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Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Detecting Wolbachia Strain wAlbB in Aedes albopictus Cell Lines
Published on: June 1, 2022
Distribution and dynamics of Wolbachia infection in Malaysian Aedes albopictus
Sylvia Joanne1, Indra Vythilingam1, Nava Yugavathy1
1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Wolbachia are maternally transmitted bacteria found in most arthropods and nematodes, but little is known about their distribution and reproductive dynamics in the Malaysian dengue vector Aedes albopictus. In this study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the presence of Wolbachia from field collected Ae. albopictus from various parts of the country using wsp specific primers. Ae. albopictus had Wolbachia infection ranging from 60 to 100%. No sequence diversity of wsp gene was found within all wAlbA and wAlbB sequences. Our findings suggest that Wolbachia infection amongst the Malaysian Ae. albopictus were not homogenously distributed in all districts in Malaysia. The presence of Wolbachia in different organs of Ae. albopictus was also determined. Wolbachia were only found in the ovaries and midguts of the mosquitoes, while absent in the salivary glands. The effects of Wolbachia on Ae. albopictus fecundity, longevity and egg viability were studied using infected and uninfected colonies. The removal of Wolbachia from Ae. albopictus resulted in reduced fecundity, longevity and egg viability, thus. Wolbachia seem to play a vital role in Ae. albopictus reproductive system.
Insights
Wolbachia bacteria are widespread in Malaysian Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, significantly impacting their reproduction. This study reveals Wolbachia are vital for mosquito fecundity, longevity, and egg viability.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Entomology
- Genetics
Background:
- Wolbachia are maternally transmitted bacteria prevalent in arthropods.
- Limited data exists on Wolbachia distribution and effects in Malaysian Aedes albopictus, a key dengue vector.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Wolbachia prevalence, distribution, and impact on the reproductive biology of Aedes albopictus in Malaysia.
- To determine the role of Wolbachia in mosquito fecundity, longevity, and egg viability.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with wsp-specific primers was used to detect Wolbachia in field-collected Aedes albopictus.
- Wolbachia presence in different mosquito organs was analyzed.
- Comparative studies of infected and uninfected mosquito colonies assessed reproductive parameters.
Main Results:
- Wolbachia infection rates in Malaysian Aedes albopictus ranged from 60% to 100%.
- No sequence diversity was found in wsp gene sequences (wAlbA and wAlbB).
- Wolbachia were detected in ovaries and midguts but not salivary glands.
- Removal of Wolbachia led to reduced mosquito fecundity, longevity, and egg viability.
Conclusions:
- Wolbachia infection is common but not uniformly distributed across Malaysian Aedes albopictus populations.
- Wolbachia play a crucial role in the reproductive success of Aedes albopictus.
- These findings have implications for understanding mosquito population dynamics and vector control strategies.
