Isolation and characterisation of Spiroplasma sp. from Phytomia zonata (Diptera: Syrphidae)

Abstract:

Abstract: [Objective] To obtain the spiroplasma resources and characterize the spiroplasmas from insects in China, as well as study the taxonomy of spiroplasma based on biological characteristics. [Methods] We determined morphology by using dark field and transmission electron microscopy. The biological characteristics of the spiroplasmas were studied by using conventional culture-dependent method and phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA. [Results] Based on morphological characteristics, biological characteristics and phylogenetic evidences, we studied the taxonomy of the strain YY0801 isolated from Phytomia zonata (Diptera: Syrphidae). The isolate grew well in R2 liquid medium and could pass through 0.22 μm and 0.45 μm filtrate membranes. The colony was grain-like in solid medium. Through electron microscopy, the isolate YY0801 exhibited helicity during their exponential growth phase. The isolate YY0801 was able to ferment glucose and D-fructose and to catabolize arginine, but did not to hydrolyse urea. The isolate was resistant to ampicillin (2000 U/mL). The phylogenetic relationships based on 16S rDNA supported YY0801 grouped with the serogroupⅠand was close to S. melliferum. [Conclusion] The result indicated that the spiroplasma isolate YY0801 was close to S. melliferum, but further designation need support of serological analyses.