Insecticide resistance is mediated by multiple mechanisms in recently introduced Aedes aegypti from Madeira Island (Portugal)

Insecticide resistance status and mechanisms in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus from different dengue endemic regions of Panama

BACKGROUND

Dengue is a serious public health problem worldwide, including Panama. During the last years, the number of dengue cases has increased. This may be due to the presence of mosquito populations resistant to insecticides. The aim of this study was to characterize the resistance status, its enzymatic mechanisms and Kdr mutations in wild populations of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

METHODS

Standard WHO bioassays were performed using insecticide-treated filter papers to determine resistance in populations Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus to pyrethroids insecticides, organophosphates, to the carbamate propoxur and to the organochlorine DDT. Biochemical assays were conducted to detect metabolic resistance mechanisms and real-time PCR was performed to determine the frequencies of the Kdr mutations Val1016IIe and F1534C.

RESULTS

The strains Ae. aegypti El Coco showed confirmed resistance to deltamethrin (78.5% mortality) and lambda-cyhalothrin (81%), Aguadulce to deltamethrin (79.3%), David to deltamethrin (74.8%) and lambda-cyhalothrin (87.5%) and Puerto Armuelles to permethrin (83%). Aedes aegypti El Empalme showed confirmed resistance to pirimiphos-methyl (62.3% mortality), chlorpyrifos-methyl (55.5%) and propoxur (85.3%). All strains of Ae. albopictus showed possible resistance to PYs and five strains to DDT. Only Ae. albopictus Canto del Llano showed confirmed resistance to pirimiphos-methyl (70% mortality) and malathion (62%). Esterase activity was variable across sites with the most frequent expression of α-EST compared to β-EST in Ae. aegypti populations. In Ae. Albopictus, the expressed enzymes were β-EST and MFOs. Through ANOVA, significant differences were established in the levels of enzymatic activity of α- and β-EST, MFOs and GST, with p < 0.001 in the Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The Kdr Val1016IIe mutation was detected in Ae. aegypti Aguadulce, El Coco and David. The odds ratio for the Val1016Ile mutation ranged from 0.8 to 20.8 in resistant mosquitoes, indicating the association between pyrethroid phenotypic resistance and the kdr mutation.

CONCLUSION

The presence of a varied and generalized resistance, enzymatic mechanisms and the Val1016IIe mutation may be associated with the intensive use and possibly misuse of the different insecticides applied to control Aedes populations. These results highlight the need to develop a program for resistance management. Also, alternative approaches to mosquito control that do not involve insecticides should be explored.

Strong resistance to β-cyfluthrin in a strain of the beetle Alphitobius diaperinus: a de novo transcriptome analysis

The lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus, is an invasive tenebrionid beetle and a vector of pathogens. Due to the emergence of insecticide resistance and consequent outbreaks that generate significant phytosanitary and energy costs for poultry farmers, it has become a major insect pest worldwide. To better understand the molecular mechanisms behind this resistance, we studied a strain of A. diaperinus from a poultry house in Brittany that was found to be highly resistant to the β-cyfluthrin. The strain survived β-cyfluthrin exposures corresponding to more than 100 times the recommended dose. We used a comparative de novo RNA-Seq approach to explore genes expression in resistant versus sensitive strains. Our de novo transcriptomic analyses showed that responses to β-cyfluthrin likely involved a whole set of resistance mechanisms. Genes related to detoxification, metabolic resistance, cuticular hydrocarbon biosynthesis and proteolysis were found to be constitutively overexpressed in the resistant compared to the sensitive strain. Follow-up enzymatic assays confirmed that the resistant strain exhibited high basal activities for detoxification enzymes such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and glutathione-S-transferase. The in-depth analysis of differentially expressed genes suggests the involvement of complex regulation of signaling pathways. Detailed knowledge of these resistance mechanisms is essential for the establishment of effective pest control.

Aedes aegypti CCEae3A carboxylase expression confers carbamate, organophosphate and limited pyrethroid resistance in a model transgenic mosquito

Insecticide resistance is a serious threat to our ability to control mosquito vectors which transmit pathogens including malaria parasites and arboviruses. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is an essential first step in tackling the challenges presented by resistance. This study aimed to functionally characterise the carboxylesterase, CCEae3A, the elevated expression of which has been implicated in temephos resistance in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae. Using our GAL4/UAS expression system, already established in insecticide-sensitive Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, we produced transgenic An. gambiae mosquitoes that express an Ae. aegypti CCEae3A ubiquitously. This new transgenic line permits examination of CCEae3A expression in a background in which there is not a clear orthologue in Vectorbase and allows comparison with existing An. gambiae GAL4-UAS lines. Insecticide resistance profiling of these transgenic An. gambiae larvae indicated significant increases in resistance ratio for three organophosphate insecticides, temephos (6), chloropyriphos (6.6) and fenthion (3.2) when compared to the parental strain. Cross resistance to adulticides from three major insecticide classes: organophosphates (malathion, fenitrothion and pirimiphos methyl), carbamates (bendiocarb and propoxur) and pyrethroid (alpha-cypermethrin) was also detected. Resistance to certain organophosphates and carbamates validates conclusions drawn from previous expression and phenotypic data. However, detection of resistance to pirimiphos methyl and alphacypermethrin has not previously been formally associated with CCEae3A, despite occurring in Ae. aegypti strains where this gene was upregulated. Our findings highlight the importance of characterising individual resistance mechanisms, thereby ensuring accurate information is used to guide future vector control strategies.

Kdr genotyping and the first report of V410L and V1016I kdr mutations in voltage-gated sodium channel gene in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from Iran

BACKGROUND

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of arboviral diseases worldwide. The species invaded and became established in southern Iran in 2020. Insecticide-based interventions are primarily used for its control. With insecticide resistance widespread, knowledge of resistance mechanisms is vital for informed deployment of insecticidal interventions, but information from Iranian Ae. aegypti is lacking.

METHODS

Fifty-six Ae. aegypti specimens were collected from the port city of Bandar Lengeh in Hormozgan Province in the South of Iran in 2020 and screened for kdr mutations. The most common kdr mutations in Latin America and Asia (V410L, S989P, V1016G/I and F1534C), especially when present in combinations, are highly predictive of DDT and pyrethroid resistance were detected. Phylogenetic analyses based on the diversity of S989P and V1016G/I mutations were undertaken to assess the phylogeography of these kdr mutations.

RESULTS

Genotyping all four kdr positions of V410L, S989P, V1016G/I and F1534C revealed that only 16 out of the 56 (28.57%) specimens were homozygous wild type for all kdr mutation sites. Six haplotypes including VSVF (0.537), VSVC (0.107), LSVF (0.016), LSIF (0.071), VPGC (0.257) and LPGC (0.011) were detected in this study. For the first time, 11 specimens harbouring the V410L mutation, and 8 samples with V1016I mutation were found. V410L and V1016I were coincided in 8 specimens. Also, six specimens contained 1016G/I double mutation which was not reported before.

CONCLUSIONS

The relatively high frequency of these kdr mutations in Iranian Ae. aegypti indicates a population exhibiting substantial resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, which are used widely in control operations and household formulations. The detection of the 410L/1016I kdr mutant haplotype in Iranian Ae. aegypti suggests possible convergence of invasive populations from West Africa or Latin America. However, as Iran has very limited maritime/air connections with those African countries, a Latin American origin for the invasive Ae. aegypti in Iran is more plausible.

Insecticide Resistance and Metabolic Mechanisms in Aedes aegypti from Two Agrosystems (Vegetable and Cotton Crops) in Côte d'Ivoire

Background: The emergence of insecticide resistance in Aedes vectors mosquitoes poses a real challenge for arboviral-borne disease control. In Côte d'Ivoire, data are available on phenotypic resistance and the presence of kdr mutations in Aedes aegypti. Therefore, information on metabolic resistance in Aedes populations is very scarce. Here, we assessed the insecticide resistance status of Ae. aegypti in periurban and rural areas of Côte d'Ivoire, and we investigated the role of detoxification enzymes as possible resistance mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Aedes mosquito eggs were collected between June 2019 to April 2021 in two agricultural sites. Adults of Ae. aegypti were tested using World Health Organization tube assays, with seven insecticides belonging to pyrethroids, organochlorines, carbamates, and organophosphates classes. We determined the knockdown times (KdT50, KdT95) and resistance ratios of pyrethroids in natural populations. The synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was used to investigate the role of enzymes in resistance. Biochemical assays were performed to detect potential increased activities in mixed-function oxidase levels, nonspecific esterases (NSEs), and glutathione S-transferases. Results: The results showed that Ae. aegypti populations were resistant to five insecticides with mortality of 46% and 89% for 0.75% permethrin, 68% and 92% for 0.05% deltamethrin, 57% and 89% for lambda-cyhalothrin, 41% and 47% for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), 82% and 91% for chlorpyrifos-methyl in Songon-Agban and Kaforo, respectively. Susceptibility to carbamates was observed in our study sites. After exposure to PBO, the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti to pyrethroids and DDT was partially restored in Songon-Agban. Whereas in Kaforo, none increase of the mortality rates of Ae. aegypti for these four insecticides was observed after exposure to PBO. Increased activity of NSE (α-esterases) was found in Songon-Agban compared with the reference susceptible strain. Conclusion: These findings provide valuable information to support decisions for vector control strategies in Cote d'Ivoire. Also, we highlight the need for the monitoring of insecticide resistance management in Aedes vectors.

Leucine to tryptophane substitution in the pore helix IIP1 confer sodium channel resistance to pyrethroids and DDT

Aedes aegypti is responsible for transmitting a variety of arboviral infectious diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. Insecticides, particularly pyrethroids, are used widely for mosquito control. However, intensive used of pyrethroids has led to the selection of kdr mutations on sodium channels. L982W, locating in the PyR1 (Pyrethroid receptor site 1), was first reported in Ae. aegypti populations collected from Vietnam. Recently, the high frequency of L982W was detected in pyrethroid-resistant populations of Vietnam and Cambodia, and also concomitant mutations L982W + F1534C was detected in both countries. However, the role of L982W in pyrethroid resistance remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of L982W on gating properties and pyrethroid sensitivity in Xenopus oocytes. We found that mutations L982W and L982W + F1534C shifted the voltage dependence of activation in the depolarizing direction, however, neither mutations altered the voltage dependence of inactivation. L982W significantly reduced channel sensitivity to Type I pyrethroids, permethrin and bifenthrin, and Type II pyrethroids, deltamethrin and cypermethrin. No enhancement was observed when synergized with F1534C. In addition, L982W and L982W + F1534C mutations reduced the channel sensitivity to DDT. Our results illustrate the molecular basis of resistance mediates by L982W mutation, which will be helpful to understand the interacions of pyrethroids or DDT with sodium channels and develop molecular markers for monitoring pest resistance to pyrethroids and DDT.

Insecticidal and Synergistic Potential of Three Monoterpenoids against the Yellow Fever Mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), and the House Fly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)

As resistance to the limited number of insecticides available for medical and veterinary pests becomes more widespread, there is an urgent need for new insecticides and synergists on the market. To address this need, we conducted a study to assess the toxicity of three monoterpenoids—carvone, menthone, and fenchone—in comparison to permethrin and methomyl against adults of two common pests: the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the house fly (Musca domestica). We also examined the potential for these monoterpenoids to enhance the effectiveness of permethrin and methomyl when used together. Finally, we evaluated the ability of each monoterpenoid to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, comparing them to methomyl. While all three monoterpenoids performed relatively poorly as topical insecticides (LD50 > 4000 ng/mg on M. domestica; >6000 ng/mg on Ae. aegypti), they synergized both permethrin and methomyl as well as or better than piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Carvone and menthone yielded synergistic co-toxicity factors (23 and 29, respectively), which were each higher than PBO at 24 h. Currently, the mechanism of action is unknown. During preliminary testing, symptoms of acetylcholinesterase inhibition were identified, prompting further testing. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition did not appear to explain the toxic or synergistic effects of the three monoterpenoids, with IC50 values greater than 1 mM for all, compared to the 2.5 and 1.7 µM for methomyl on Aedes aegypti and Musca domestica, respectively. This study provides valuable monoterpenoid toxicity and synergism data on two pestiferous insects and highlights the potential for these chemistries in future pest control formulations.

Worldwide Status of Insecticide Resistance of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, Vectors of Arboviruses of Chikungunya, Dengue, Zika and Yellow Fever

Background

Controlling of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, vectors of five important mosquito-borne diseases, is known as the most effective method to prevent the transmission of arboviruses to humans, but the emergence of insecticide resistance is threat for control and prevention of vector borne diseases. A better understanding of mosquito resistance to insecticides will help to develop more effective methods to control insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors.

Methods

Worldwide geographical distribution of insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus by the available papers and map of the data for carbamates, organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, microbial and insect growth regulator insecticides were reviewed. Article data published up to December 2022 were investigated by searching the following databases: "Google Scholar", "PubMed", "Scopus", "SID" and "Web of Knowledge".

Results

The results showed that the susceptibility and resistance status of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus to insecticides in the world is very diverse.

Conclusion

Due to the importance of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the transmission of mosquito-borne arboviruses, resistance management should be given more attention worldwide to prevent insecticide resistance in the arbovirus vector and replace the new approach for vector control.

Stress-Mediated Responses of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae When Exposed to Metarhizium brunneum (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and Toxorhynchites brevipalpis (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are capable of vectoring a wide range of diseases including dengue, yellow fever, and Zika viruses, with approximately half of the worlds' population at risk from such diseases. Development of combined predator-parasite treatments for the control of larvae consistently demonstrates increased efficacy over single-agent treatments, however, the mechanism behind the interaction remains unknown. Treatments using the natural predator Toxorhynchites brevipalpis and the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum were applied in the laboratory against Ae. aegypti larvae as both individual and combined treatments to determine the levels of interaction between control strategies. Parallel experiments involved the removal of larvae from test arenas at set intervals during the course of the trial to record whole body caspase and phenoloxidase activities. This was measured via luminometric assay to measure larval stress factors underlying the interactions. Combined Metarhizium and Toxorhynchites treatments were seen to drastically reduce lethal times as compared to individual treatments. This was accompanied by increased phenoloxidase and caspase activities in combination treatments after 18 h (p < 0.001). The sharp increases in caspase and phenoloxidase activities suggest that combined treatments act to increase stress factor responses in the larvae that result in rapid mortality above that of either control agent individually. This work concludes that the underlying mechanism for increased lethality in combined parasite-predator treatments may be related to additive stress factors induced within the target host larvae.

Insecticide Resistance in Alabama Populations of the Mosquito Aedes albopictus

The insecticide sensitivity and resistance status of both adults and larvae from six Aedes albopictus samples collected in Tuskegee, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Dothan, Mobile, and Montgomery, Alabama, were evaluated for the levels of sensitivity and resistance to eight insecticides: β-cyfluthrin, chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin, etofenprox, fenitrothion, permethrin, resmethrin, and malathion. Adult Ae. albopictus from all locations showed similar results for the difference between the time to 100% mortality and the diagnostic time in the CDC bottle bioassay, although Ae. albopictus survive longer than the diagnostic time to permethrin, fenitrothion, and resmethrin treatments. The larval bioassay indicated that malathion was the least toxic to Ae. albopictus from all locations (LC50: ranging from 0.1 ppm to 1.2 ppm), followed by resmethrin and etofenprox (LC50: 0.05 ppm-0.4 ppm), and deltamethrin and fenitrothion (LC50: 0.01 ppm-0.06 ppm). Chlorpyrifos exhibited the highest larval toxicity (LC50: 0.003 ppm-0.05 ppm). The resistance status of Ae. albopictus from all six locations was similar to the resistance levels found in a previous survey in 2004, indicating that in Alabama the development of resistance is slow in this strain, although comparing the resistance of Ae. albopictus from Tuskegee to that of a susceptible strain showed that it is resistant to chlorpyrifos. The slopes of the dose-response curves to most of the insecticides tested for these field populations of Ae. albopictus were generally similar to or slightly higher than those measured eighteen years previously, indicating that these populations are relatively homozygous in response to all the insecticides tested.

Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry (REIMS): a Potential and Rapid Tool for the Identification of Insecticide Resistance in Mosquito Larvae

Insecticide resistance is a significant challenge facing the successful control of mosquito vectors globally. Bioassays are currently the only method for phenotyping resistance. They require large numbers of mosquitoes for testing, the availability of a susceptible comparator strain, and often insectary facilities. This study aimed to trial the novel use of rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) for the identification of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. No sample preparation is required for REIMS and analysis can be rapidly conducted within hours. Temephos resistant Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) larvae from Cúcuta, Colombia and temephos susceptible larvae from two origins (Bello, Colombia, and the lab reference strain New Orleans) were analyzed using REIMS. We tested the ability of REIMS to differentiate three relevant variants: population source, lab versus field origin, and response to insecticide. The classification of these data was undertaken using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and random forest. Classification models built using REIMS data were able to differentiate between Ae. aegypti larvae from different populations with 82% (±0.01) accuracy, between mosquitoes of field and lab origin with 89% (±0.01) accuracy and between susceptible and resistant larvae with 85% (±0.01) accuracy. LDA classifiers had higher efficiency than random forest with this data set. The high accuracy observed here identifies REIMS as a potential new tool for rapid identification of resistance in mosquitoes. We argue that REIMS and similar modern phenotyping alternatives should complement existing insecticide resistance management tools.

Spatial distribution of insecticide resistant populations of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus and first detection of V410L mutation in Ae. aegypti from Cameroon

Background

Dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), are mosquito-borne viruses of medical importance in most tropical and subtropical regions. Vector control, primarily through insecticides, remains the primary method to prevent their transmission. Here, we evaluated insecticide resistance profiles and identified important underlying resistance mechanisms in populations of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus from six different regions in Cameroon to pesticides commonly used during military and civilian public health vector control operations.

Methods

Aedes mosquitoes were sampled as larvae or pupae between August 2020 and July 2021 in six locations across Cameroon and reared until the next generation, G1. Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus adults from G1 were tested following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and Ae. aegypti G0 adults screened with real time melting curve qPCR analyses to genotype the F1534C, V1016I and V410L Aedes kdr mutations. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) assays and real time qPCR were carried out from some cytochrome p450 genes known to be involved in metabolic resistance. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square test and generalized linear models.

Results

Loss of susceptibility was observed to all insecticides tested. Mortality rates from tests with 0.25% permethrin varied from 24.27 to 85.89% in Ae. aegypti and from 17.35% to 68.08% in Ae. albopictus. Mortality rates for 0.03% deltamethrin were between 23.30% and 88.20% in Ae. aegypti and between 69.47 and 84.11% in Ae. albopictus. We found a moderate level of resistance against bendiocarb, with mortality rates ranging from 69.31% to 90.26% in Ae. aegypti and from 86.75 to 98.95% in Ae. albopictus. With PBO pre-exposure, we found partial or fully restored susceptibility to pyrethroids and bendiocarb. The genes Cyp9M6F88/87 and Cyp9J10 were overexpressed in Ae. aegypti populations from Douala sites resistant to permethrin and deltamethrin. Cyp6P12 was highly expressed in alphacypermethrin and permethrin resistant Ae. albopictus samples. F1534C and V1016I mutations were detected in A. aegypti mosquitoes and for the first time V410L was reported in Cameroon.

Conclusions

This study revealed that Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are resistant to multiple insecticide classes with multiple resistance mechanisms implicated. These findings could guide insecticide use to control arbovirus vectors in Cameroon.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-022-01013-8.

On the use of inhibitors of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase as a vector-selective insecticide in the control of mosquitoes

BACKGROUND

Blood-sucking insects incorporate many times their body weight of blood in a single meal. Because proteins are the major component of vertebrate blood, its digestion in the gut generates extremely high concentrations of free amino acids. Previous reports showed that the tyrosine degradation pathway plays an essential role in adapting these animals to blood feeding. Inhibition of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), the rate-limiting step of tyrosine degradation, results in the death of insects after a blood meal. Therefore, it has been suggested that compounds that block the catabolism of tyrosine could act selectively on blood-feeding insects. Here, we evaluated the toxicity against mosquitoes of three HPPD inhibitors currently used as herbicides and in human health.

RESULTS

Of the compounds tested, nitisinone (NTBC) proved to be more potent than mesotrione (MES) and isoxaflutole (IFT) in Aedes aegypti. NTBC was lethal to Ae. aegypti in artificial feeding assays [median lethal dose (LD₅₀ ): 4.53 μm] and in topical application (LD₅₀ : 0.012 nmol/mosquito). NTBC was also lethal to Ae. aegypti populations that were resistant to neurotoxic insecticides, and to other mosquito species (Anopheles and Culex).

CONCLUSION

HPPD inhibitors, particularly NTBC, represent promising new drugs for mosquito control. Because they affect only blood-feeding organisms, they represent a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional neurotoxic insecticides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Expansive and Diverse Phenotypic Landscape of Field Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae with Differential Susceptibility to Temephos: Beyond Metabolic Detoxification

Arboviruses including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya are amongst the most significant public health concerns worldwide. Arbovirus control relies on the use of insecticides to control the vector mosquito Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus), the success of which is threatened by widespread insecticide resistance. The work presented here profiled the gene expression of Ae. aegypti larvae from field populations of Ae. aegypti with differential susceptibility to temephos originating from two Colombian urban locations, Bello and Cúcuta, previously reported to have distinctive disease incidence, socioeconomics, and climate. We demonstrated that an exclusive field-to-lab (Ae. aegypti strain New Orleans) comparison generates an over estimation of differential gene expression (DGE) and that the inclusion of a geographically relevant field control yields a more discrete, and likely, more specific set of genes. The composition of the obtained DGE profiles is varied, with commonly reported resistance associated genes including detoxifying enzymes having only a small representation. We identify cuticle biosynthesis, ion exchange homeostasis, an extensive number of long noncoding RNAs, and chromatin modelling among the differentially expressed genes in field resistant Ae. aegypti larvae. It was also shown that temephos resistant larvae undertake further gene expression responses when temporarily exposed to temephos. The results from the sampling triangulation approach here contribute a discrete DGE profiling with reduced noise that permitted the observation of a greater gene diversity, increasing the number of potential targets for the control of insecticide resistant mosquitoes and widening our knowledge base on the complex phenotypic network of the Ae. aegypti response to insecticides.

Metabolic Resistance in Permethrin-Resistant Florida Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Simple Summary

Pyrethroid-oriented vector control programs have increased worldwide to control adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and quell Aedes-borne disease epidemics. Due to years of pyrethroid use, resistance to pyrethroids in Ae. aegypti has become a global issue. In Florida, permethrin is the most common pyrethroid adulticide active ingredient used to control mosquito populations. Thus far, all wild Florida Ae. aegypti populations tested against permethrin have been found to be resistant. Metabolic resistance is a major mechanism of resistance in insects in which enzyme-mediated reactions cause the degradation or sequestration of insecticides. We performed assays to investigate the presence of metabolic resistance in 20 Florida Ae. aegypti populations and found that 11 populations (55%) exhibited metabolic resistance due to the action of at least one of three classes of metabolizing enzymes: oxidases, esterases, and glutathione transferases. Additionally, we identified two metabolic enzyme inhibitors: S.S.S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF; inhibits esterase activity) and diethyl maleate (DM; inhibits glutathione transferase activity), in addition to the commonly used piperonyl butoxide (PBO; inhibits oxidase activity), which were able to increase the efficacy of permethrin against resistant Ae. aegypti populations. Pre-exposure to DEF, PBO, and DM resulted in increased mortality after permethrin exposure in eight (73%), seven (64%), and six (55%) of the Ae. aegypti populations, respectively. Increasing the effectiveness of pyrethroids is important for mosquito control, as it is the primary method used for adult control during mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. Considering that DEF and DM performed similarly to PBO, they may be good candidates for inclusion in formulated pyrethroid products to increase their efficacy against resistant mosquitoes.

Abstract

Aedes aegypti is the principal mosquito vector for many arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. In the United States, excessive permethrin use has led to a high frequency of resistance in mosquitoes. Insecticide resistance is a significant obstacle in the struggle against vector-borne diseases. To help overcome metabolic resistance, synergists that inhibit specific metabolic enzymes can be added to formulated pyrethroid products. Using modified CDC bottle bioassays, we assessed the effect of three inhibitors (piperonyl butoxide (PBO), which inhibits oxidase activity; S.S.S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF), which inhibits esterase activity; and diethyl maleate (DM), which inhibits glutathione transferase activity) + permethrin. We performed these against 20 Florida Ae. aegypti populations, all of which were resistant to permethrin. Our data indicated that 11 out of 20 populations (55%) exhibited metabolic resistance. Results revealed 73% of these populations had significant increases in mortality attributed to DEF + permethrin, 64% to PBO + permethrin, and 55% to DM + permethrin compared to permethrin alone. Currently, PBO is the only metabolic enzyme inhibitor added to formulated pyrethroid products used for adult mosquito control. Our results suggest that the DEF and DM inhibitors could also be useful additives in permethrin products, especially against metabolically resistant Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Moreover, metabolic assays should be conducted to better inform mosquito control programs for designing and implementing integrated vector management strategies.

Insecticide Resistance Patterns and Mechanisms in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations Across Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire Reveal Emergent Pyrethroid Resistance

From 2008 to 2017, the city of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire experienced several Aedes-borne disease epidemics which required control of the vector mosquito population based on the reduction of larval habitats and insecticidal sprays for adult mosquitoes. This study was undertaken to assess the insecticide susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) in the city of Abidjan. Immature Ae. aegypti were sampled from several larval habitats within seven communes of Abidjan and reared to adults. Three to five days old F1 emerged adults were tested for susceptibility using insecticide-impregnated papers and the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) following WHO bioassay guidelines. The results showed that Ae. aegypti populations from Abidjan were resistant to 0.1% propoxur, and 1% fenitrothion, with mortality rates ranging from 0% to 54.2%. Reduced susceptibility (93.4-97.5% mortality) was observed to 0.05% deltamethrin, 0.75% permethrin, 0.05% lambda-cyhalothrin, 5% malathion, and 0.8% chlorpyrifos-methyl. This reduced susceptibility varied depending on the insecticide and the collection site. The restoration of mortality when the mosquitoes were pre-exposed to the synergist PBO suggests that increased activity of oxidases could be contributing to resistance. Three kdr mutations (V410L, V1016I, and F1534C) were present in populations tested, with low frequencies for the Leu410 (0.28) and Ile1016 (0.32) alleles and high frequencies for the Cys1534 allele (0.96). These findings will be used to inform future arbovirus vector control activities in Abidjan.

Analyses of Insecticide Resistance Genes in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Mosquito Populations from Cameroon

The emergence of insecticide resistance in Aedes mosquitoes could pose major challenges for arboviral-borne disease control. In this paper, insecticide susceptibility level and resistance mechanisms were assessed in Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) from urban settings of Cameroon. The F1 progeny of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus collected in Douala, Yaoundé and Dschang from August to December 2020 was tested using WHO tube assays with four insecticides: deltamethrin 0.05%, permethrin 0.75%, DDT 4% and bendiocarb 0.1%. TaqMan, qPCR and RT-qPCR assays were used to detect kdr mutations and the expression profiles of eight detoxification genes. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from Douala were found to be resistant to DDT, permethrin and deltamethrin. Three kdr mutations, F1534C, V1016G and V1016I were detected in Aedes aegypti populations from Douala and Dschang. The kdr allele F1534C was predominant (90%) in Aedes aegypti and was detected for the first time in Aedes albopictus (2.08%). P450s genes, Cyp9J28 (2.23-7.03 folds), Cyp9M6 (1.49-2.59 folds), Cyp9J32 (1.29-3.75 folds) and GSTD4 (1.34-55.3 folds) were found overexpressed in the Douala and Yaoundé Aedes aegypti populations. The emergence of insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus calls for alternative strategies towards the control and prevention of arboviral vector-borne diseases in Cameroon.

Insecticide resistance status and mechanisms in Aedes aegypti populations from Senegal

Aedes aegypti is the main epidemic vector of arboviruses in Africa. In Senegal, control activities are mainly limited to mitigation of epidemics, with limited information available for Ae. aegypti populations. A better understanding of the current Ae. aegypti susceptibility status to various insecticides and relevant resistance mechanisms involved is needed for the implementation of effective vector control strategies. The present study focuses on the detection of insecticide resistance and reveals the related mechanisms in Ae. aegypti populations from Senegal.

Bioassays were performed on Ae. aegypti adults from nine Senegalese localities (Matam, Louga, Barkedji, Ziguinchor, Mbour, Fatick, Dakar, Kédougou and Touba). Mosquitoes were exposed to four classes of insecticides using the standard WHO protocols. Resistance mechanisms were investigated by genotyping for pyrethroid target site resistance mutations (V1016G, V1016I, F1534C and S989P) and measuring gene expression levels of key detoxification genes (CYP6BB2, CYP9J26, CYP9J28, CYP9J32, CYP9M6, CCEae3a and GSTD4).

All collected populations were resistant to DDT and carbamates except for the ones in Matam (Northern region). Resistance to permethrin was uniformly detected in mosquitoes from all areas. Except for Barkédji and Touba, all populations were characterized by a susceptibility to 0.75% Permethrin. Susceptibility to type II pyrethroids was detected only in the Southern regions (Kédougou and Ziguinchor). All mosquito populations were susceptible to 5% Malathion, but only Kédougou and Matam mosquitoes were susceptible to 0.8% Malathion. All populations were resistant to 0.05% Pirimiphos-methyl, whereas those from Louga, Mbour and Barkédji, also exhibited resistance to 1% Fenitrothion. None of the known target site pyrethroid resistance mutations was present in the mosquito samples included in the genotyping analysis (performed in > 1500 samples). In contrast, a remarkably high (20-70-fold) overexpression of major detoxification genes was observed, suggesting that insecticide resistance is mostly mediated through metabolic mechanisms. These data provide important evidence to support dengue vector control in Senegal.

In Senegal, as in most African countries, the arbovirus epidemics control policy relies on the control of the main vector Ae. aegypti though insecticide applications. Vector control strategies have been largely adopted without information on the vector populations’ insecticide resistance mechanisms. We profiled here the resistance status of nine Ae. aegypti populations from Senegal to four classes of insecticides and their related mechanisms. Our findings revealed high resistance to carbamates, a relative susceptibility of southern populations to pyrethroids and a variable efficacy of organophosphates. Resistance to pyrethroids was driven by a significant overexpression of detoxification genes linked to insecticide metabolism. Our results contribute towards a more targeted and efficient control of Ae. aegypti populations and thus of arbovirus epidemics in Senegal.

Phenotypic and haplotypic profiles of insecticide resistance in populations of Aedes aegypti larvae (Diptera: Culicidae) from central Lao PDR

Background

Aedes aegypti, which is widely distributed in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), is the primary vector of arboviral diseases. Chemical insecticides have been intensively used to eliminate mosquito-borne diseases, resulting in the development of insecticide resistance. However, little is known about the insecticide resistance of mosquito populations in Lao PDR and the mechanisms responsible for it, which have important implications for vector management programs. Here, we examined the phenotypic and haplotypic profiles of insecticide resistance in populations of Ae. aegypti larvae from central Lao PDR.

Methods

Ae. aegypti larvae were collected from four sites in Lao PDR, and their susceptibility to temephos, deltamethrin, permethrin, and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) was tested using larval bioassays. Synergistic tests were also conducted to evaluate the activity of insecticide-metabolizing enzymes in the larvae. Deltamethrin-resistant and Deltamethrin-susceptible larvae were then genotyped for knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations to determine the associations between each genotype and resistance.

Results

Ae. aegypti larvae from central Lao PDR were considered to be “resistant” (<98% mortality) to organophosphates and pyrethroids. The bio-insecticide Bti remains effective against such larvae. The resistance mechanisms of Ae. aegypti larvae were found to vary among populations, especially for pyrethroid resistance. Kdr mutations were significantly associated with deltamethrin resistance in Ae. aegypti from the Xaythany population. In contrast, synergist assays with piperonyl butoxide suggested that cytochrome P450 monooxygenases played an important role in the resistance seen in the Khounkham and Thakhek populations.

Conclusion

This study obtained information that will aid the design and implementation of insecticide-based vector management of Ae. aegypti in central Lao PDR. Ae. aegypti larvae from central Lao PDR were highly susceptible to Bti, while they were resistant to temephos at a diagnostic dose of 0.0286 mg/L. Given the limited number of insecticides that are approved for vector control, it is important to alternate between temephos and other larvicides, such as Bti and pyriproxyfen. The differences in pyrethroid resistance mechanisms seen among the Ae. aegypti populations highlight the need to tailor vector-control strategies to each region to increase the success of dengue control in Lao PDR.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41182-021-00321-3.

CYP450 core involvement in multiple resistance strains of Aedes aegypti from French Guiana highlighted by proteomics, molecular and biochemical studies

Insecticide resistance is a worldwide threat for vector control around the world, and Aedes aegypti, the main vector of several arboviruses, is a particular concern. To better understand the mechanisms of resistance, four isofemale strains originally from French Guiana were isolated and analysed using combined approaches. The activity of detoxification enzymes involved in insecticide resistance was assayed, and mutations located at positions 1016 and 1534 of the sodium voltage-gated channel gene, which have been associated with pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti populations in Latin America, were monitored. Resistance to other insecticide families (organophosphates and carbamates) was evaluated. A large-scale proteomic analysis was performed to identify proteins involved in insecticide resistance. Our results revealed a metabolic resistance and resistance associated with a mutation of the sodium voltage-gated channel gene at position 1016. Metabolic resistance was mediated through an increase of esterase activity in most strains but also through the shifts in the abundance of several cytochrome P450 (CYP450s). Overall, resistance to deltamethrin was linked in the isofemale strains to resistance to other class of insecticides, suggesting that cross- and multiple resistance occur through selection of mechanisms of metabolic resistance. These results give some insights into resistance to deltamethrin and into multiple resistance phenomena in populations of Ae. aegypti.

Assessment of Resistance to Organophosphates and Pyrethroids in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae): Do Synergists Affect Mortality?

Aedes aegypti (L.) is the primary vector of Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya viruses. Insecticides used in mosquito control can help prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases. However, it is essential to determine insecticide resistance (IR) status before control measures are undertaken. Only the most effective insecticides should be used to avoid ineffective control and/or promotion of IR. Pyrethroids and organophosphates are the most commonly used insecticides for mosquito control. Here, the efficacy of two active ingredients (AIs; permethrin [pyrethroid], chlorpyrifos [organophosphate]), two formulated products (FPs; Biomist [AI: permethrin]) and (Mosquitomist [AI: chlorpyrifos]), and three synergists (piperonyl butoxide, diethyl maleate, S-S-S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate) was evaluated in two Ae. aegypti colonies (pyrethroid resistant and susceptible). Mosquitomist was most effective against the pyrethroid-resistant colony (100% mortality at diagnostic time). Pre-exposure to synergists did not increase the efficacy of AIs against the pyrethroid-resistant colony. Further research is needed to discover how synergists may affect the efficacy of insecticides when used on pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes.

The F1534C voltage-sensitive sodium channel mutation confers 7- to 16-fold resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Aedes aegypti

BACKGROUND

Recent outbreaks of dengue and Zika have emphasized the importance to effectively control Aedes aegypti, which vectors the viruses causing these diseases. Pyrethroid insecticides are primarily used to control adult A. aegypti, especially during disease outbreaks. However, pyrethroid resistance in A. aegypti is an increasing problem. Mutations in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (Vssc) are a common mechanism of pyrethroid resistance. The F1534C mutation is common and distributed globally in A. aegypti populations, but previous studies disagree about the role of this mutation in conferring resistance to pyrethroid insecticides.

RESULTS

We isolated a congenic strain (1534C:ROCK) which was closely related to a susceptible strain Rockefeller (ROCK), but was homozygous for the 1534C Vssc allele. We determined resistance levels against eight insecticides that target the VSSC: six pyrethroids, DDT and DCJW (the bioactivated metabolite of indoxacarb). The resistance levels ranged from 7- to 16-fold, and resistance was inherited as an incompletely recessive trait. We also found a novel 367I+1520I+1534C allele, in addition to the 1534C and 1520I+1534C alleles, in mosquitoes from Thailand. The T1520I mutation did not increase pyrethroid resistance beyond what was conferred by the F1534C mutation alone.

CONCLUSION

The F1534C Vssc mutation is common in A. aegypti populations and confers 7- to 16-fold resistance to pyrethroids, DDT, and DCJW in Aedes aegypti. These resistance levels are considerably less than previously reported for the S989P+V1016G mutations. Our results provide useful information for resistance management, specifically the levels of resistance conferred by the most common Vssc mutation in A. aegypti. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chronology of sodium channel mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti

Aedes aegypti is the primary mosquito vector of dengue, yellow fever, Zika and chikungunya. Current strategies to control Ae. aegypti rely heavily on insecticide interventions. Pyrethroids are a major class of insecticides used for mosquito control because of their fast acting, highly insecticidal activities and low mammalian toxicity. However, Ae. aegypti populations around the world have begun to develop resistance to pyrethroids. So far, more than a dozen mutations in the sodium channel gene have been reported to be associated with pyrethroid resistance in Ae. aegypti. Co-occurrence of resistance-associated mutations is common in pyrethroid-resistant Ae. aegypti populations. As global use of pyrethroids in mosquito control continues, new pyrethroid-resistant mutations keep emerging. In this microreview, we compile pyrethroid resistance-associated mutations in Ae. aegypti in a chronological order, as they were reported, and summarize findings from functional evaluation of these mutations in an in vitro sodium channel expression system. We hope that the information will be useful for tracing possible evolution of pyrethroid resistance in this important human disease vector, in addition to the development of methods for global monitoring and management of pyrethroid resistance in Ae. aegypti.

Co-occurrence of kdr Mutations V1016I and F1534C and Its Association With Phenotypic Resistance to Pyrethroids in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations From Costa Rica

Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) is considered the most important mosquito vector species for several arboviruses (e.g., dengue, chikungunya, Zika) in Costa Rica. The primary strategy for the control and prevention of Aedes-borne diseases relies on insecticide-based vector control. However, the emergence of insecticide resistance in the mosquito populations presents a significant threat to these prevention actions. The characterization of the mechanisms driving the insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti is vital for decision making in vector control programs. Therefore, we analyzed the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene for the presence of the V1016I and F1534C kdr mutations in Ae. aegypti populations from Puntarenas and Limon provinces, Costa Rica. The CDC bottle bioassays showed that both Costa Rican Ae. aegypti populations were resistant to permethrin and deltamethrin. In the case of kdr genotyping, results revealed the co-occurrence of V1016I and F1534C mutations in permethrin and deltamethrin-resistant populations, as well as the fixation of the 1534C allele. A strong association between these mutations and permethrin and deltamethrin resistance was found in Puntarenas. Limon did not show this association; however, our results indicate that the Limon population analyzed is not under the same selective pressure as Puntarenas for the VGSC gene. Therefore, our findings make an urgent call to expand the knowledge about the insecticide resistance status and mechanisms in the Costa Rican populations of Ae. aegypti, which must be a priority to develop an effective resistance management plan.

The V410L knockdown resistance mutation occurs in island and continental populations of Aedes aegypti in West and Central Africa

The extensive use of insecticides for vector control has led to the development of insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti populations on a global scale, which has significantly compromised control actions. Insecticide resistance, and its underlying mechanisms, has been investigated in several countries, mostly in South American and Asian countries. In Africa, however, studies reporting insecticide resistance are rare and data on resistance mechanisms, notably knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations, is scarce. In this study, the recently described V410L kdr mutation is reported for the first time in old world Ae. aegypti populations, namely from Angola and Madeira island. Two additional kdr mutations, V1016I and F1534C, are also reported for the first time in populations from Angola and Cape Verde. Significant associations with the resistance phenotype were found for both V410L and V1016I individually as well as for tri-locus genotypes in the Angolan population. However, no association was found in Madeira island, probably due to the presence of a complex pattern of multiple insecticide resistance mechanisms in the local Ae. aegypti population. These results suggest that populations carrying the same kdr mutations may respond differently to the same insecticide, stressing the need for complementary studies when assessing the impact of kdr resistance mechanisms in the outcome of insecticide-based control strategies.

Evidence for both sequential mutations and recombination in the evolution of kdr alleles in Aedes aegypti

BACKGROUND

Aedes aegypti is a globally distributed vector of human diseases including dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. Pyrethroid insecticides are the primary means of controlling adult A. aegypti populations to suppress arbovirus outbreaks, but resistance to pyrethroid insecticides has become a global problem. Mutations in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (Vssc) gene are a major mechanism of pyrethroid resistance in A. aegypti. Vssc resistance alleles in A. aegypti commonly have more than one mutation. However, our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of how alleles with multiple mutations arose is poorly understood.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We examined the geographic distribution and association between the common Vssc mutations (V410L, S989P, V1016G/I and F1534C) in A. aegypti by analyzing the relevant Vssc fragments in 25 collections, mainly from Asia and the Americas. Our results showed all 11 Asian populations had two types of resistance alleles: 1534C and 989P+1016G. The 1534C allele was more common with frequencies ranging from 0.31 to 0.88, while the 989P+1016G frequency ranged from 0.13 to 0.50. Four distinct alleles (410L, 1534C, 410L+1534C and 410L+1016I+1534C) were detected in populations from the Americas. The most common was 410L+1016I+1534C with frequencies ranging from 0.50 to 1.00, followed by 1534C with frequencies ranging from 0.13 to 0.50. Our phylogenetic analysis of Vssc supported multiple independent origins of the F1534C mutation. Our results indicated the 410L+1534C allele may have arisen by addition of the V410L mutation to the 1534C allele, or by a crossover event. The 410L+1016I+1534C allele was the result of one or two mutational steps from a 1534C background.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our data corroborated previous geographic distributions of resistance mutations and provided evidence for both recombination and sequential accumulation of mutations contributing to the molecular evolution of resistance alleles in A. aegypti.

Pesticide contamination drives adaptive genetic variation in the endemic mayfly Andesiops torrens within a semi-arid agricultural watershed of Chile

Agrichemical contamination can provoke evolutionary responses in freshwater populations. It is a particularly relevant issue in semi-arid regions due to the sensitivity of endemic species to pollutants and to interactions with temperature stress. This paper investigates the presence of pesticides in rivers within a semi-arid agricultural watershed of Chile, testing for their effects on population genetic characteristics of the endemic mayfly Andesiops torrens (Insecta, Ephemeroptera). Pesticides were detected in sediment samples in ten out of the 30 sites analyzed throughout the upper part of the Limarí watershed. To study the evolutionary impact of such contamination on A. torrens, we used a genome-wide approach and analyzed 2056 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) loci in 551 individuals from all sites. Genetic differentiation was weak between populations, suggesting high gene flow across the study area. While we did not find evidence of pesticide effects on genetic diversity nor on population differentiation, the allele frequency of three outlier SNP loci correlated significantly with pesticide occurrence. Interrogation of genomic resources indicates that two of these SNPs are located within functional genes that encode for the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2 and Dumpy, both potentially involved in insect cuticle resistance processes. Such genomic signatures of local adaptation are indicative of past adverse effects of pesticide exposure on the locally adapted populations. Our results reveal that A. torrens is sensitive to pesticide exposure, but that a high gene flow may confer resilience to contamination. This research supports the contention that A. torrens is an ideal model organism to study evolutionary responses induced by pesticides on non-target, endemic species.

Pyriproxyfen treated surface exposure exhibits reproductive disruption in dengue vector Aedes aegypti

Background

Reduced susceptibility of mosquito vectors to currently used insecticides hampers control interventions. Recently pyriproxyfen, an insect growth regulator has been demonstrated to effectively reduce the reproductive potential in vector mosquitoes.

Methods

Pyriproxyfen (PPF), in different concentrations (0.75%, 0.075%, 0.0075%, and 0.00075%) was applied on papers and Indian wild type Aedes aegypti female mosquitoes (N ≥ 20 for each treatment) were exposed onto it as per WHO guidelines, to study the reproductive disruption. PPF concentration on treated papers was quantitatively cross-determined using HPLC method. Reduction in fecundity, fertility and adult emergence in exposed female Ae. aegypti was determined. Abnormal development in ovary and eggs of exposed females was studied microscopically after different time intervals.

Results

Eggs laid, eggs hatched, pupae formed and adults emerged per female exposed in both before blood meal and after blood meal groups declined significantly from lowest to highest concentration of PPF (F ≥ 5.2; p < 0.02). Adult emergence inhibition in females exposed to PPF before and after blood meal groups ranged from 58.8% [OR = 0.18 (95% CI = 0.09–0.36)] to 79.2% [OR = 0.04 (95% CI = 0.02–0.10)] and 64.4% [OR = 0.12 (95% CI = 0.05–0.28)] to 77.1% [OR = 0.05 (95% CI = 0.02–0.14)] respectively in different concentrations. The probit model used suggested that FI₅₀ (50% fertility inhibition) and EI₅₀ (50% emergence inhibition) were 0.002% (p = 0.82) and 0.0001% (p = 0.99) for females exposed before blood meal, while 0.01% (p = 0.63) and <0.0001% (p = 0.98) for the females exposed after blood meal, respectively. The eggs laid by the females exposed to PPF-treated surface showed altered body organization, desegmentation and disoriented abdominal and cervical regions in the developing embryo. Quantification of PPF on impregnated papers showed that it was uniformly distributed throughout the matrix.

Conclusions

The present study has shown that tarsal contact to PPF-treated surface for a small time drastically influenced the fecundity, fertility and adult emergence in Indian wild Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Results suggest that a certain minimum concentration of PPF through contact exposure can reduce the abundance of vector mosquitoes to a considerable level. The formulations based on combination of PPF and other compatible insecticides may be an impactful approach where susceptible mosquitoes are killed by the insecticide component while resistant mosquitoes are sterilised by PPF.

Development of resistance against insecticides has challenged mosquito control programmes globally and prompted the research of alternative options that can complement insecticides. An insect growth regulator, pyriproxyfen (PPF) usage against mosquitoes can effectively reduce the vector population. PPF mainly inhibits the metamorphosis of mosquito larvae into pupae and prevent the adult emergence, therefore it is generally applied in mosquito breeding habitats. PPF has been shown to exhibit delayed residual effect that may impair the reproductive capacity by affecting the survival, fecundity and fertility of adult mosquito exposed through tarsal contact. Presently, the effectiveness of different concentrations of PPF intended to be delivered through contact have been evaluated against dengue vector Ae. aegypti. Results suggested that very low PPF concentration treated surfaces drastically reduce the fecundity, fertility and adult emergence in mosquitoes. Study suggests that control interventions based on PPF-treated surfaces could provide an additional route to target mosquito vector control by overall population density reduction.

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.

Insecticide resistance levels and mechanisms in Aedes aegypti populations in and around Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

BACKGROUND

Recent outbreaks of dengue and other Aedes aegypti-borne arboviruses highlight the importance of a rapid response for effective vector control. Data on insecticide resistance and underlying mechanisms are essential for outbreak preparedness, but are sparse in much of Africa. We investigated the levels and heterogeneity of insecticide resistance and mechanisms of Ae. aegypti from contrasting settings within and around Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Bioassays were performed on larvae and adults to diagnose prevalence of resistance, and to assess levels where resistance was detected. Investigation of resistance mechanisms was performed using synergist bioassays, knockdown resistance (kdr) target site mutation genotyping and quantitative PCR expression analysis of candidate P450 genes. Larval dose-response assays indicated susceptibility to the organophosphates tested. Adult females were also susceptible to organophosphates, but resistance to carbamates was suspected in urban and semi-urban localities. Females from all localities showed resistance to pyrethroids but resistance prevalence and level were higher in urban and especially in semi-urban areas, compared to the rural population. Environment was also associated with susceptibility: adults reared from larvae collected in tires from the semi-urban site were significantly less resistant to pyrethroids than those collected from large outdoor drinking water containers ('drums'). Susceptibility to both pyrethroids tested was largely restored by pre-exposure to Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO), suggesting a strong metabolic basis to resistance. The 1534C kdr mutation was nearly fixed in semi-urban and urban areas but was far less common in the rural area, where the 1016I kdr mutation frequency was also significantly lower. P450 gene analysis detected limited over-expression of single candidates but significantly elevated average expression in the semi-urban site compared to both a susceptible laboratory colony, and females from the other collection sites.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our results reveal pyrethroid resistance and paired kdr mutations in both urban and semi-urban sites at levels that are unprecedented for mainland Africa. The combination of target site and metabolic mechanisms is common in Ae. aegypti populations from other continents but is a worrying finding for African populations. However, organophosphate insecticides are still active against both larvae and adults of Ae. aegypti, providing useful insecticidal options for control and resistance management.

COMBINED TARGET SITE VGSC MUTATIONS PLAY A PRIMARY ROLE IN PYRETHROID RESISTANT PHENOTYPES OF Aedes aegypti AS DENGUE VECTOR FROM PALU CITY, CENTRAL SULAWESI

It has been reported that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Palu City had been resistant to cypermethrin insecticide but the resistance mechanism is not well known. This study aimed to determine the resistance status of Ae. aegypti to cypermethrin and whether the mutation of voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) was associated with pyretroid resistance in high and low dengue endemic areas in Palu City. Aedes aegypti collected from each village was reared to adult and assayed for susceptibility test to cypermethrin using the CDC bottle bioassay method. PCR primers of AaSCF1 and AaSCR4 were used for screening of IIS6 VGSC gene mutation. PCR primers of AaSCF7 and AaSCR7 were used for screening of IIIS6 VGSC gene mutation. For an identification of mutation sites were sequenced and aligned to Gene bank (access No. AB914689 and AB914690) for IIS6 VGSC and Gene bank (access No. AB914687 and AB914688) for IIIS6 VGSC gene mutation. The susceptibility status of Ae. aegypti to cypermethrin was resistant in high dengue endemic areas and moderately resistant in low dengue endemic areas. It was found double point mutation at S989P and V1016G in Ae. aegypti from high and low dengue endemic areas in Palu City and there was a single point mutation only in high dengue endemic area at target site V1016G. Aedes aegypti from both high and low dengue endemic areas were resistant to cyperpethrinn and the two alleles had a major role in the occurrence of cypermethrin resistance in Palu City.

"Armed to the teeth": The multiple ways to survive insecticidal and predatory challenges in Aedes aegypti larvae

Environmental pollutants, such as insecticides, can alter the equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems, particularly those closely located to human occupations. The use of such anthropogenic compounds frequently results in the selection of resistant individuals. However, how the underlying insecticide resistance mechanisms interplay with the abilities of the resistant individuals to cope with other environmental challenges (e.g., predators) has not received adequate attention. Here, we evaluated whether resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in larvae of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), would affect their abilities to survive other environmental challenges. We assessed the susceptibilities of the pyrethroid-resistant larvae to other insecticides (i.e., the oxadiazine indoxacarb and juvenile hormone mimic pyriproxyfen) and determined the activities of potential detoxification enzymes. Finally, we also recorded potential alterations in larva swimming behavior in the presence of predators, such as the water bug Belostoma anurum (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae). Our results revealed that high pyrethroid resistance was associated with moderate resistance to the other two insecticides. Furthermore, this multiple resistance was associated with higher detoxification activity by glutathione-S-transferases and general esterases. Interestingly, in comparison with insecticide-susceptible larvae, the pyrethroid-resistant larvae not only swam for longer periods and distances, but also took longer to be captured by B. anurum nymphs. Collectively, our findings revealed increased abilities to survive natural environmental challenges (e.g., predatory attacks) in mosquito larvae that express physiological and behavioral changes associated with multiple resistance to insecticides.

Origin and expansion of the mosquito Aedes aegypti in Madeira Island (Portugal)

Historically known as the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti invaded Madeira Island in 2005 and was the vector of the island’s first dengue outbreak in 2012. We have studied genetic variation at 16 microsatellites and two mitochondrial DNA genes in temporal samples of Madeira Island, in order to assess the origin of the invasion and the population structure of this mosquito vector. Our results indicated at least two independent colonization events occurred on the island, both having a South American source population. In both scenarios, Venezuela was the most probable origin of these introductions, a result that is in accordance with the socioeconomic relations between this country and Madeira Island. Once introduced, Ae. aegypti has rapidly expanded along the southern coast of the island and reached a maximum effective population size (N_e) in 2012, coincident with the dengue epidemic. After the outbreak, there was a 10-fold reduction in N_e estimates, possibly reflecting the impact of community-based vector control measures implemented during the outbreak. These findings have implications for mosquito surveillance not only for Madeira Island, but also for other European regions where Aedes mosquitoes are expanding.

High frequencies of F1534C and V1016I kdr mutations and association with pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti from Somgandé (Ouagadougou), Burkina Faso

BACKGROUND

Resistance to pyrethroid insecticides involving kdr mutations is widespread in Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) and potentially could impact control efforts in endemic countries. Dengue cases had been sporadic in Burkina Faso for over a decade prior to the 2016-2017 outbreak that resulted in 15,074 suspected cases and 36 deaths, mainly in Ouagadougou. These outbreaks highlighted the lack of information on numerous aspects of the biology, behaviour and insecticide status of local dengue vector populations that are fundamental to vector control.

RESULTS

We investigated the insecticide resistance profiles and the kdr mutations involved in pyrethroid resistance of Ae. aegypti from Somgandé, a district of Ouagadougou. WHO bioassays revealed that the local Ae. aegypti populations were highly resistant to pyrethroids with mortalities of 15% for permethrin and 37% for deltamethrin. Resistance to carbamates was also detected with mortalities of 55% for propoxur and 90% for bendiocarb, but high mortalities (> 97%) to organophosphates (malathion and fenitrothion) indicated susceptibility. Allele-specific PCR and voltage-gated sodium channel gene sequencing showed a very high frequency (97%) of the F1534C kdr allele whilst the V1016I kdr mutation frequency was 46%. Association of dual-locus kdr mutations was detected for permethrin resistance.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that in this locality of Burkina Faso, Ae. aegypti is resistant to pyrethroid and carbamate insecticides but remains susceptible to organophosphates, providing useful information for possible future control.

Potential of Aedes aegypti populations in Madeira Island to transmit dengue and chikungunya viruses

BACKGROUND

Aedes spp. mosquitoes mainly transmit the arboviruses dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in urban areas, causing a severe public health problem. In 2012-2013, a major dengue outbreak occurred on Madeira Island where the mosquito Aedes aegypti was the only vector. Up to now, the competence of Ae. aegypti populations from Madeira to transmit DENV or CHIKV remains unknown. This study aimed to assess experimentally the ability of Ae. aegypti populations from Madeira to transmit these viruses.

RESULTS

By orally exposing mosquitoes to CHIKV (NC/2011-568) and DENV-2 (Bangkok), the vector competence of two field-collected Ae. aegypti populations, i.e. Funchal and Paúl do Mar, was evaluated. We found that both populations were similarly infected and ensured the dissemination and transmission of CHIKV at the same rates. With DENV-2, viral dissemination was significantly higher in the Funchal population compared to Paúl do Mar. We found no significant differences in transmission rates between populations.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this study has demonstrated for the first time the ability of temperate European Ae. aegypti populations from Madeira to transmit DENV and CHIKV. As our results suggest, there is a potential risk for the local transmission of DENV and CHIKV if introduced to Madeira or continental Europe where Aedes albopictus is present. Our results highlight the need for continuing vector surveillance and control on Madeira Island to future-proof the Island against mosquito-borne epidemics.

The Effect of Permethrin Resistance on Aedes aegypti Transcriptome Following Ingestion of Zika Virus Infected Blood

Aedes aegypti (L.) is the primary vector of many emerging arboviruses. Insecticide resistance among mosquito populations is a consequence of the application of insecticides for mosquito control. We used RNA-sequencing to compare transcriptomes between permethrin resistant and susceptible strains of Florida Ae. aegypti in response to Zika virus infection. A total of 2459 transcripts were expressed at significantly different levels between resistant and susceptible Ae. aegypti. Gene ontology analysis placed these genes into seven categories of biological processes. The 863 transcripts were expressed at significantly different levels between the two mosquito strains (up/down regulated) more than 2-fold. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was used to validate the Zika-infection response. Our results suggested a highly overexpressed P450, with AAEL014617 and AAEL006798 as potential candidates for the molecular mechanism of permethrin resistance in Ae. aegypti. Our findings indicated that most detoxification enzymes and immune system enzymes altered their gene expression between the two strains of Ae. aegypti in response to Zika virus infection. Understanding the interactions of arboviruses with resistant mosquito vectors at the molecular level allows for the possible development of new approaches in mitigating arbovirus transmission. This information sheds light on Zika-induced changes in insecticide resistant Ae. aegypti with implications for mosquito control strategies.

NYD-OP7/PLC regulatory signaling pathway regulates deltamethrin resistance in Culex pipiens pallens (Diptera: Culicidae)

BACKGROUND

Investigation of insecticide resistance mechanisms is considered a vital first step towards the creation of effective strategies to control resistant mosquitoes and manage mosquito-borne diseases. Our previous study revealed that NYD-OP7 may be associated with deltamethrin resistance in Culex pipiens pallen. However, the precise function of NYD-OP7 in deltamethrin resistance is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of NYD-OP7 in the molecular mechanisms underlying pyrethroid resistance.

RESULTS

Knockdown of NYD-OP7 not only increased the susceptibility of the mosquitoes to deltamethrin in vivo but also simultaneously repressed both expression and enzyme activity of its downstream effector molecule, phospholipase C (PLC) and expression of several insecticide resistance-related P450 genes. Knockdown of PLC also sensitized the mosquitoes to deltamethrin and reduced the expression of the P450 genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed that NYD-OP7 and its downstream effector PLC contribute to deltamethrin resistance by regulating the expression of P450s in Cx. pipiens pallens.

Levels of Resistance to Pyrethroid among Distinct kdr Alleles in Aedes aegypti Laboratory Lines and Frequency of kdr Alleles in 27 Natural Populations from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Background

Several mutations in voltage gated sodium channel (Na_V) have been identified in Aedes aegypti populations worldwide. However, only few are related to knockdown resistance to pyrethroids, most of which with variations in the 1016 and 1534 Na_V sites. In Brazil, at least two Na_V alleles are known: Na_VR1, with a substitution in the 1534 (1016 Val⁺ + 1534 Ile^kdr) and Na_VR2, with substitutions in both 1016 and sites (1016Ile^kdr + 1534Cys^kdr). There is also the duplication in the Na_V gene, with one copy carrying the substitution Ile1011Met, although its effects on pyrethroid resistance remain to be clarified. Our goals in this study were (1) to determine the role of each kdr Na_V allele and the duplication on pyrethroid resistance and (2) to screen the frequency of the kdr alleles in 27 several natural Ae. aegypti populations from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro.

Methods

Pyrethroid resistance was evaluated by a knockdown time (KdT) assay, an adaptation of the WHO test tubes with paper impregnated with deltamethrin. We used laboratory-selected Ae. aegypti lineages: R1R1 and R2R2 (homozygous for the kdr Na_VR1 and Na_VR2 alleles, respectively), Dup (with duplication in the Na_V gene), Rockefeller (the susceptibility reference control), and F1 hybrids among them. Genotyping of both 1016 and 1534 Na_V sites was performed in 811 Ae. aegypti sampled from 27 localities from Rio de Janeiro (17), Niterói (6) and Nova Iguaçu (4) cities, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, with a TaqMan real time PCR approach.

Results

The laboratory lineages R1R1, R2R2, and R1R2 were the only ones that needed more than 60 minutes to knock down all the insects exposed to the pyrethroid, being the KdT R2R2 > R1R2 > R1R1, corroborating the recessive nature of the kdr mutations. Frequency of kdr alleles Na_VR1 and Na_VR2 in field-caught mosquitoes varied from 0 to 52% and 43 to 86%, respectively, evidencing high levels of “resistant genotypes” (R1R1, R1R2, and R2R2), which together summed 60 to 100% in Ae. aegypti populations from Rio de Janeiro.

Conclusions

The Na_VR1 and Na_VR2 kdr alleles confer resistance to the pyrethroid deltamethrin in homozygotes and R1R2 heterozygotes, being the R2R2 most resistant genotype. The allele containing duplication in the Na_V gene, with a mutation in the 1011 site, did not confer resistance under the tested conditions. The frequencies of the “resistant genotypes” are elevated in Ae. aegypti natural populations from Rio de Janeiro.

First evidence of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Italian Aedes albopictus populations 26 years after invasion

BACKGROUND

Aedes albopictus has spread during the last few decades all over the world. This has increased significantly the risk of exotic arbovirus transmission (e.g. chikungunya, dengue, and Zika) also in temperate areas, as demonstrated by the Chikungunya 2007 and 2017 outbreaks in northeastern and central Italy. Insecticides are an important tool for limiting the circulation of these mosquito-borne viruses. The aim of the present study was to address the gap in current knowledge of pyrethroid insecticide resistance of European Ae. albopictus populations, focusing on populations from Italy, Albania and Greece.

RESULTS

Bioassays for resistance to permethrin (0.75%), α-cypermethrin (0.05%) or deltamethrin (0.05%) were performed according to World Health Organization (WHO) protocols and showed reduced susceptibility (<90% mortality) of some Italian populations to permethrin and α-cypermethrin, but not to deltamethrin.

CONCLUSION

This study reports the first evidence of resistance to pyrethroids in adult Italian Ae. albopictus populations. Results refer to the season preceding the Chikungunya 2017 outbreak in central Italy and highlight the need to increase efforts to monitor the spread of insecticide resistance and the need to develop strategies to limit the spread of insecticide resistance, particularly in areas where extensive treatments have been carried out to contain disease outbreaks. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Aedes Mosquitoes and Aedes-Borne Arboviruses in Africa: Current and Future Threats

The Zika crisis drew attention to the long-overlooked problem of arboviruses transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in Africa. Yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika are poorly controlled in Africa and often go unrecognized. However, to combat these diseases, both in Africa and worldwide, it is crucial that this situation changes. Here, we review available data on the distribution of each disease in Africa, their Aedes vectors, transmission potential, and challenges and opportunities for Aedes control. Data on disease and vector ranges are sparse, and consequently maps of risk are uncertain. Issues such as genetic and ecological diversity, and opportunities for integration with malaria control, are primarily African; others such as ever-increasing urbanization, insecticide resistance and lack of evidence for most control-interventions reflect problems throughout the tropics. We identify key knowledge gaps and future research areas, and in particular, highlight the need to improve knowledge of the distributions of disease and major vectors, insecticide resistance, and to develop specific plans and capacity for arboviral disease surveillance, prevention and outbreak responses.

Molecular characterization of the gene profile of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner isolated from Brazilian ecosystems and showing pathogenic activity against mosquito larvae of medical importance

The occurrence of Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, and mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles potentiate the spread of several diseases, such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, urban yellow fever, filariasis, and malaria, a situation currently existing in Brazil and in Latin America. Control of the disease vectors is the most effective tool for containing the transmission of the pathogens causing these diseases, and the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis has been widely used and has shown efficacy over many years. However, new B. thuringiensis (Bt) strains with different gene combinations should be sought for use as an alternative to Bti and to prevent the resistant insects selected. Aiming to identify diversity in the Bt in different Brazilian ecosystems and to assess the pathogenicity of this bacterium to larvae of Ae. aegypti, C. quinquefasciatus, and Anopheles darlingi, Bt strains were obtained from the Amazon, Caatinga (semi-arid region), and Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) biomes and tested in pathogenicity bioassays in third-instar larvae of Ae. aegypti under controlled conditions in the laboratory. The isolates with larvicidal activity to larvae of Ae. aegypti were used in bioassays with the larvae of C. quinquefasciatus and An. darlingi and characterized according to the presence of 14 cry genes (cry1, cry2, cry4, cry10, cry11, cry24, cry32, cry44Aa, cry1Ab, cry4Aa, cry4Ba, cry10Aa, cry11Aa, and cry11Ba), six cyt genes (cyt1, cyt2, cyt1Aa, cyt1Ab, cyt2Aa and cyt2Ba), and the chi gene. Four hundred strains of Bt were isolated: 244 from insects, 85 from Amazon soil, and 71 from the Caatinga biome. These strains, in addition to the 153 strains isolated from Cerrado soil and obtained from the Entomopathogenic Bacillus Bank of Maranhão, were tested in bioassays with Ae. aegypti larvae. A total of 37 (6.7%) strains showed larvicidal activity, with positive amplification of the cry, cyt, and chi genes. The most frequently amplified genes were cry4Aa and cry4Ba, both occurring in 59.4% in these strains, followed by cyt1Aa and cyt2Aa, with 56.7% and 48% occurrence, respectively. Twelve (2.2%) strains that presented 100% mortality within 24h were used in bioassays to estimate the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) for Ae. aegypti larvae. Two strains (BtMA-690 and BtMA-1114) showed toxicity equal to that of the Bti standard strain, and the same LC₅₀ value (0.003mg/L) was recorded for the three bacteria after 48h of exposure. Detection of the presence of the Bt strains that showed pathogenicity for mosquito larvae in the three biomes studied was possible. Therefore, these strains are promising for the control of insect vectors, particularly the BtMA-1114 strain, which presents a gene profile different from that of Bti but with the same toxic effect.