Multiplicative interaction between the two major mechanisms of permethrin resistance, kdr and cytochrome P450-monooxygenase detoxification, in mosquitoes

Cuticular profiling of insecticide resistant Aedes aegypti

Insecticides have made great strides in reducing the global burden of vector-borne disease. Nonetheless, serious public health concerns remain because insecticide-resistant vector populations continue to spread globally. To circumvent insecticide resistance, it is essential to understand all contributing mechanisms. Contact-based insecticides are absorbed through the insect cuticle, which is comprised mainly of chitin polysaccharides, cuticular proteins, hydrocarbons, and phenolic biopolymers sclerotin and melanin. Cuticle interface alterations can slow or prevent insecticide penetration in a phenomenon referred to as cuticular resistance. Cuticular resistance characterization of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is lacking. In the current study, we utilized solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy to gain insights into the cuticle composition of congenic cytochrome P450 monooxygenase insecticide resistant and susceptible Ae. aegypti. No differences in cuticular hydrocarbon content or phenolic biopolymer deposition were found. In contrast, we observed cuticle thickness of insecticide resistant Ae. aegypti increased over time and exhibited higher polysaccharide abundance. Moreover, we found these local cuticular changes correlated with global metabolic differences in the whole mosquito, suggesting the existence of novel cuticular resistance mechanisms in this major disease vector.

Cuticular profiling of insecticide resistant Aedes aegypti

Insecticides have made great strides in reducing the global burden of vector-borne disease. Nonetheless, serious public health concerns remain because insecticide-resistant vector populations continue to spread globally. To circumvent insecticide resistance, it is essential to understand all contributing mechanisms. Contact-based insecticides are absorbed through the insect cuticle, which is comprised mainly of chitin polysaccharides, cuticular proteins, hydrocarbons, and phenolic biopolymers sclerotin and melanin. Cuticle interface alterations can slow or prevent insecticide penetration in a phenomenon referred to as cuticular resistance. Cuticular resistance characterization of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti , is lacking. In the current study, we utilized solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to gain insights into the cuticle composition of congenic cytochrome P450 monooxygenase insecticide resistant and susceptible Ae. aegypti . No differences in cuticular hydrocarbon content or phenolic biopolymer deposition were found. In contrast, we observed cuticle thickness of insecticide resistant Ae. aegypti increased over time and exhibited higher polysaccharide abundance. Moreover, we found these local cuticular changes correlated with global metabolic differences in the whole mosquito, suggesting the existence of novel cuticular resistance mechanisms in this major disease vector.

Standing genetic variation in laboratory populations of insecticide-susceptible Phlebotomus papatasi and Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) for the evolution of resistance

Insecticides can exert strong selection on insect pest species, including those that vector diseases, and have led to rapid evolution of resistance. Despite such rapid evolution, relatively little is known about standing genetic variation for resistance in insecticide-susceptible populations of many species. To help fill this knowledge gap, we generated genotyping-by-sequencing data from insecticide-susceptible Phlebotomus papatasi and Lutzomyia longipalpis sand flies that survived or died from a sub-diagnostic exposure to either permethrin or malathion using a modified version of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bottle bioassay. Multi-locus genome-wide association mapping methods were used to quantify standing genetic variation for insecticide resistance in these populations and to identify specific alleles associated with insecticide survival. For each insecticide treatment, we estimated the proportion of the variation in survival explained by the genetic data (i.e., "chip" heritability) and the number and contribution of individual loci with measurable effects. For all treatments, survival to an insecticide exposure was heritable with a polygenic architecture. Both P. papatasi and L. longipalpis had alleles for survival that resided within many genes throughout their genomes. The implications for resistance conferred by many alleles, as well as inferences made about the utility of laboratory insecticide resistance association studies compared to field observations, are discussed.

Comparative proteomics reveals mechanisms that underlie insecticide resistance in Culex pipiens pallens Coquillett

Mosquito control based on chemical insecticides is considered as an important element of the current global strategies for the control of mosquito-borne diseases. Unfortunately, the development of insecticide resistance of important vector mosquito species jeopardizes the effectiveness of insecticide-based mosquito control. In contrast to target site resistance, other mechanisms are far from being fully understood. Global protein profiles among cypermethrin-resistant, propoxur-resistant, dimethyl-dichloro-vinyl-phosphate-resistant and susceptible strain of Culex pipiens pallens were obtained and proteomic differences were evaluated by using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification labeling coupled with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric analysis. A susceptible strain of Culex pipiens pallens showed elevated resistance levels after 25 generations of insecticide selection, through iTRAQ data analysis detected 2,502 proteins, of which 1,513 were differentially expressed in insecticide-selected strains compared to the susceptible strain. Finally, midgut differential protein expression profiles were analyzed, and 62 proteins were selected for verification of differential expression using iTRAQ and parallel reaction monitoring strategy, respectively. iTRAQ profiles of adaptation selection to three insecticide strains combined with midgut profiles revealed that multiple insecticide resistance mechanisms operate simultaneously in resistant insects of Culex pipiens pallens. Significant molecular resources were developed for Culex pipiens pallens, potential candidates were involved in metabolic resistance and reducing penetration or sequestering insecticide. Future research that is targeted towards RNA interference of the identified metabolic targets, such as cuticular proteins, cytochrome P450s, glutathione S-transferases and ribosomal proteins proteins and biological pathways (drug metabolism—cytochrome P450, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome) could lay the foundation for a better understanding of the genetic basis of insecticide resistance in Culex pipiens pallens.

Global protein profiles were compared among a susceptible strain of Cx. pipiens pallens and strains that were cypermethrin-resistant, propoxur-resistant, and dimethyl-dichloro-vinyl-phosphate-resistant after 25 generations of selection by distinct chemical insecticide families, multiple mechanisms were found to operate simultaneously in resistant mosquitoes of Cx. pipiens pallens, including mechanisms to lower penetration of or sequester the insecticide or to increase biodegradation of the insecticide via subtle alterations in either the cuticular protein levels or the activities of detoxification enzymes (P450s and glutathione S-transferases).

CYP-mediated resistance and cross-resistance to pyrethroids and organophosphates in Aedes aegypti in the presence and absence of kdr

Aedes aegypti thrives in urban environments and transmits several debilitating human viral diseases. Thus, our ability to control this mosquito species in endemic areas is of utmost importance. The use of insecticides, mostly pyrethroids and organophosphates (OPs), has long been the primary means of controlling A. aegypti, but widespread insecticide resistance has emerged. The two main mechanisms of pyrethroid resistance in A. aegypti are CYP-mediated detoxification and mutations in the target site, voltage-sensitive sodium channel (Vssc), referred to as knockdown resistance (kdr). Knowledge about the contributions and interactions of these mechanisms to resistance is important for the understanding of the molecular and evolutionary basis of insecticide resistance, and to determine the effectiveness of insecticides. In this study, we address two aims: 1) determine the patterns of CYP-mediated cross-resistance to pyrethroid and OP insecticides, both in the presence and absence of kdr (S989P + V1016G), and 2) determine whether the interaction between the two mechanisms yields a greater than, less than, or additive effect on resistance. We tested seven pyrethroids and four OPs against three congenic strains of A. aegypti: ROCK (susceptible), CYP:ROCK (CR) (resistant due to CYP-mediated detoxification without kdr), and CYP + KDR:ROCK (CKR) (resistant due to both CYPs and kdr), and compared these to the congenic KDR:ROCK strain that was previously reported. We found that resistance ratios (RRs) were variable between pyrethroids and strains, ranging from 6.2- to 42-fold for CR, and 70- to 261-fold for CKR. In general, we found that CYP-mediated resistance alone contributes less to resistance than kdr. The effect of the combined mechanisms on resistance was significantly greater than additive for all pyrethroids except (1R)-trans-fenfluthrin. CYP-mediated pyrethroid resistance conferred cross-resistance to both methyl paraoxon and fenitrothion, and negative cross-resistance to methyl parathion and naled. Based on our results, we recommend that etofenprox and cyfluthrin be avoided for A. aegypti control in areas where these two resistance mechanisms are prevalent.

Identification and interaction of multiple genes resulting in DDT resistance in the 91-R strain of Drosophila melanogaster by RNAi approaches

4,4'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) has been re-recommended by the World Health Organization for malaria mosquito control. Previous DDT use has resulted in resistance, and with continued use resistance will likely increase in terms of level and extent. Drosophila melanogaster is a model dipteran with a well annotated genome allowing both forward and reverse genetic manipulation, numerous studies done on insecticide resistance mechanisms, and is related to malaria mosquitoes allowing for extrapolation. The 91-R strain of D. melanogaster is highly resistant to DDT (>1500-fold) and recently, reduced penetration, increased detoxification, and direct excretion have been identified as resistance mechanisms. Their interactions, however, remain unclear. Use of Gal4/UAS-RNAi transgenic lines of D. melanogaster allowed for the targeted knockdown of genes putatively involved in DDT resistance and has identified the role of several cuticular proteins (Cyp4g1 and Lcp1), cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (Cyp6g1 and Cyp12d1), and ATP binding cassette transporters (Mdr50, Mdr65, and Mrp1) involved in decreased sensitivity to DDT. These above findings have been further validated in 91-R flies using a nanoparticle-enhanced RNAi strategy, directly implication these genes in DDT resistance in 91-R flies.

Integument CYP genes of the largest genome-wide cytochrome P450 expansions in triatomines participate in detoxification in deltamethrin-resistant Triatoma infestans

Insect resistance to chemical insecticides is attributed to a combination of different mechanisms, such as metabolic resistance, knockdown resistance, and the cuticular resistance or penetration factor. The insect integument offers an efficient barrier against contact insecticides and its role as penetration factor has been previously reported; however, there is no information about its potential function in the metabolic resistance. Cytochrome P450 genes (CYP) are highly expressed in the fat body of several insects and thus play a key role in their metabolic resistance. Here, we describe new members that belong to the highly genome-wide expanded CYP3093A and CYP4EM subfamilies in the Chagas disease vectors Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans. We modeled the docking of deltamethrin in their active site and detected differences in some amino acids between both species that are critical for a correct interaction with the substrate. We also knocked down the two constitutively most expressed genes in the integument of resistant T. infestans nymphs (CYP3093A11 and CYP4EM10) in order to find clues on their participation in deltamethrin resistance. This is the first report on the role of the insect integument in detoxification events; although these two CYP genes do not fully explain the resistance observed in T. infestans.

Genetic variation associated with increased insecticide resistance in the malaria mosquito, Anopheles coluzzii

BACKGROUND

Malaria mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa have declined significantly in recent years as a result of increased insecticide-treated bed net (ITN) usage. A major challenge to further progress is the emergence and spread of insecticide resistance alleles in the Anopheles mosquito vectors, like An. coluzzii. A non-synonymous mutation in the para voltage-gated sodium channel gene reduces pyrethroid-binding affinity, resulting in knockdown resistance (kdr). Metabolic mechanisms of insecticide resistance involving detoxification genes like cytochrome P450 genes, carboxylesterases, and glutathione S-transferases are also important. As some gene activity is tissue-specific and/or environmentally induced, gene regulatory variation may be overlooked when comparing expression from whole mosquito bodies under standard rearing conditions.

RESULTS

We detected complex insecticide resistance in a 2014 An. coluzzii colony from southern Mali using bottle bioassays. Additional bioassays involving recombinant genotypes from a cross with a relatively susceptible 1995 An. coluzzii colony from Mali confirmed the importance of kdr and associated increased permethrin resistance to the CYP9K1 locus on the X chromosome. Significant differential expression of CYP9K1 was not observed among these colonies in Malpighian tubules. However, the P450 gene CYP6Z1 was overexpressed in resistant individuals following sublethal permethrin exposure and the carboxylesterase gene COEAE5G was constitutively overexpressed.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant P450-related insecticide resistance observed in the 2014 An. coluzzii colony indicates that ITNs treated with the P450 inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PBO) would be more effective in this region. The known insecticide resistance gene CYP6Z1 was differentially expressed exclusively in the context of sublethal permethrin exposure, highlighting the importance of tissue-specificity and environmental conditions in gene expression studies. The increased activity of the carboxylesterase COEAE5G in the resistant An. coluzzii colony suggests resistance to other insecticides like organophosphates. Additional gene expression studies involving other tissues (e.g. fat body) would provide a more comprehensive view of genes underlying metabolic insecticide resistance in An. coluzzii from Mali. Identifying genetic markers linked to these regulatory alleles is an important next step that would substantially improve insecticide resistance surveillance and population genetic studies in this important vector species.

A Linkage Map and QTL Analysis for Pyrethroid Resistance in the Bed Bug Cimex lectularius

The rapid evolution of insecticide resistance remains one of the biggest challenges in the control of medically and economically important pests. Insects have evolved a diverse range of mechanisms to reduce the efficacy of the commonly used classes of insecticides, and finding the genetic basis of resistance is a major aid to management. In a previously unstudied population, we performed an F₂ resistance mapping cross for the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, for which insecticide resistance is increasingly widespread. Using 334 SNP markers obtained through RAD-sequencing, we constructed the first linkage map for the species, consisting of 14 putative linkage groups (LG), with a length of 407 cM and an average marker spacing of 1.3 cM. The linkage map was used to reassemble the recently published reference genome, facilitating refinement and validation of the current genome assembly. We detected a major QTL on LG12 associated with insecticide resistance, occurring in close proximity (1.2 Mb) to a carboxylesterase encoding candidate gene for pyrethroid resistance. This provides another example of this candidate gene playing a major role in determining survival in a bed bug population following pesticide resistance evolution. The recent availability of the bed bug genome, complete with a full list of potential candidate genes related to insecticide resistance, in addition to the linkage map generated here, provides an excellent resource for future research on the development and spread of insecticide resistance in this resurging pest species.

Seasonal dynamics of insecticide resistance, multiple resistance, and morphometric variation in field populations of Culex pipiens

Resistance to insecticides that impairs nervous transmission has been widely investigated in mosquito populations as insecticides are crucial to effective insect control. The development of insecticide resistance is also of special interest to evolutionary biologists since it represents the opportunity to observe the genetic consequences of a well-characterized alteration in the environment. Although the frequencies of resistance alleles in Culex pipiens populations against different groups of insecticides have been reported, no detailed information is available on the relative change in these allele frequencies over time. In this study, we collected mosquitoes of the Cx. pipiens complex from six locations in three seasons in the Aegean region of Turkey and examined the i) seasonal variations in resistance to four different chemical classes of insecticides, ii) seasonal fluctuations in frequencies of resistance-associated target-site mutations of the three genes (ace-1, kdr, and Rdl), and iii) potential seasonal variations in wing morphometric characters that may be modified in resistant mosquitoes. Our bioassay results indicated the presence of different levels of resistance to all tested insecticides for all three seasons in all locations. The results of the PCR-based molecular analysis revealed low frequencies of mutations in ace-1 and Rdl that are associated with resistance to malathion, bendiocarb, and dieldrin and no obvious seasonal changes. In contrast, we detected high frequencies and striking seasonal changes for two kdr mutations associated with resistance to DDT and pyrethroids. In addition, the evaluation of the field populations from all seasons in terms of the combinations of polymorphisms at four resistance-associated mutations did not reveal the presence of insects that are resistant to all pesticides. Results from the morphological analysis displayed a similar pattern for both wings and did not show a clear separation among the samples from the three different seasons. The results of this study have advanced our knowledge of the potential dynamics of insecticide resistance among populations of the Cx. pipiens complex. The implications of these results to the understanding of the evolution of insecticide resistance and the management of resistance in mosquitoes are discussed.

Insecticide Resistance and Management Strategies in Urban Ecosystems

The increased urbanization of a growing global population makes imperative the development of sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for urban pest control. This emphasizes pests that are closely associated with the health and wellbeing of humans and domesticated animals. Concurrently there are regulatory requirements enforced to minimize inadvertent exposures to insecticides in the urban environment. Development of insecticide resistance management (IRM) strategies in urban ecosystems involves understanding the status and mechanisms of insecticide resistance and reducing insecticide selection pressure by combining multiple chemical and non-chemical approaches. In this review, we will focus on the commonly used insecticides and molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance in six major urban insect pests: house fly, German cockroach, mosquitoes, red flour beetle, bed bugs and head louse. We will also discuss several strategies that may prove promising for future urban IPM programs.

Deltamethrin Binding to Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Lipoproteins. Analysis by Solvent Bar Microextraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography

The binding of deltamethrin (DLM) to the hemipteran Triatoma infestans (Klug) hemolymph lipoproteins was evaluated in vitro. After DLM incubation with the insect hemolymph, lipoproteins were fractioned by ultracentrifugation. DLM binding was analyzed by a microextractive technique-solvent bar microextraction-a solventless methodology to extract DLM from each lipoprotein fraction. This is a novel use of the technique applied to extract an insecticide from an insect fluid. Capillary gas chromatography with microelectron capture detection was used to detect DLM bound by the T. infestans hemolymph lipoproteins and to identify the preferred DLM carrier. We show that Lp and VHDLp I lipoproteins are mainly responsible for DLM transport in T. infestans, both in DLM-resistant and DLM-susceptible bugs. Our results also indicate that DLM amounts transported are not related to DLM susceptibility.

Complex genome evolution in Anopheles coluzzii associated with increased insecticide usage in Mali

In certain cases, a species may have access to important genetic variation present in a related species via adaptive introgression. These novel alleles may interact with their new genetic background, resulting in unexpected phenotypes. In this study, we describe a selective sweep on standing variation on the X chromosome in the mosquito Anopheles coluzzii, a principal malaria vector in West Africa. This event may have been influenced by the recent adaptive introgression of the insecticide resistance gene known as kdr from the sister species Anopheles gambiae. Individuals carrying both kdr and a nearly fixed X-linked haplotype, encompassing at least four genes including the P450 gene CYP9K1 and the cuticular protein CPR125, have rapidly increased in relative frequency. In parallel, a reproductively isolated insecticide-susceptible A. gambiae population (Bamako form) has been driven to local extinction, likely due to strong selection from increased insecticide-treated bed net usage.

Comparison of the Insecticidal Characteristics of Commercially Available Plant Essential Oils Against Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae are two mosquito species that represent significant threats to global public health as vectors of Dengue virus and malaria parasites, respectively. Although mosquito populations have been effectively controlled through the use of synthetic insecticides, the emergence of widespread insecticide-resistance in wild mosquito populations is a strong motivation to explore new insecticidal chemistries. For these studies, Ae. aegypti and An. gambiae were treated with commercially available plant essential oils via topical application. The relative toxicity of each essential oil was determined, as measured by the 24-h LD(50) and percentage knockdown at 1 h, as compared with a variety of synthetic pyrethroids. For Ae. aegypti, the most toxic essential oil (patchouli oil) was ∼1,700-times less toxic than the least toxic synthetic pyrethroid, bifenthrin. For An. gambiae, the most toxic essential oil (patchouli oil) was ∼685-times less toxic than the least toxic synthetic pyrethroid. A wide variety of toxicities were observed among the essential oils screened. Also, plant essential oils were analyzed via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify the major components in each of the samples screened in this study. While the toxicities of these plant essential oils were demonstrated to be lower than those of the synthetic pyrethroids tested, the large amount of GC/MS data and bioactivity data for each essential oil presented in this study will serve as a valuable resource for future studies exploring the insecticidal quality of plant essential oils.

Insecticides resistance in the Culex quinquefasciatus populations from northern Thailand and possible resistance mechanisms

The mosquito vector Culex quinquefasciatus is known to be resistant to insecticides worldwide, including Thailand. This study was the first investigation of the insecticide resistance mechanisms, involving metabolic detoxification and target site insensitivity in C. quinquefasciatus from Thailand. Adult females reared from field-caught larvae from six provinces of northern Thailand were determined for resistant status by exposing to 0.05% deltamethrin, 0.75% permethrin and 5% malathion papers using the standard WHO susceptibility test. The overall mortality rates were 45.8%, 11.4% and 80.2%, respectively. A fragment of voltage-gated sodium channel gene was amplified and sequenced to identify the knock down resistance (kdr) mutation. The ace-1 gene mutation was determined by using PCR-RFLP. The L1014F kdr mutation was observed in all populations, but the homozygous mutant F/F1014 genotype was found only in two of the six provinces where the kdr mutation was significantly correlated with deltamethrin resistance. However, none of mosquitoes had the G119S mutation in the ace-1 gene. A laboratory deltamethrin resistant strain, Cq_CM_R, has been established showing a highly resistant level after selection for a few generations. The mutant F1014 allele frequency was significantly increased after one generation of selection. A synergist assay was performed to assess the metabolic detoxifying enzymes. Addition of bis(4-nitrophenyl)-phosphate (BNPP) and diethyl maleate (DEM), inhibitors of esterases and glutathione S-transferases (GST), respectively, into the larval bioassay of the Cq_CM strain with deltamethrin showed no significant reduction. By contrast, addition of piperonyl butoxide (PBO), an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, showed a 9-fold reduction of resistance. Resistance to pyrethroids in C. quinquefasciatus is widely distributed in northern Thailand. This study reports for the first time for the detection of the L1014F kdr mutation in wild populations of C. quinquefasciatus in Thailand. At least two major mechanisms, kdr and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, confer resistance to deltamethrin in Thai C. quinquefasciatus populations.

Pyrethroid resistance in Culex pipiens mosquitoes

Mosquitoes within the Culex pipiens complex are widely distributed and important in the transmission of many human diseases. Insecticides, pyrethroids in particular, remain a mainstay for control of these important vectors. In this paper we review what is known about the levels, mechanisms and fitness costs of pyrethroid resistance in Cx. pipiens. Pyrethroid resistance in Cx. pipiens is a global problem, and resistance ratios of up to 7000-fold have been found in larvae of field collected mosquitoes. However, there is considerable variation between populations, indicating significant geographic heterogeneity of the resistance. The two major mechanisms of resistance to pyrethroids in Culex are mutations in Vssc (target site insensitivity) and overexpression of cytochrome P450(s) (increased detoxification). The most frequently reported Vssc mutation is L1014F (i.e. kdr), which has been found throughout the world. The L1014S mutation has been found in Cx. p. pallens from Japan and China, and in Cx. p. pipiens from China. The L1014C mutation has only been reported for Cx. p. pipens molestus from China and the V1016G mutation has only been reported from Saudi Arabia. Studies on the P450s of Cx. pipiens have identified several that are overexpressed (measured as transcript levels) in pyrethroid resistant strains. CYP9M10 is consistently overexpressed in pyrethroid resistant Cx. pipiens from at least seven countries, suggesting this P450 might be of global importance in resistance. Both CYP9M10-mediated pyrethroid resistance and kdr have fitness costs in the absence of insecticides under certain environmental conditions. Research needs and future directions are discussed.

A de novo transcriptome of European pollen beetle populations and its analysis, with special reference to insecticide action and resistance

The pollen beetle Meligethes aeneus is the most important coleopteran pest in European oilseed rape cultivation, annually infesting millions of hectares and responsible for substantial yield losses if not kept under economic damage thresholds. This species is primarily controlled with insecticides but has recently developed high levels of resistance to the pyrethroid class. The aim of the present study was to provide a transcriptomic resource to investigate mechanisms of resistance. cDNA was sequenced on both Roche (Indianapolis, IN, USA) and Illumina (LGC Genomics, Berlin, Germany) platforms, resulting in a total of ∼53 m reads which assembled into 43 396 expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Manual annotation revealed good coverage of genes encoding insecticide target sites and detoxification enzymes. A total of 77 nonredundant cytochrome P450 genes were identified. Mapping of Illumina RNAseq sequences (from susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant strains) against the reference transcriptome identified a cytochrome P450 (CYP6BQ23) as highly overexpressed in pyrethroid resistance strains. Single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis confirmed the presence of a target-site resistance mutation (L1014F) in the voltage-gated sodium channel of one resistant strain. Our results provide new insights into the important genes associated with pyrethroid resistance in M. aeneus. Furthermore, a comprehensive EST resource is provided for future studies on insecticide modes of action and resistance mechanisms in pollen beetle.

Insecticide resistance status in the major West Nile virus vector Culex pipiens from Greece

BACKGROUND

One of the largest West Nile virus outbreaks in Europe occurred in Greece in 2010. Use of insecticides against Culex pipiens was substantially scaled up, as an emergency tool. Although mosquito control has been based on insecticides for several decades in Greece, insecticide resistance data are not available.

RESULTS

An examination was made of the resistance status of 13 Cx. pipiens populations from five regional units in Greece against four insecticides used for its control over a 3 year period. Bioassays demonstrated susceptibility of most populations to all insecticides, except for temephos in some regions, and deltamethrin and diflubenzuron on one occasion each. The authors also monitored the frequency of the pyrethroid target-site resistance mutations L1014F (kdr), as well as G119S and F290V in the Ace1 gene. Ace1 insensitivity mutations were found at low frequencies and always in heterozygocity. However, the frequency of kdr pyrethroid resistance mutations was higher (up to 63.0% in Thessaloniki).

CONCLUSIONS

The high frequency of kdr mutations indicates a risk that needs to be addressed, should the use of pyrethroids be further extended. There was no strong evidence of significant resistance levels against Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis and diflubenzuron. Continued monitoring of insecticide resistance is recommended for the application of appropriate management tactics.

Abamectin is metabolized by CYP392A16, a cytochrome P450 associated with high levels of acaricide resistance in Tetranychus urticae

Abamectin is one of the most important insecticides worldwide. It is used against major agricultural pests and insects of public health importance, as well as against endoparasites in animal health. Abamectin has been used successfully for the control of the spider mite Tetranychus urticae, a major agricultural pest with global distribution, an extremely diverse host range, and a remarkable ability to develop resistance against insecticides including abamectin. Target site resistance mutations may explain a large part of resistance, although genetic evidence and transcriptomic data indicated that additional mechanisms may also be implicated in the abamectin resistant phenotype. To investigate a functional link between cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism and abamectin resistance, we recombinantly expressed three cytochrome P450s (CYP392A16, CYP392D8 and CYP392D10) that have been associated with high levels of abamectin resistance in a resistant T. urticae strain isolated from Greece. CYP392A16 was expressed predominately in its P450 form however, both CYP392D8 and CYP392D10 were expressed predominately as P420, despite optimization efforts on expression conditions. CYP392A16 catalyses the hydroxylation of abamectin (Kcat=0.54 pmol/min/pmol P450; Km=45.9 μM), resulting in a substantially less toxic compound as confirmed by bioassays with the partially purified metabolite. However, CYP392A16 did not metabolize hexythiazox, clofentezine and bifenthrin, active ingredients that also showed reduced toxicity in the abamectin resistant strain. Among a number of fluorescent and luminescent substrates screened, Luciferin-ME EGE was preferentially metabolized by CYP392A16, and it may be a potential diagnostic probe for metabolic resistance detection and monitoring.

Bed bugs evolved unique adaptive strategy to resist pyrethroid insecticides

Recent advances in genomic and post-genomic technologies have facilitated a genome-wide analysis of the insecticide resistance-associated genes in insects. Through bed bug, Cimex lectularius transcriptome analysis, we identified 14 molecular markers associated with pyrethroid resistance. Our studies revealed that most of the resistance-associated genes functioning in diverse mechanisms are expressed in the epidermal layer of the integument, which could prevent or slow down the toxin from reaching the target sites on nerve cells, where an additional layer of resistance (kdr) is possible. This strategy evolved in bed bugs is based on their unique morphological, physiological and behavioral characteristics and has not been reported in any other insect species. RNA interference-aided knockdown of resistance associated genes showed the relative contribution of each mechanism towards overall resistance development. Understanding the complexity of adaptive strategies employed by bed bugs will help in designing the most effective and sustainable bed bug control methods.

Development of permethrin resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus Say in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The resistance status towards permethrin among the laboratory strain, the permethrin-selected strain and four field strains of Culex quinquefasciatus collected in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was determined using three standard laboratory methods: WHO larval bioassay, WHO adult bioassay and biochemical microplate assay. Cx. quinquefasciatus permethrin-selected strain larvae were the least susceptible to permethrin with a resistance ratio of 47.28-folds, whereas all field strain larvae of the same species were tolerant to permethrin with resistance ratios of more than 3-folds. In contrast, in adult stage, the permethrin exposed permethrin-selected strain (resistance ratio = 1.27) was found to be more susceptible to permethrin than all permethrin-exposed field strains (resistance ratios = 2.23-2.48). Complete mortalities for all strains of Cx. quinquefasciatus adults proved the effectiveness of the synergist; piperonyl butoxide (PBO). For the biochemical microplate assay, the reduction of the mean optical density of elevated oxidase activity of three field strains upon exposure to PBO confirmed the association between oxidase activity and permethrin tolerance. On the other hand, irregular patterns of the mean optical density of elevated oxidase activity in the laboratory strain, permethrin-selected strain and Jalan Fletcher strain illustrated the gene variation within these mosquito colonies as well as the involvement of other enzyme activities in the permethrin resistance occurred.

Proximity to agriculture is correlated with pesticide tolerance: evidence for the evolution of amphibian resistance to modern pesticides

Anthropogenic environmental change is a powerful and ubiquitous evolutionary force, so it is critical that we determine the extent to which organisms can evolve in response to anthropogenic environmental change and whether these evolutionary responses have associated costs. This issue is particularly relevant for species of conservation concern including many amphibians, which are experiencing global declines from many causes including widespread exposure to agrochemicals. We used a laboratory toxicity experiment to assess variation in sensitivity to two pesticides among wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) populations and a mesocosm experiment to ascertain whether resistance to pesticides is associated with decreased performance when animals experience competition and fear of predation. We discovered that wood frog populations closer to agriculture were more resistant to a common insecticide (chlorpyrifos), but not to a common herbicide (Roundup). We also found no evidence that this resistance carried a performance cost when facing competition and the fear of predation. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that organophosphate insecticide (the most commonly applied class of insecticides in the world) resistance increases with agricultural land use in an amphibian, which is consistent with an evolutionary response to agrochemicals.

Insecticide resistance allele frequencies in Anopheles gambiae before and after anti-vector interventions in continental Equatorial Guinea

Anti-malaria interventions that rely on insecticides can be compromised by insecticide-resistance alleles among malaria vectors. We examined frequency changes of resistance alleles at two loci, knockdown resistance (kdr) and acetylcholinesterase-1 (ace-1), which confer resistance to pyrethroids and DDT, and carbamates, respectively. A total of 7,059 Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquitoes were analyzed from multiple sites across continental Equatorial Guinea. A subset of sites included samples collected pre-intervention (2007) and post-intervention (2009-2011). Both L1014S and L1014F resistance alleles were observed in almost all pre-intervention collections. In particular, L1014F was already at substantial frequencies in M form populations (17.6-74.6%), and at high frequencies (> 50%) in all but two S form populations. Comparison before and throughout anti-vector interventions showed drastic increases in L1014F, presumably caused by intensified selection pressure imposed by pyrethroids used in vector control efforts. In light of these findings, inclusion of other insecticide classes in any anti-vector intervention can be considered prudent.

Pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus from Port-au-Prince, Haiti

In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the status of insecticide resistance has not recently been evaluated for Aedes aegypti (L) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) populations. No prophylactics exist for dengue, so prevention is only through vector control methods. An earthquake occurred in Haiti on January 12, 2010, with a magnitude of 7.0 Mw that devastated the area. Dengue became a major concern for the humanitarian relief workers that entered the country. Bottle bioassays were conducted in the field on adult mosquitoes reared from larvae collected from the grounds of the U.S. Embassy and from an adjacent neighborhood in eastern Port-au-Prince, Haiti. At the CDC, Fort Collins, CO, bioassays, molecular, and biochemical assays were performed on mosquitoes reared from field-collected eggs. A small percentage of the population was able to survive the diagnostic dose in bioassays run in Haiti. Mosquitoes tested at the CDC demonstrated no phenotypic resistance. A variety of factors could be responsible for the discrepancies between the field and lab data, but temperature and larval nutrition are probably most important. Knowledge of localized resistance and underlying mechanisms helps in making rational decisions in selection of appropriate and effective insecticides in the event of a dengue outbreak.

A cis-regulatory sequence driving metabolic insecticide resistance in mosquitoes: functional characterisation and signatures of selection

Although cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes are frequently up-regulated in mosquitoes resistant to insecticides, no regulatory motifs driving these expression differences with relevance to wild populations have been identified. Transposable elements (TEs) are often enriched upstream of those CYP450s involved in insecticide resistance, leading to the assumption that they contribute regulatory motifs that directly underlie the resistance phenotype. A partial CuRE1 (Culex Repetitive Element 1) transposable element is found directly upstream of CYP9M10, a cytochrome P450 implicated previously in larval resistance to permethrin in the ISOP450 strain of Culex quinquefasciatus, but is absent from the equivalent genomic region of a susceptible strain. Via expression of CYP9M10 in Escherichia coli we have now demonstrated time- and NADPH-dependant permethrin metabolism, prerequisites for confirmation of a role in metabolic resistance, and through qPCR shown that CYP9M10 is >20-fold over-expressed in ISOP450 compared to a susceptible strain. In a fluorescent reporter assay the region upstream of CYP9M10 from ISOP450 drove 10× expression compared to the equivalent region (lacking CuRE1) from the susceptible strain. Close correspondence with the gene expression fold-change implicates the upstream region including CuRE1 as a cis-regulatory element involved in resistance. Only a single CuRE1 bearing allele, identical to the CuRE1 bearing allele in the resistant strain, is found throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, in contrast to the diversity encountered in non-CuRE1 alleles. This suggests a single origin and subsequent spread due to selective advantage. CuRE1 is detectable using a simple diagnostic. When applied to C. quinquefasciatus larvae from Ghana we have demonstrated a significant association with permethrin resistance in multiple field sites (mean Odds Ratio = 3.86) suggesting this marker has relevance to natural populations of vector mosquitoes. However, when CuRE1 was excised from the allele used in the reporter assay through fusion PCR, expression was unaffected, indicating that the TE has no direct role in resistance and hence that CuRE1 is acting only as a marker of an as yet unidentified regulatory motif in the association analysis. This suggests that a re-evaluation of the assumption that TEs contribute regulatory motifs involved in gene expression may be necessary.

Bio-efficacy of selected long-lasting insecticidal nets against pyrethroid resistant Anopheles arabiensis from South-Western Ethiopia

Background

The emergence and spread of insecticide resistance in the major African malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Anopheles arabiensis may compromise control initiatives based on insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) or indoor residual spraying (IRS), and thus threaten the global malaria elimination strategy.

Methods

We investigated pyrethroid resistance in four populations of An. arabiensis from south-western Ethiopia and then assessed the bio-efficacy of six World Health Organization recommended long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) using these populations.

Results

For all four populations of An. arabiensis, bottle bioassays indicated low to moderate susceptibility to deltamethrin (mortality at 30 minutes ranged between 43 and 80%) and permethrin (mortality ranged between 16 and 76%). Pre-exposure to the synergist piperonylbutoxide (PBO) significantly increased the susceptibility of all four populations to both deltamethrin (mortality increased between 15.3 and 56.8%) and permethrin (mortality increased between 11.6 and 58.1%), indicating the possible involvement of metabolic resistance in addition to the previously identified kdr mutations. There was reduced susceptibility of all four An. arabiensis populations to the five standard LLINs tested (maximum mortality 81.1%; minimum mortality 13.9%). Bio-efficacy against the four populations varied by net type, with the largest margin of difference observed with the Jimma population (67.2% difference). Moreover, there were differences in the bio-efficacy of each individual standard LLIN against the four mosquito populations; for example there was a difference of 40% in mortality of Yorkool against two populations. Results from standard LLINs indicated reduced susceptibility to new, unused nets that was likely due to observed pyrethroid resistance. The roof of the combination LLIN performed optimally (100% mortality) against all the four populations of An. arabiensis, indicating that observed reductions in susceptibility could be ameliorated with the combination of PBO with deltamethrin, as used in PermaNet® 3.0.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that bio-efficacy evaluations using local mosquito populations should be conducted where possible to make evidence-based decisions on the most suitable control products, and that those combining multiple chemicals such as PBO and deltamethrin should be considered for maintaining a high level of efficacy in vector control programmes.

Insecticide resistance mechanisms in the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) I: A transcriptomic survey

BACKGROUND

Insecticide resistance is one of the best examples of rapid micro-evolution found in nature. Since the development of the first synthetic insecticide in 1939, humans have invested considerable effort to stay ahead of resistance phenotypes that repeatedly develop in insects. Aphids are a group of insects that have become global pests in agriculture and frequently exhibit insecticide resistance. The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, has developed resistance to at least seventy different synthetic compounds, and different insecticide resistance mechanisms have been reported worldwide.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

To further characterize this resistance, we analyzed genome-wide transcriptional responses in three genotypes of M. persicae, each exhibiting different resistance mechanisms, in response to an anti-cholinesterase insecticide. The sensitive genotype (exhibiting no resistance mechanism) responded to the insecticide by up-regulating 183 genes primarily ones related to energy metabolism, detoxifying enzymes, proteins of extracellular transport, peptidases and cuticular proteins. The second genotype (resistant through a kdr sodium channel mutation), up-regulated 17 genes coding for detoxifying enzymes, peptidase and cuticular proteins. Finally, a multiply resistant genotype (carrying kdr and a modified acetylcholinesterase), up-regulated only 7 genes, appears not to require induced insecticide detoxification, and instead down-regulated many genes.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

This study suggests strongly that insecticide resistance in M. persicae is more complex that has been described, with the participation of a broad array of resistance mechanisms. The sensitive genotype exhibited the highest transcriptional plasticity, accounting for the wide range of potential adaptations to insecticides that this species can evolve. In contrast, the multiply resistant genotype exhibited a low transcriptional plasticity, even for the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in insecticide detoxification. Our results emphasize the value of microarray studies to search for regulated genes in insects, but also highlights the many ways those different genotypes can assemble resistant phenotypes depending on the environmental pressure.

Fundulus heteroclitus adapted to PAHs are cross-resistant to multiple insecticides

Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) from the Atlantic Wood Superfund site on the Elizabeth River (ER), VA are dramatically resistant to the acute toxicity and teratogenesis caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). To understand the consequences of adaptation to chronic PAH pollution, we have attempted to further define the chemical tolerance associated with this resistance. An important component of the PAH adaptation of ER fish is the dramatic down-regulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway, resulting in decreased cytochrome p450 (CYP) 1 activity. Herein, we compared the susceptibility to several insecticides of ER fish to that of reference site (King's Creek; KC) fish; use of these chemicals as probes of the resistance will help to demonstrate if the contaminant adaptation exhibited by ER fish is broad or narrow and AHR-focused. We hypothesized that ER fish would be less susceptible to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos (activated by CYP) and more susceptible to the pyrethroid permethrin (detoxified by CYP). Comparison of acute toxicity in 5-day-old larvae supported this hypothesis for chlorpyrifos. As expected, chemical up-regulation of CYP by co-exposure to β-naphthoflavone (BNF) enhanced the susceptibility of KC but it did not affect ER larvae. Unexpectedly, ER larvae were much less susceptible to permethrin than KC larvae. However, co-exposure to BNF greatly decreased the susceptibility of KC larvae, indicating that metabolism of permethrin by CYP was protective. Additionally, fish from each population were compared for susceptibility to the carbamate carbaryl, an acute neurotoxicant and weak AHR agonist that induces teratogenesis similar to that caused by PAHs. ER embryos and larvae were less susceptible than KC fish. These results suggest that the adaptive phenotype of ER fish is multi-faceted and that aspects other than CYP response are likely to greatly affect their response to contaminants.

Cis-acting mutation and duplication: History of molecular evolution in a P450 haplotype responsible for insecticide resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus

A cytochrome P450 gene, Cyp9m10, is more than 200-fold overexpressed in a pyrethroid resistant strain of Culex quinquefasciatus, JPal-per. The haplotype of this strain contains two copies of Cyp9m10 resulted from recent tandem duplication. In this study, we discovered and isolated a Cyp9m10 haplotype closely related to this duplicated Cyp9m10 haplotype from JHB, a strain used for the recent genome project for this mosquito species. The isolated haplotype (JHB-NIID-B haplotype) shared the same insertion of a transposable element upstream of the coding region with JPal-per strain but not duplicated. The JHB-NIID-B haplotype was considered to have diverged from the JPal-per lineage just before the duplication event. Cyp9m10 was moderately overexpressed in larvae with the JHB-NIID-B haplotype. The overexpressions in JHB-NIID-B and JPal-per haplotypes were developmentally regulated in similar pattern indicating both haplotypes share a common cis-acting mutation responsible for the overexpressions. The isolated moderately overexpressed haplotype conferred resistance, however, its efficacy was relatively small. We hypothesized that the first cis-acting mutation modified the consequence of the subsequent duplication in JPal-per lineage to confer stronger phenotypic effect than that if it occurred before the first cis-acting mutation.

Can piperonyl butoxide enhance the efficacy of pyrethroids against pyrethroid-resistant Aedes aegypti?

BACKGROUND

Pyrethroid resistance can be considered the main threat to the continued control of many mosquito vectors of disease. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) has been used as a synergist to help increase the efficacy of certain insecticides. This enhancement stems from its ability to inhibit two major metabolic enzyme systems, P450s and non-specific esterases, and to enhance cuticular penetration of the insecticide.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the mortality of a characterized resistant Aedes aegypti strain, Nha Trang, from Vietnam and the susceptible laboratory strain Bora Bora on netting with the pyrethroid deltamethrin (DM) alone and in combination with PBO.

METHODS

Resistance mechanisms were characterized using molecular and bioassay techniques; standard PCR was used to test for the kdr target site mutation. Potential genes conferring metabolic resistance to DM were identified with microarray analysis using the Ae. aegypti 'detox chip'. These data were analysed alongside results from WHO susceptibility tests. P450, CYP9J32, was significantly overexpressed in the DM-resistant strain compared with the susceptible Bora Bora strain. Another five genes involved with oxidative stress responses in mosquitoes were also significantly overexpressed. The Nha Trang strain was homozygous for two kdr mutations. WHO cone bioassays were used to investigate mortality with incorporated DM-treated nets with and without PBO. PBO used in combination with DM resulted in higher mortality than DM alone.

CONCLUSION

Synergists may have an important role to play in the future design of vector control products in an era when alternatives to pyrethroids are scarce.

Field efficacy of a new mosaic long-lasting mosquito net (PermaNet 3.0) against pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors: a multi centre study in Western and Central Africa

BACKGROUND

Due to the spread of pyrethroid-resistance in malaria vectors in Africa, new strategies and tools are urgently needed to better control malaria transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of a new mosaic long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN), i.e. PermaNet 3.0, against wild pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae s.l. in West and Central Africa.

METHODS

A multi centre experimental hut trial was conducted in Malanville (Benin), Vallée du Kou (Burkina Faso) and Pitoa (Cameroon) to investigate the exophily, blood feeding inhibition and mortality induced by PermaNet 3.0 (i.e. a mosaic net containing piperonyl butoxide and deltamethrin on the roof) comparatively to the WHO recommended PermaNet 2.0 (unwashed and washed 20-times) and a conventionally deltamethrin-treated net (CTN).

RESULTS

The personal protection and insecticidal activity of PermaNet 3.0 and PermaNet 2.0 were excellent (>80%) in the "pyrethroid-tolerant" area of Malanville. In the pyrethroid-resistance areas of Pitoa (metabolic resistance) and Vallée du Kou (presence of the L1014F kdr mutation), PermaNet 3.0 showed equal or better performances than PermaNet 2.0. It should be noted however that the deltamethrin content on PermaNet 3.0 was up to twice higher than that of PermaNet 2.0. Significant reduction of efficacy of both LLIN was noted after 20 washes although PermaNet 3.0 still fulfilled the WHO requirement for LLIN.

CONCLUSION

The use of combination nets for malaria control offers promising prospects. However, further investigations are needed to demonstrate the benefits of using PermaNet 3.0 for the control of pyrethroid resistant mosquito populations in Africa.

Exploring the molecular basis of insecticide resistance in the dengue vector Aedes aegypti: a case study in Martinique Island (French West Indies)

BACKGROUND

The yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti is a major vector of dengue and hemorrhagic fevers, causing up to 100 million dengue infections every year. As there is still no medicine and efficient vaccine available, vector control largely based on insecticide treatments remains the only method to reduce dengue virus transmission. Unfortunately, vector control programs are facing operational challenges with mosquitoes becoming resistant to commonly used insecticides. Resistance of Ae. aegypti to chemical insecticides has been reported worldwide and the underlying molecular mechanisms, including the identification of enzymes involved in insecticide detoxification are not completely understood.

RESULTS

The present paper investigates the molecular basis of insecticide resistance in a population of Ae. aegypti collected in Martinique (French West Indies). Bioassays with insecticides on adults and larvae revealed high levels of resistance to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides. Molecular screening for common insecticide target-site mutations showed a high frequency (71%) of the sodium channel 'knock down resistance' (kdr) mutation. Exposing mosquitoes to detoxification enzymes inhibitors prior to bioassays induced a significant increased susceptibility of mosquitoes to insecticides, revealing the presence of metabolic-based resistance mechanisms. This trend was biochemically confirmed by significant elevated activities of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, glutathione S-transferases and carboxylesterases at both larval and adult stages. Utilization of the microarray Aedes Detox Chip containing probes for all members of detoxification and other insecticide resistance-related enzymes revealed the significant constitutive over-transcription of multiple detoxification genes at both larval and adult stages. The over-transcription of detoxification genes in the resistant strain was confirmed by using real-time quantitative RT-PCR.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the high level of insecticide resistance found in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes from Martinique island is the consequence of both target-site and metabolic based resistance mechanisms. Insecticide resistance levels and associated mechanisms are discussed in relation with the environmental context of Martinique Island. These finding have important implications for dengue vector control in Martinique and emphasizes the need to develop new tools and strategies for maintaining an effective control of Aedes mosquito populations worldwide.