Article
Entomology
Valentina Mastrantonio, Daniele Porretta, Valentina Lucchesi, Nurper Guz, Naciye Sena Cagatay, Romeo Bellini, John Vontas, Sandra Urbanelli
Summary: The application of insecticides can lead to the evolution of resistance in insect pests through the survival of individuals carrying resistant mutations. The study used a phylogenetic approach to investigate the origin of three mutations conferring resistance to diflubenzuron insecticide, finding evidence for multiple origins of the mutations. This research contributes to informing resistance management and understanding the origin of adaptive traits.
Article
Agronomy
Reynardt Erasmus, Johnnie van den Berg, Peet Jansen van Rensburg, Hannalene du Plessis
Summary: This study aimed to determine the tolerance of Tuta absoluta larvae to spinosad and the efficacy of systemic drench application for their control. It was found that the susceptibility of larvae to spinosad varied among different instars, with the second-instar larvae being the most susceptible. The spinosad also exhibited a prolonged residual activity in both leaves and fruits. However, the systemic application of spinosad may lead to the development of insecticide resistance in T. absoluta.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Muhammad Saleem, Dilbar Hussain, Mansoor ul Hasan, Muhammad Sagheer, Ghulam Ghouse, Muhammad Zubair, J. K. Brown, Sikander Ali Cheema
Summary: The cotton whitefly Bemisia tabaci in Pakistan has developed moderate to high level resistance to neonicotinoids insecticides, but exhibits low resistance to insect growth regulators. The results provide guidance for effective whitefly management and delaying resistance development.
Article
Agronomy
Peter Yeeles, Angela Strain, Pauline Lenancker, Lori Lach
Summary: The study found that treatment with (S)-methoprene resulted in lower egg production, subsequently decreased numbers of larvae, pupae, and workers over 135 days. However, treated colonies did not die and had 36% fewer worker ants compared to control colonies. Queen egg production was 39% lower in treated colonies, but treatment did not affect the internal physiology of dissected queens or worker activity levels.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eric R. Lucas, Sanjay C. Nagi, Alexander Egyir-Yawson, John Essandoh, Samuel Dadzie, Joseph Chabi, Luc S. Djogbenou, Adande A. Medjigbodo, Constant V. Edi, Guillaume K. Ketoh, Benjamin G. Koudou, Arjen E. Van't Hof, Emily J. Rippon, Dimitra Pipini, Nicholas J. Harding, Naomi A. Dyer, Louise T. Cerdeira, Chris S. Clarkson, Dominic P. Kwiatkowski, Alistair Miles, Martin J. Donnelly, David Weetman
Summary: Insecticide resistance is a major challenge for malaria control. This study conducted a genome-wide association study in West Africa and found that resistance to two commonly used insecticides varied between populations and was associated with different genes or mutations in the same genes. The findings highlight the complexity of insecticide resistance and the need for improved surveillance methods.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Thomas L. Schmidt, Nancy M. Endersby-Harshman, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: Mosquito control strategies are increasingly incorporating knowledge from population genomics research, with recent applications focusing on mosquito invasions, insecticide resistance evolution, and rear and release programs. Current research trends follow developments in reference assemblies, with improvements to existing assemblies for species like Aedes and new assemblies for taxa like Anopheles. The use of improved assemblies allows for better incorporation of adaptive and demographic hypotheses in studies of invasive and rear and release target populations.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Alison G. Blanton, Samontriona Perkins, Brittany F. Peterson
Summary: Termite symbionts have various benefits for their hosts, including increased fitness, nutritional supplementation, pathogen protection, and proper development. Recent studies have also found a link between bacterial symbionts and reduced effectiveness of insecticides, which has implications for pest control and bioremediation efforts. This study demonstrates that insect hosts can harbor symbionts with inherent insecticide tolerance, highlighting the potential for symbiont-mediated pesticide tolerance in termites.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Entomology
Alan E. Juache-Villagrana, Victoria Pando-Robles, Selene M. Garcia-Luna, Gustavo Ponce-Garcia, Ildefonso Fernandez-Salas, Beatriz Lopez-Monroy, Iram P. Rodriguez-Sanchez, Adriana E. Flores
Summary: Insects transmit pathogens to crops and humans, posing a threat to public health and economic activities. Insecticides are commonly used to control insects, but their continued use has led to insecticide resistance (IR). It is unclear how IR affects the ability of insects to transmit pathogens, known as vector competence (VC). Studies have shown that IR could enhance, impair, or have no direct effect on VC. Further research is needed to confirm these patterns and their implications for vector control programs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fangyuan Zhou, Qingxia Liang, Xiaoyan Zhao, Xiaoqing Wu, Susu Fan, Xinjian Zhang
Summary: Pesticide resistance causes significant economic losses globally each year. Previous research has mainly focused on investigating the interactions between resistant pests and associated microbes, with a lack of quantification on the individual contributions of the pest host and associated microbes to resistance. This study compares resistant and sensitive strains and uses metaproteomics to analyze protein profiles, revealing contributions by the pest and its gut bacteria to phoxim resistance.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Saad M. Alzahrani
Summary: The study evaluated the susceptibility and resistance of house fly strains in Riyadh to triflumuron and pyriproxyfen. Results showed that pyriproxyfen is an effective insecticide for controlling house flies and should be used in rotation with other insecticides.
Article
Parasitology
Christopher C. Hayes, Coby Schal
Summary: The study investigated the behavioral interactions between bed bugs and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). Results showed that bed bugs had varying abilities to pass through the nets, with treatment status and net design affecting their passage. The resistance of bed bugs to insecticides may limit the effectiveness of LLINs in preventing host-seeking and aggregation.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tiyyabah Khan, Hafiz Azhar Ali Khan, Muhammad Saleem Haider, Waheed Anwar, Adnan Akhter
Summary: Indiscriminate use of insecticides in food storage facilities can have harmful effects on the environment and non-targeted organisms, potentially leading to resistance development in insect pests and contamination of stored food. This study found high risks of resistance development to pirimiphos-methyl, permethrin, and spinosad under consistent selection pressure, but no cross-resistance was observed among different insecticides.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Entomology
Ralf Nauen, Chris Bass, Rene Feyereisen, John Vontas
Summary: Insect cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) play important physiological roles and are particularly involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics. Recent advances in insect genomics and functional approaches have shed light on the evolution of insect P450s, their regulation mechanisms, and the genetic alterations leading to insecticide resistance. Additionally, studies on the sensitivity of beneficial insects to insecticides have provided valuable knowledge for managing P450-mediated resistance and safeguarding their health.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Henk van den Berg, Haroldo Sergio da Silva Bezerra, Emmanuel Chanda, Samira Al-Eryani, Bhupender N. Nagpal, Elkhan Gasimov, Raman Velayudhan, Rajpal S. Yadav
Summary: Vector control plays a crucial role in preventing, controlling, and eliminating vector-borne diseases, but the management of vector control insecticides faces common challenges across regions, including inadequate monitoring of insecticide resistance, procurement practices, worker safety, pesticide storage, and waste disposal. Advocacy and resource mobilization are needed at regional and country levels to address these critical shortcomings and mitigate the adverse effects on health and the environment.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Eleonora Spinozzi, Marta Ferrati, Loredana Cappellacci, Alice Caselli, Diego Romano Perinelli, Giulia Bonacucina, Filippo Maggi, Maciej Strzemski, Riccardo Petrelli, Roman Pavela, Nicolas Desneux, Giovanni Benelli
Summary: This article reviews a significant medicinal plant, Carlina acaulis, which is a perennial herb native to the Alps in Central Europe. Its root essential oil has shown promising bioactivity against various bacteria, fungi, and insects. Different cultivation systems have also been explored to maximize the yield of active compounds. Innovative formulations have been developed and tested for practical applications.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Urs Duthaler, Michael Weber, Lorenz Hofer, Carlos Chaccour, Marta Maia, Pie Muller, Stephan Krahenbuhl, Felix Hammann
Summary: This study established an insect model for pharmacokinetic studies on endectocides for vector control. It demonstrated the impact of Ritonavir on Ivermectin and highlighted Aedes mosquitoes as a new model organism for pharmacokinetic research.
Article
Parasitology
Damiana Ravasi, Diego Parrondo Monton, Matteo Tanadini, Eleonora Flacio
Summary: The study results indicate that the integrated vector management (IVM) programme implemented in southern Switzerland effectively controlled the numbers of tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus), maintaining them at a manageable level compared to municipalities without defined control measures. The IVM programme reduced the nuisance for human populations and the risk of arbovirus epidemics, demonstrating its efficacy in containing mosquito populations.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Eline De Borre, Wout Joseph, Reza Aminzadeh, Pie Mueller, Matthieu N. Boone, Ivan Josipovic, Sina Hashemizadeh, Niels Kuster, Sven Kuehn, Arno Thielens
Summary: The study used Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations to investigate the impact of RF exposure on A. aegypti mosquitoes between 2 and 240 GHz, showing an increase in absorbed power with increasing frequency up to 90 GHz, reaching a maximum between 90 and 120 GHz. This suggests that higher frequencies in 5G technology may lead to increased absorbed power and potential dielectric heating of insects.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nadja C. Wipf, Wandrille Duchemin, France-Paraudie A. Kouadio, Behi K. Fodjo, Christabelle G. Sadia, Chouaibou S. Mouhamadou, Laura Vavassori, Pascal Maser, Konstantinos Mavridis, John Vontas, Pie Mueller
Summary: Insecticide resistance in Anopheles mosquitoes in southern Cote d'Ivoire is a serious threat to the success of insecticide-based malaria vector control. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance in three field populations and found overexpression of cytochrome P450 enzymes and carboxylesterases as potential factors.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nathan Green, Fiacre Agossa, Boulais Yovogan, Richard Oxborough, Jovin Kitau, Pie Muller, Edi Constant, Mark Rowland, Emile F. S. Tchacaya, Koudou G. Benjamin, Thomas S. Churcher, Michael Betancourt, Ellie Sherrard-Smith
Summary: This study analyzed aggregated and comprehensive data from a meta-analysis of the impact of an indoor residual spray (IRS) product active ingredient, Pirimiphosmethyl, on wall surfaces. The evidence synthesis model showed the smallest uncertainty in predicting the outcomes of mosquito feeding attempts, and highlighted the under-estimation of successfully fed mosquitoes when mortality and blood-feeding are positively correlated. The Bayesian evidence synthesis framework allows for inference from multiple datasets simultaneously, providing a more informative result and shedding light on conflicts between sources.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Damiana Ravasi, Francesca Mangili, David Huber, Laura Azzimonti, Lukas Engeler, Nicola Vermes, Giacomo Del Rio, Valeria Guidi, Mauro Tonolla, Eleonora Flacio
Summary: This study successfully predicts the establishment probability of Aedes albopictus in Switzerland through modeling and selects ten socio-environmental predictors, and produces risk maps. It provides a useful tool for authorities to intervene in higher-risk areas.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Verena Pichler, Beniamino Caputo, Vera Valadas, Martina Micocci, Cintia Horvath, Chiara Virgillito, Mustafa Akiner, Georgios Balatsos, Christelle Bender, Gilles Besnard, Daniel Bravo-Barriga, Ruben Bueno-Mari, Francisco Collantes, Sarah Delacour-Estrella, Enkelejda Dikolli, Elena Falcuta, Eleonora Flacio, Ana L. Garcia-Perez, Katja Kalan, Mihaela Kavran, Gregory L'Ambert, Riccardo P. Lia, Eduardo Marabuto, Raquel Medialdea, Rosario Melero-Alcibar, Antonios Michaelakis, Andrei Mihalca, Ognyan Mikov, Miguel A. Miranda, Pie Muller, Domenico Otranto, Igor Pajovic, Dusan Petric, Maria Teresa Rebelo, Vincent Robert, Elton Rogozi, Ana Tello, Toni Zitko, Francis Schaffner, Joao Pinto, Alessandra Della Torre
Summary: Colonization of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus in Europe has led to the transmission of chikungunya and dengue exotic arboviruses. The widespread use of pyrethroids, however, has increased the risk of resistance mechanisms. Recent reports have shown pyrethroid resistance in Ae. albopictus populations in Italy and Spain, associated with the V1016G point mutation. PCR-genotyping of pyrethroid resistance-associated kdr mutations can be used to detect early signs of resistance without the need for live mosquitoes and dedicated facilities.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Laura Vavassori, Ann-Christin Honnen, Norah Saarman, Adalgisa Caccone, Pie Muller
Summary: Aedes albopictus, an invasive species and disease vector, has been found north of the Alps, raising questions about its origins and the presence of overwintering populations. Population genomic data analysis revealed weak genetic structure and high levels of genetic admixture across the Alps, indicating rapid dispersal along transportation routes. The recovery of full siblings in consecutive years in France suggests the presence of overwintering populations. These findings highlight the increased risk of further northward expansion and the need for enhanced mosquito population surveillance in Northern Europe.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Damiana Ravasi, Francesca Mangili, David Huber, Massimiliano Cannata, Daniele Strigaro, Eleonora Flacio
Summary: This study investigated the spread risk of Aedes albopictus in urban areas and found that considering microclimatic temperatures can improve the accuracy of predictive models.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Vincent Corbel, Mara D. Kont, Martha Liliana Ahumada, Laura Andreo, Bazoma Bayili, Koama Bayili, Basil Brooke, Jesus A. Pinto Caballero, Ben Lambert, Thomas S. Churcher, Stephane Duchon, Josiane Etang, Adriana E. Flores, Kasinathan Gunasekaran, Waraporn Juntarajumnong, Matt Kirby, Rachel Davies, Rosemary Susan Lees, Audrey Lenhart, Jose Bento Pereira Lima, Ademir J. Martins, Pie Mueller, Raphael N'Guessan, Corine Ngufor, Giorgio Praulins, Martha Quinones, Kamaraju Raghavendra, Vaishali Verma, Adanan Che Rus, Michael Samuel, Koou Sin Ying, Sungsit Sungvornyothin, Sreehari Uragayala, Raman Velayudhan, Rajpal S. Yadav
Summary: This study developed and validated a new WHO glass bottle bioassay method to monitor mosquito susceptibility to new public health insecticides. The results showed that the bottle bioassay is an effective method for evaluating mosquito susceptibility to new and promising insecticides.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bedjou P. N'Dri, Nadja C. Wipf, Jasmina Saric, Behi K. Fodjo, Giovanna Raso, Juerg Utzinger, Pie Mueller, Chouaibou S. Mouhamadou
Summary: This study investigated the species composition, insecticide susceptibility status, and resistance mechanisms of malaria vectors in southern Cote d'Ivoire. The results showed the presence of different mosquito species, including the first documented finding of Anopheles arabiensis in Cote d'Ivoire. Genetic testing revealed mutations in resistance-related genes. The findings suggest the use of non-pyrethroid insecticides for indoor residual spraying and the consideration of additional measures to control outdoor biting by Anopheles arabiensis.
Article
Microbiology
Eva Veronesi, Anca Paslaru, Julia Ettlin, Damiana Ravasi, Eleonora Flacio, Matteo Tanadini, Valeria Guidi
Summary: The study investigated the impact of a second blood meal on the vector competence of CHIKV-infected Ae. albopictus from southern Switzerland. Results showed that there was no increase in dissemination rates among mosquitoes fed a second time, but re-fed females exhibited higher transmission efficiency under fluctuating temperatures. This confirms the vector competence of Ae. albopictus for CHIKV in southern Switzerland.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lukas Meier, Marina Antillon, Christian Burri, Nakul Chitnis, Yvette Endriss, Jennifer Keiser, Sarah Moore, Pie Mueller, Melissa A. Penny, Till S. Voss, Pascal Maser, Jurg Utzinger
Summary: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) has made important contributions to drug discovery and development in neglected tropical diseases and other infectious diseases related to poverty by efficiently utilizing existing knowledge and resources through the strategy of repurposing know-how.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luca Facchinelli, Bashir Alsharif, Jeff D. Jones, Agnes Matope, Rosangela M. R. Barbosa, Constancia F. J. Ayres, Philip J. McCall
Summary: This study found that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes prefer to rest at the base of walls, especially at higher temperatures, highlighting the importance of this resting behavior for mosquito control. The researchers discovered that treating the lowest 20 cm of indoor walls with insecticide significantly reduced the mosquito population.
