Background
The massive use of insecticides in public health has exerted selective pressure resulting in the development of resistance in Aedes aegypti to different insecticides in Venezuela. Between 2010 and 2020, the only insecticides available for vector control were the organophosphates (Ops) fenitrothion and temephos which were focally applied. Objectives: To determine the state of insecticide resistance and to identify the possible biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in three populations of Ae. aegypti from Venezuela.
Conclusion
Insecticide resistance persists in three Ae. aegypti populations from Venezuela even in the relative absence of insecticide application.
Methods
CDC bottle bioassays were conducted on Ae. aegypti collected between October 2019 and February 2020 in two hyperendemic localities for dengue in Aragua State and in a malaria endemic area in Bolívar State. Insecticide resistance mechanisms were studied using biochemical assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect kdr mutations. Findings: Bioassays showed contrasting