161 - Resistance and inhibitor testing on Aedes aegypti populations in the Florida Keys

Abstract: Aedes aegypti is the species of greatest concern for mosquito-borne disease in the Florida Keys. Previous locally transmitted dengue outbreaks in Key West (2009-2010) and Key Largo (2020) show the need for an immediate and effective response to Ae. aegypti populations in the Florida Keys.  An important part of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District's vector response plan is adulticide application because it can provide an immediate reduction in Ae. aegypti adults.  It has become apparent that in the Florida Keys, and throughout Florida, Ae. aegypti resistance to pyrethroids is prevalent. In this study, the CDC bottle bioassay method was used to look at resistance in Ae. aegypti collected from Key Largo, Vaca Key, and Key West, Florida. Inhibitor testing was also conducted to look at which metabolic enzymes may be involved with observed resistance.  Kdr-associated resistance was also examined with all three populations. Results from this study show that multiple factors are involved with resistance in Ae. aegypti populations in the Florida Keys and that resistance mechanisms vary between islands.