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07:28
Methods for the Extraction of Endosymbionts from the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci
Published on: June 19, 2017
Wolbachia endosymbionts in fleas (Siphonaptera)
Christopher H Gorham1, Q Q Fang, Lance A Durden
1Department of Biology and Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia 30460-8042, USA.
The Journal of Parasitology
|May 23, 2003
Summary
This study reports the first conclusive evidence of Wolbachia bacteria in fleas (Siphonaptera). Researchers detected Wolbachia in multiple flea species, revealing varying infection prevalence across different populations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Entomology
- Genetics
Background:
- Wolbachia are intracellular endosymbionts found in many insects and nematodes.
- Previous studies have not reported Wolbachia in fleas (order Siphonaptera).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and prevalence of Wolbachia in various flea species.
- To provide the first conclusive report of Wolbachia in the order Siphonaptera.
Main Methods:
- Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was used to screen fleas.
- Positive PCR products were sequenced and compared to GenBank using BLAST.
- Phylogenetic analysis and wsp gene amplification were used for further confirmation.
Main Results:
- Wolbachia were detected in six flea species screened from Georgia and New York.
- Prevalence varied significantly: 21% in Ctenocephalides felis, 7% in C. canis, 25% in Polygenus gwyni, 80% in Orchopeas howardi, 94% in Pulex simulans, and 24% in Echidnophaga gallinacea.
- Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed Wolbachia infection.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first conclusive evidence of Wolbachia endosymbionts in fleas.
- The presence and varying prevalence of Wolbachia in Siphonaptera warrant further investigation into their ecological and evolutionary implications.
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