Abstract
To examine the effects of urbanization on the resistance status of field populations of Culex pipiens pipiens to organophosphate insecticide. Bioassays and biochemical assays were conducted on Tunisian field populations of Culex pipiens pipiens collected in four various areas differing in the degree of urbanization. Late third and early fourth larvae were used for bioassays with chlorpyrifos and adults mosquitoes for biochemical assays including esterase and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activities. The distribution of resistance ratios in this study appears to be influenced by the degree of urbanization. The highest resistance was recorded in the population from most urbanized areas in Tunisia whereas the lowest resistance was found in relatively natural areas. Both metabolic and target site mechanisms were involved in the recorded resistance. This is the first study in Tunisia showing evidence of the impact of urbanization on the resistance level in Culex pipiens pipiens. Proper management of the polluted breeding sites in the country and effective regulation of water bodies from commercial and domestic activities appear to be critical for managing insecticide resistance.
Highlights
Culex pipiens mosquito has been strongly suspected as the most likely vector in the transmission of West Nile virus outbreaks that have affected Tunisia[1] in 1997, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2012
The highest resistance was recorded in the population from most urbanized areas in Tunisia whereas the lowest resistance was found in relatively natural areas
Both metabolic and target site mechanisms were involved in the recorded resistance. This is the first study in Tunisia showing evidence of the impact of urbanization on the resistance level in Culex pipiens pipiens
Summary
Culex pipiens mosquito has been strongly suspected as the most likely vector in the transmission of West Nile virus outbreaks that have affected Tunisia[1] in 1997, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Vector control by insecticides is the African Health Sciences. As Culex mosquitoes adapt to the polluted environment of the urban areas, transmission of pathogens may increase. The effect of this adaptation on the mosquitoes tolerance to insecticides used in vector control is unknown. A detailed knowledge of the biology of urban vectors, including the processes and mechanisms by which these vectors adapt to pollutants as well as to the many insecticides is needed to plan and implement urban vector control strategies
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