Mechanisms associated with pyrethroid resistance in populations of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from the Caribbean coast of Colombia

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, which are of great public health importance in Colombia. Aedes control strategies in Colombia rely heavily on the use of organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides, providing constant selection pressure and the emergence of resistant populations. In recent years, insecticide use has increased due to the increased incidence of dengue and recent introductions of chikungunya and Zika. In the present study, pyrethroid resistance was studied across six populations of Ae. aegypti from the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Susceptibility to λ-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin was assessed, and resistance intensity was determined. Activity levels of enzymes associated with resistance were measured, and the frequencies of three kdr alleles (V1016I, F1534C, V410L) were calculated. Results showed variations in pyrethroid susceptibility across Ae. aegypti populations and altered enzyme activity levels were detected. The kdr alleles were detected in all populations, with high variations in frequencies: V1016I (frequency ranging from 0.15–0.70), F1534C (range 0.94–1.00), and V410L (range 0.05–0.72). In assays of phenotyped individuals, associations were observed between the presence of V1016I, F1534C, and V410L alleles and resistance to the evaluated pyrethroids, as well as between the VI(1016)/CC(1534)/VL(410) tri-locus genotype and λ-cyhalothrin and permethrin resistance. The results of the present study contribute to the knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the resistance to key pyrethroids used to control Ae. aegypti along the Caribbean coast of Colombia.