Low-density genetically diverse natural Wolbachia infections in malaria vectors in Kayin state, Myanmar
Sawasdichai S., Chaumeau V., Dah T., Kulabkeeree T., Kajeechiwa L., Phanaphadungtham M., Trakoolchengkaew M., Kittiphanakun P., Akararungrot Y., Oo K., Delmas G., White NJ., Nosten FH.
<ns4:p><ns4:bold>Background</ns4:bold><ns4:bold>:</ns4:bold> Natural <ns4:italic>Wolbachia </ns4:italic>infections in malaria mosquitoes were recently reported in Africa, and negatively correlated with the development of <ns4:italic>Plasmodium falciparum</ns4:italic> in the vectors. The occurrence and effects of <ns4:italic>Wolbachia </ns4:italic>infections outside Africa have not been described and may have been underestimated.</ns4:p><ns4:p> <ns4:bold>Methods</ns4:bold><ns4:bold>:</ns4:bold> Mosquitoes were collected by human-landing catch during May and June 2017 in ten villages in Kayin state, Myanmar. Closely related species of malaria vectors were identified with molecular assays. <ns4:italic>Wolbachia</ns4:italic> infection rates were assessed with quantitative real-time PCR.</ns4:p><ns4:p> <ns4:bold>Results:</ns4:bold> Low titer of <ns4:italic>Wolbachia </ns4:italic>DNA was detected in 13/370 samples in six malaria vector species. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequences revealed a high diversity of <ns4:italic>Wolbachia </ns4:italic>strains and identified lineages different from those described in the African malaria mosquitoes.</ns4:p><ns4:p> <ns4:bold>Conclusion:</ns4:bold> These low-density genetically diverse natural <ns4:italic>Wolbachia </ns4:italic>infections question the ecology and biology of <ns4:italic>Wolbachia</ns4:italic>-<ns4:italic>Anopheles</ns4:italic> interactions<ns4:italic> </ns4:italic>in Southeast Asia. Their effects on malaria transmission and mosquito vectors are yet to be determined.</ns4:p>