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Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Preparing Irradiated and Marked Male Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes for Release in an Operational Sterile Insect Technique Program
Published on: March 12, 2021
Assessing radiation-induced enzyme activation in Aedes aegypti: Potential challenges for SIT-based vector management
Edvane Borges da Silva1, Sloana Giesta Lemos Florêncio2, Ademir Amaral2
1Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Centro Acadêmico de Vitória (CAV), Vitoria de Santo Antão, Pernambuco, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Group of Studies in Radioprotection and Radioecology (GERAR), Department of Nuclear Energy (DEN), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Mosquitoes exposed to radiation for sterile insect programs showed increased enzyme activity, impacting insecticide effectiveness. This research informs integrated pest management strategies for Aedes aegypti control.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Molecular Biology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Aedes aegypti mosquito populations are vectors for diseases like dengue and Zika.
- The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly pest control method.
- Previous studies linked glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity to insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the Aedes aegypti population on Fernando de Noronha Island before implementing SIT.
- To assess changes in GST enzyme activity following exposure to ionizing radiation.
- To evaluate the implications of radiation-induced metabolic changes on sterile male viability and integrated control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Mosquitoes (male and female Aedes aegypti) were mass-reared in a laboratory.
- GST enzyme activity was measured in mosquitoes before and after exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Insecticide susceptibility (cypermethrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin) was evaluated.
Main Results:
- After six years, the Aedes aegypti population showed complete susceptibility to tested insecticides.
- GST activity remained altered in the population and increased significantly after irradiation.
- Irradiated males showed 50% higher GST activity, and females showed 31% higher activity compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Gamma radiation exposure induces a significant stress response in Aedes aegypti, indicated by increased GST activity.
- Altered GST activity and radiation stress may affect the effectiveness and viability of sterile males used in SIT programs.
- Findings provide crucial insights for optimizing integrated vector management programs combining SIT and chemical insecticides.
