The popcorn Wolbachia infection of Drosophila melanogaster: can selection alter Wolbachia longevity effects?

A study examines the ability of the Wolbachia popcorn ([omega]MelPop), a life-shortening strain of Wolbachia bacteria, to suppress disease transmission by selecting outbred strains of Drosophila melanogaster infected with [omega]MelPop for early and late reproduction. Results reveal that selection on host genetic backgrounds alters longevity patterns in lines infected by [omega]MelPop, thereby highlighting its potential for use among natural populations for disease suppression.