Detection of wolbachia in aedes aegypti collected from the provinces of Laguna and Cavite

Date of Publication

4-2024

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Thaddeus M. Carvajal

Defense Panel Chair

Frances C. Recuenco

Defense Panel Member

Paolo Ramon D.C. Pacheco
Shad Natthew S. Arce

Abstract/Summary

Aedes aegypti poses a significant public health threat as a vector for various diseases, including dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika virus, making the exploration of alternative vector control measures imperative, particularly in countries like the Philippines. One such measure involves the use of Wolbachia, a gram-negative endosymbiont known for inducing sperm-egg incompatibility and altering the genetics of subsequent generations. The efficacy of Wolbachia in controlling arbovirus transmission, notably dengue, has been advocated, aiming to reduce mosquito populations and thereby limit virus transmission. This study aims to detect Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti specimens collected from the provinces of Laguna and Cavite. Previous reports have documented Wolbachia presence in Aedes aegypti, the primary dengue vector in the Philippines. The study screened 70 mosquito samples from Biñan Laguna, Sta. Rosa Laguna, and Cavite for Wolbachia presence. All mosquitoes were field-collected and laboratory-reared in the Biological Control Research Unit. The presence of Wolbachia was confirmed using conventional PCR with wsp as the marker under optimized conditions. Notably, Wolbachia prevalence was low, with only one mosquito (1.4% of 70 samples) exhibiting positive wsp marker amplification. Recommendations for future research include employing more sensitive methods such as qPCR to enhance detection accuracy. The faint band observed in the presumptive result in AGE underscores the necessity for confirmatory techniques such as genetic sequencing. Future researchers should support subsequent investigations, from detection to sequencing, as they could significantly advance the understanding of Wolbachia-based biological control in the country.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Aedes aegypti--Philippines--Laguna; Aedes aegypti--Philippines--Cavite; Wolbachia--Philippines--Laguna; Wolbachia----Philippines--Cavite; Insect pests—Control

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Embargo Period

4-19-2024

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