Detection of Wolbachia sp. in Culex mosquitoes in Metro Manila, Philippines

Introduction of Wolbachia to mosquitoes is a new prospect for alternative biological control strategy to suppress the vector population and transmission of vector-borne diseases. Wolbachia is a vertically transmitted, endosymbiotic intracellular bacteria that manipulates the reproduction of its hosts. Host proliferation is suppressed by Wolbachia induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), feminization, and male-killing. Due to these mechanisms, along with reduced host viral susceptibility—pathogen transmission is also restricted. This study provides evidence for the presence of Wolbachia in Metro Manila. The results have shown that 80% (12 out of 15) of the Culex mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) sample pools were found to be positive for wsp (gene that encodes for the surface membrane protein of Wolbachia) amplification. This is an indication of the existence of Wolbachia in the mosquito populations within the cities (Las Piñas, Pasay, Pasig, Taguig, Makati) of Metro Manila. Presence of Wolbachia in these areas can potentially be employed to control vector-transmitted diseases