First Report of Isolation of Two Endosymbiotic Symbiosis Bacteria

Alghamdi, Samia Q; Gharsan, Fatehia N.

doi:10.21608/ejvs.2024.297675.2172

First Report of Isolation of Two Endosymbiotic Symbiosis Bacteria " Arsenophonus arthropodicus and Wolbachia" from Pseudolynchia canariensis (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) Infesting Pigeons

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia

10.21608/ejvs.2024.297675.2172

Abstract

Endisymbiotic bacteria are essential in the evolutionary ecology of insects as they act as both discrete parasites that affect host reproduction and partners that assist in host adaptability. Symbiotic microorganisms facilitate intimate connections between many species. Pseudolynchia canariensis is a significant ectoparasite of pigeons belonging to the hippoboscidae fly family. Methods: A total of 114 domestic pigeons in a herd situated in Al-Baha, a region in southwest Saudi Arabia, were found to be clinically affected by ectoparasites. The precise molecular mechanisms that govern the relationships between insects and these microbes are still not well comprehended, despite the breakthroughs in molecular tools that allow for the observation of endosymbiotic partnerships in living organisms. A symbiont-specific PCR amplification assay was utilized to assess the results of symbiont infection and determine the molecular phylogeny. Results: 20 individuals of Pseudolynchia canariensis were collected from pigeons. The specimens were discovered to be associated with two different types of endosymbiotic bacteria. Out of the 20 Pseudolynchia canariensis, 2% and 60% were positive for endosymbiotic bacteria. Wolbachia exhibited the highest prevalence, with an infection rate (wsp) of 60%, whereas Arsenophonus had a prevalence of 2%. The prevalence of Wolbachia infestation has exceeded that of Arsenophonus, reaching a rate of 60%. Molecular methods have shown the whole endosymbiotic community of P. canariensis flies, including endosymbionts, which may explain how many bacterial endosymbionts can live together in the host. Given the potential significance of Wolbachia and Arsenophonus in impeding disease transmission and controlling populations of detrimental insects.

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