Caffeine effect on mortality and oviposition in successive generations of Aedes aegypti.
OBJECTIVE
Previous experiments showed that caffeine blocks the development of Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae) in the larval stage, consequently inhibiting the production of adults. This study aimed at obtaining data suggestive of caffeine resistance by these mosquitoes.


METHODS
Experiments were carried out in successive generations to assess adult production from eggs laid in previous generation and oviposition rate in every generation using 200 and 500 microg/mL caffeine. Tap water was used as control. Experiments were conducted in the city of São José do Rio Preto, Southeastern Brazil between 2002 and 2005. Statistical tests consisted of exploratory data analysis and smoothing algorithms.


RESULTS
Increasing reduction in productivity of adults occurred among generations at both caffeine concentrations but the differences were only significant at 200microg/mL caffeine. As for the oviposition rate, there was a decrease in the mean number of eggs per female over generations at both caffeine concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
There was no evidence of caffeine resistance over generations. The study results corroborate caffeine as an alternative as an important Ae. Aegypti control agent to avoid resistance.
Laranja
Alessandra Theodoro
AT
Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil.
Manzato
Antonio José
AJ
Bicudo
Hermione Elly Melara de Campos
HE
D000330:Aedes / Q000187:drug effects*; D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D002110:Caffeine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004351:Drug Resistance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006813:Humidity; D007814:Larva / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009026:Mortality; D009032:Mosquito Control / Q000379:methods; D010058:Oviposition / Q000187:drug effects*; D013696:Temperature
D002110:Caffeine