Current status of insecticide resistance and its underlying mechanisms in Aedes aegypti (L.) in Punjab, Pakistan

Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) plays an important role as a vector of different deadly diseases particularly dengue fever. Insecticides are used as a primary tool to control Ae. aegypti. However, due to the excessive use of insecticides on agricultural, public health, and industrial levels, mosquitoes have developed resistance. In this study, the current susceptibility status of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes against different insecticides (Temephos, DDT, dieldrin, Malathion, Bendiocarb, Permethrin, Cypermethrin, and Lambda-cyhalothrin) was evaluated in district Lahore and district Muzaffargarh of Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, WHO bioassays and biochemical assays were performed on Ae. aegypti population from Lahore (APLa) and Aedes population from Muzaffargarh (APMg). Results of APLa and APMg showed high levels of resistance against the larvicide Temephos. Resistance against all adulticides was also observed in APLa and APMg (% mortality < 98%). The biochemical assays indicated statistically significant elevated levels of detoxification enzymes in APLa and APMg. APLa showed slightly higher levels as compared to APMg. Mosquitoes were also screened for the presence of kdr mutations. The results revealed no mutation in domain II while the presence of mutation F1534C in domain III was found in both field populations. The results showed the presence of moderate to high grade resistance against all insecticides in Ae. aegypti in district Lahore and district Muzaffargarh of Punjab, Pakistan.