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Published on: September 15, 2023
Permethrin Resistance in Aedes aegypti Affects Aspects of Vectorial Capacity
Tse-Yu Chen1, Chelsea T Smartt1, Dongyoung Shin1
1Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA.
Abstract:
Aedes aegypti, as one of the vectors transmitting several arboviruses, is the main target in mosquito control programs. Permethrin is used to control mosquitoes and Aedes aegypti get exposed due to its overuse and are now resistant. The increasing percentage of permethrin resistant Aedes aegypti has become an important issue around the world and the potential influence on vectorial capacity needs to be studied. Here we selected a permethrin resistant (p-s) Aedes aegypti population from a wild Florida population and confirmed the resistance ratio to its parental population. We used allele-specific PCR genotyping of the V1016I and F1534C sites in the sodium channel gene to map mutations responsible for the resistance. Two important factors, survival rate and vector competence, that impact vectorial capacity were checked. Results indicated the p-s population had 20 times more resistance to permethrin based on LD50 compared to the parental population. In the genotyping study, the p-s population had more homozygous mutations in both mutant sites of the sodium channel gene. The p-s adults survived longer and had a higher dissemination rate for dengue virus than the parental population. These results suggest that highly permethrin resistant Aedes aegypti populations might affect the vectorial capacity, moreover, resistance increased the survival time and vector competence, which should be of concern in areas where permethrin is applied.
Insights
Highly permethrin-resistant Aedes aegypti mosquitoes exhibit increased survival and dengue virus transmission capabilities. This finding is critical for mosquito control programs using permethrin, as resistance may enhance disease vectoring potential.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Molecular Entomology
- Vector-borne Disease Ecology
Background:
- Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are primary vectors for arboviruses like dengue.
- Widespread use of permethrin has led to significant resistance in Aedes aegypti populations globally.
- The impact of permethrin resistance on mosquito vectorial capacity requires urgent investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of permethrin resistance in Aedes aegypti.
- To evaluate the effect of permethrin resistance on mosquito survival rates.
- To assess the influence of permethrin resistance on the vector competence of Aedes aegypti for arboviruses.
Main Methods:
- Selection of a permethrin-resistant Aedes aegypti population from Florida.
- Confirmation of resistance ratio using LD50 compared to the parental population.
- Allele-specific PCR genotyping of V1016I and F1534C mutations in the sodium channel gene.
- Assessment of adult survival rates and dengue virus dissemination rates.
Main Results:
- The selected population exhibited 20-fold increased resistance to permethrin (LD50) compared to the parental population.
- Homozygous mutations at V1016I and F1534C sodium channel gene sites were prevalent in the resistant population.
- Permethrin-resistant adults demonstrated significantly longer survival and higher dengue virus dissemination rates.
Conclusions:
- Highly permethrin-resistant Aedes aegypti populations possess enhanced survival and vector competence.
- Increased survival and vector competence in resistant mosquitoes raise concerns for arbovirus transmission.
- Findings underscore the need to monitor and manage permethrin resistance in mosquito control strategies.
