The complete genome of Wolbachia endosymbionts of th bedbug Cimex lectularius. Wolbachia endosymbiont of Cimex lectularius strain:wCle

Transition from parasitism to mutualism must have occurred in diverse symbiotic associations, whose mechanism is of evolutionary interest. Wolbachia endosymbionts are ubiquitously found among insects, and generally regarded as their facultative and parasitic associates. In the bedbug Cimex lectularius, however, a Wolbachia strain wCle provides the host with B vitamins deficient in blood meal, thereby establishing an obligate nutritional mutualism.