Evidence based control of mosquito vectors, in an insecticide resistance landscape

Abstract: Prevention of vectors of human diseases, including invasive species which are expanding their worldwide distribution due to environmental/climate changes, largely relies on the use of insecticides. However, both the limited availability of insecticides and the phenomenon of insecticide resistance represent a major threat for the sustainability of vector control interventions. Passive transportation of invasive disease vectors, including individuals carrying resistance mechanisms, further exacerbates the problem.

Both classical and molecular tools have been developed and used for insecticide resistance monitoring. Despite major advances in the molecular elucidation of resistance mechanisms and the development of molecular diagnostic tools, their impact on disease control programs has been limited. In most cases diagnostic tools provide a retrospective examination of changes imposed by insecticides rather than a prospective analysis to guide vector control strategies.

The uncertainty of the predictive value of markers, the assay robustness and the common misconceptions in resistance diagnosis terminology are continuing challenges in monitoring vector resistance. The current deployment of new insecticidal active ingredients, as well as alternative New Paradigms within an insecticide landscape, should necessitate the development of modern ways for management of the resistance data, in line with evidence based choice of chemicals in agriculture and medical applications.

Outline

Insecticide resistance is a large and growing problem for the control of mosquito disease vectors.

Passive transportation of invasive vectors amid climate change, includes individuals carrying resistance alleles.

Advances in the molecular elucidation of resistance mechanisms and diagnostics, but limited impact on control programs, by the application of molecular diagnostics.

Deployment of new control tools and alternative Paradigms within an insecticide landscape, necessitate improved ways for entomological and resistance evidence, in line with agriculture and medical applications.

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