Rhabdoviruses in two species of Drosophila: vertical transmission and a recent sweep.

ABSTRACT: Insects are host to a diverse range of vertically transmitted micro-organisms, but while their bacterial symbionts are well-studied, little is known about their vertically transmitted viruses. We have found that two sigma viruses (Rhabdoviridae) recently discovered in Drosophila affinis and Drosophila obscura are both vertically transmitted. As is the case for the sigma virus of Drosophila melanogaster, we find that both males and females can transmit these viruses to their offspring. Males transmit lower viral titers through sperm than females transmit through eggs, and a lower proportion of their offspring become infected. In natural populations of D. obscura in the United Kingdom, we found that 39% of flies were infected and that the viral population shows clear evidence of a recent exp

SUBMITTER: Longdon B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3120147 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature