Characterising metabolic mechanisms conferring deltamethrin resistance in Anopheles albimanus, a major malaria vector in Guatemala

There were a total of 4,931 confirmed malaria cases in Guatemala in 2014. The main malaria vector is Anopheles albimanus because it is the most abundant and widely distributed species. Insecticide-based vector control strategies are mainly used in Guatemala, including pyrethroid long-lasting insecticidal nets. Unfortunately, the emergence of resistance to insecticides is threatening the continued success of the insecticide-based vector control interventions. Recent studies have reported the development of pyrethroids resistance in An. albimanus from Guatemala, with early evidence suggesting a predominant role of metabolic genes.

This project aims to identify metabolic mechanisms involved deltamethrin resistance in Guatemalan An. albimanus. The insecticide resistance profile will be assessed in field populations of An. albimanus throughout Guatemala using bioassays. Resistant mosquitoes will be used to detect key genes conferring metabolic resistance using a next-generation sequencing approach. Deltamethrin resistance markers will be detected by sequencing candidate genes between resistant and susceptible mosquitoes.

This will allow us to design molecular tools which will enhance the sentinel surveillance to detect insecticide resistance at an early stage.

This grant was awarded under the scheme's previous name of Master's Fellowships in Public Health and Tropical Medicine.