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Serratia marcescens as a pathogen of tsetse flies
Abstract:
When applied to the ears of rabbits used as hosts for tsetse flies, the bacterium Serratia marcescens produced significant mortality in populations of Glossina m. morsitans and G. pallidipes. After being ingested during the blood meal, cells of S. Marcescens multiplied in the intestine of the flies and entered the hemocoel. Using the brush method of applying the bacterium, 100% mortality of both Glossina species occurred within 10 days after application. In newly killed flies, the bacteria could be found free in the hemocoel as well as in the fat body and blood cells. The supernatant of a liquid culture of S. marcescens did not produce fly mortality when applied to rabbit ears. The results indicate that S. marcescens is able to invade the hemocoel of "normal" laboratory-reared tsetse flies.
Insights
The bacterium Serratia marcescens significantly increased mortality in tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) when applied to rabbit hosts. This bacterium invades the fly
Area of Science:
- Medical entomology
- Microbial control
- Insect pathology
Background:
- Tsetse flies transmit trypanosomiasis, a devastating disease.
- Effective control strategies for tsetse flies are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Serratia marcescens as a potential agent for tsetse fly control.
- To investigate the pathogenicity and invasion mechanisms of S. marcescens in Glossina species.
Main Methods:
- Serratia marcescens was applied to the ears of rabbits serving as hosts for Glossina m. morsitans and G. pallidipes.
- Bacterial presence and multiplication within flies were assessed after blood meals.
- Mortality rates and bacterial localization in fly tissues were determined.
Main Results:
- Application of S. marcescens to rabbit ears resulted in significant mortality of both Glossina species.
- 100% mortality was achieved within 10 days using the brush application method.
- S. marcescens successfully invaded the fly hemocoel, multiplying in the intestine and disseminating to tissues.
Conclusions:
- Serratia marcescens demonstrates high efficacy in inducing mortality in tsetse flies.
- The bacterium possesses the capability to invade the hemocoel of laboratory-reared tsetse flies.
- S. marcescens presents a promising avenue for novel tsetse fly control strategies.