The Potential for DEM, DEF, or PBO as an Enzymatic Pathway for Resistance to Chlorpyrifos in Aedes vexans
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Authors
Anselmo, Belle
Date of Issue
2023-04-28
Type
Presentation
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Abstract
Mosquito resistance to insecticides is an emerging issue, as increased resistance means less methods of population control. Previous research has shown developing and established resistance in Aedes vexans to the insecticide chlorpyrifos. Mosquitoes can carry many vector-borne diseases such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, and malaria. A key aspect in preventing the transmission of these diseases is using effective insecticides. As insecticide resistance in mosquitoes continues to emerge, understanding the enzymatic pathways behind this resistance is critical. Potential enzymatic pathways could involve the inhibitors diethyl maleate (DEM), S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF), or piperonyl butoxide (PBO). Mosquitoes were trapped from various collection sites, and CDC bottle bioassay guidelines were followed for exposure of mosquitoes to one of three inhibitors. After this exposure, mosquitos were separated into a control bottle or a bottle coated with chlorpyrifos. The number of dead individuals were counted at regular intervals, and percent mortality was calculated and compared to the established diagnostic time of death for Aedes exposed to chlorpyrifos. It is anticipated that if the activity of a specified enzyme plays a role in resistance, exposure to the respective inhibitor will prevent this enzymatic pathway and mosquitoes will have an increased mortality rate. Simulation analysis will be used to analyze both the impact of exposure to chlorpyrifos and exposure to DEM, DEF, or PBO. If this mathematical analysis reveals a significant impact of inhibitor exposure on mortality rate, further assays could be performed to examine the extent of this pathway across species.