Might Bacterial Symbionts Influence Vectorial Capacity of Biting Midges for Ruminant Viruses?
Authors: Gottlieb Yuval , Mullens Bradley A. 
Published: March 2022

- Original objectives and revision: The feasibility study performed in the last year was aimed at determining the symbiotic profiles of eight selected Culicoidesspecies in Israel and the USA by: Comparing bacterial communities among geographic populations of primary bluetongue virus (BTV) vectors. Comparing bacterial communities between adults of field-collected, mammal-feeding BTV vectors and non-vectors. Comparing bacterial communities within and between mammal feeders and bird feeders, with special attention to species with unique immature habitats. We made an effort to collect the eight species during the beginning of the project, however, due to the short available collection season, and the significant changes in habitats available for Israeli Culicoides, we initially determined the symbiotic profile of five species: two BTV vectors (C. sonorensis, C. imicola), one mammal feeders with unknown vectoring ability (C. schultzei), one bird feeder (C. crepuscularis), and one unique habitat species (C. cacticola). In addition, upon preliminary symbiont identification we focused our effort on relevant specific symbionts. Background: Biting midges (Culicoides, Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of many major viral diseases affecting farm animals, including BT, which is listed among the most damaging by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and has recently emerged in completely unexpected areas (Northern Europe). One of the strategies to reduce the vectorial capacity of insect vectors is by manipulating their specific symbionts either to affect the vector species or to influence performance of the disease agent within it. Despite significant efforts to elucidate the vectorial capacity of certain Culicoidesspecies, and the critical basis of variability in infection, almost no attention has been given to symbiotic interactions between the vector and its bacterial tenants. It is now established that bacterial symbionts have major influences on their host biology, and may interact with disease agents vectored by their hosts. - Major conclusions, solutions, achievements: During the feasibility project we have found two major bacterial symbionts in Israeli and American Culicoides. In Israel we discovered that C. imicola, a known vector of BT, and C. schultzeigp. a suspected vector of BT, carry the symbiotic bacterium Cardinium, a reproductive manipulator symbiont. In C. imicolathe infection rate was close to 50%, and in C. schultzeiit was lower, and restricted to one of two species within Schultzeigroup. In 3 American species (C. sonorensis, C. crepuscularis, C. cacticola) we found the bacterium Burkholderiasp. In all species tested we have also found other bacterial species in diverse quantities and frequencies. - Implications, both scientific and agricultural: Finding specific symbionts in Culicoidesvector species is the first step in developing symbiont based control (SBC) strategies. Both identified symbionts are known from other insects, and Cardiniumis also known as a reproductive manipulator that can cause cytoplasmic incompatibility, an important phenomenon that can be used for spreading desired traits in infected populations. The role of the symbionts in Culicoideshost can be target for manipulation to reduce the vectorial capacity of the host by either changing its fitness so that it is unable to serve as a vector, or by directly changing the symbiont in a way that will affect the performance of the disease agent in its vector. Since Burkholderiaperhaps can be cultured independently of the host, it is a promising candidate for the later option. Thus, we have now opened the door for studying the specific interactions between symbionts and vector species.