Finding mutations in all the wrong places: Prevalence of knock-down resistance F1534S mutations among Aedes albopictus (family: Culicidae, order: Diptera) in North Carolina

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackgroundKnock-down resistance (kdr) mutations in the voltage gated sodium channel gene of Aedes species mosquitoes are biomarkers for resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. In the United States, few studies have reported kdr mutations among Aedes albopictus(family: Culicidae, order: Diptera, Skuse, 1895) populations. In this study we sought to explore the potential for permethrin-impregnated uniforms worn by military servicemembers to drive kdr emergence.Methods and ResultsWe collected 538 Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, including 156 from 4 sites at Fort Bragg (exposed), North Carolina and 382 from 15 sites in Wake County (control), North Carolina to compare the prevalence of kdr mutations. Of those successfully sequenced, we identified 12 (3.0%) mosquitoes with kdr mutations, all of which were attributed to variants at position 1534 within domain 3. All mutations were found in mosquitoes collected at Wake County sites; no mutations were identified at Fort Bragg. There was a focus of mutations observed at the Wake County sites with approximately 92% (11 of 12) of the mosquitoes with the mutation coming from one site, where kdr mutations represented 24.4% (11 of 45) of all mosquitoes collected.ConclusionsOur study did not show any evidence that universal implementation of permethrin-impregnated uniforms drives the development of resistance. In contrast, we observed highly focal resistance in a suburban area of Raleigh, which may be attributable to peri-domestic mosquito control activities that involve area dispersal of pyrethroid insecticides. More robust surveillance is needed to monitor the emergence and spread of resistance.AUTHOR SUMMARYResistance to commonly employed insecticides among Aedes albopictus(family: Culicidae, order: Diptera, Skuse, 1895) mosquitoes poses as a substantial public health threat. In this study we sought to explore the potential for permethrin-impregnated uniforms worn by military servicemembers to drive emergence of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides by collecting and testing mosquitoes from both military and civilian sites. Overall, we did not identify mosquitoes harboring resistance at Ft. Bragg, but did find a focus of resistance in sub-urban Raleigh, which may be driven by commercial, peri-domestic mosquito control activities. These results suggest that resistance to pyrethroid insecticides may be more prevalent in the United States than previously known, but highly heterogenous. More robust surveillance is needed to monitor the emergence and spread of resistance.