Cytochrome P450 and esterase genes associated with permethrin resistance in Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762).

BACKGROUND

The mosquito species Aedes aegypti, known for transmitting diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, Mayaro virus, and Rift valley fever, has developed resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. This resistance is attributed to the increased expression of detoxification enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450s and esterases, which metabolize and neutralize the insecticide, thereby reducing its effectiveness in controlling mosquito populations.

METHODS

The present study investigated the expression levels of cytochrome P450 genes CYP6AA7, CYP9M10, CYP9J40, CYP9J34, KM234962, Esterase B1, and Alpha esterase in both larvae and adults of permethrin resistant (Per Res) and susceptible mosquito strains Ae. aegypti.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the CYP9M10 gene was overexpressed by 10.9-fold in larvae. In Per Res larvae, the gene expression of CYP9J34 increased by 1.7-fold, followed by CYP9J40 (8.2-fold) and CYP6AA7 (5.3-fold) compared to the susceptible strain. Conversely, lower expression level of CYP9J34 and KM234962 were observed in both Per Res larvae and adults. Additionally, alpha esterase was overexpressed 8.2-fold in Per Res larvae, while the esterase B1 gene showed a 5.1-fold increase in larvae compared to the susceptible strain.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these results, it is evident shown that the cytochrome P450 genes CYP9M10, CYP9J34, CYP9J40, CYP6AA7, α-Esterase, and Esterase B1 are involved in both permethrin resistance in larvae and adults of Ae. aegypti.