Category
Three-Minute Thesis
Description
Mosquitoes are well recognized as a vector for human pathogens, contributing to global morbidity and mortality.8 Broad spectrum rise in mosquito resistance is a well-documented phenomenon, especially in locations of persistent pesticide usage for mosquito population control. Reduced pesticide effectiveness in vector control can lead to heavier usage and higher levels of off-target effects. Recognizing this, selective mechanisms for mosquito resistance have been heavily studied. While natural selection is a well-established paradigm for understanding the development of resistance, recent research has pointed to non-selective mechanisms as a contribution factor. Mosquitoes are frequently exposed to sublethal doses of pesticides, potentially leading to increased resilience by molecular memory and behavioral modification. Many different classes of pesticides are used for mosquito control, each with unique mechanisms of action. An overview of sublethal exposure effects with the potential to induce mechanisms of non-selective resistance may better inform pesticide application, contributing to a more accurate understanding of mosquito resistance and the fine-tuning of vector control while elucidating mechanisms of cross resistance between pesticide classes.
Sublethal Pesticide Exposure Leads to Pesticide Resistance Across Chemical Classes
Three-Minute Thesis
Mosquitoes are well recognized as a vector for human pathogens, contributing to global morbidity and mortality.8 Broad spectrum rise in mosquito resistance is a well-documented phenomenon, especially in locations of persistent pesticide usage for mosquito population control. Reduced pesticide effectiveness in vector control can lead to heavier usage and higher levels of off-target effects. Recognizing this, selective mechanisms for mosquito resistance have been heavily studied. While natural selection is a well-established paradigm for understanding the development of resistance, recent research has pointed to non-selective mechanisms as a contribution factor. Mosquitoes are frequently exposed to sublethal doses of pesticides, potentially leading to increased resilience by molecular memory and behavioral modification. Many different classes of pesticides are used for mosquito control, each with unique mechanisms of action. An overview of sublethal exposure effects with the potential to induce mechanisms of non-selective resistance may better inform pesticide application, contributing to a more accurate understanding of mosquito resistance and the fine-tuning of vector control while elucidating mechanisms of cross resistance between pesticide classes.
