Wolbachia

Wolbachia

Mohamad Nasir Wolbachia mosquito lab visit

Adi Utarini VOA

Wolbachia is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria that infects arthropods and some nematodes. It is one of the most common parasitic microbes and is estimated to infect up to 65% of insect species. Wolbachia is known for its ability to manipulate the reproductive systems of its hosts, which can lead to various evolutionary and ecological consequences.

Discovery and Classification

Wolbachia was first discovered by Marshall Hertig and S. Burt Wolbach in 1924 in Culex pipiens mosquitoes. The genus is named after Wolbach. Wolbachia belongs to the order Rickettsiales, which includes other intracellular bacteria.

Biology and Life Cycle

Wolbachia are intracellular bacteria, meaning they live inside the cells of their hosts. They are primarily transmitted through the cytoplasm of the egg, making their transmission vertical (from mother to offspring). However, horizontal transmission (between individuals) can also occur, although it is less common.

Reproductive Manipulations

Wolbachia is known for its ability to manipulate the reproductive systems of its hosts in several ways:

• Cytoplasmic incompatibility: Infected males can only successfully reproduce with infected females, leading to a reproductive advantage for infected females.
• Parthenogenesis: Some Wolbachia strains can induce parthenogenesis, where females produce offspring without fertilization by males.
• Feminization: Wolbachia can convert genetic males into functional females.
• Male killing: In some species, Wolbachia can kill male embryos, leading to a female-biased sex ratio.

Applications in Disease Control

Wolbachia has been studied for its potential use in controlling vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and malaria. By infecting mosquito populations with Wolbachia, researchers aim to reduce the ability of mosquitoes to transmit these diseases.

Related Pages

• Bacteria
• Arthropod
• Nematode
• Cytoplasmic incompatibility
• Parthenogenesis
• Vector-borne disease
• Dengue fever
• Zika virus
• Malaria