Abstract

Wolbachia is a genus of bacteria belonging to the order Rickettsiales that participates in diverse symbiotic relationships with several organisms, mainly arthropods and nematodes. Due to its ability to induce certain reproductive phenotypes in its hosts, it is an attractive candidate for its use as a biological agent to control of pests and vectors. In order to provide information on this bacterium and its potential control applications in the fight against dengue and other vector-borne diseases, a review was performed using Pubmed and BINASS databases. Articles in English referring to Wolbachia and its use as biological control between 2001 and 2017 where included in the search; and were found under the key words: Wolbachia, biological control, dengue, zika, chikungunya.

It can be emphasized that the implementation of this biological control strategy in Costa Rica constitutes a challenge that would involve the support of the political authorities working along with the academic and community sector.

Keywords: Dengue; Zika Virus; Chikungunya virus; Wolbachia; endosymbiosis; vector borne. diseases