Wolbachia Induces Structural Defects Harmful to Drosophila simulans Riverside Spermiogenesis

The relationship between cytoplasmic incompatibility and the obligate intracellular alphaproteobacteria Wolbachia has for a long time been reported. Although molecular mechanisms responsible this reproductive alteration are beginning to be understood, effects of on germ cell structure dynamics have not yet fully investigated. We report here that presence in infected cysts elongating spermatids is associated with major structural defects become more evident mature sperm. find mitochondrial defects, an improper axoneme structure, reduced sperm numbers, individualization failures. large heterogeneous variety ultrastructural found provide first cytological evidence fertility infection Drosophila simulans males. observed abnormalities could result mechanical stress induced by high bacteria numbers during process spermatid elongation, rather than released factors affecting proper morphogenesis cells. Moreover, densities male cells may appropriate causing as harmful differentiation, leading abnormal unlikely functional.