Acetylcholinesterase and Knockdown Resistant Mutations in Anopheles Gambiae S.L. (Culicidae: Diptera) In Three Vegetations of the Niger Delta Region

Abstract

Comprehending the genetic arrangement of resistant mosquito populations is essential for addressing biological and public health concerns as, spread of insecticide resistant alleles. Anopheles gambiae sensu lato, which spread malaria parasites comprises genetically different but morphologically indistinguishable species. This study: determine presence of resistant genes, in the lowland forest, mangrove and fresh water swamp in Rivers state, Niger delta. Sample collection was done from May to December. Laboratory-reared larvae collected from their breeding sites, were used for the molecular bioassay. Resistant genes were determined from DNAs extracted from the tissues of the samples and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to identify knockdown and acetylcholinesterase resistance mechanisms. Acetylcholinesterase resistance mutation with accession number OQ802845 was found in all the three vegetations while knockdown resistance mutation was scantily found in the lowland forest vegetation only. The study makes available reference base-line data of various insecticide resistant genes in the Niger delta.