It can be hypothesized that Wolbachia invade developing ovaries from the lateral chords. Confocal laser scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that Wolbachia are aligned towards the developing germline. Large numbers of Wolbachia were detected in the lateral chords of L4 larvae and of young adult worms, but not in the developing reproductive tissue. Only a few cells contain Wolbachia in microfilariae and vector stage larvae this suggests that the bacteria need to be maintained, but may have limited importance for these stages. In situ hybridization with probes binding to Wolbachia 16S rRNA were used to confirm results. An antibody against a Wolbachia surface protein was used to monitor the distribution of endobacteria during the B. Most filarial nematodes contain Wolbachia endobacteria that are essential for development and reproduction. In young males Wolbachia were found in distinct zones of the testis and in large numbers in the lateral chords in the vicinity of testicular tissue but never in mature spermatids or spermatozoa. In inseminated females (8 weeks p.i.) Wolbachia were observed in the ovaries, embryos and in decreasing numbers in the lateral chords. Confocal laser scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that numerous Wolbachia are aligned towards the developing ovaries and single endobacteria were detected in the germline. In young adult worms (5 weeks p.i.), a massive expansion of Wolbachia was observed in the lateral chords adjacent to ovaries or testis, but no endobacteria were detected in the growth zone of the ovaries, uterus, the growth zone of the testis or the vas deferens. In contrast, large numbers of Wolbachia were detected in the lateral chords of L4 larvae, but no endobacteria were detected in the genital primordium. In microfilariae and vector stage larvae only a few cells contain Wolbachia. A monoclonal antibody directed against Wolbachia surface protein and in situ hybridization targeting Wolbachia 16S rRNA were used to monitor Wolbachia during the life cycle of B.
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