Population dynamics of Wolbachia symbionts playing Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Abstract

Cytoplasmic incompatibility is a reproductive strategy used by certain strains of Wolbachia (and other matrilineally transmitted bacteria), whereby infected males only produce viable offspring with infected females. This means of reproductive manipulation has frequency dependent effects, as benefits to infected females increase with the number of infected males in the population. This paper studies the ecological dynamics of Wolbachia spread and – in particular - considers the consequences of the Wolbachia providing direct fitness benefits to the female host