Phylogenomic analyses uncover origin and spread of the Wolbachia pandemic
2014-10-06 | journal article
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- Authors
- Gerth, Michael; Gansauge, Marie-Theres; Weigert, Anne; Bleidorn, Christoph
- Abstract
- Of all obligate intracellular bacteria, Wolbachia is probably the most common. In general, Wolbachia are either widespread, opportunistic reproductive parasites of arthropods or essential mutualists in a single group of filarial nematodes, including many species of medical significance. To date, a robust phylogenetic backbone of Wolbachia is lacking and consequently, many Wolbachia-related phenomena cannot be discussed in a broader evolutionary context. Here we present the first comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of Wolbachia supergroup relationships based on new whole-genome-shotgun data. Our results suggest that Wolbachia has switched between its two major host groups at least twice. The ability of some arthropod-infecting Wolbachia to universally infect and to adapt to a broad range of hosts quickly is restricted to a single monophyletic lineage (containing supergroups A and B). Thus, the currently observable pandemic has likely a single evolutionary origin and is unique within the radiation of Wolbachia strains.
- Issue Date
- 6-October-2014
- Journal
- Nature Communications
- eISSN
- 2041-1723
- Language
- English