Insecticide Resistance in Aedes aegypti and Surveillance and Monitoring Efforts in India: A Critical Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59436/jsiane.382.2583-2093Keywords:
Insecticide resistance, Aedes aegypti, Control, Management. India.Abstract
The increasing prevalence of insecticide resistance in Aedes mosquitoes poses a significant threat to vector control efforts and the management of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika in India. This review critically examines the spatial distribution, insecticide resistance status, and underlying resistance mechanisms in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus populations across various Indian states. The review synthesizes data on resistance to multiple classes of insecticides, including organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, and carbamates. Resistance to DDT is widespread, while emerging and incipient resistance to pyrethroids such as permethrin and deltamethrin is increasingly reported, especially in urban centers and high-transmission zones. Mechanistically, both metabolic resistance mediated by elevated levels of detoxification enzymes like glutathione S-transferases, esterases, and cytochrome P450s and target site insensitivity primarily through kdr mutations (e.g., F1534C, V1016G) have been documented. The presence of multi-mechanistic resistance in several regions emphasizes the need for continuous surveillance, rotation of insecticide classes, and the integration of alternative control strategies. This review highlights critical knowledge gaps and urges the adoption of integrated vector management practices to sustainably combat the evolving threat of insecticide resistance in Aedes mosquitoes across India.
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