Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
09:46
Wolbachia Bacterial Infection in Drosophila
Published on: February 25, 2007
8.0K
Wolbachia in Neotropical terrestrial isopods
Bianca L Zimmermann1, Didier Bouchon2, Maurício P Almerão3
1Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, Brazil bia.lais@gmail.com.
FEMS Microbiology Ecology
|March 13, 2015
Summary
This study reveals Wolbachia bacteria in South American terrestrial isopods exhibit diverse strains, with native species showing unique infections distinct from introduced ones. This challenges ancestral acquisition theories and highlights novel bacterial diversity in the Neotropics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Wolbachia are widespread endosymbiotic bacteria in terrestrial isopods globally.
- Research on Wolbachia in Neotropical terrestrial isopods remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the presence and prevalence of Wolbachia in South American terrestrial isopod populations.
- To analyze the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Wolbachia strains in this region.
- To investigate the evolutionary history of Wolbachia in terrestrial isopods.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1172 individuals from 11 families and 35 terrestrial isopod species.
- Molecular techniques to detect Wolbachia presence and characterize strains.
- Phylogenetic analysis to understand strain relationships and evolutionary origins.
Main Results:
- Introduced isopod species harbored Palearctic Wolbachia strains (Supergroup B, Oniclade).
- Native Neotropical isopods showed low Wolbachia prevalence but high strain diversity, predominantly Supergroup B but not Oniclade.
- Novel Wolbachia strains from Supergroups A and F were detected in terrestrial isopods for the first time.
- Infection dynamics suggest multiple loss and acquisition events, refuting ancestral acquisition in Oniscidea.
Conclusions:
- Wolbachia infection patterns in Neotropical terrestrial isopods are shaped by introduction history and complex bacterial dynamics.
- The study uncovers previously unknown Wolbachia diversity in terrestrial isopods, including Supergroups A and F.
- Findings challenge the hypothesis of ancient, uniform Wolbachia acquisition across Oniscidea.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Diversity of Protists I
2.3K
Excavata is a diverse group of protists that includes both chemoorganotrophic and phototrophic species, with some thriving in anaerobic environments. Among the key groups within Excavata are diplomonads and parabasalids, which are flagellated protists that lack mitochondria and chloroplasts. These microorganisms typically inhabit anoxic environments, such as the intestines of animals, where they exist either symbiotically or as parasites, relying on fermentation for energy production. Some...
2.3K
01:27Diversity of Protists IV
2.1K
Amoebozoa represent a diverse group of terrestrial and aquatic protists that utilize lobe-shaped pseudopodia for locomotion and feeding. This characteristic differentiates them from the Rhizaria, which possess threadlike pseudopodia. The primary classifications within Amoebozoa include gymnamoebas, entamoebas, and the plasmodial and cellular slime molds. Phylogenetic evidence indicates that Amoebozoa diverged from a lineage that ultimately gave rise to fungi and animals.Gymnamoebas and...
2.1K
01:22Microbial Interactions: Parasitism
81
Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...
81
01:27Diversity of Protists II
2.2K
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
2.2K
01:27Diversity of Protists III
2.1K
Rhizaria are a diverse group of unicellular protists characterized by their threadlike cytoplasmic extensions known as pseudopodia. These structures aid in both locomotion and feeding, giving Rhizaria an amoeboid appearance. Their amoeboid morphology once led to taxonomic confusion, but molecular phylogenetics has clarified their evolutionary placement and emphasized their shared use of pseudopodia despite divergent lineages.This clade comprises diverse lineages such as Chlorarachniophyta,...
2.1K
02:40Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
17.2K
Plants often form mutualistic relationships with soil-dwelling fungi or bacteria to enhance their roots’ nutrient uptake ability. Root-colonizing fungi (e.g., mycorrhizae) increase a plant’s root surface area, which promotes nutrient absorption. While root-colonizing, nitrogen-fixing bacteria (e.g., rhizobia) convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), making nitrogen available to plants for various biological functions. For example, nitrogen is essential for the...
17.2K