Biochemical Basis of Cyfluthrin and DDT Resistance in Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) in Malarious Area of Iran

Mohammad Amin Gorouhi; Mohammad Ali Oshaghi; Hassan Vatandoost; Ahmad Ali Enayati; Ahmad Raeisi; Mohamad Reza Abai; Yaser Salim-Abadie; Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd; Azim Paksa; Fatemeh Nikpoor

doi:10.18502/jad.v12i3.82

Mohammad Amin Gorouhi
Mohammad Ali Oshaghi
Hassan Vatandoost
Ahmad Ali Enayati
Ahmad Raeisi
Mohamad Reza Abai
Yaser Salim-Abadie
Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd
Azim Paksa
Fatemeh Nikpoor

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jad.v12i3.82

Abstract

Background: Anopheles stephensi is a key urban malaria vector in the Indian subcontinent and Middle East including south and southeast of Iran. Wide application of insecticides resulted in resistance of this species to various insecticides in these regions. This study was conducted to reveal the role of metabolic mechanisms in the development of resistance in An. stephensi to DDT and cyfluthrin.

Methods: Field mosquito specimens were collected from Chabahar Seaport, southeast corner of Iran, in 2015. Insecticide susceptibility and enzyme assays were conducted as recommended by WHO.

Results: Mean enzyme ratios were 3.95 and 3.04 for α- esterases and 2.40 and 1.97 for β- esterases in the DDT and cyfluthrin- resistant populations correspondingly compared with the susceptible strain. The GSTs enzyme mean activity ratios were 5.07 and 2.55 in the DDT and cyfluthrin- resistant populations compared with the susceptible beech strain. The cytochrome p450s enzyme ratios were 1.11 and 1.28 in the DDT and cyfluthrin- resistant populations respectively compared with the susceptible beech strain.

Conclusion: Metabolic mechanisms play a crucial role in the development of DDT and cyfluthrin resistance in An. stephensi, therefore, further evaluation of the mechanisms involved as well as implementation of proper insecticide resistance management strategies are recommended.