Identification of Spiroplasma insolitum symbionts in Anopheles gambiae

Chepkemoi, S. T., Mararo, E., Butungi, H., Paredes, J., Masiga, D., Sinkins, S. P. and Herren, J. K. (2017) Identification of Spiroplasma insolitum symbionts in Anopheles gambiae. Wellcome Open Research, 2, 90. (doi: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.12468.1) (PMID:29152597) (PMCID:PMC5668936)

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Abstract

Background: Insect symbionts have the potential to block the transmission of vector-borne diseases by their hosts. The advancement of a symbiont-based transmission blocking strategy for malaria requires the identification and study of Anopheles symbionts. Methods: High throughput 16S amplicon sequencing was used to profile the bacteria associated with Anopheles gambiae sensu lato and identify potential symbionts. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers were subsequently used to monitor symbiont prevalence in field populations, as well as symbiont transmission patterns. Results: We report the discovery of the bacterial symbiont, Spiroplasma, in Anopheles gambiae in Kenya. We determine that geographically dispersed Anopheles gambiae populations in Kenya are infected with Spiroplasma at low prevalence levels. Molecular phylogenetics indicates that this Anopheles gambiae associated Spiroplasma is a member of the insolitum clade. We demonstrate that this symbiont is stably maternally transmitted across at least two generations and does not significantly affect the fecundity or egg to adult survival of its host. Conclusions: In diverse insect species, Spiroplasma has been found to render their host resistant to infection by pathogens. The identification of a maternally transmitted strain of Spiroplasma in Anopheles gambiae may therefore open new lines of investigation for the development of symbiont-based strategies for blocking malaria transmission.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Anopheles, Plasmodium, Spiroplasma, malaria, mosquito, symbiont, vector borne disease.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Sinkins, Professor Steven and Herren, Dr Jeremy
Authors: Chepkemoi, S. T., Mararo, E., Butungi, H., Paredes, J., Masiga, D., Sinkins, S. P., and Herren, J. K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
Journal Name:Wellcome Open Research
Publisher:F1000Research
ISSN:2398-502X
ISSN (Online):2398-502X
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 Chepkemoi ST et al.
First Published:First published in Wellcome Open Research 2:90
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
3010410Endosymbiotic Bacteria and Vector Competence: The Effects of Harboring Spiroplasma on the Biology of Anopheles MosquitosSteven SinkinsWellcome Trust (WELLCOTR)107372/Z/15/ZIII - Centre for Virus Research