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Virus particles in male accessory reproductive glands of tsetse, Glossina morsitans morsitans (Diptera: Glossinidae) and associated tissue changes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 2006

Elizabeth D. Kokwaro
Elizabeth D. Kokwaro*
Affiliation:
Department of Zoological Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, PO Box 43844-00100, Kenya
*
* E-mail: elizkokwaro@yahoo.com
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Abstract

The present study was undertaken to determine the occurrence of virus particles in male accessory reproductive glands and to describe the changes in the affected tissues. Using electron microscopy techniques, it was possible to identify rod-shaped virus-like particles in accessory reproductive glands of male tsetse, Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood. The viruses occurred intracellularly within the epithelial cells and in the lumen of the glands. Cell degeneration characterized by abundant clear vacuoles, membrane-bound vesicles, disorganization and elimination of cell organelles typified the infection. The inference, therefore, is that virus infection may be primarily responsible for the necrotic changes identified in the gland cells. It is suggested that the lesions caused in the gland epithelium by the infection would disturb the glandular cells and disrupt synthesis of the secretion. This may eventually destroy the male accessory reproductive glands leading to inability of the male flies to form spermatophores for transferring spermatozoa to the female tsetse. Lack of sperm transfer would consequently result in no egg fertilization.

Cette étude a été entreprise afin de déterminer la fréquence des particules virales dans les glandes accessoires mâles et décrire les modifications dans les tissus infestés. A l'aide de la microscopie électronique, nous avons pu identifier des particules virales en forme de baguette dans les glandes accessoires de mâles de la mouche tsetse, Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood. Les virus sont présents à l'intérieur des cellules, dans les cellules épithéliales et dans le lumen des glandes. La dégénérescence des cellules, caractérisée par la présence de nombreuses vacuoles claires, des vésicules bordées par une membrane, la désorganisation et la disparition des organites cellulaires, caractérise l'infection. On en conclut que l'infection virale des cellules se traduit en premier par les changements nécrotiques observés dans les cellules de la glande. Il est vraisemblable que les lésions observées dans l'épithélium de la glande, suite à l'infection, perturberont les cellules glandulaires et affecteront la synthèse de la sécrétion. Cela devrait aboutir à la destruction des glandes accessoires mâles et se traduire par l'impossibilité pour les mouches mâles de former des spermatophores et de transmettre des spermatozoïdes aux mouches tsetse femelles et ainsi, empêcher la fertilisation des œufs.

Keywords

virus particlestsetseGlossina morsitans morsitansmale accessory reproductive glandselectron microscopyparticules viralestsetseGlossina morsitans morsitansglandes accessoires mâlesmicroscopie électronique
Type
Research Paper
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 26 , Issue 4 , December 2006 , pp. 266 - 272
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 2006

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