Role of Wolbachia in treatment and control of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis

Both Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis represent serious health issues in tropical regions. Filarial nematodes are the causative agents and these filarial nematodes harbor intracellular alpha-proteobacteria, Wolbachia, that was first observed almost 30 years ago. Wolbachia has evolved a mutualistic symbiosis with these nematodes which are required for their embryogenesis. The essential role of these bacteria in the biology of the nematode makes Wolbachia a promising novel chemotherapeutic target for the treatment of filarial infection. anti-Wolbachia targeting appears a promising alternative for filariasis treatment in situations where current programmatic strategies fail or are unable to be delivered. Wolbachia has been found worldwide in numerous arthropods in addition to filarial nematodes. Wolbachia is a biological method for manipulating the mosquito population and reducing the transmission of disease and increasing the burden on human health. In mosquitoes, the sterility of males can be achieved through, Wolbachia cytoplasmic incompatibility. Thus, the use of Wolbachia bacteria offers a potential strategy for the control of filarial infection.