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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
Wolbachia Bacterial Infection in Drosophila
Published on: February 25, 2007
Wolbachia-mediated protection against viruses in the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii
J Cattel1, J Martinez2, F Jiggins2
1Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive UMR CNRS 5558, Villeurbanne, France.
Abstract:
The maternally inherited bacterium Wolbachia is well known for spreading in natural populations by manipulating the reproduction of its arthropod hosts, but can also have mutualist effects that increase host fitness. In mosquitoes and Drosophila some Wolbachia strains can lead to an increase in survival of virus-infected insects, and in most cases this is associated with reduced accumulation of the virus in host tissues. We investigated if the Wolbachia strain wSuz, which naturally infects Drosophila suzukii, is able to confer protection against Drosophila C virus and Flock House virus in different host genetic backgrounds. We found that this strain can increase host survival upon infection with these two viruses. In some cases this effect was associated with lower viral titres, suggesting that it confers resistance to the viruses rather than allowing the flies to tolerate infection. Our results indicate that, in D. suzukii, the antiviral protection provided by Wolbachia is not correlated to its density as found in other Drosophila species. This study demonstrates a phenotypic effect induced by wSuz on its native host which could explain its maintenance in natural populations of D. suzukii.
Insights
The bacterium Wolbachia, found in Drosophila suzukii, enhances host survival against viruses. This antiviral protection in flies may explain Wolbachia
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Entomology
Background:
- The bacterium Wolbachia is maternally inherited and known for reproductive manipulation in arthropods.
- Certain Wolbachia strains confer mutualistic benefits, increasing host fitness and survival, particularly in virus-infected insects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the wSuz Wolbachia strain protects Drosophila suzukii against Drosophila C virus and Flock House virus.
- To determine if this protection varies across different host genetic backgrounds.
Main Methods:
- Infection of Drosophila suzukii with the wSuz Wolbachia strain.
- Challenging infected and uninfected flies with Drosophila C virus and Flock House virus.
- Quantifying viral loads and assessing host survival rates.
Main Results:
- The wSuz Wolbachia strain significantly increased host survival upon infection with both viruses.
- In some cases, protection was linked to reduced viral titers, indicating resistance.
- Antiviral protection by Wolbachia was not correlated with bacterial density in Drosophila suzukii.
Conclusions:
- Wolbachia wSuz strain confers a protective phenotype against viral infections in its native host, Drosophila suzukii.
- This antiviral effect could be a factor maintaining Wolbachia in natural D. suzukii populations.
