Profiling insecticide resistance phenotypes and genotypes in Aedes aegypti populations across four regions in Puerto Rico

Abstract Vector-borne diseases exert a considerable toll on global health. The efficacy of vector control strategies is being threatened by the emergence and spread of insecticide resistance worldwide. In this study, we collected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from five regions of Puerto Rico to investiga...

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Main Authors: Emma L. Collins, Joanelis Medina Quintana, Reynaldo Morales, Sophie Moss, Holly Acford-Palmer, Matthew Higgins, Jody Phelan, Taane G. Clark, Grayson Brown, Susana Campino
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03709-x
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author Emma L. Collins
Joanelis Medina Quintana
Reynaldo Morales
Sophie Moss
Holly Acford-Palmer
Matthew Higgins
Jody Phelan
Taane G. Clark
Grayson Brown
Susana Campino
author_facet Emma L. Collins
Joanelis Medina Quintana
Reynaldo Morales
Sophie Moss
Holly Acford-Palmer
Matthew Higgins
Jody Phelan
Taane G. Clark
Grayson Brown
Susana Campino
author_sort Emma L. Collins
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Vector-borne diseases exert a considerable toll on global health. The efficacy of vector control strategies is being threatened by the emergence and spread of insecticide resistance worldwide. In this study, we collected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from five regions of Puerto Rico to investigate their insecticide resistance phenotypes and genotypes.  Insecticide resistance intensity CDC bioassays were employed to determine the response to deltamethrin and malathion. In parallel, next generation targeted amplicon sequencing was used to investigate the presence of insecticide resistance-conferring mutations in nine targets across four genes: the voltage gated sodium channel (vgsc); GABA receptor (resistance to dieldrin, rdl); acetylcholinesterase (ace-1); and glutathione-S-transferase epsilon 2 (GSTe2). We observed high resistance intensity to deltamethrin and malathion in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes Resistance was supported by molecular evidence revealing five mutations (V410L (vgsc), V1016I/G (vgsc), F1534C (vgsc), A296S (rdl)), previously linked to insecticide resistance. A previously undocumented mutation, L944I (L921I in Ae. aegypti, vgsc), was identified. While not yet reported in Aedes spp. vectors, this mutation has been associated with pyrethroid resistance in other medically important vectors and agricultural pests. Our research highlights the presence of insecticide resistance and associated mutations in Puerto Rico, which is valuable for vector control programs, providing information to guide decisions regarding the implementation of effective control interventions.
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spelling doaj-art-b7d618d8ea5b4e39946639dd8a00eb472025-08-20T03:05:18ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115111210.1038/s41598-025-03709-xProfiling insecticide resistance phenotypes and genotypes in Aedes aegypti populations across four regions in Puerto RicoEmma L. Collins0Joanelis Medina Quintana1Reynaldo Morales2Sophie Moss3Holly Acford-Palmer4Matthew Higgins5Jody Phelan6Taane G. Clark7Grayson Brown8Susana Campino9Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicinePuerto Rico Vector Control UnitPuerto Rico Vector Control UnitFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicinePuerto Rico Vector Control UnitFaculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineAbstract Vector-borne diseases exert a considerable toll on global health. The efficacy of vector control strategies is being threatened by the emergence and spread of insecticide resistance worldwide. In this study, we collected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from five regions of Puerto Rico to investigate their insecticide resistance phenotypes and genotypes.  Insecticide resistance intensity CDC bioassays were employed to determine the response to deltamethrin and malathion. In parallel, next generation targeted amplicon sequencing was used to investigate the presence of insecticide resistance-conferring mutations in nine targets across four genes: the voltage gated sodium channel (vgsc); GABA receptor (resistance to dieldrin, rdl); acetylcholinesterase (ace-1); and glutathione-S-transferase epsilon 2 (GSTe2). We observed high resistance intensity to deltamethrin and malathion in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes Resistance was supported by molecular evidence revealing five mutations (V410L (vgsc), V1016I/G (vgsc), F1534C (vgsc), A296S (rdl)), previously linked to insecticide resistance. A previously undocumented mutation, L944I (L921I in Ae. aegypti, vgsc), was identified. While not yet reported in Aedes spp. vectors, this mutation has been associated with pyrethroid resistance in other medically important vectors and agricultural pests. Our research highlights the presence of insecticide resistance and associated mutations in Puerto Rico, which is valuable for vector control programs, providing information to guide decisions regarding the implementation of effective control interventions.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03709-xInsecticide resistanceArbovirus vector controlMolecular surveillanceAedes aegypti
spellingShingle Emma L. Collins
Joanelis Medina Quintana
Reynaldo Morales
Sophie Moss
Holly Acford-Palmer
Matthew Higgins
Jody Phelan
Taane G. Clark
Grayson Brown
Susana Campino
Profiling insecticide resistance phenotypes and genotypes in Aedes aegypti populations across four regions in Puerto Rico
Scientific Reports
Insecticide resistance
Arbovirus vector control
Molecular surveillance
Aedes aegypti
title Profiling insecticide resistance phenotypes and genotypes in Aedes aegypti populations across four regions in Puerto Rico
title_full Profiling insecticide resistance phenotypes and genotypes in Aedes aegypti populations across four regions in Puerto Rico
title_fullStr Profiling insecticide resistance phenotypes and genotypes in Aedes aegypti populations across four regions in Puerto Rico
title_full_unstemmed Profiling insecticide resistance phenotypes and genotypes in Aedes aegypti populations across four regions in Puerto Rico
title_short Profiling insecticide resistance phenotypes and genotypes in Aedes aegypti populations across four regions in Puerto Rico
title_sort profiling insecticide resistance phenotypes and genotypes in aedes aegypti populations across four regions in puerto rico
topic Insecticide resistance
Arbovirus vector control
Molecular surveillance
Aedes aegypti
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03709-x
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