D3245: Exploration of wolbachia in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

The Wolbachia pipientis endosymbiont bacteria is known as an active modulator of host reproduction via the induction of mechanisms that promote their rapid invasion of insect host populations. In mosquitoes, it has been shown the presence of Wolbachia can shorten their life cycle, promote egg nonviability, cause cytoplasmatic incompatibility, and even alter the role of the mosquito as vectors of different arboviruses. This study aimed to explore the presence of Wolbachia in mosquitoes of Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex genera, using the egg stages which were greater than 70% of embryo maturation. Eggs underwent dechorionation, fixation, and endochorion disruption. The embryos were then subjected to Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) staining technique, with image analysis performed using a confocal microscope. Furthermore, qPCR was performed to detect the bacteria in specimens. Cx. pipiens and Ae. albopictus individuals showed the presence of bacteria in the embryonic phase, while An. quadrimaculatus and Ae. aegypti, do not show any evidence of Wolbachia presence. Those outcomes were confirmed by qPCR which detected the DNA sequence for the WSP gene. Detecting Wolbachia in mosquitoes is critical due to its ability to manipulate host reproduction, reduce vector competence for pathogens, and potentially contribute to biocontrol strategies. Accurate detection supports research on its transmission dynamics, symbiotic interactions, and impact on host fitness.