Wolbachia Absence in Angiostrongylus Nematodes
Author Information
Author(s): Foster Jeremy M, Kumar Sanjay, Ford Louise, Johnston Kelly L, Ben Renata, Graeff-Teixeira Carlos, Taylor Mark J
Primary Institution: Parasitology Division, New England Biolabs
Hypothesis
Is Wolbachia present in the non-filariid nematodes Angiostrongylus cantonensis and A. costaricensis?
Conclusion
The study found no evidence of Wolbachia in Angiostrongylus cantonensis and A. costaricensis.
Supporting Evidence
- Wolbachia are typically found in many filarial nematodes but were not detected in the studied species.
- Previous reports of Wolbachia in A. cantonensis were likely due to contamination.
- Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the sequences attributed to Wolbachia were closely related to those from arthropods.
Takeaway
The researchers looked for a tiny bacteria called Wolbachia in two types of worms but couldn't find it, suggesting these worms don't have it.
Methodology
PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to screen for Wolbachia in the nematodes.
Limitations
The study could not rule out the possibility of Wolbachia being present in other populations of A. cantonensis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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