Investigation of the insecticide resistance levels and mechanisms of the Mediterranean and Aegean Aedes caspius populations of Turkey

Aedes caspius mosquitoes are highly aggressive zoo-anthropophilic species of significant medical and veterinary importance. They can transmit serious disease agents with devastating effects on humans and other animals. Populations of these vectors are primarily managed using chemical insecticides in Turkey. In this study, we examined insecticide resistance in nine different Ae. caspius populations distributed in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions of Turkey. Bioassay results showed that all assayed populations were resistant to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, malathion, fenitrothion, bendiocarb, propoxur, and suspected resistant to permethrin and deltamethrin. Biochemical assays revealed significantly higher activities of glutathione-s-transferase, monooxygenase and esterases in Ae. caspius populations. Overall, our results indicate the presence of multiple resistance mechanisms in Ae. caspius populations. These results provide useful information in guiding pesticide use in vector control programs.

Automated summary

Ae. caspius populations in Turkey show resistance to multiple insecticides and have multiple resistance mechanisms.