Wolbachia in two mite populations collected from two species of larks. However, we did not find any other endosymbiotic bacteria or any that could be of epidemiological importance. Since the mite taxa we tested were previously unknown to science, we conducted comprehensive morphological and molecular systematic analyses on them. Our research revealed two new quill mite species of the genus Syringophilopsis Kethley, 1970 which parasitize three sub-Saharan alaudids, i.e., Syringophilopsis erythrochlamys sp. n. from the dune lark Calendulauda erythrochlamys (Strickland, HE) and S. christinae sp. n. from the Karoo long-billed lark Certhilauda subcoronata (Smith) and spike-heeled lark Chersomanes albofasciata (de Lafresnaye, NFAA). In addition, we provided the African reed warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus (Vieillot, LJP) as a new host for S. acrocephali Skoracki, 1999. Our study expands the knowledge on parasite diversity and provides new insights into Wolbachia infection among quill mites in Africa.},
}

@article {pmid39773184,
year = {2025},
author = {Ribeiro, P and Butenko, A and Linke, D and Ghanavi, HR and Meier, JI and Wahlberg, N and Matos-Maraví, P},
title = {Pervasive horizontal transmission of Wolbachia in natural populations of closely related and widespread tropical skipper butterflies.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {5},
pmid = {39773184},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {n.014/2022/P//Grantová Agentura Jihoceska Univerzita/ ; n.014/2022/P//Grantová Agentura Jihoceska Univerzita/ ; GACR 22-35084J//Grantová Agentura České Republiky/ ; GACR 22-35084J//Grantová Agentura České Republiky/ ; GACR 22-35084J//Grantová Agentura České Republiky/ ; 220540/Z/20/A/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Animals ; *Butterflies/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Phylogeny ; *Whole Genome Sequencing ; Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The endosymbiotic relationship between Wolbachia bacteria and insects has been of interest for many years due to their diverse types of host reproductive phenotypic manipulation and potential role in the host's evolutionary history and population dynamics. Even though infection rates are high in Lepidoptera and specifically in butterflies, and reproductive manipulation is present in these taxa, less attention has been given to understanding how Wolbachia is acquired and maintained in their natural populations, across and within species having continental geographical distributions.

RESULTS: We used whole genome sequencing data to investigate the phylogenetics, demographic history, and infection rate dynamics of Wolbachia in four species of the Spicauda genus of skipper butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae), a taxon that presents sympatric and often syntopic distribution, with drastic variability in species abundance in the Neotropical region. We show that infection is maintained by high turnover rates driven mainly by pervasive horizontal transmissions, while also presenting novel cases of double infection by distantly related supergroups of Wolbachia in S. simplicius.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Wolbachia population dynamics is host species-specific, with genetic cohesiveness across wide geographical distributions. We demonstrate that low coverage whole genome sequencing data can be used for an exhaustive assessment of Wolbachia infection in natural populations of butterflies, as well as its dynamics in closely related host species. This ultimately leads to a better understanding of the endosymbiotic population dynamics of Wolbachia and its effects on the host's biology and evolution.},
}

*Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Animals
*Butterflies/microbiology
*Symbiosis
*Phylogeny
*Whole Genome Sequencing
Genome, Bacterial/genetics

@article {pmid39772178,
year = {2024},
author = {Branda, F and Cella, E and Scarpa, F and Slavov, SN and Bevivino, A and Moretti, R and Degafu, AL and Pecchia, L and Rizzo, A and Defilippo, F and Moreno, A and Ceccarelli, G and Alcantara, LCJ and Ferreira, A and Ciccozzi, M and Giovanetti, M},
title = {Wolbachia-Based Approaches to Controlling Mosquito-Borne Viral Threats: Innovations, AI Integration, and Future Directions in the Context of Climate Change.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {16},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {39772178},
issn = {1999-4915},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; *Climate Change ; Animals ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology ; *Vector Borne Diseases/prevention & control/transmission ; Humans ; Zika Virus Infection/prevention & control/transmission ; Culicidae/virology/microbiology ; Dengue/prevention & control/transmission ; Aedes/microbiology/virology ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia-based mosquito control strategies have gained significant attention as a sustainable approach to reduce the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. These endosymbiotic bacteria can limit the ability of mosquitoes to transmit pathogens, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemical-based interventions. With the growing impact of climate change on mosquito population dynamics and disease transmission, Wolbachia interventions represent an adaptable and resilient strategy for mitigating the public health burden of vector-borne diseases. Changes in temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns can alter mosquito breeding habitats and extend the geographical range of disease vectors, increasing the urgency for effective control measures. This review highlights innovations in Wolbachia-based mosquito control and explores future directions in the context of climate change. It emphasizes the integration of Wolbachia with other biological approaches and the need for multidisciplinary efforts to address climate-amplified disease risks. As ecosystems shift, Wolbachia interventions could be crucial in reducing mosquito-borne diseases, especially in vulnerable regions. AI integration in Wolbachia research presents opportunities to enhance mosquito control strategies by modeling ecological data, predicting mosquito dynamics, and optimizing intervention outcomes. Key areas include refining release strategies, real-time monitoring, and scaling interventions. Future opportunities lie in advancing AI-driven approaches for integrating Wolbachia with other vector control measures, promoting adaptive, data-driven responses to climate-amplified disease transmission.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology
*Climate Change
Animals
*Mosquito Control/methods
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology
*Vector Borne Diseases/prevention & control/transmission
Humans
Zika Virus Infection/prevention & control/transmission
Culicidae/virology/microbiology
Dengue/prevention & control/transmission
Aedes/microbiology/virology
Ecosystem

@article {pmid39769589,
year = {2024},
author = {Martín-Park, A and Contreras-Perera, Y and Che-Mendoza, A and Pérez-Carrillo, S and Pavía-Ruz, N and Villegas-Chim, J and Trujillo-Peña, E and Bibiano-Marín, W and Medina-Barreiro, A and González-Olvera, G and Navarrete-Carballo, J and Puerta-Guardo, H and Ayora-Talavera, G and Delfín-González, H and Palacio-Vargas, J and Correa-Morales, F and Bezerra, HSDS and Coelho, G and Vazquez-Prokopec, G and Xi, Z and Manrique-Saide, P and Gómez-Dantes, H},
title = {Recommendations for Implementing Innovative Technologies to Control Aedes aegypti: Population Suppression Using a Combination of the Incompatible and Sterile Insect Techniques (IIT-SIT), Based on the Mexican Experience/Initiative.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {39769589},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {001/WHO_/World Health Organization/International ; AID-OAA-F-16-00082//U.S. Agency for International Development/ ; APS-7200AA20APS00013//U.S. Agency for International Development/ ; YUC201703-01-556//Fondo Mixto Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT) (México)-Gobierno del Es-tado de Yucatán/ ; },
abstract = {The future of Aedes aegypti control emphasizes the transition from traditional insecticides toward more sustainable and multisectoral integrated strategies, like using Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes for population suppression or replacement. We reviewed the integration of the successful Mexican initiative, "Mosquitos Buenos", with the key challenges outlined in the PAHO guidelines for incorporating innovative approaches into vector control programs. These challenges include establishing essential infrastructure, training personnel, managing field operations, and fostering community support. Our experience provides critical evidence to support the strategic National Plan for implementing and integrating IIT-SIT technologies to control Ae. aegypti and dengue. Furthermore, this experience serves as a foundation for other countries in the region interested in adopting these technologies. It underscores the importance of strategic planning, multisectoral collaboration, continuous evaluation, and scaling up innovative tools to ensure their long-term effectiveness and sustainability in urban areas where Aedes vectors and the diseases they transmit are endemic.},
}

@article {pmid39763920,
year = {2024},
author = {Arnce, LR and Bubnell, JE and Aquadro, CF},
title = {Comparative Analysis of Drosophila Bam and Bgcn Sequences and Predicted Protein Structural Evolution.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39763920},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R01 GM095793/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The protein encoded by the Drosophila melanogaster gene bag of marbles (bam) plays an essential role in early gametogenesis by complexing with the gene product of benign gonial cell neoplasm (bgcn) to promote germline stem cell daughter differentiation in males and females. Here, we compared the AlphaFold2 and AlphaFold Multimer predicted structures of Bam protein and the Bam:Bgcn protein complex between D. melanogaster, D. simulans, and D. yakuba, where bam is necessary in gametogenesis to that in D. teissieri, where it is not. Despite significant sequence divergence, we find very little evidence of significant structural differences in high confidence regions of the structures across the four species. This suggests that Bam structure is unlikely to be a direct cause of its functional differences between species and that Bam may simply not be integrated in an essential manner for GSC differentiation in D. teissieri. Patterns of positive selection and significant amino acid diversification across species is consistent with the Selection, Pleiotropy, and Compensation (SPC) model, where detected selection at bam is consistent with adaptive change in one major trait followed by positively selected compensatory changes for pleiotropic effects (in this case perhaps preserving structure). In the case of bam, we suggest that the major trait could be genetic interaction with the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia pipientis. Following up on detected signals of positive selection and comparative structural analysis could provide insight into the distribution of a primary adaptive change versus compensatory changes following a primary change.},
}

@article {pmid39755093,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, T and Zhang, Y and Sun, W and Li, Q and Huang, X and Zhi, D and Zi, H and Ji, R and Long, Y and Gong, C and Yang, Y},
title = {The symbiont Wolbachia increases resistance to bifenthrin in Ectropis grisescens by regulating the host detoxification function.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety},
volume = {289},
number = {},
pages = {117666},
doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.117666},
pmid = {39755093},
issn = {1090-2414},
mesh = {Animals ; *Pyrethrins/toxicity ; *Wolbachia/physiology/drug effects ; *Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; *Moths/drug effects/microbiology/physiology ; *Insecticides/toxicity ; *Symbiosis ; Inactivation, Metabolic ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism/genetics ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/toxicity ; China ; },
abstract = {The global issue of insecticide resistance among pests is a major concern. Ectropis grisescens Warren (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), is a highly destructive leaf-eating pest distributed in tea plantations throughout China and Japan, and has exhibited resistance to various insecticides. Recent studies suggest that insect symbionts play a role in influencing insecticide resistance, however, their specific involvement in E. grisescens remains unclear. Here, we initially selected appropriate antibiotic mixtures at a concentration of 300 μg ml[-1]. The bioassay results showed that the insecticide susceptibility of the E. grisescens population treated with antibiotic mixtures significantly increased exposed to bifenthrin. Comparative analysis revealed that the LC50 value, survival rate, P450 enzyme activity, and relative content of Wolbachia in the E. grisescens population treated with 300 μg ml[-1] tetracycline were notably lower than those treated with other antibiotics (ampicillin, gentamicin, and streptomycin). Moreover, the population treated with 2.5 mg ml[-1] tetracycline exhibited even greater reductions in these parameters than the 300 μg ml[-1] tetracycline-treated group. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing results showed a significant decrease in xenobiotics metabolism by cytochrome P450 in the E. grisescens population treated with 2.5 mg ml[-1] tetracycline. Transcriptome analysis showed a significant down-regulation of two cytochrome P450 genes in E. grisescens population without Wolbachia. These results suggest that Wolbachia may contribute to the resistance of E. grisescens to bifenthrin by regulating cytochrome P450 genes, providing a foundation for further study on the mechanism of symbiont-mediated host detoxification metabolism in insect pests.},
}

Animals
*Pyrethrins/toxicity
*Wolbachia/physiology/drug effects
*Insecticide Resistance/genetics
*Moths/drug effects/microbiology/physiology
*Insecticides/toxicity
*Symbiosis
Inactivation, Metabolic
Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism/genetics
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/toxicity
China

@article {pmid39747462,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, K and Vu, ED and Ghosh, S and Mishra, R and Bonning, BC},
title = {Continuous cell lines derived from the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, harbor viruses and Wolbachia.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {124},
pmid = {39747462},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2022-70029-38506//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/virology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Cell Line ; *Citrus/microbiology ; Plant Diseases/microbiology/virology ; },
abstract = {The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is a major pest of global citriculture. In the Americas and in Asia, D. citri vectors the phloem-limited bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), which causes the fatal citrus disease huanglongbing, or citrus greening. Cell lines derived from D. citri can provide insight into both the basic biology of this pest and D. citri-associated pathogens including CLas. We previously identified CLG#2 as the optimal medium for long-term growth of D. citri primary cell cultures. Here we report on the establishment and characterization of three continuous D. citri cell lines, Dici1, Dici3, and Dici5, that have been passaged for > 40 times. Based on morphological and transcriptomic data, the Dici1 and Dici3 cell lines include undifferentiated and neurogenic progenitor cells. Dici1 and Dici5 are infected with Wolbachia. Both Dici1 and Dici5 are infected with D. citri reovirus, and Dici5 is also infected with D. citri-associated C virus. Dici3 is free of both Wolbachia and virus infection. These cell lines provide an ideal platform for the study of inter-microbial relationships as well as microbe interaction with host insect cells.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/microbiology/virology
*Wolbachia/physiology
Cell Line
*Citrus/microbiology
Plant Diseases/microbiology/virology

@article {pmid39740726,
year = {2025},
author = {Bhattacharyya, J and Roelke, DL},
title = {Wolbachia-based mosquito control: Environmental perspectives on population suppression and replacement strategies.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {262},
number = {},
pages = {107517},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107517},
pmid = {39740726},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; Animals ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; Culicidae/microbiology ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Vector Borne Diseases/prevention & control/transmission ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant threat to global health, and traditional mosquito control methods often fall short of effectiveness. A promising alternative is the biological control strategy of transinfecting mosquitoes with Wolbachia, a bacterium capable of outcompeting harmful pathogens and reducing the ability of mosquitoes to transmit diseases. However, Wolbachia infections are sensitive to abiotic environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, which can affect their densities in mosquitoes and, consequently, their ability to block pathogens. This review evaluates the effectiveness of different Wolbachia strains transinfected into mosquitoes in reducing mosquito-borne diseases. It explores how Wolbachia contributes to mosquito population control and pathogen interference, highlighting the importance of mathematical models in understanding Wolbachia transmission dynamics. Additionally, the review addresses the potential impact on arboviral transmission and the challenges posed by environmental fluctuations in mosquito control programs.},
}

*Wolbachia/physiology
Animals
*Mosquito Control/methods
Culicidae/microbiology
Mosquito Vectors/microbiology
Pest Control, Biological/methods
Vector Borne Diseases/prevention & control/transmission
Humans

@article {pmid39739581,
year = {2025},
author = {Kagemann, CH and Bubnell, JE and Colocho, GM and Arana, DC and Aquadro, CF},
title = {Wolbachia pipientis modulates germline stem cells and gene expression associated with ubiquitination and histone lysine trimethylation to rescue fertility defects in Drosophila.},
journal = {Genetics},
volume = {229},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {39739581},
issn = {1943-2631},
support = {S10 OD018516/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; R01-GM095793/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; RRID:SCR_021741//BRC/ ; //Cornell/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology ; *Drosophila Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Ubiquitination ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/genetics ; *Histones/metabolism ; Female ; *Lysine/metabolism ; Germ Cells/metabolism ; Methylation ; Fertility ; Stem Cells/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia pipientis are maternally transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria commonly found in arthropods and nematodes. These bacteria manipulate reproduction of the host to increase their transmission using mechanisms, such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, that favor infected female offspring. The underlying mechanisms of reproductive manipulation by W. pipientis remain unresolved. Interestingly, W. pipientis infection partially rescues female fertility in flies containing hypomorphic mutations of bag of marbles (bam) in Drosophila melanogaster, which plays a key role in germline stem cell daughter differentiation. Using RNA-seq, we find that W. pipientis infection in bam hypomorphic females results in differential expression of many of bam's genetic and physical interactors and enrichment of ubiquitination and histone lysine methylation genes. We find that W. pipientis also rescues the fertility and germline stem cell functions of a subset of these genes when knocked down with RNAi in a wild-type bam genotype. Our results show that W. pipientis interacts with ubiquitination and histone lysine methylation genes which could be integral to the mechanism by which W. pipientis modulates germline stem cell gene function.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/genetics/physiology
*Drosophila Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Ubiquitination
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/genetics
*Histones/metabolism
Female
*Lysine/metabolism
Germ Cells/metabolism
Methylation
Fertility
Stem Cells/metabolism

@article {pmid39738989,
year = {2024},
author = {Bassini-Silva, R and Calchi, AC and Castro-Santiago, AC and Marocco, JC and Dorigoni, L and de Quadros, RM and André, MR and Barros-Battesti, DM and Dowling, APG and Labruna, MB and Jacinavicius, FC},
title = {Molecular evidence of Wolbachia in bat-associated mite Periglischrus Iheringi Oudemans, 1902 (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) from Brazil.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {49},
number = {1},
pages = {60},
pmid = {39738989},
issn = {1573-7446},
support = {2020/11755-6//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 2020/07826-5//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 2021/06758-9//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 2022/05615-2//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 2019/19853-0, 2024/01231-0//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; #303701/2021-8//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; #303802/2021-9//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 402575/2021-0//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Brazil ; *Mites/microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; *Chiroptera/microbiology/parasitology ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an intracellular endosymbiont bacterium found in nematodes and arthopods. Regarding mites, the Wolbachia supergroup U has been described based on strains found in the genus Spinturnix. In this study, ten specimens of Periglischrus iheringi (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae), collected from Artibeus obscurus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Santa Catarina State, were found to be infected with Wolbachia. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16 S rRNA gene revealed that the detected Wolbachia strain belongs to Supergroup F, which has also been detected in other ectoparasitic arthropods, such as Columbicola columbae (slender pigeon lice) and Cimex lectularius (bed bug). This study presents the first molecular detection of Wolbachia in P. iheringi.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation & purification/classification
Brazil
*Mites/microbiology
*Phylogeny
*Chiroptera/microbiology/parasitology
*RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics

@article {pmid39737459,
year = {2024},
author = {Ogunlade, ST and Adekunle, AI and McBryde, ES},
title = {Mitigating dengue transmission in Africa: the need for Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes' rollout.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1506072},
pmid = {39737459},
issn = {2296-2565},
}

@article {pmid39733938,
year = {2025},
author = {Angelella, GM and Foutz, JJ and Galindo-Schuller, J},
title = {Wolbachia infection modifies phloem feeding behavior but not plant virus transmission by a hemipteran host.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {160},
number = {},
pages = {104746},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104746},
pmid = {39733938},
issn = {1879-1611},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/virology/microbiology/physiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; *Phloem/virology ; Plant Diseases/microbiology/virology ; Geminiviridae/physiology ; Solanum tuberosum/microbiology/virology ; Plant Viruses/physiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia-infected and uninfected subpopulations of beet leafhoppers, Circulifer tenellus (Baker) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), co-occur in the Columbia Basin region of Washington and Oregon. While facultative endosymbionts such as Hamiltonella defensa have demonstrably altered feeding/probing behavior in hemipteran hosts, the behavioral phenotypes conferred by Wolbachia to its insect hosts, including feeding/probing, are largely understudied. We studied the feeding/probing behavior of beet leafhoppers with and without Wolbachia using electropenetrography, along with corresponding inoculation rates of beet curly top virus, a phloem-limited plant pathogen vectored by beet leafhoppers. Insects carrying the virus with and without Wolbachia were individually recorded for four hours while interacting with a potato plant, and wavelengths annotated following established conventions. Virus inoculation rates and the duration of phloem salivation events did not vary. Wolbachia-infected insects more than tripled the duration of phloem ingestion, but despite this, Wolbachia infection was linked with marginally lower, not enhanced, acquisition. Regardless, results suggest potential for Wolbachia to increase the acquisition rate of other phloem-limited plant pathogens.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/virology/microbiology/physiology
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Feeding Behavior
*Phloem/virology
Plant Diseases/microbiology/virology
Geminiviridae/physiology
Solanum tuberosum/microbiology/virology
Plant Viruses/physiology

@article {pmid39718247,
year = {2025},
author = {Santos, PKF and de Souza Araujo, N and Françoso, E and Werren, JH and Kapheim, KM and Arias, MC},
title = {The genome of the solitary bee Tetrapedia diversipes (Hymenoptera, Apidae).},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39718247},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {001//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; 306932/2016-4//CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 2013/12530-4//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)/ ; DEB1257053//USNSF/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bees/genetics/microbiology ; *Genome, Insect ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; Genomics/methods ; Wolbachia/genetics ; Phylogeny ; DNA Transposable Elements ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Tetrapedia diversipes is a Neotropical solitary bee commonly found in trap-nests, known for its morphological adaptations for floral oil collection and prepupal diapause during the cold and dry season. Here, we present the genome assembly of T. diversipes (332 Mbp), comprising 2,575 scaffolds, with 15,028 predicted protein-coding genes. Repetitive elements constitute 38.68% of the genome, notably Class II transposable elements. An investigation into lateral gene transfers identified a low frequency (0.037%) of nuclear copies of mitochondrial DNA and 18 candidate regions from bacterial origins. Furthermore, the annotation of 3 scaffolds reveals the presence of the Wolbachia endosymbiont genome, confirming the infection by 2 strains in T. diversipes populations. This genome contributes valuable insights into Neotropical bee genomics, offering a resource for comparative studies and enhancing our understanding of the molecular basis of solitary bee adaptations and interactions.},
}

Animals
Bees/genetics/microbiology
*Genome, Insect
Molecular Sequence Annotation
Genomics/methods
Wolbachia/genetics
Phylogeny
DNA Transposable Elements
Gene Transfer, Horizontal
Symbiosis/genetics

@article {pmid39717715,
year = {2024},
author = {Lai, CT and Hsiao, YT and Wu, LH},
title = {Evidence of horizontal transmission of Wolbachia wCcep in rice moths parasitized by Trichogramma chilonis and its persistence across generations.},
journal = {Frontiers in insect science},
volume = {4},
number = {},
pages = {1519986},
pmid = {39717715},
issn = {2673-8600},
abstract = {The horizontal transmission of endosymbionts between hosts and parasitoids plays a crucial role in biological control, yet its mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigates the dynamics of horizontal transfer of Wolbachia (wCcep) from the rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica, to its parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis. Through PCR detection and phylogenetic analysis, we demonstrated the presence of identical wCcep strains in both host and parasitoid populations, providing evidence for natural horizontal transmission. To investigate thoroughly, Wolbachia-free colonies were acquired through tetracycline treatment, and the initial density of wCcep in host eggs significantly influences transmission efficiency. High-density wCcep infections led to rapid transmission, with F1 parasitoid titers increasing by as much as 100-fold, while low-density infections exhibited more gradual increases. Additionally, without continuous exposure to infected hosts, wCcep density in T. chilonis diminished over generations. These findings enhance our understanding of Wolbachia's transfer dynamics and have important implications for developing effective and sustainable biological control strategies using parasitoid wasps, particularly in managing Wolbachia-related pest populations in agricultural systems.},
}

@article {pmid39716303,
year = {2024},
author = {da Moura, AJF and Tomaz, F and Melo, T and Seixas, G and Sousa, CA and Pinto, J},
title = {Vector competence of Culex quinquefasciatus from Santiago Island, Cape Verde, to West Nile Virus: exploring the potential effect of the vector native Wolbachia.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {536},
pmid = {39716303},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {UID/04413/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT)/ ; LA/P/0117/2020//LA-REAL/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Culex/virology/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology ; *West Nile virus/physiology ; Female ; *West Nile Fever/transmission/virology ; Cabo Verde ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Culex quinquefasciatus plays a crucial role as a vector of West Nile virus (WNV). This mosquito species is widely distributed in Cape Verde, being found in all inhabited islands of the archipelago. However, no data are currently available on the susceptibility of the local mosquito population to WNV. This study aimed to assess the vector competence of Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes from Santiago Island, Cape Verde, for WNV and to explore the potential impact of its native Wolbachia on virus transmission.

METHODS: Wolbachia-infected and uninfected Cx. quinquefasciatus female mosquitoes were exposed to WNV lineage 1 PT6.39 strain using a Hemotek membrane feeding system. Mosquito samples, including the body, legs, wings and saliva, were collected at days 7, 14 and 21 post-infection (dpi) to assess WNV infection through one-step quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR).

RESULTS: Culex quinquefasciatus from Cape Verde exhibited high susceptibility to the tested strain of WNV. Also, treated females without their native Wolbachia exhibited significantly higher WNV load in their bodies and greater dissemination rate at 7 dpi than their wild-type counterparts carrying Wolbachia.

CONCLUSIONS: The high susceptibility to WNV of Cx. quinquefasciatus from Cape Verde poses a potential risk for virus transmission in the archipelago. However, Wolbachia infection in this mosquito species seems to confer protection against WNV dissemination in the early stages of viral infection. Additional research is required to uncover the mechanisms driving this protection and its potential impact on WNV transmission.},
}

Animals
*Culex/virology/microbiology
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology
*West Nile virus/physiology
Female
*West Nile Fever/transmission/virology
Cabo Verde

@article {pmid39714171,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, G and Hussain, M and Qi, Z and Asgari, S},
title = {Role of Vigilin and RACK1 in dengue virus-Aedes aegypti-Wolbachia interactions.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {e0048224},
pmid = {39714171},
issn = {2379-5042},
support = {DP210101791//Department of Education and Training | Australian Research Council (ARC)/ ; },
mesh = {*Aedes/virology/microbiology/genetics/metabolism ; *Dengue Virus/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Receptors for Activated C Kinase/metabolism/genetics ; *Virus Replication ; *Wolbachia/genetics/metabolism/physiology ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Cell Line ; Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Humans ; Dengue/virology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Vigilin is a large and evolutionary conserved RNA-binding protein (RBP), which can interact with RNA through its KH domain. Vigilin is, therefore, a multifunctional protein reported to be associated with RNA transport and metabolism, sterol metabolism, chromosome segregation, carcinogenesis, and heterochromatin-mediated gene silencing. The receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) is another highly conserved protein involved in many cellular pathways. Functional studies in human cells indicated that RACK1 interacts with Vigilin to promote dengue virus (DENV) replication. Both proteins are associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we investigated the significance of Vigilin and RACK1 homologs in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes concerning DENV replication and Wolbachia infection. We identified the homologs of the two genes in Ae. aegypti (AeVigilin and AeRACK1), which were upregulated in DENV-infected Aag2 cells and mosquitoes, and silencing them in Aag2 cells resulted in reduced DENV replication. Co-immunoprecipitation showed that AeRACK1 and AeVigilin interact in mosquito cells. Interestingly, we also found upregulation of both genes in a Wolbachia-infected cell line (Aag2.wAlbB). Furthermore, silencing AeVigilin and AeRACK1 in Aag2.wAlbB cells reduced DENV replication but increased Wolbachia density. However, we did not find a significant effect on DENV replication after silencing both genes in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Overall, our results support the involvement and significance of AeVigilin and AeRACK1 in DENV replication in Ae. aegypti.IMPORTANCEDengue virus (DENV), transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, poses significant health risks. Identifying factors involved in the virus replication in mosquitoes and human hosts is essential for devising control measures. In this study, we show that Vigilin and the receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), two proteins shown to play a role in the replication of DENV in human cells, are induced in mosquitoes and cell lines following DENV replication. Both proteins reside in the cytoplasm, where they interact similarly to human cells. Silencing the genes in mosquito cells significantly reduced virus replication. Furthermore, we found that both genes are induced in mosquito cells transinfected with Wolbachia, a bacterium that blocks DENV replication. The results help better understand the role of the common factors supporting DENV replication in mosquitoes and human cells.},
}

*Aedes/virology/microbiology/genetics/metabolism
*Dengue Virus/physiology/genetics
Animals
*Receptors for Activated C Kinase/metabolism/genetics
*Virus Replication
*Wolbachia/genetics/metabolism/physiology
RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Cell Line
Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Humans
Dengue/virology/metabolism

@article {pmid39713442,
year = {2024},
author = {Njogu, AK and Logozzo, F and Conner, WR and Shropshire, JD},
title = {Counting rare Wolbachia endosymbionts using digital droplet PCR.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39713442},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is the most widespread animal-associated intracellular microbe, living within the cells of over half of insect species. Since they can suppress pathogen replication and spread rapidly through insect populations, Wolbachia is at the vanguard of public health initiatives to control mosquito-borne diseases. Wolbachia's abilities to block pathogens and spread quickly are closely linked to their abundance in host tissues. The most common method for counting Wolbachia is quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), yet qPCR can be insufficient to count rare Wolbachia, necessitating tissue pooling and consequently compromising individual-level resolution of Wolbachia dynamics. Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) offers superior sensitivity, enabling the detection of rare targets and eliminating the need for sample pooling. Here, we report three ddPCR assays to measure total Wolbachia abundance, Wolbachia abundance adjusted for DNA extraction efficiency, and Wolbachia density relative to host genome copies. Using Drosophila melanogaster with wMel Wolbachia as a model, we show these ddPCR assays can reliably detect as few as 7 to 12 Wolbachia gene copies in a 20 μL reaction. The designed oligos are homologous to sequences from at least 106 Wolbachia strains across Supergroup A and 53 host species from the Drosophila, Scaptomyza, and Zaprionus genera, suggesting broad utility. These highly sensitive ddPCR assays are expected to significantly advance Wolbachia-host interactions research by enabling the collection of molecular data from individual insect tissues. Their ability to detect rare Wolbachia will be especially valuable in applied and natural field settings where pooling samples could obscure important variation.},
}

@article {pmid39709001,
year = {2025},
author = {Mao, B and Wang, YY and Li, SY and Fu, Y and Xiao, YL and Wang, YF},
title = {A potential role for the interaction of Wolbachia surface proteins with the Drosophila microtubulin in maintenance of endosymbiosis and affecting spermiogenesis.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {160},
number = {},
pages = {104743},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104743},
pmid = {39709001},
issn = {1879-1611},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Spermatogenesis ; *Symbiosis ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology ; Male ; *Drosophila Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Testis/microbiology/metabolism ; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, as a widely infected intracellular symbiotic bacterium in Arthropoda, is able to manipulate the reproduction of insect hosts for facilitating their own transmission. Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is the most common phenotype that Wolbachia induced in insect hosts where they resulted in the failure of uninfected egg hatch when fertilized with the sperm derived from Wolbachia-infected males, suggesting that the sperm are modified by Wolbachia during spermatogenesis. Although the molecular mechanisms of CI are beginning to be understood, the effects of Wolbachia on the symbiotic relationship and the proper dynamics of spermatogenesis have not yet been fully investigated. We report here that Wolbachia infection induced a significant upregulation of betaTub85D in the testis of Drosophila melanogaster. Knockdown of betaTub85D in fly testes resulted in significant decrease in the copy number of Wolbachia surface protein gene (wsp), indicating a notable reduction of Wolbachia density. Pull-down analyses revealed that WSP interacted with the betaTub85D of D. melanogaster. Wolbachia infection altered the interactome between betaTub85D and other proteins in the testes, and may thus change the protein synthesis and metabolic pathways. Wolbachia infection induced not only an interaction of betaTub85D with Mst77F but also increase in phosphorylated Mst77F. These results suggest that Wolbachia WSP protein might play important roles in anchoring the endosymbiont to the host's cytoskeleton and consequently interfere the interactions among key proteins involved in spermatogenesis in the insect host testes, resulting in modified sperm.},
}

Animals
*Wolbachia/physiology
*Spermatogenesis
*Symbiosis
*Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology
Male
*Drosophila Proteins/metabolism/genetics
Testis/microbiology/metabolism
Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid39703404,
year = {2024},
author = {Huang, K and Zhang, X and Xiong, N and Sun, L and Zhao, X and Zhou, K and Wu, J},
title = {First metagenomic sequencing for the analysis of microbial community populations of adults and pupae of Melophagus ovinus in Xinjiang, China.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {1462772},
pmid = {39703404},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Melophagus ovinus, a parasite on the body surface of sheep, directly attacks the host through biting and sucking blood and may also transmit pathogens in the process. There are currently only a few studies on the microbial composition of M. ovinus, while there are no such studies on pupae.

METHODS: In this study, samples AT-1 to AT-4 each contained four M. ovinus individuals, while sample AT-5 comprised four M. ovinus pupae, all used for metagenomic sequencing and analysis. Melophagus ovinus adults and pupae were collected from four regions in Xinjiang, China. DNA was extracted from the samples, amplified, and sequenced using the Illumina Novaseq 6000 System; finally, the sequencing data were analyzed using molecular biology software.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: From all samples, a total of 32 phyla, comprising 372 genera and 1,037 species, were detected. The highest microbial diversity was observed in Kuqa City (AT-2) and Qira County (AT-4). Pupae exhibited 40 unique microbial genera (AT-5) but did not have the highest microbial diversity. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum in all samples. The dominant genera included Bartonella, Wolbachia, Pseudomonas, and Arsenophonus. This is the first study to report most of the bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas versuta and Arsenophonus nasoniae), fungi (e.g., Saitoella complicata), viruses (e.g., Orf virus and Wolbachia phage WO), and protozoa (e.g., Trypanosoma theileri and Babesia bigemina) in M. ovinus. This study has enriched the microbial diversity data of M. ovinus, and the pathogens it carries may pose a threat to public health safety and the economy of related industries, necessitating further research to develop effective biological control strategies.},
}