Wolbachia endosymbiotic bacteria of filarial nematodes. A new insight into disease pathogenesis and control

Arch Med Res. 2002 Jul-Aug;33(4):422-4. doi: 10.1016/s0188-4409(02)00377-6.

Abstract

Filarial nematodes are parasitic worms that cause some of the most devastating of all tropical diseases such as elephantiasis and river blindness. Studies on the inflammatory pathogenesis of filarial disease have shown that endotoxin-like activity derived from endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria is the major inflammatory stimulus of filarial nematodes. Wolbachia appear to have evolved as essential symbionts of their filarial nematode hosts. Antibiotic depletion of bacteria shows that they are required for normal fertility and development of the worm and may even protect the parasites from host immunity. In addition to the uncovering of a fascinating symbiotic relationship, this discovery means we can now consider using antibiotics as a new approach to the treatment of filarial diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Filariasis / drug therapy
  • Filariasis / immunology*
  • Filariasis / microbiology
  • Filariasis / parasitology
  • Filarioidea / cytology
  • Filarioidea / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Symbiosis
  • Wolbachia / immunology*
  • Wolbachia / physiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents