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Phylogenomic analyses uncover origin and spread of the Wolbachia pandemic

Author

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  • Michael Gerth

    (Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig)

  • Marie-Theres Gansauge

    (Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology)

  • Anne Weigert

    (Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig)

  • Christoph Bleidorn

    (Molecular Evolution and Systematics of Animals, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig
    German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig)

Abstract

Of all obligate intracellular bacteria, Wolbachia is probably the most common. In general, Wolbachia are either widespread, opportunistic reproductive parasites of arthropods or essential mutualists in a single group of filarial nematodes, including many species of medical significance. To date, a robust phylogenetic backbone of Wolbachia is lacking and consequently, many Wolbachia-related phenomena cannot be discussed in a broader evolutionary context. Here we present the first comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of Wolbachia supergroup relationships based on new whole-genome-shotgun data. Our results suggest that Wolbachia has switched between its two major host groups at least twice. The ability of some arthropod-infecting Wolbachia to universally infect and to adapt to a broad range of hosts quickly is restricted to a single monophyletic lineage (containing supergroups A and B). Thus, the currently observable pandemic has likely a single evolutionary origin and is unique within the radiation of Wolbachia strains.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Gerth & Marie-Theres Gansauge & Anne Weigert & Christoph Bleidorn, 2014. "Phylogenomic analyses uncover origin and spread of the Wolbachia pandemic," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms6117
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6117
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