An elusive endosymbiont: Does Wolbachia occur naturally in Aedes aegypti?

摘要: Wolbachia are maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria found within many insect species. Aedes mosquitoes experimentally infected with being released into the field for Aedes-borne disease control. These infections induce cytoplasmic incompatibility which is used to suppress populations through incompatible matings or replace reproductive advantage provided by this mechanism. However, presence of naturally occurring in target could interfere both population replacement and suppression programs depending on compatibility patterns between strains. aegypti were thought not harbor but several recent studies have detected natural mosquito. We therefore review evidence A. date discuss limitations these studies. draw research from other mosquito species outline potential implications To validate previous reports, we obtained a laboratory New Mexico, USA, that harbors infection, conducted surveys Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where infection has also been reported. unable detect populations. Because profound Wolbachia-based control programs, it important continue accurately assess status