Stochastic Spread Of Wolbachia

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 28 Aug 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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A remarkable number of insect species are infected by intracellular bacteria called Wolbachia. How these bacteria spread naturally, and how they might be used by man to control pests or disease vectors, are very active areas of research.

Current theory largely ignores random effects that are likely to be important during the initial stages of invasion when only one or a few insects are infected. Our paper provides new theory to remedy this gap.

It shows in particular that Wolbachia are more likely to spread than an equivalent gene because of their unusual effects on their hosts' reproductive biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences