Phenotypic insecticide resistance status of the Culex pipiens complex: a European perspective

Abstract

Background The common house mosquito Culex pipiens is known to be a major vector for West Nile virus. In order to decrease risks of West Nile virus outbreaks in Europe, insecticides and the bio-larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) are commonly used for vector control. Alarmingly, insecticide resistance has been reported in Cx. pipiens populations from Southern Europe and several countries neighbouring Europe. For Central and Northern Europe, however, the phenotypic insecticide resistance status of Cx. pipiens has not yet been investigated. Methods A literature review was performed to assess the geographical distribution of insecticide resistance in Cx. pipiens. To fill the gap of knowledge for Central and Northern Europe, WHO susceptibility tests with permethrin, deltamethrin, malathion, bendiocarb and DDT and a larval toxicity test with Bti were performed with a Cx. pipiens population from Belgium, a country in Central Europe. Results This research provides the first evidence of widespread phenotypic insecticide resistance in Cx. pipiens. In general, Cx. pipiens developed resistance against multiple insecticides in several countries. Another Cx. pipiens population from Belgium was tested and showed insecticide resistance against deltamethrin, permethrin, DDT and possibly against bendiocarb. The bio-larvicide Bti caused lower mortality than reported for other Cx. pipiens populations in the literature. Conclusions These results indicate the urgent need for insecticide resistance monitoring against commonly used adulticides and larvicides in Europe, for the translation of knowledge gained regarding the limited efficiency and availability of insecticide into EU legislation and the need for innovative non-chemical vector control tools in order to counter the widespread insecticide resistance in Culex populations. Graphical abstract

RNAi-Mediated Silencing of Laccase 2 in Culex pipiens Pupae via Dehydration and Soaking Results in Multiple Defects in Cuticular Development

“…Emerging insecticide resistance remains one of the major challenges in mosquito control [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. Laccase 2 and tyrosine hydroxylase were included in a list of promising genetic targets for RNAi-based mosquito control to overcome insecticide-resistant populations [ 5 ].…”

Unveil the sugar diet and associated environmental compounds in the crop of the mosquito Culex pipiens

“…We identified various pesticides in the mosquito crops. Recently, the insecticide resistance of Belgian C. pipiens have been investigated [ 39 ]. In this study, the authors showed that C. pipiens developed resistance against pyrethroids deltamethrin and permethrin, and possibly against carbamate Bendiocarb.…”

Demonstration of RNAi Yeast Insecticide Activity in Semi-Field Larvicide and Attractive Targeted Sugar Bait Trials Conducted on Aedes and Culex Mosquitoes

“…This might, in turn, open the potential for the registry of second-generation ATSBs that include RNAi yeast as an active ingredient. RNAi yeast ATSBs could enhance existing ATSB technology as a mosquito-specific next-generation ATSB, the use of which could help combat insecticide resistance, a growing problem which must be addressed by the development of new interventions [24][25][26]. The specificity of the Sh.463 shRNA insecticide for mosquitoes, as illustrated by the observed lack of impact of this insecticide on other insects [4], makes it an eco-friendly alternative to broad-based insecticides.…”