Wolbachia infection and genotyping in Aedes albopictus / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo investigate the infection and genotypes of Wolbachia in Aedes albopictus. MethodsAdult and larval samples of Aedes albopictus were collected from different residential and wild areas from 2020 to 2021， Wolbachia surface protein （wsp） gene was amplified and genotyped for wAlbA and wAlbB by PCR， and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. The difference of detection rate among different habitats， male and female adult mosquitoes， adult and larvae was compared by χ2 analysis. ResultsThe detection rate of Wolbachia in adult and larvae of Aedes albopictus were 43.5% （77/177） and 70.4% （190/270）， respectively， with a statistically significant difference （χ2=32.086，P<0.001）， and wAlbA and wAlbB were mainly detected together. The detection rate of Wolbachia in female and male Aedes albopictus were 50.7% （76/150） and 3.7% （1/27）， respectively， with a statistically significant difference（χ2=20.533，P<0.001）. The detection rate of adult Aedes albopictus in Songjiang wild area， residential area and Hongkou residential area were 91.7% （55/60）， 18.8% （22/117） and 41.7% （30/72）， respectively， with a statistically significant difference （χ2=54.322，P<0.001）. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis showed that adult and larvae of Aedes albopictus infected with Wolbachia were mainly wAlb A and wAlb B. In addition， some sequences formed clades independently， and the genetic distance from other sequences was relatively large. ConclusionInfection of Wolbachia in Aedes albopictus is relatively common in Songjiang District. The main genotypes are wAlb A and wAlb B and there may be other subtypes， which are worthy of further exploration and research.

Parasitoid complex of legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on different pulses

The spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius is an important herbivore of major pulses and vegetable legumes in India and the chemical pesticides are major contributors for its management. In order to have an idea on other alternative management tools, the present studies were carried out on the availability of parasitoids and its genetic variation. Totally, four larval parasitoids viz., Bassus sp., Trathala flavoorbitalis Cameron, Phanerotoma hendecasisella Cameron and an undetermined Braconid wasp were recorded on M. vitrata larva. The occurrence of P. hendecasisella was reported for the first time from Tamil Nadu, India. The Bassus sp. was found to be dominant with the parasitism of 3.0 to 12.7% in different pulses and total parasitism of four parasitoids was maximum in pigeonpea (16.1 %). Total parasitism had a positive relationship with number of webbings on cowpea. The larval parasitoids Bassus sp. and braconid wasp (undetermined) yielded specific fragments (~800 bp) with mitochondrial COI primer. Presence of Wolbachia was confirmed in all four larval parasitoids with the amplicons size between 600 and 650 bp. Present study clearly indicated the close proximity of Bassus sp. on M. vitrata than other parasitoids studied. Hence, it gives way for further insights on suitability, mass culturing and development for sustainable management of this insect pest.

Dengue control in the State of Goiás-Brazil using "wMel Wolbachia": a cost-effectiveness study

Dengue and other arboviruses have a considerable economic impact in Brazil. There are vector control strategies for dengue: traditional control with pesticides, Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) with "wMel Wolbachia", and Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Objective: To analyze the cost-effectiveness ratio of the IIT/SIT strategy, compared to traditional vector control with pesticides, for dengue prevention from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System (BPHS) as the payer and from the societal perspective in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Methods: The two strategies were compared using a decision tree model developed in Amua® software. All estimated parameters were derived from published articles or SUS information systems. The willingness-to-pay threshold (WTP), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), years of life gained, costs, incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), and incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs) were adopted as study outcomes and parameters. We conducted deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Results: Form the BPHS perspective, the IIT-SIT strategy is cost-effective, with an ICUR of R$ 72,200 per QALY gained, which is lower than the WTP of R$ 122,064.30/QALY gained. From the societal perspective, the IIT-SIT strategy is dominant (cheaper and more effective than traditional vector control). Sensitivity analyses showed that these results are reliable. Conclusion: In the state of Goiás, Brazil, the IIT/SIT strategy is cost-effective from the perspective of BPHS and dominant from the societal perspective, when compared to traditional vector control

A dengue e demais arboviroses têm impacto econômico considerável no Brasil. Há estratégias para controle vetorial da dengue: controle vetorial tradicional com pesticidas; Técnica do Inseto Incompatível (TII) com "wMel Wolbachia" e Técnica do Inseto Estéril (TIE). Objetivo: Analisar a razão de custo-efetividade da estratégia de TII/TIE, comparada ao controle vetorial tradicional com pesticidas, para prevenção da dengue, na perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) como pagador e na perspectiva societal no Estado de Goiás, Brasil. Métodos: As duas estratégias foram comparadas usando um modelo de árvore de decisão desenvolvido no software Amua®. Todos os parâmetros estimados foram derivados de artigos publicados ou dos sistemas de informação do SUS. Limite de disposição para pagar (LDAP), Anos de vida ajustados pela qualidade (QALYs), anos de vida ganho, custos e razões de custo-efetividade incremental (RCEI) e custo-utilidade incremental (RCUI) foram adotados como desfechos e parâmetros do estudo. Análises de sensibilidade determinísticas e probabilísticas foram conduzidas. Resultados: Na perspectiva do SUS como pagador, a estratégia de TII-TIE é custo-efetiva, com RCUI de R$ 72,2 mil reais por QALY ganho, que é inferior ao LDAP de R$ 122.064,30/QALY ganho. Na perspectiva societal, a estratégia de TII-TIE é dominante (mais barata e mais efetiva que o controle vetorial tradicional). As análises de sensibilidade mostraram que esses resultados são confiáveis. Conclusão: No Estado de Goiás, Brasil, a estratégia de TII/TIE parece ser custo-efetiva na perspectiva do SUS e dominante na perspectiva societal, quando comparada ao controle vetorial tradicional

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Wolbachia infection in common mosquito species in Henan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the infection and genotypes of Wolbachia in common mosquito species in Henan Province, so as to provide insights into management of mosquito-borne diseases. Methods Aedes, Culex and Anopheles samples were collected from cowsheds, sheepfolds and human houses in Puyang, Nanyang City and Xuchang cities of Henan Province from July to September, 2022, and the infection of Wolbachia was detected. The 16S rDNA and wsp genes of Wolbachia were amplified and sequenced. Sequence alignment was performed using the BLAST software, and the obtained 16S rDNA gene sequence was compared with the sequence of the 16S rDNA gene in GenBank database. In addition, the phylogenetic trees were created based on 16S rDNA and wsp gene sequences using the software MEGA 11.0. Results A total 506 female adult mosquitoes were collected from three sampling sites in Nanyang, Xuchang City and Puyang cities from July to September, 2022. The overall detection of Wolbachia was 45.1% (228/506) in mosquitoes, with a higher detection rate in A. albopictus than in Cx. pipiens pallens [97.9% (143/146) vs. 50.6% (85/168); χ2 = 88.064, P < 0.01]. The detection of Wolbachia in Cx. pipiens pallens was higher in Xuchang City (96.8%, 62/64) than in Nanyang (15.6%, 7/45) and Puyang cities (27.1%, 16/59) (χ2 = 89.950, P < 0.01). The homologies of obtained Wolbachia 16S rDNA and wsp gene sequences were 95.3% to 100.0% and 81.7% to 99.8%. Phylogenetic analysis based on wsp gene sequences showed Wolbachia supergroups A and B in mosquito samples, with wAlbA and wMors strains in supergroup A and wPip and wAlbB strains in supergroup B. Wolbachia strain wAlbB infection was detected in A. albopictus in Puyang and Nanyang Cities, while Wolbachia strain wPip infection was identified in A. albopictus in Xuchang City. Wolbachia strain wAlbA infection was detected in Cx. pipiens pallens sampled from three cities, and one Cx. pipiens pallens was found to be infected with Wolbachia strain wMors in Nanyang City. Conclusions Wolbachia infection is commonly prevalent in Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens pallens from Henan Province, and Wolbachia strains wAlbB and wAlbA are predominant in Ae. albopictus, while wPip strain is predominant in Cx. pipiens pallens. This is the first report to present Wolbachia wMors strain infection in Cx. pipiens pallens in Henan Province.

Mosquito larva distribution and natural Wolbachia infection in campus areas of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Objective: To determine the prevalence of mosquito larvae in campus areas and the infection rate of endosymbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia in mosquito larvae. Method: The mosquito larvae samples were collected in residential areas and academic buildings of Suranaree University of Technology located in Northeastern Thailand during 2017-2018. Mosquito species identification was performed using GLOBE mosquito protocols and Rattanarithikul & Panthusiri's keys. The gene encoding for the surface protein of Wolbachia was amplified by PCR and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Results: Armigeres sp. is the highest proportion of mosquito larvae followed by Culex spp., Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti, and Toxorynchites spp., respectively. Aedes aegypti have breeding sites mostly in the containers found indoors, whereas the main breeding sites of Aedes albopictus were found in both outdoors and indoors. The House Index and Breteau Index for Aedes spp. was more than 5% and 20%, respectively, in both areas, indicating that these areas are dengue sensitive. The highest proportion of Wolbachia infection was found in the larvae of Culex spp. (86.21%), followed by Aedes albopictus (69.23%) and rarely detected in Aedes aegypti (9.09%). Conclusion: The present study reported the first natural infection of Wolbachia in mosquito larvae in Thailand. Our result suggested that the mosquito species containing higher proportion of Wolbachia are less likely to be vectors for dengue. Therefore, Wolbachia transfection in mosquito larvae could be applied as a biocontrol for dengue and other mosquito-borne disease prevention.

Infection of Aedes mosquitoes by native Wolbachia in urban cemeteries of Southern Mexico / Infección de mosquitos Aedes con Wolbachia nativa en cementerios urbanos del sur de México

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of Wolbachia infections in Aedes spp. field populations from cemeteries of Southern Mexico. Materials and methods: Six cemeteries were selected to be sampled in the central part of the Soconusco region, Chiapas. Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were collected during the rainy season of 2015. Females were analyzed individually by PCR to determine the presence of Wolbachia. Results: A field overall prevalence of 38% was found; only Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were positive. Conclusion: Local strains of Wolbachia were detected and have the potential to be applied as a biological method for vector control.

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la presencia de Wolbachia en poblaciones de campo de Aedes spp. en cementerios del Sur de México. Material y métodos: Se seleccionaron seis cementerios como sitios de colecta para las poblaciones silvestres de Aedes albopictus y Ae. aegypti, en la región del Soconusco, Chiapas, durante la época de lluvias 2015. Se determinó la infección por Wolbachia en hembras individuales por PCR. Resultados: Se obtuvo una infección de 38% por Wolbachia en Ae. albopictus. Conclusión: Existen cepas locales de Wolbachia en los mosquitos y poseen el potencial de aplicarse como medida de control biológico de vectores.

Study of impact of Wolbachia surface protein on reactive oxygen species production in HepG2 cell line exposed to ethanol

Objective: To study the impact of Wolbachia surface protein (WSP) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) level inethanol (EtOH)-exposed HepG2 cells.Materials and Methods: Increase in ROS level was induced in HepG2 cells by subjecting HepG2 cells toEtOH exposure. Impact of WSP on ROS level was examined by staining of intracellular ROS in cells usingthe specific ROS-detecting dye 2ʹ, 7ʹ-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA), followed by flowcytometric analysis.Results and Conclusion: Flow cytometry analysis using H2DCFDA-based staining study of ROS level inHepG2 cells revealed that EtOH caused oxidative stress in HepG2 cells by inducing production of high levelsof ROS. However, EtOH-induced increased ROS production in cells decreased with treatment of WSP.From the current study, we can culminate that WSP provides cytoprotective action against EtOH-inducedincreased ROS production and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells by decreasing ROS production. This will beof significance for the treatment of EtOH-related liver ailments. Thus, this article emphasizes that WSP withprotecting ability could be used as a powerful therapeutic drug to treat EtOH-related liver ailments.

Genes associated with Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility in natural populations of Culex pipiens pallens: a preliminary study / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the genes involved in Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility among three natural populations of Culex pipiens pallens in eastern China, so as to provide insights into the development of preventive and control measures for mosquito-borne diseases based on Wolbachia. Methods The cytoplasmic incompatibility was tested among three natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province and Tangkou of Shandong Province using reciprocal crosses. Wolbachia infection was detected in C. pipiens pallens using a PCR assay, and the expression of Wolbachia wsp and WD0513 genes was quantified using a fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay. Results Bidirectional compatibility was found between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province (t = 0.57 and 0.15, both P values > 0.05), while bidirectional incompatibility was seen between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Tangkou of Shandong Province and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province (t = 63.81 and 43.51, both P values < 0.01), and between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing of Jiangsu Province and Tangkou of Shandong Province (t = 39.62 and 43.12, both P values < 0.01). Wolbachia wsp gene was amplified in all three natural populations of C. pipiens pallens, and qPCR assay detected no significant difference in the Wolbachia wsp gene expression among the three natural populations of C. pipiens pallens (F = 2.15, P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the WD0513 gene expression between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Tangkou of Shandong Province and Nanjing of Jiangsu Province (q = 8.42, P < 0.05) or between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Tangkou of Shandong Province and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province (q = 7.84, P < 0.05); however, there was a significant difference detected in the WD0513 gene expression between the natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province (q = 0.40, P > 0.05). Conclusions Different Wolbachia numbers are detected in natural populations of C. pipiens pallens collected from Nanjing and Wuxi of Jiangsu Province and Tangkou of Shandong Province, and WD0513 gene may be involved in the Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility among three natural populations of C. pipiens pallens.

Anti-Wolbachia therapy for onchocerciasis & lymphatic filariasis: Current perspectives

Onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are human filarial diseases belonging to the group of neglected tropical diseases, leading to permanent and long-term disability in infected individuals in the endemic countries such as Africa and India. Microfilaricidal drugs such as ivermectin and albendazole have been used as the standard therapy in filariasis, although their efficacy in eliminating the diseases is not fully established. Anti-Wolbachia therapy employs antibiotics and is a promising approach showing potent macrofilaricidal activity and also prevents embryogenesis. This has translated to clinical benefits resulting in successful eradication of microfilarial burden, thus averting the risk of adverse events from target species as well as those due to co-infection with loiasis. Doxycycline shows potential as an anti-Wolbachia treatment, leading to the death of adult parasitic worms. It is readily available, cheap and safe to use in adult non-pregnant patients. Besides doxycycline, several other potential antibiotics are also being investigated for the treatment of LF and onchocerciasis. This review aims to discuss and summarise recent developments in the use of anti-Wolbachia drugs to treat onchocerciasis and LF.

Bartonella rochalimae, B. grahamii, B. elizabethae, and Wolbachia spp. in Fleas from Wild Rodents near the China-Kazakhstan Border

The Alataw Pass, near the Ebinur Lake Wetland (northwest of China) and Taldykorgan (east of Kazakhstan), is a natural habitat for wild rodents. To date, little has been done on the surveillance of Bartonella spp. and Wolbachia spp. from fleas in the region. Here we molecularly detected Bartonella spp. and Wolbachia spp. in wild rodent fleas during January and October of 2016 along the Alataw Pass-Kazakhstan border. A total of 1,706 fleas belonging to 10 species were collected from 6 rodent species. Among the 10 flea species, 4 were found to be positive for Wolbachia, and 5 flea species were positive for Bartonella. Molecular analysis indicated that i) B. rochalimae was firstly identified in Xenopsylla gerbilli minax and X. conforms conforms, ii) B. grahamii was firstly identified in X. gerbilli minax, and iii) B. elizabethae was firstly detected in Coptopsylla lamellifer ardua, Paradoxopsyllus repandus, and Nosopsyllus laeviceps laeviceps. Additionally, 3 Wolbachia endosymbionts were firstly found in X. gerbilli minax, X. conforms conforms, P. repandus, and N. laeviceps laeviceps. BLASTn analysis indicated 3 Bartonella species showed genotypic variation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 3 Wolbachia endosymbionts were clustered into the non-Siphonaptera Wolbachia group. These findings extend our knowledge of the geographical distribution and carriers of B. rochalimae, B. grahamii, B. elizabethae, and Wolbachia spp. In the future, there is a need for China-Kazakhstan cooperation to strengthen the surveillance of flea-borne pathogens in wildlife.

Molecular detection and screening of Wolbachia infections in tropical bed bugs Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) from Peninsular Malaysia populations

Aims@#Wolbachia is an endosymbiont and a Gram-negative genus bacterium which has received the spotlight in the field of research studies due to its multiple capabilities to affect it hosts, including the bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimcidae). While most investigations concentrated on the common bed bugs (Cimex lectularius), no published studies have yet to be done on molecular screenings of Wolbachia associated with tropical bed bugs (C. hemipterus). The present study was undertaken to screen Wolbachia infection from tropical bed bugs from Peninsular Malaysia. @*Methodology and results@#We attempted to screen and characterize Wolbachia infections in tropical bed bugs from 22 different localities throughout Peninsular Malaysia using a molecular approach; multiple Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays with four sets of primer sequences. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Our findings yielded negative results of Wolbachia infections and, therefore, further confirmed that all bed bug samples from all localities in Peninsular Malaysia are free from Wolbachia infections. Our findings also suggested that the prevalence of Wolbachia in tropical bed bug populations in Peninsular Malaysia is very unlikely.

Molecular Dynamics, Simulation of Protein-Protein Complex and their Role in Cytoprotective Process in Ethanol-induced Toxicity of HepG2 Cell Line

Aim: To examine the protein-protein interaction of Wolbachia Surface Protein (WSP of Uzifly) with six proteins involved in Ethanol-induced toxicity and the proteins involved in its cytoprotective process in HepG2 cell line (CYP2E1, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Death-associated protein kinase1, Alcohol dehydrogenases (Alpha/beta/gamma) and Cytochrome-C) and to study real time molecular dynamics. Methodology: Modelled structure of WSP of Uzifly was retrieved from our laboratory archive. The proteins involved in the Ethanol-induced toxicity and the proteins involved in its cytoprotective process in HepG2 cell line were chosen based on the literature study. The six proteins like CYP2E1, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Death-associated protein kinase1, Alcohol dehydrogenases (Alpha/beta/gamma) and Cytochrome-C which are involved in the Ethanol-induced toxicity and the proteins involved in its cytoprotective process in HepG2 cell line were retrieved from PDB database with ID: PDB (3T3Z), PDB (2C9V), PDB (1DGG), PDB (2YAK), PDB (1U3W) and PDB (3NWV) respectively. Docking study was processed using ZDOCK and the best poses of protein were sorted using rDock. Finally, the atomic level interaction was studied for the best-scored protein-protein complex. The best complex was further subjected to molecular dynamics simulation to study its stability using standard dynamics cascade tool. Results: From the results, it was observed that three proteins such as Cytochrome-C, CYP2E1 and Superoxide dismutase have more favourable shape complementarity for WSP binding to exhibit the cytoprotective process. However, the interaction analysis was done only for the top complex, Cytochrome-C-WSP. Time dependent parameter analysis of best complex Cytochrome-C-WSP showed that root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) values initially deviated but it was stabilized at the end of 1ns dynamics. The radius of gyration (Rg) during dynamics was within the limit. Conclusion: This insilico study revealed that WSP has cytoprotective potential and therapeutical application.

Molecular Identification of Bartonella melophagi and Wolbachia Supergroup F from Sheep Keds in Xinjiang, China

To confirm that Bartonella and Wolbachia were carried by sheep keds (Melophagus ovinus) in southern Xinjiang of China, 17 M. ovinus samples, which were collected in Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang, were randomly selected. In this study, the Bartonella gltA and Wolbachia 16S rRNA gene were amplified through conventional PCR and the sequence of those amplified products, were analyzed. The results demonstrated that Bartonella was carried by all of the 17 sheep keds and Wolbachia was carried by 15 out of them. Bartonella was identified as B. melophagi. Three strains of Wolbachia were supergroup F and 1 strain has not been confirmed yet. It is the first report about Wolbachia supergroup F was found in sheep keds and provided the molecular evidence that B. melophagi and Wolbachia supergroup F were carried by sheep keds in Aksu Prefecture of southern Xinjiang, China. The 2 pathogens were found in sheep keds around Taklimakan Desert for the first time.

Knowledge And Practice Regarding Dengue Fever And Acceptance Towards Wolbachia Among Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre Healthcare Staff

@#Field trials of Wolbachia-transinfected mosquitoes, as a biological approach to curb dengue transmission, have been initiated. This study aimed to determine the knowledge regarding dengue fever (DF), practice of vector control, and acceptance of Wolbachia as a dengue control method among Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) healthcare staff. A questionnaire assessing knowledge regarding DF, vector control practices, and acceptance of Wolbachia was conducted among 330 UKMMC healthcare staff via convenience sampling. More than 70% of the respondents had good knowledge regarding DF, good vector control practice, and good acceptance of Wolbachia. Being female and having household income >MYR3000 had higher odds of having good knowledge regarding DF [(aOR 2.40; 95%CI 1.13, 5.12) and (aOR 3.86; 95%CI 1.91, 7.80)]. Having household income >MYR3000 had higher odds of having good vector control practice (aOR 2.33; 95%CI 1.20, 4.54) while academicians were three times (1-0.24) less likely to have good vector control practice than non-academicians (aOR 0.24; 95%CI 0.13, 0.48). Good acceptance of Wolbachia was associated with being academicians (aOR 8.83; 95%CI 2.60, 29.96) and having good knowledge regarding DF (aOR 6.07; 95% CI 2.89, 12.74). Gender, different income level and type of occupation have significant association with either good knowledge regarding DF or practice on vector control. Different type of occupation and level of knowledge also were notably significantly associated with good acceptance on Wolbachia as dengue biological control. These factors may be the focus for future plan to enhance the knowledge, acceptance and practice regarding DF and its control.

A brief survey of symbiotic Wolbachia in Drosophila / 中国实验动物学报

The symbiotic bacterial species Wolbachia pipientis is a maternally inherited, intracellular parasitic microbe common to arthropod species(including most insects)and some nematodes. This bacteria manipulates the reproduction of its hosts by different mechanisms, including cytoplasmic incompatibility, parthenogenesis inducing, male-killing,feminization and increase female fecundity. In this paper, previous studies on the interactions between Wolbachia and Drosophila is briefly surveyed and discussed.

Papel de la bacteria endosimbionte Wolbachia en el control de enfermedades vectoriales: dengue, zika y chikunkunya / (Role of endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia in the control of vectorial diseases such as dengue, zika and chikunkunya)

ResumenWolbachia es un género de bacterias perteneciente al orden Rickettsiales, que participa en diversas relaciones simbióticas con varios organismos, principalmente artrópodos y nematodos.Debido a su capacidad para inducir ciertos fenotipos reproductivos en sus hospederos, constituye un atractivo candidato para su uso como control biológico de plagas y vectores. Con el fin de proporcionar información sobre esta bacteria y sus posibles aplicaciones de control en la lucha contra el dengue y otras enfermedades transmitidas por vectores, se realizó una revisión utilizando las bases de datos de Pubmed y BINASS. Como metodología se incluyeron artículos en lengua inglesa, referentes a Wolbachia y su uso como control biológico, entre 2001 y 2017, hallados bajo las palabras clave: Wolbachia, control biológico, dengue, zika, chikungunya. Se puede resaltar que la aplicación de esta estrategia de control biológico en Costa Rica constituye un reto que involucraría el apoyo de autoridades políticas, trabajando en conjunto con los sectores académico y comunitario.

AbstractWolbachia is a genus of bacteria belonging to the order Rickettsiales that participates in diverse symbiotic relationships with several organisms, mainly arthropods and nematodes. Due to its ability to induce certain reproductive phenotypes in its hosts, it is an attractive candidate for its use as a biological agent to control of pests and vectors. In order to provide information on this bacterium and its potential control applications in the fight against dengue and other vector-borne diseases, a review was performed using Pubmed and BINASS databases. Articles in English referring to Wolbachia and its use as biological control between 2001 and 2017 where included in the search; and were found under the key words: Wolbachia, biological control, dengue, zika, chikungunya.It can be emphasized that the implementation of this biological control strategy in Costa Rica constitutes a challenge that would involve the support of the political authorities working along with the academic and community sector.

Las enfermedades transmitidas por vectores y el potencial uso de Wolbachia, una bacteria endocelular obligada, para erradicarlas / Vector-borne diseases and the potential use of Wolbachia, an obligate endocellular bacterium, to eradicate them

Resumen Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), 17% de las enfermedades infecciosas reportadas en el mundo son transmitidas por vectores artrópodos. Una alternativa para bloquear la transmisión es infectar a los vectores con una bacteria endocelular llamada Wolbachia. Diferentes investigaciones han demostrado que Wolbachia acorta la vida del mosquito, aumenta su resistencia ante la infección de algunos virus como dengue, Zika y Chikungunya, y provoca incompatibilidad citoplasmática, por lo que al liberar mosquitos machos infectados con Wolbachia en una población de hembras no infectadas los productos no son viables, disminuyendo drásticamente la población total. En el presente artículo se incluye una descripción general de las enfermedades infecciosas más comunes transmitidas por vectores así como una revisión del uso de Wolbachia como una posible herramienta para controlar su propagación.

Abstract According to the World and Health Organization (WHO), 17% of the worldwide reported infectious diseases are vector-borne. One alternative for blocking the transmission of these infectious agents is to infect the vectors with the endocellular bacterium Wolbachia. Several studies have shown that Wolbachia shortens mosquitos' lifespan and increases their resistance to some virus like Dengue, Zika or Chikungunya. Wolbachia also causes cytoplasmic incompatibility, so, when Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes are released among an uninfected female population, the production of an offspring is not viable and the mosquito population decreases drastically. This article includes an overview of the most common vector-borne infectious diseases as well as a review of the use of Wolbachia as a possible tool for controlling the spread of vector-borne diseases.

The use of Proteinase K to access genitalia morphology, vouchering and DNA extraction in minute wasps

ABSTRACT Genitalia are rich source of characters in insect taxonomy. Usually, they are examined after dissection and cleaning with potassium hydroxide (KOH), procedure that may damage both genital morphological structures and intracellular molecular contents. Enzymatic procedure with Proteinase K has been used to clean muscle off the genitalia while extract DNA, but its damage to the genital structures has not been evaluated. Herein, we qualitatively compare the use of KOH and Proteinase K to prepare genital structures in minute insects (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae). We show that Proteinase K is better to preserve the genital structure and provides quality DNA.

Finding Wolbachia in Filarial larvae and Culicidae Mosquitoes in Upper Egypt Governorate

Wolbachia is an obligatory intracellular endosymbiotic bacterium, present in over 20% of all insects altering insect reproductive capabilities and in a wide range of filarial worms which is essential for worm survival and reproduction. In Egypt, no available data were found about Wolbachia searching for it in either mosquitoes or filarial worms. Thus, we aimed to identify the possible concurrent presence of Wolbachia within different mosquitoes and filarial parasites, in Assiut Governorate, Egypt using multiplex PCR. Initially, 6 pools were detected positive for Wolbachia by single PCR. The simultaneous detection of Wolbachia and filarial parasites (Wuchereria bancrofti, Dirofilaria immitis, and Dirofilaria repens) by multiplex PCR was spotted in 5 out of 6 pools, with an overall estimated rate of infection (ERI) of 0.24%. Unexpectedly, the highest ERI (0.53%) was for Anopheles pharoensis with related Wolbachia and W. bancrofti, followed by Aedes (0.42%) and Culex (0.26%). We also observed that Wolbachia altered Culex spp. as a primary vector for W. bancrofti to be replaced by Anopheles sp. Wolbachia within filaria-infected mosquitoes in our locality gives a hope to use bacteria as a new control trend simultaneously targeting the vector and filarial parasites.

Antifilarial and Antibiotic Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Melaleuca cajuputi Flowers

We evaluated the activity of methanolic extracts of Melaleuca cajuputi flowers against the filarial worm Brugia pahangi and its bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia. Anti-Wolbachia activity was measured in worms and in Aedes albopictus Aa23 cells by PCR, electron microscopy, and other biological assays. In particular, microfilarial release, worm motility, and viability were determined. M. cajuputi flower extracts were found to significantly reduce Wolbachia endosymbionts in Aa23 cells, Wolbachia surface protein, and microfilarial release, as well as the viability and motility of adult worms. Anti-Wolbachia activity was further confirmed by observation of degraded and phagocytized Wolbachia in worms treated with the flower extracts. The data provided in vitro and in vivo evidence that M. cajuputi flower extracts inhibit Wolbachia, an activity that may be exploited as an alternative strategy to treat human lymphatic filariasis.