Adaptation of mosquito vectors to insecticides used in the Southwest area of the Indian Ocean: implications for vector control

Mortality caused by mosquito vectors is still higher in African countries than elsewhere. Vector control contributes significantly to the reduction of malaria and arboviruses diseases. However, vector control depends largely of the use of chemical insecticides in most parts of tropical countries. In addition, a very limited insecticide family has been authorized for use. Despite their effectiveness, their use generates the development of insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors by the overuses of all major insecticide groups. To maintain protection conferred by chemical insecticide to vector control, it is crucial to preserve the efficacy of the few insecticides currently available. It requires a timely resistance surveillance framework and anticipating resistance management strategies until novel « clean » strategies will be operational.
The basis for resistance selection is the presence of the insecticides in the environment that plays selection pressure on insects. Selection pressure is mainly determined by operational factors like insecticide type, dosage, frequency and intensity of application.
This research project will focus on the study of the distribution of insecticide resistance and its mechanisms in key mosquito vectors in Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles in view to anticipating resistance management strategies in the Southwest area of the Indian Ocean.