Abstract

RODRIGUERO, Marcela S.. Wolbachia, a pandemic with potential. Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. [online]. 2013, vol.72, n.3-4, pp.117-137. ISSN 0373-5680.

Wolbachia infection is the most widespread in animals. Its ability to manipulate insect reproduction places it at the center of organismal biology, affecting such important processes like sex determination, cell cycle, generation and extinction of species and behaviour of arthropods, including several pest and disease vector insects. Attributes like vertical transmission, the speed at which it drives in the population, the ability to block the pathogenic activity of several microorganisms and the ability to shorten the lifespan of its host point to this bacterium as a potential tool to control harmful insects and nematodes. What are the possibilities offered by this pandemic? In the present work a detailed and updated review of the main aspects of this infection is presented, as well as the practical implications for managing pest and disease vector insects and nematodes. This review is based on the symposium of the same title held in the VIII Argentinean Meeting of Entomology.

Keywords : Wolbachia; Pandemic; Horizontal Transfer; Incompatible Insect Technique; Cytoplasmic Incompatibility; Thelytokous Parthenogenesis; Feminization; Male Killing; Reproductive Parasite.

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