144 - Effect of temperature on Wolbachia during Culex pipiens development

Abstract: Cx. pipiens is a WNV vectors in North America and is  natural carrier of Wolbachia. Temperature can influence the mosquito life cycle, and Wolbachia replication and density in its host is also sensitive to temperature. This research aims to determine the effect of temperature on Wolbachia presence in Cx. pipiens. Molecular and microscopy techniques were used for Wolbachia detection and quantification in embryo tissues from mosquitoes reared at three different temperatures. Preliminary outcomes are showed.