A stable triple Wolbachia infection in Drosophila with nearly additive incompatibility effects

Heredity (Edinb). 1999 Jun:82 ( Pt 6):620-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2540.1999.00501.x.

Abstract

Drosophila simulans strains infected with three different Wolbachia strains were generated by experimental injection of a third symbiont into a naturally double-infected strain. This transfer led to a substantial increase in total Wolbachia density in the host strain. Each of the three symbionts was stably transmitted in the presence of the other two. Triple-infected males were incompatible with double-infected females. No evidence was obtained for interference between modification effects of the different Wolbachia strains in males. Some incompatibility was observed between triple-infected males and females. However, this incompatibility reaction is not a specific property of triple-infected flies, because it was also observed in double-infected strains.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila / microbiology*
  • Drosophila / physiology
  • Female
  • Male
  • Reproduction / physiology
  • Rickettsiaceae / physiology*