Insecticide resistance in the major dengue vectors Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti

Aedes mosquitoes are major vectors of human diseases, such as the dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever. Their control largely relies on insecticides applied to mosquito larvae habitats, or indoors against adult mosquitoes. However, insecticide resistance has evolved in many Aedes aegypti mosquito populations worldwide and there is evidence that it has compromised the success of control interventions. The levels of resistance in Aedes albopictus is relatively low at present compared to Ae. aegypti, possibly due to the reduced exposure of this more exophilic species to insecticides, particularly those targeting the adult stage. This paper reviews Ae. albopictus susceptibility/resistance status, as well as reports some new bioassay data from European populations (Greece and Italy). The most recent molecular research into Ae. aegypti insecticide resistance mechanisms is also reviewed, with emphasis on neurotoxic insecticides.

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► Insecticide–based control of the Aedes vectors to prevent disease transmission.
► Aedes vectors have developed insecticide resistance.
► Aedes albopictus susceptibility/resistance reports and new data are presented.
► Molecular mechanisms of Aedes aegypti insecticide resistance are reviewed.