Temporal variation of high-level pyrethroid resistance in the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Yaounde, Cameroon, is mediated by target-site and metabolic resistance

Constant assessment of insecticide resistance levels is mandatory to implement adequate malaria control tools, but little information is available on the annual dynamics of resistance. We, therefore, monitored variations in resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. over four seasons during 2 years in two localities of Yaounde: urban Etoa-Meki and peri-urban Nkolondom. Mosquitoes were collected seasonally at larval stage and reared to adults for insecticide susceptibility tests and molecular analysis of resistance mechanisms. Anopheles coluzzii was found in Etoa-Meki and An. gambiae in Nkolondom. Low mortalities to pyrethroids were observed (permethrin <10%, deltamethrin <21%), and resistance extended to 5x and 10x diagnostic doses, revealing a marked increase compared to previous studies. A seasonal variation in resistance was observed with the highest levels within dry seasons in Etoa-Meki and rainy seasons in Nkolondom. The 1014F kdr allele shows a high frequency (0.9), associated with overexpression of metabolic genes (Cyp6M2, Cyp6P4, Cyp9K1, Cyp6Z1, and Cyp6Z2) varying significantly seasonally. This study reveals an escalation in resistance to pyrethroids in Yaounde's malaria vectors with seasonal variations. An adequate choice of the implementation period of punctual vector control actions according to the resistance profile will help to potentiate the desired effect and thus improve its efficiency.

Automated summary

This study monitored the dynamics of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors in Yaounde over two years. The results showed an escalation in resistance to pyrethroids, with seasonal variations. This has implications for the effectiveness of malaria control strategies.