Low prevalence of Wolbachia infection in Ukrainian populations of Drosophila

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the Wolbachia infection prevalence among Drosophila species that are common in Ukraine. Methods. The total of 203 imago, representatives of seven Drosophila species collected from seven localities in Ukraine were screened for Wolbachia via PCR assay. Results. We found Wolbachia infection only in one individual of Drosophila testacea that was collected in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Conclusions. In Ukraine, the examined Drosophila species are characterised by a low prevalence of Wolbachia infection. This research, together with previously reported infections in D. melanogaster and D. simulans populations, indicate that Wolbachia infects 3 out of 9 Drosophila species surveyed in Ukraine.