Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yvan Fotso-Toguem, Billy Tene-Fossog, Leon M. J. Mugenzi, Murielle J. Wondji, Flobert Njiokou, Hilary Ranson, Charles S. Wondji
Summary: The polymorphisms of CYP6M2 and CYP6P4 were analyzed to detect potential resistance markers in Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae. The study found significant overexpression of CYP6M2 and CYP6P4 in resistant mosquitos, and a lower diversity in the upstream region of CYP6P4 potentially associated with resistance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cristina Yunta, Jocelyn M. F. Ooi, Folasade Oladepo, Sofia Grafanaki, Spiros. A. Pergantis, Dimitra Tsakireli, Hanafy M. Ismail, Mark J. I. Paine
Summary: Chlorfenapyr is an increasingly used pro-insecticide in combination with pyrethroids to control pyrethroid-resistant mosquito populations. Different P450s in mosquitoes were investigated for their ability to metabolize chlorfenapyr, providing valuable insights into its metabolism and highlighting the need for further investigation into effective vector control strategies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saumya Gupta, Adam J. Blake, Jeffrey A. Riffell
Summary: A new study reveals a distinct pattern of preference for human-associated olfactory cues that informs the selective behavior of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
Article
Parasitology
Emilie S. Ngongang-Yipmo, Magellan Tchouakui, Benjamin D. Menze, Leon M. J. Mugenzi, Flobert Njiokou, Charles S. Wondji
Summary: This study investigated the efficacy of different brands of LLINs against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes and their post-exposure effect. The results showed that standard bednets had reduced efficacy against resistant mosquitoes in the field, but still induced delayed mortality in exposed populations. The study also highlighted the importance of using new-generation nets that do not solely rely on pyrethroids.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Priscille Barreaux, Hilary Ranson, Geraldine M. M. Foster, Philip J. J. McCall
Summary: The blood feeding behavior of female mosquitoes, which affects their ability to transmit malaria, is not well understood in the presence of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). This study examines how both insecticide resistant and susceptible mosquitoes interact with different types of nets while attempting to blood feed on a human arm. The results showed that ITNs did not effectively prevent host searching but significantly reduced blood feeding success and volume for all mosquitoes, although the resistant mosquitoes were able to compensate for the decrease by accelerating their rate of blood ingestion.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yaman Musdal, Aram Ismail, Birgitta Sjodin, Bengt Mannervik
Summary: Nobo is a crucial glutathione transferase (GST) in insects that contributes to their growth and the spread of diseases. It has been found to have efficient hydroxylase activity in insects containing the ketosteroid. Specific amino acid residues are essential for the catalytic activity of Nobo.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lateef. O. Busari, Haleemah O. Raheem, Zarat O. Iwalewa, Kamilu A. Fasasi, Monsuru A. Adeleke
Summary: The study evaluates the resistance and susceptibility of adult female Anopheles gambiae s. l., Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes to four groups of insecticides and the distribution of their larval habitat within Osogbo metropolis. The results indicate that Anopheles gambiae s. l. shows the highest resistance to Permethrin, while Aedes aegypti exhibits highest resistance against OC-Control. The susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae s. l. and Culex quinquefasciatus to Pirimiphos-methyl and Aedes aegypti to Permethrin suggests the potential success of using these insecticides for vector control.
Article
Parasitology
Cyntia-Muriel Y. Clegban, Soromane Camara, A. Alphonsine Koffi, Ludovic P. Ahoua Alou, Jean-Paul Kabran Kouame, A. Fernand Koffi, Philippe K. Kouassi, Nicolas Moiroux, Cedric Pennetier
Summary: Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) have been effective in reducing global malaria burden since 2000. In this study, two new brands of deltamethrin-impregnated nets were evaluated against wild pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes, showing that they met WHO criteria and are suitable for further testing at the community level. With the increasing pyrethroid resistance, integrated vector management using a variety of control tools is needed for effective malaria control.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maxwell G. Machani, Eric Ochomo, Fred Amimo, Wolfgang R. Mukabana, Andrew K. Githeko, Guiyun Yan, Yaw A. Afrane
Summary: Long-lasting insecticidal nets are effective in reducing malaria transmission, but it is important to understand the behavior of malaria vectors with insecticide resistance around human-occupied bed nets.
Article
Biology
Sulaiman S. Ibrahim, Muhammad M. Mukhtar, Abdullahi Muhammad, Charles S. Wondji
Summary: This study examined the impact of thermal tolerance on pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations in northern Nigeria. High thermotolerance was observed in the populations, with significant permethrin resistance associated with specific genetic adaptations and common overexpressed genes related to heat tolerance and insecticide resistance. This highlights the challenges of insecticide-based malaria control and the importance of considering environmental variables in control measures.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magellan Tchouakui, Leon M. J. Mugenzi, Murielle J. Wondji, Micareme Tchoupo, Flobert Njiokou, Charles S. Wondji
Summary: The study reveals that the over-expression of multiple P450 genes results in cumulative fitness costs for pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles funestus, impacting their reproductive capacity and development speed significantly. Additionally, in an insecticide-free environment, there is a potential increase in the proportion of susceptible individuals.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Razaki A. Osse, Filemon Tokponnon, Germain Gil Padonou, Mariette E. Glitho, Aboubakar Sidick, Arsene Fassinou, Come Z. Koukpo, Bruno Akinro, Arthur Sovi, Martin Akogbeto
Summary: This study demonstrates that malaria cases in Benin are not solely caused by Plasmodium falciparum, but also involves other non-falciparum species. By assessing the prevalence of various Plasmodium species in locally collected mosquito cohorts, the study reveals the variation in the distribution of Plasmodium species prevalence in Benin.
Article
Entomology
Alina Soto, Mark Rowland, Louisa A. Messenger, Mathew Kirby, Franklin W. Mosha, Alphaxard Manjurano, Natacha Protopopoff
Summary: This study compared two techniques for measuring the sterilization effect of insecticidal bed nets on malaria mosquitoes. The results showed that both egg-laying observation and ovarian dissection had similar sensitivity for identifying mosquitoes exposed to insecticides. However, for identifying non-exposed mosquitoes, ovarian dissection had higher specificity. Therefore, ovarian dissection is a more sensitive and accurate method for evaluating sterility in malaria mosquitoes.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Leon M. J. Mugenzi, Gabriel Akosah-Brempong, Magellan Tchouakui, Benjamin D. Menze, Theofelix A. Tekoh, Micareme Tchoupo, Francis N. Nkemngo, Murielle J. Wondji, Ekene K. Nwaefuna, Michael Osae, Charles S. Wondji
Summary: This study investigated the intensity of insecticide resistance in two major malaria vectors collected in southern Ghana and assessed the effectiveness of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) against these mosquitoes. The results showed that both species exhibited high levels of resistance to certain insecticide classes, leading to a reduction in the effectiveness of LLINs. Furthermore, the study characterized the molecular markers associated with insecticide resistance in these mosquitoes.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nelly Armanda Kala-Chouakeu, Paulette Ndjeunia-Mbiakop, Idriss Nasser Ngangue-Siewe, Konstantinos Mavridis, Vasileia Balabanidou, Roland Bamou, Mabu Maxim Bindamu, Abdou Talipouo, Landre Djamouko-Djonkam, Jean Arthur Mbida-Mbida, Jeanette Tombi, John Vontas, Timoleon Tchuinkam, Christophe Antonio-Nkondjio
Summary: This study assessed the pyrethroid resistance profile of Anopheles gambiae populations in different ecological settings in Cameroon. The results showed a high level of pyrethroid resistance across the country, with varying resistance patterns. This calls for further actions to mitigate the impact of insecticide resistance on vector control measures.
Article
Agronomy
Konstantinos Mavridis, Kyriaki Maria Papapostolou, Maria Riga, Aris Ilias, Kleita Michaelidou, Chris Bass, Thomas Van Leeuwen, Anastasia Tsagkarakou, John Vontas
Summary: Decisions on pesticide use in agriculture are becoming more challenging due to the decrease in available chemicals. Molecular diagnostics for pest resistance can help in decision-making. Newly developed T. urticae molecular diagnostic platforms could be valuable for pesticide resistance management.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Fillothei Papadimitriou, Maria Folia, Aris Ilias, Polyxeni Papapetrou, Emmanouil Roditakis, Chris Bass, John Vontas, John T. Margaritopoulos
Summary: Aphid clones from tobacco and peach in Greece exhibited different levels of resistance to flupyradifurone, with higher resistance observed in clones from peach. Acetamiprid resistance was mainly detected in clones collected from 2019-2020 samples. A significant but moderate association between responses to flupyradifurone and acetamiprid was observed.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Claire Sangbakembi-Ngounou, Carlo Costantini, Neil Michel Longo-Pendy, Carine Ngoagouni, Ousman Akone-Ella, Nil Rahola, Sylvie Cornelie, Pierre Kengne, Emmanuel Rivalyn Nakoune, Narcisse Patrice Komas, Diego Ayala
Summary: A study in Bangui, Central African Republic, found that there is a daily rhythmicity in the biting behavior of Anopheles mosquitoes, with a significant amount of indoor biting occurring during daytime. This rhythmicity could potentially limit the effectiveness of malaria control interventions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biology
Shane Denecke, Hang Ngoc Bao Luong, Venetia Koidou, Maria Kalogeridi, Rafaella Socratous, Steven Howe, Kathrin Vogelsang, Ralf Nauen, Philip Batterham, Sven Geibel, John Vontas
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive characterization of pesticide transporters in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster. It identifies a novel ABC drug transporter and highlights the most impactful ABC in terms of chemoprotection. The study also reveals the potential roles of P-glycoproteins with different subcellular localizations in pesticide toxicology. Furthermore, the establishment of a system for in vivo characterization of drug transporters in non-model insects using transgenic Drosophila lines expressing P-glycoprotein from Anopheles gambiae is significant.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Entomology
George John Ian Parsons, Rosemary Susan Lees, Sofia Balaska, John Vontas
Summary: Resistance to insecticides used to control mosquitoes is likely to develop over time. Monitoring and using alternative insecticide classes are important to sustain the intervention's effectiveness. This study introduces a method for detecting resistance against orally ingested insecticides and suggests using different methods for different modes of uptake. Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSBs) show promise in controlling resistant mosquitoes, but more research is needed. Monitoring for resistance is crucial, and this study provides a potential method for detection.
Article
Agronomy
Konstantinos Mavridis, Aris Ilias, Kyriaki Maria Papapostolou, Kyriaki Varikou, Kleita Michaelidou, Anastasia Tsagkarakou, John Vontas
Summary: Molecular diagnostics have been developed for monitoring insecticide resistance in western flower thrips populations, providing evidence-based strategies for resistance management.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nedal Darif, Kathrin Vogelsang, Elena Vorgia, David Schneider, Elena Deligianni, Sven Geibel, John Vontas, Shane Denecke
Summary: Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are small peptides that can deliver molecular cargo into cells. This study characterized the entry of four fluorescently tagged CPPs into insect cells and dissected midgut tissues. The results showed that CPPs can penetrate the plasma membrane of ovarian and midgut-derived lepidopteran cells through endosomal uptake and that this process can be inhibited by specific endocytosis inhibitors. The study also found differences in the quantity and mode of penetration among different CPPs, with CPP-1838 showing the highest efficiency in penetrating membranes through passive diffusion.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Sofia Balaska, Mattia Calzolari, Annalisa Grisendi, Mara Scremin, Michele Dottori, Konstantinos Mavridis, Romeo Bellini, John Vontas
Summary: The expanding distribution of sand flies, especially in Italy, is leading to an increase in the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis. Regular monitoring is needed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of vector control interventions, despite the widespread use of insecticides.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adam Pym, John G. M. Mina, Bartlomiej J. Troczka, Angela Hayward, Eve Daum, Jan Elias, Russell Slater, John Vontas, Chris Bass, Christoph T. Zimmer
Summary: The tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a polyphagous crop pest that causes significant economic damage worldwide. Neonicotinoids are commonly used insecticides for the control of this species. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for resistance to neonicotinoids in B. tabaci is crucial for effective control and damage limitation. This study reveals that qualitative changes in the cytochrome P450 gene CYP6CM1 alter its metabolic capacity and enhance detoxification of neonicotinoids.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xueping Lu, Marilou Vandenhole, Dimitra Tsakireli, Spiros A. Pergantis, John Vontas, Wim Jonckheere, Thomas Van Leeuwen
Summary: Acequinocyl and bifenazate, as powerful acaricides, have been found to induce resistance development in spider mites. Target-site resistance resulting from mutations in the Qo pocket of cytochrome b has been identified as the main resistance mechanism. A new mutation, L258F, has been discovered in field populations of Tetranychus urticae, and its role in resistance has been confirmed. However, the resistance in this strain is likely due to a combination of target-site resistance and increased detoxification through P450 enzymes.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Frederic Labbe, Maha Abdeladhim, Jenica Abrudan, Alejandra Saori Araki, Ricardo N. Araujo, Peter Arensburger, Joshua B. Benoit, Reginaldo Pecanha Brazil, Rafaela V. Bruno, Gustavo Bueno da Silva Rivas, Vinicius Carvalho de Abreu, Jason Charamis, Iliano V. Coutinho-Abreu, Samara G. da Costa-Latge, Alistair Darby, Viv M. Dillon, Scott J. Emrich, Daniela Fernandez-Medina, Nelder Figueiredo Gontijo, Catherine M. Flanley, Derek Gatherer, Fernando A. Genta, Sandra Gesing, Gloria I. Giraldo-Calderon, Bruno Gomes, Eric Roberto Guimaraes Rocha Aguiar, James G. C. Hamilton, Omar Hamarsheh, Mallory Hawksworth, Jacob M. Hendershot, Paul V. Hickner, Jean-Luc Imler, Panagiotis Ioannidis, Emily C. Jennings, Shaden Kamhawi, Charikleia Karageorgiou, Ryan C. Kennedy, Andreas Krueger, Jose M. Latorre-Estivalis, Petros Ligoxygakis, Antonio Carlos A. Meireles-Filho, Patrick Minx, Jose Carlos Miranda, Michael J. Montague, Ronald J. Nowling, Fabiano Oliveira, Joao Ortigao-Farias, Marcio G. Pavan, Marcos Horacio Pereira, Andre Nobrega Pitaluga, Roenick Proveti Olmo, Marcelo Ramalho-Ortigao, Jose M. C. Ribeiro, Andrew J. Rosendale, Mauricio R. V. Sant'Anna, Steven E. Scherer, Nagila F. C. Secundino, Douglas A. Shoue, Caroline da Silva Moraes, Joao Silveira Moledo Gesto, Nataly Araujo Souza, Zainulabueddin Syed, Samuel Tadros, Rayane Teles-de-Freitas, Erich L. Telleria, Chad Tomlinson, Yara M. Traub-Cseko, Joao Trindade Marques, Zhijian Tu, Maria F. Unger, Jesus Valenzuela, Flavia Ferreira, Karla P. V. de Oliveira, Felipe M. Vigoder, John Vontas, Lihui Wang, Gareth D. Weedall, Elyes Zhioua, Stephen Richards, Wesley C. Warren, Robert M. Waterhouse, Rod J. Dillon, Mary Ann McDowell
Summary: Phlebotomine sand flies are important vectors of human disease, transmitting Leishmania parasites that cause devastating diseases. This study sequenced the genomes of two important sand fly vector species and identified genes involved in disease transmission and population structures. The findings provide a foundation for future efforts to prevent the spread of Leishmania parasites.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Rafaela Panteleri, Amalia Anthousi, Shane Denecke, Debora Boaventura, Ralf Nauen, John Vontas
Summary: The fall armyworm is a global invasive agricultural pest causing major crop losses. Control strategies rely on insecticides and transgenic crops, but resistance development is a significant issue. Mutations in the SfABCC2 gene have been associated with Bt toxin resistance in the fall armyworm. This study expressed SfABCC2 in Drosophila melanogaster to validate resistance mutations and cross-resistance issues.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charles Grant, Kumar Saurabh Singh, Angela Hayward, Benjamin J. Hunt, Bartlomiej J. Troczka, Adam Pym, Seung-Joon Ahn, Bin Zeng, Cong-Fen Gao, Alicia Leroux, Eve Daum, Philip Sueess, Dariane Souza, Jan Elias, Richard H. ffrench-Constant, John Vontas, Emmanouil Roditakis, Pablo Bielza, Christoph T. Zimmer, Chris Bass
Summary: Spanish strains of the tomato leafminer exhibit high levels of resistance to the insecticide chlorantraniliprole, which is caused by the overexpression of a UDP-glycosyltransferase gene. The genomic resources generated in this study provide important insights for further research and development of sustainable management strategies for this pest.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
France-Paraudie A. Kouadio, Nadja C. Wipf, Angele S. Nygble, Behi K. Fodjo, Christabelle G. Sadia, John Vontas, Konstantinos Mavridis, Pie Mueller, Chouaibou S. Mouhamadou
Summary: This study aims to investigate the impact of different agricultural practices on phenotypic insecticide resistance and associated molecular resistance mechanisms in Anopheles gambiae s.l. The results show that mosquito populations from all agricultural sites were resistant to several insecticides, with variation in the frequency of resistance mutations and gene expression levels. The findings suggest that agricultural practices might have a role in shaping insecticide resistance profiles in malaria vectors.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Christine Njiru, Corinna Saalwaechter, Konstantinos Mavridis, John Vontas, Sven Geibel, Nicky Wybouw, Thomas Van Leeuwen
Summary: A target site mutation in a spider mite pest has been found to confer resistance to certain acaricides and has significant fitness costs. These findings highlight the importance of considering multiple factors in assessing the impact of resistance mutations on pest populations.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
