RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS - Multiple Mechanisms Conferring Broad-Spectrum Insecticide Resistance in the Tropical Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

Kai Dang, Stephen L Doggett, Xin-Yeng Leong, G Veera Singham, Chow-Yang Lee

The modern resurgence of the common (Cimex lectularius L.) and tropical bed bugs (C. hemipterus [F.]) is thought to be primarily due to insecticide resistance. While there are many reports on insecticide resistance mechanisms in C. lectularius, such information in C. hemipterus is limited. We examined dichloro-diphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), malathion, deltamethrin, permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin resistance, and the underlying mechanisms in several C. hemipterus strains (Australia: Queensland [QLD-AU]; Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur [KLMY], Tanjung Tokong [TT-MY], Christian [CH-MY], and Green Lane [GL-MY]). We used a surface contact method, synergism studies (utilizing piperonyl butoxide [PBO], S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate [DEF], and diethyl maleate [DEM]), and molecular detection of kdr mutations. Results demonstrated that all C.  hemipterus strains possessed high resistance to DDT and the pyrethroids and moderate to high resistance to malathion. Synergism studies showed that deltamethrin resistance in all strains was significantly (P 12 h) than those (≤1 h) with other combinations. M918I + L1014F mutations most likely conferred super-kdr characteristic toward pyrethroids and DDT in C. hemipterus.

Link:  https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toab205

CCB Ref.:  2022_RH_01_vs
Date:  11/05/2022