Endosymbionts interaction with trypanosomes in Palpalis group of Glossina captured in southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Glossina species epidemiological studies were conducted in “fly-belt” endemic zone of southwest Nigeria. Two major study areas were identified and four Nzi traps were set in each site for tsetse collection. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of endosymbionts (Wigglesworthia glossinidia, Sodalis glossinidius and Wolbachia) in natural field-trapped populations of G. p. palpalis and G. tachinoides and investigate the corresponding interactions with African trypanosomes. A total of 64 tsetse flies were collected, these included G. p. palpalis (n = 28) and G. tachinoides (n = 36). Trypanosome infection and endosymbionts of these flies were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The infection rates of W. glossinidia was 100.0% in both species, no flies were positive for Wolbachia. Sodalis glossinidius prevalence was similar between the two-tsetse species, with G. p. palpalis and G. tachinoides showing prevalence of 35.7% (95%CI: 20.7–54.2) and 27.8% (95%CI: 15.9–44.0) respectively. No relationship was found between the endosymbionts and trypanosomes in trapped tsetse flies. More studies are needed to enhance the potential control interventions mediated by endosymbionts to reduce parasitic infections.