DDT and pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles arabiensis from South Africa.
BACKGROUND
Pyrethroid resistance has been well documented in Anopheles arabiensis, one of the major African malaria vectors, and the predominant malaria vector in South Africa.


METHODS
In this study, the genetic basis of pyrethroid resistance in a selected laboratory strain of An. arabiensis from South Africa was investigated using a custom-made microarray, known as the An. gambiae detoxification chip.


RESULTS
A large number of P450 genes were over-transcribed, as well as a suite of redox genes and glutathione S-transferases. The five genes that showed the highest level of gene transcription when compared with an insecticide susceptible strain were: CYP6AG2, CYPZ1, TPX2, CYPZ2 and CYP6P1.


CONCLUSIONS
Permethrin resistance in South African An. arabiensis is associated with increased transcription of multiple genes, and a large proportion of these genes were also previously recorded as over-transcribed in another An. arabiensis strain selected for resistance to DDT with cross-resistance to deltamethrin. The deltamethrin resistance developed de novo in the DDT-selected strain and is most likely due to increased transcription of those genes associated with DDT resistance. However, of particular interest was the fact that the strain selected for resistance to pyrethroids did not develop de novo resistance to DDT. These differences are compared and discussed.
Division of the National Health Laboratory Services, Vector Control Reference Laboratory, Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg , Sandringham, South Africa. lizettek@nicd.ac.za
Luisa
L
Nardini
Riann N
RN
Christian
Nanette
N
Coetzer
Lizette L
LL
Koekemoer
D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / Q000235:genetics; D003634:DDT / Q000633:toxicity*; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D007305:Insecticide Resistance; D007306:Insecticides / Q000633:toxicity*; D008288:Malaria / Q000635:transmission; D011722:Pyrethrins / Q000633:toxicity*; D013019:South Africa
D019476:Insect Proteins; D007306:Insecticides; D011722:Pyrethrins; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; D003634:DDT; D005982:Glutathione Transferase