Cross-resistance to pyrethroids and other insecticides in Aedes aegypti

Two substrains of Aedes aegypti, already resistant to DDT and pyrethroids, were further selected using either DDT or permethrin by mass exposure of the females only. DDT selection over 14 generations raised the resistance to DDT so far that no accurate LC₅₀ values could be determined. Selection with permethrin raised the tolerance to an irregular plateau 7–10 times the original. DDT selection in the adults raised the DDT resistance of the larvae, but this could be partly overcome using a dehydrochlorinase inhibitor. The resistance to pyrethroids was increased but tolerance of dieldrin, malathion and propoxur compounds was little changed. Permethrin selection of the adults raised resistance to pyrethroids more than DDT selection but also increased DDT resistance. Similar patterns were found for the larval insects. A strain from Demerara in Guyana showed both DDT and pyrethroid resistance, including strong resistance to pyrethrins together with dieldrin and propoxur. It was concluded that two major independent resistance mechanisms existed in the selected strains, a dehydrochlorinase affecting DDT alone, and an unknown mechanism, probably nerve insensitivity (kdr) affecting both DDT and pyrethroids.     

两种挥发性拟除虫菊酯杀虫剂对伊蚊的驱避作用研究

拟除虫菊酯杀虫剂广泛应用于蚊香及其他驱蚊产品,不仅对蚊子有杀虫作用,而且具有驱避效应,然而拟除虫菊酯杀虫剂对蚊子驱避作用的机理尚不清楚.本研究发现两种挥发性拟除虫菊酯杀虫剂四氟甲醚菊酯和氯氟醚菊酯对白纹伊蚊和埃及伊蚊具有非接触驱避作用.触角电位(EAG)试验表明除四氟甲醚菊酯有微弱EAG响应外,其他拟除虫菊酯杀虫剂均没...     

Resistance mechanisms to DDT and transpermethrin in Aedes aegypti

Penetration, metabolism and excretion of [¹⁴C]DDT and [³H]transpermethrin were studied in three strains of Aedes aegypti L. after topical application of 10 nl of a solution of the insecticide in 2-ethoxyethanol. The standard susceptible strain was compared with a DDT-selected strain (BKS) and a permethrin-selected strain (BKPM). No significant penetration resistance was observed in either resistant strain, but both showed high DDT-dehydrochlorinase activity which contributed to the DDT resistance. A non-metabolic factor was also involved. Rates of transpermethrin metabolism were very similar in all three strains and substantially higher internal concentrations of transpermethrin were required to produce toxic effects in both BKS and BKPM mosquitoes. By analogy with other insect species, it is concluded that transpermethrin resistance in these strains is of the kdr type, while the DDT resistance is a mixture of kdr and DDT-dehydrochlorinase.     

An estimation of monthly propagation of dengue vector Aedes aegypti in rainwater filled tires

Abstract

Present study was designed to estimate the average monthly production rate of Ae. aegypti in a rainwater filled bus/truck tire (1.041?m) and car tire (0.737?m) as well as in bus/truck tire lodged with pondwater which are lacking. An average of 3957 Ae. aegypti propagated from single rainwater filled bus/truck tire which was significantly higher than the average number of them produced in a rainwater filled car tire and a pondwater lodged bus/truck tire in a rainy month. Higher water holding capacity might be the cause of difference between the bus/truck tire and the car tire. On other hand, difference in multiple physio-chemical aspects between rainwater and pondwater seemed to be the determining factor to make difference in mosquito breeding potential in a bus/truck tire. It is assumed from the present study that an open dumping ground of discarded tires may account for huge production of Ae. aegypti. Discarded tires are recommended to be kept under shade or covered with polythene-sheet or apertures be made underside each tire for draining out the accumulated rainwater.     

Insecticide resistance compromises the control of Aedes aegypti in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

With no effective drugs or widely available vaccines, dengue control in Bangladesh is dependent on targeting the primary vector Aedes aegypti with insecticides and larval source management. Despite these interventions, the dengue burden is increasing in Bangladesh, and the country experienced its worst outbreak in 2019 with 101 354 hospitalized cases. This may be partially facilitated by the presence of intense insecticide resistance in vector populations. Here, we describe the intensity and mechanisms of resistance to insecticides commonly deployed against Ae. aegypti in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

RESULTS

Dhaka Ae. aegypti colonies exhibited high-intensity resistance to pyrethroids. Using CDC bottle assays, we recorded 2–24% mortality (recorded at 24 h) to permethrin and 48–94% mortality to deltamethrin, at 10× the diagnostic dose. Bioassays conducted using insecticide–synergist combinations suggested that metabolic mechanisms were contributing to pyrethroid resistance, specifically multi-function oxidases, esterases, and glutathione S-transferases. In addition, kdr alleles were detected, with a high frequency (78–98%) of homozygotes for the V1016G mutation. A large proportion (≤ 74%) of free-flying and resting mosquitoes from Dhaka colonies survived exposure to standard applications of pyrethroid aerosols in an experimental free-flight room. Although that exposure affected the immediate host-seeking behavior of Ae. aegypti, the effect was transient in surviving mosquitoes.

CONCLUSION

The intense resistance characterized in this study is likely compromising the operational effectiveness of pyrethroids against Ae. aegypti in Dhaka. Switching to alternative chemical classes may offer a medium-term solution, but ultimately a more sustainable and effective approach to controlling dengue vectors is required. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Effect of MON-0585 on sclerotization of Aedes aegypti cuticle

The effect of MON-0585, an insecticide affecting sclerotization, on mosquito cuticle was investigated. Since the lethal effect of MON-0585 is elicited during cuticle development, cuticular compoments such as structural proteins, chitin, phenoloxidase, and phenols were analyzed from both control and insecticide-treated larvae. Soluble cuticular proteins isolated from both groups of animals did not show any difference in electrophoretic mobility nor in amino acid composition. Cuticle bound proteins also failed to show any differences in amino acid composition. Transmission electron microscopic and radioactive tracer studies indicated that neither chitin synthesis nor chitin fiber assembly in cuticle was affected by MON-0585 treatment. Significant reductions in the levels of covalently bound catechols were observed in MON-0585-treated animals. Moreover, these animals exhibited reduced phenoloxidase activity as compared to controls. Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed malformations in the exoskeleton and in the breathing tubes of poisoned mosquito pupae. These results indicate that MON-0585 interferes with cuticular stabilization indirectly and disrupts the structure of the breathing tubes causing early pupal death.     

Mechanisms of DDT resistance in larvae of the mosquito Aedes aegypti L

Larvae of eight strains of Aedes aegypti were exposed to DDT and compared for resistance, DDT uptake, in-vivo breakdown of DDT and residual unmetabolised DDT. Resistance varied widely between strains, three being fully susceptible, two almost immune and three of intermediate resistance. Breakdown of DDT by dehydrochlorination to 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene (pp'-DDE) occurred in all strains and was greater in the five resistant types, but there was no significant correlation between the extent of breakdown in the resistant strains and the level of resistance. Moreover the overall difference between susceptible and resistant strains disappeared when they were compared at a low, almost sublethal, concentration of DDT. Larvae of resistant strains carried a greater absolute quantity of unmetabolised DDT in the body and were able to tolerate levels of DDT that were lethal to susceptible larvae. However the two most resistant strains (T8 and B51) contained significantly less DDT plus pp'-DDE than strains of intermediate resistance (T30 and BSJ) from which they had been derived. Addition of the synergist chlorfenethol to DDT increased its knockdown effect on all resistant strains, suggesting that dehydrochlorination was a factor in resistance. Three strains, two DDT-resistant and one DDT-susceptible, were tested with 1,1-bis(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropane (I), an insecticide that cannot be dehydrochlorinated. All the strains were relatively tolerant to it although the DDT-susceptible strains were less tolerant. Addition of the synergist sesamex decreased the level of tolerance to I in all strains which suggested that microsomal oxidation made some contribution to it. It is concluded that three factors contribute to larval DDT resistance in A. aegypti; (a) increased metabolism to pp'-DDE; (b) increased tolerance to unmetabolised internal DDT; and (c) reduced content of DDT+pp'-DDE (only in the most resistant strains and due either to reduced absorption or increased excretion). These factors are discussed in relation to known larval resistance genes R^DDT1 and y.     

Chitin synthesis inhibitor effect on Aedes aegypti populations susceptible and resistant to organophosphate temephos

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, dengue vector control is hampered by the resistance of Aedes aegypti L. populations to organophosphates (OPs). Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are a promising alternative, as their mechanisms of action are different from those of conventional insecticides. The authors analysed the effect of the IGR triflumuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, on the Ae. aegypti insecticide-susceptible strain Rockefeller, as well as on field populations both susceptible (TemS) and resistant (TemR) to the OP temephos. RESULTS: Triflumuron arrested development and inhibited adult emergence of the Rockefeller strain in a dose-dependent way (EI(50) and EI(90) of 0.8 and 1.8 microg L(-1) respectively). A direct relationship between triflumuron concentration and the precocity of its effects was evident. TemS and TemR temephos resistance ratios (RR(90)) were 4.5 and 13.8, triflumuron RR(90) being 1.0 and 1.3 respectively. CONCLUSION: The IGR triflumuron exhibited a dose-dependent effect against the reference Ae. aegypti Rockefeller strain. It was also effective against two field populations, regardless of their OP resistance status. The present results are discussed in the context of utilization of chitin synthesis inhibitors as potential alternatives in the control of Ae. aegypti in Brazil.     

Insecticide resistance status of Aedes aegypti (L.) from Colombia

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the insecticide susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti (L.) in Colombia, and as part of the National Network of Insecticide Resistance Surveillance, 12 mosquito populations were assessed for resistance to pyrethroids, organophosphates and DDT. Bioassays were performed using WHO and CDC methodologies. The underlying resistance mechanisms were investigated through biochemical assays and RT‐PCR. RESULTS: All mosquito populations were susceptible to malathion, deltamethrin and cyfluthrin, and highly resistant to DDT and etofenprox. Resistance to lambda‐cyhalothrin, permethrin and fenitrothion ranged from moderate to high in some populations from Chocó and Putumayo states. In Antioquia state, the Santa Fe population was resistant to fenitrothion. Biochemical assays showed high levels of both cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP) and non‐specific esterases (NSE) in some of the fenitrothion‐ and pyrethroid‐resistant populations. All populations showed high levels of glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activity. GSTe2 gene was found overexpressed in DDT‐resistant populations compared with Rockefeller susceptible strain. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in insecticide resistance status were observed between insecticides and localities. Although the biochemical assay results suggest that CYP and NSE could play an important role in the pyrethroid and fenitrothion resistance detected, other mechanisms remain to be investigated, including knockdown resistance. Resistance to DDT was high in all populations, and GST activity is probably the main enzymatic mechanism associated with this resistance. The results of this study provide baseline data on insecticide resistance in Colombian A. aegypti populations, and will allow comparison of changes in susceptibility status in this vector over time. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Spinosad as an effective larvicide for control of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, vectors of dengue in southern Mexico

BACKGROUND: Field trials were conducted during the wet and dry seasons in periurban and semi‐rural cemeteries in southern Mexico to determine the efficacy of a suspension concentrate formulation of spinosad (Tracer 480SC) on the inhibition of development of Aedes albopictus L. and Ae. aegypti Skuse. For this, oviposition traps were treated with spinosad (1 or 5 mg L^?1), Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti, VectoBac 12AS), a sustained release formulation of temephos and a water control. RESULTS: Ae. albopictus was subordinate to Ae. aegypti during the dry season, but became dominant or codominant during the wet season at both sites. The two species could not be differentiated in field counts on oviposition traps. Mean numbers of larvae + pupae of Aedes spp. in Bti‐treated containers were similar to the control at both sites during both seasons. The duration of complete absence of aquatic stages varied from 5 to 13 weeks for the spinosad treatments and from 6 to 9 weeks for the temephos treatment, depending on site, season and product concentration. Predatory Toxorhynchites theobaldi Dyar and Knab suffered low mortality in control and Bti treatments, but high mortality in spinosad and temephos treatments. Egg counts and percentage of egg hatch of Aedes spp. increased significantly between the dry and wet seasons, but significant treatment differences were not detected. CONCLUSION: Temephos granules and a suspension concentrate formulation of spinosad were both highly effective larvicides against Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. These compounds merit detailed evaluation for inclusion in integrated control programs targeted at Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in regions where they represent important vectors of human diseases. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Insecticidal activities of leaf and twig essential oils from Clausena excavata against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae

BACKGROUND: The current study investigates, for the first time, the mosquito larvicidal activities of leaf and twig essential oils from Clausena excavata Burm. f. and their individual constituents against Aedes aegypti L. and Aedes albopictus Skuse larvae. The yields of essential oils obtained from hydrodistillation were compared, and their constituents were determined by GC‐MS analyses. RESULTS: The LC₅₀ values of leaf and twig essential oils against fourth‐instar larvae of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were 37.1–40.1 µg mL^?1 and 41.1–41.2 µg mL^?1 respectively. This study demonstrated that C. excavata leaf and twig essential oils possess mosquito larvicidal activity, inhibiting the growth of mosquito larvae for both species at a low concentration. In addition, results of larvicidal assays showed that the effective constituents in leaf and twig essential oils were limonene, γ‐terpinene, terpinolene, β‐myrcene, 3‐carene and p‐cymene. The LC₅₀ values of these constituents against both mosquito larvae were below 50 µg mL^?1. Among these effective constituents, limonene had the best mosquito larvicidal activity, with LC₅₀ of 19.4 µg mL^?1 and 15.0 µg mL^?1 against Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that the essential oils from Clausena excavata leaf and twig and their effective constituents may be explored as a potential natural larvicide. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Resistance to synthetic pyrethroids in a DDT-resistant strain of Boophilus microplus

The susceptibility of a standard reference strain of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus, to a group of synthetic pyrethroids, has been compared with that of a DDT-resistant strain. Cross resistance has been demonstrated in laboratory and field tests.     

Insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti of m-pentadecadienyl-phenol isolated from Myracrodruon urundeuva seeds

BACKGROUND: Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. Allemao is a common tree in the Caatinga that has been widely used for various medical purposes. Previous studies showed that the ethanol seed extract of M. urundeuva has potent activity against the larval stage of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti. Given this potential insecticidal activity, bioguided separation steps were performed in order to isolate the active compound(s). RESULTS: The isolation process resulted in only one active chemical compound, identified by infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as m-pentadecadienyl-phenol. This compound presented potent larvicidal and pupicidal activity (LC₅₀ 10.16 and 99.06 µg mL⁻¹ respectively) and great egg hatching inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 49.79 µg mL⁻¹). The mode of action was investigated through observations of behavioural and morphological changes performed in third-instar larvae treated with m-pentadecadienyl-phenol solution after 1, 6, 12, 16 and 20 h of exposure. Some changes were observed as flooding of the tracheal system, alterations in siphonal valves and anal gills and lethargy, probably caused by the strong anticholinesterasic activity reported previously. CONCLUSION: The compound isolated from M. urundeuva seeds, m-pentadecadienyl-phenol, showed potent activity against immature stages of dengue vector, Ae. aegypti, being considered the main larvicidal principle. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Tyrosine metabolism in Aedes aegypti: Arrest of sclerotization by MON 0585 and diflubenzuron

Lipid from cuticle and viscera sequestered 35 and 40%, respectively, of the diflubenzuron taken up by larvae of Aedes aegypti. The rate of toxicant uptake was linear for the first 2 days of exposure. Following treatment of larvae with a mixture of MON 0585 and diflubenzuron, tanning agents and pigments were discharged into the rearing medium during pupation. In the course of poisoning, body fluids and cuticle accumulated soluble arylated peptides and tanning agents at the expense of the sclerotized mucoprotein complex. Changes in protein composition of the integument were indicated by decreased titers of bound phenylalanine and serine in both the immature and pupal stages, however, visual symptoms of poisoning were absent in larvae. Three amino acids linked to citric acid cycle oxidations, namely, aspartic and glutamic acids and proline, declined sharply in body fluids of poisoned animals while a conjugate resembling N-acetyldopamine-O-glucoside was retained. These biochemical lesions suggest the action of MON 0585 was due to (a) loss of benzenoid precursors of the crosslink to the rearing medium; (b) faulty active transport of tanning agents; and (c) unavailability of receptor sites for arylating groups on side chains destined for bridging.     

Diurnal fluctuations in susceptibility to insecticides in several strains of the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti L.)

Larvae and adults of three strains of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti L. were tested to determine the presence or absence of a diurnal rhythm of susceptibility to the organochlorine insecticides dieldrin and DDT. Each strain showed different patterns of larval susceptibility to the toxicants. Larvae and adults of the same strains produced opposite time-dependent responses to treatment. The significance of daily patterns of changing susceptibility in toxicological studies is discussed.