Does Spiroplasma protect against trypanosome infection in Drosophila?

Maternally inherited bacteria are commonly found in insects. Many of these have been found to provide beneficial traits to their hosts. One particular bacterial-mediated trait which is being found to be increasingly common within insects, is protection against natural enemies. For instance, the maternally inherited bacteria of fruit flies, Spiroplasma, can protect against nematodes and parasitic wasps. The defensive properties of these bacteria are important in terms of application. Maternally inherited bacteria are now being deployed to help control the spread of vector transmitted diseases such as Dengue and Zika. Trypanosomes represent a parasite of medical and economic importance as the causal agent of several human and animal diseases such as African sleeping sickness. In this project we will determine whether the natural bacteria of fruit flies, Spiroplasma, is able to protect fruit flies against trypanosome infection. This project will further our knowledge on the generality of Spiroplasma-mediated defense within insects and more generally, a greater understanding of a relatively novel model system within the laboratory.

Faculty Supervisor:

Steve Perlman

Student:

Partner:

University of Liverpool

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health)

University:

University of Victoria

Program: