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Wolbachia as translational science: controlling mosquito-borne pathogens
Eric P Caragata1, Heverton L C Dutra2, Pedro H F Sucupira3
1Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, USA.
Trends in Parasitology
|July 25, 2021
Summary
Wolbachia bacteria successfully control arbovirus transmission in mosquitoes by reducing disease incidence. This strategy shows promise for controlling other disease vectors and agricultural pests.
Area of Science:
- Vector-borne disease control
- Microbial symbiosis
- Arthropod pest management
Background:
- Wolbachia is a bacterial endosymbiont that manipulates insect reproduction and can reduce pathogen replication.
- Exploiting the Wolbachia-mosquito relationship is a growing strategy for arbovirus control.
- Previous successes include significant reductions in dengue virus incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms behind Wolbachia-mediated pathogen blocking and cytoplasmic incompatibility.
- To discuss factors influencing Wolbachia efficacy, such as temperature.
- To assess the potential of Wolbachia for controlling additional vectors and agricultural pests.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on Wolbachia-host interactions.
- Analysis of field data on Wolbachia-infected mosquito deployments.
- Examination of studies on environmental factors affecting Wolbachia.
Main Results:
- Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes have achieved substantial decreases in arbovirus transmission.
- Key mechanisms include pathogen blocking and cytoplasmic incompatibility.
- Extrinsic factors like temperature can impact Wolbachia density and transmission.
Conclusions:
- Wolbachia represents a highly effective biological control strategy against arboviruses.
- Further research into Wolbachia-host interactions will refine its application.
- The potential exists to expand Wolbachia-based control to other disease vectors and pests.
