•  
  •  
 

SURVEILLANCE OF PERMETHRIN RESISTANCE IN VALDOSTA POPULATIONS OF AEDES ALBOPICTUS**

Abstract

Mosquito populations are likely to develop genetic resistance to insecticides with prolonged and/or improper application. In order to reduce the risk of this occurring as well as optimizing local mosquito management strategies, regular assessments of insecticide resistance should be performed. In Valdosta’s absence of a designated resistance testing center, our study aimed to characterize genetic resistance of Aedes albopictus to the type I pyrethroid, Permethrin. Although Ae. albopictus mainly serves as a nuisance biter within South Georgia, this species does have the physiological potential to vector numerous arboviruses among other pathogens. During Fall 2019, Ae. albopictus eggs were collected from 15 independent sites across Valdosta, Lowndes Co. – majority of them being residential neighborhoods. Reared female adult mosquitoes were initially tested using the CDC Bottle Bioassay Kit. This bioassay accounts for resistance by comparing a “diagnostic” time (the maximum time required to kill 100% of susceptible mosquitoes of a particular species and insecticide dosage) to the actual time taken for experimental mosquitoes to die. Following this method, a multiplex PCR was executed to identify the presence and distribution of the knock-down resistance mutation F1534C within a subgroup of previously bioassay-tested mosquitoes. By comparing the results of these two Ae. albopictus surveillance protocols, necessary modifications to current population control methods can be implemented.

Acknowledgements

VSU Dept. of Biology faculty & graduate students

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS