First Evidence of the Implication of Cuticular Based Mechanisms in Aedes Aegypti Populations Resistant To Pyrethroids and DDT in Cameroon

Abstract

Pyrethroid resistance is now expanding in the two main arboviruses vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus from Cameroon. Although recent studies suggested the implication of target site (kdr) resistance and overexpression of detoxification enzymes as key mechanisms, the implication of additional mechanisms such as cuticular resistance has not been investigated. The present study assesses the possible implication of cuticle in Aedes species resistance to pyrethroids. High cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) content was detected in Ae. aegypti populations from Douala and Yaoundé. The difference (38% increase) between the Douala and susceptible populations was found to be statistically significant.The study confirms the implication of cuticular-based mechanisms in resistant to pyrethroids and DDT Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from Cameroon.