Evaluation of Tick Abundance and Pyrethroid Resistance Via Determination of Glutathione-S-Transferases Activity

Controlling the number of ticks as carriers of infectious diseases is very important. The process is sometimes compromised by activating the protective mechanisms of the tick itself. Glutathione-S-transferases activity (GSTs) was the subject of our investigation of tick abundance after pyrethroid treatment. We determined GSTs activity in ticks collected from six locations in Belgrade before and after pyrethroid treatment and correlated it with the number of ticks in the locations. The results showed that tick abundance correlated with GSTs activity. On the other hand, treatment efficiency was location-dependent, being similar in each particular location in both April (spring) and October (autumn). Our results suggest that GSTs activity reflects the influence of both present local allelochemicals from different environmental seasonal vegetation and applied pyrethroid. We can conclude that by evaluating GSTs activity in ticks from particular locations as well as during the treatment with acaricides tick removal practice could be improved.

Automated summary

Controlling the number of ticks as carriers of infectious diseases is important, but their protective mechanisms can complicate the process. We investigated the relationship between tick abundance and glutathione-S-transferases activity (GSTs) after pyrethroid treatment. We collected ticks from six locations in Belgrade, tested their GSTs activity, and correlated it with tick numbers. The results showed a correlation between tick abundance and GSTs activity. Treatment efficiency varied by location but was similar in both spring and autumn. GSTs activity reflects the influence of local chemicals and pyrethroid, indicating its potential for improving tick removal practices.