‘CandidatusTisiphia’ is a widespread Rickettsiaceae symbiont in the mosquito Anopheles plumbeus (Diptera: Culicidae)

• DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16486
• Publication Date: 2023-09-02T10:40:00Z
• Authors: Helen R. Davison; Jessica Crozier; Stacy Pirro; Helge Kampen; Doreen Werner; Gregory D. D. Hurst
• Keywords: Symbiotic bacteria; Candidatus

Abstract Symbiotic bacteria can alter host biology by providing protection from natural enemies, or reproduction vectoral competence. Symbiont‐linked control of vector‐borne disease in Anopheles has been hampered a lack symbioses that establish stable vertical transmission the host. Previous screening found symbiont ‘ Candidatus Tisiphia’ plumbeus , an aggressive biter and potential secondary vector malaria parasites West Nile virus. We screened samples collected over 10‐years across Germany used climate databases to assess environmental influence on incidence. observed 95% infection rate, frequency did not fluctuate with broad factors. Maternal inheritance is indicated presence ovaries through FISH microscopy. Finally, we assembled high‐quality 1.6 Mbp draft genome Ca . explore its phylogeny metabolic The closely related strains Culicoides biting midges shows similar patterns metabolism, no evidence capacity synthesize B‐vitamins. This offers avenues for onward research anopheline mosquito symbioses. Additionally, it provides future opportunity study impact transinfected hosts, especially relation reproductive fitness vectorial competence capacity.