Abstract
BackgroundInsecticide-based methods represent the most effective means of blocking the transmission of vector borne diseases. However, insecticide resistance poses a serious threat and there is a need for tools, such as diagnostic tests for resistance detection, that will improve the sustainability of control interventions. The development of such tools for metabolism-based resistance in mosquito vectors lags behind those for target site resistance mutations.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe have developed and validated a simple colorimetric assay for the detection of Epsilon class Glutathione transferases (GST)-based DDT resistance in mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti, the major vector of dengue and yellow fever worldwide. The colorimetric assay is based on the specific alkyl transferase activity of Epsilon GSTs for the haloalkene substrate iodoethane, which produces a dark blue colour highly correlated with AaGSTE2-2-overexpression in individual mosquitoes. The colour can be measured visually and spectrophotometrically.Conclusions/SignificanceThe novel assay is substantially more sensitive compared to the gold standard CDNB assay and allows the discrimination of moderate resistance phenotypes. We anticipate that it will have direct application in routine vector monitoring as a resistance indicator and possibly an important impact on disease vector control.
Highlights
Prevention of mosquito-borne diseases depends in large part on vector control and usually involves the use of insecticides
Wide scale insecticide implementation has led to impressive decreases in vector borne disease transmission, the emergence and spread of insecticide resistance poses a serious threat and there is a need for new tools that will improve the sustainability of current control interventions [2]
Aedes mosquitoes transmit many human viral pathogens including dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya. Most of these pathogens have no specific treatment or vaccine and their control is reliant on controlling the mosquito vectors, which usually involves the use of insecticides
Summary
Prevention of mosquito-borne diseases depends in large part on vector control and usually involves the use of insecticides. Wide scale insecticide implementation has led to impressive decreases in vector borne disease transmission, the emergence and spread of insecticide resistance poses a serious threat and there is a need for new tools that will improve the sustainability of current control interventions [2]. Insecticide-based methods represent the most effective means of blocking the transmission of vector borne diseases. Insecticide resistance poses a serious threat and there is a need for tools, such as diagnostic tests for resistance detection, that will improve the sustainability of control interventions. The development of such tools for metabolism-based resistance in mosquito vectors lags behind those for target site resistance mutations
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