| Abstract: | 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. |
