Assessment of insecticide resistance of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) populations to insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen, in the northeast region of Brazil

Abstract

Vector control has been an essential strategy in Brazil to manage vector-borne diseases, and the use of insecticides plays an important role in this effort. Pyriproxyfen (PPF) has become a common insect growth regulator used to control juvenile stages of mosquitoes by disturbing their growth and development. This study assesses the susceptibility and resistance status of Brazilian Ae. aegypti populations that previously showed low resistance levels to PPF. Eggs of Ae. aegypti were collected from six cities located in the northeast states of Ceará (Quixadá, Icó, and Juazeiro do Norte), and Bahia (Itabuna, Brumado, and Serrinha). We used the Ae. aegypti Rockefeller strain as an experimental control and a strain known to be susceptible to insecticides. Inhibition of emergence rates by 50% of Ae. aegypti populations varied from 0.0098-0.046 µg/L. Mosquitoes from Icó, Serrinha, and Brumado showed low resistance levels [resistance ratio (RR 50 ) = 2.33, 4.52, and 4.83, respectively], whereas moderate levels of resistance were detected in populations from Juazeiro do Norte (RR 50 =5.83) and Itabuna (RR 50 =7.88). Aedes aegypti collected from the Quixadá population showed a high resistance level to pyriproxyfen (RR 50 =11). The evolution of resistance in Brazilian Ae. aegypti populations to PPF can compromise vector control efforts. Continuous monitoring of insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti is essential for making timely management decisions for effective vector control and management.