Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

ICMR Study Shows Pune Dengue Mosquitoes Resistant To Insecticides: What It Means for Public Health

ICMR Study Shows Pune Dengue Mosquitoes Resist Insecticides: What It Means for Public Health

<span>Aedes aegypti mosquitoes</span> that spread <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dengue">dengue</a></span>, <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/chikungunya">chikungunya</a></span> and <span>Zika</span> are showing resistance to <span>permethrin</span>, a commonly used pyrethroid insecticide, in parts of <span>Pune</span>, according to a new ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) study.

The finding, published as preprint in the <i>International Journal of Tropical Insect Science,</i> raises concerns about the effectiveness of insecticide-based mosquito control, particularly during outbreaks.

Researchers collected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from nine Pune Municipal Corporation wards — Pashan, Susgaon, Khadki, Yerawada, Warje, Hadapsar, Kondhwa, Kothrud and Dhankawdi — between February and May 2024.

They exposed the mosquitoes to 0.75% permethrin, the standard dose used in WHO susceptibility testing.

Resistance was detected in mosquitoes from six of the nine localities, while mosquitoes from three wards remained susceptible.

<h2>Genetic Mutations Linked to Resistance</h2>

The researchers then used PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing to look for genetic changes associated with pyrethroid resistance.

They identified four previously reported mutations:

<ul><li>S989P and V1016G in Pashan and Kondhwa</li><li>F1534C in Khadki, Susgaon, Warje, Yerawada and Hadapsar</li><li>T1520I exclusively in Hadapsar</li></ul>

The D1763Y mutation, which can occur alongside V1016G, was not detected. The differences in mutations across wards suggest that resistance mechanisms may vary between mosquito populations.

<h2>Why Are <span rel="noindex">Mosquitoes Becoming Resistant</span>?</h2>

Pyrethroid resistance can develop through metabolic changes, target-site mutations, or both. Target-site changes, known as knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations, can reduce the ability of pyrethroids to act on the mosquito's voltage-gated sodium channel.

Pyrethroids have been widely used in India for mosquito control since the 1980s. Reduced susceptibility to deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin and permethrin has also been reported in several states, including Assam, Delhi, West Bengal and Rajasthan.

The researchers noted that the widespread use of pyrethroid-based household mosquito-control products, including vaporizers, mats and coils, could potentially contribute to resistance.

<h2>What Does This Mean for Public Health?</h2>

According to the WHO South-East Asia Region Epidemiological Bulletin which reported 22,938 dengue cases in India through June 2026.

When mosquitoes develop resistance, more of them can survive exposure to insecticides that would normally kill susceptible mosquitoes. This could make controlling Aedes aegypti more difficult, particularly during dengue outbreaks.

Importantly, insecticide resistance does not mean the mosquitoes cause more severe dengue. The concern is that commonly used mosquito-control measures may become less effective.

The researchers called for regular resistance surveillance, insecticide rotation and locally tailored integrated vector-management strategies.

<h2>Did Insecticide Spraying Cause the Resistance?</h2>

The researchers noted that areas reporting more dengue cases may have experienced more frequent insecticide spraying, which could potentially be associated with higher resistance. 

However, the study did not directly track insecticide use in these areas and did not establish that spraying caused the resistance.

The researchers stressed the need for continued surveillance to track resistance and adapt mosquito-control strategies to local conditions.

Future research could examine resistance genes through genetic mapping, transcriptomic profiling and CRISPR-Cas9 studies, while studying behavioral changes that may help mosquitoes survive insecticide exposure.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

icmr-study-shows-pune-dengue-mosquitoes-resist-insecticides-what-it-means-for-public-health

pune

ICMR Study

Dengue Mosquitoes Resist Permethrin

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

Mosquitoes Becoming Resistant

permethrin

dengue

chikungunya

Zika

could-tylenol-taken-during-pregnancy-affect-girl-childs-future-reproductive-health-study-raises-concern

Could Tylenol Taken During Pregnancy Affect Girl Child’s Future Reproductive Health? Study Raises Concern

hot-tea-coffee-may-triple-esophageal-cancer-risk-study

Hot Tea, Coffee May Triple Esophageal Cancer Risk: Study

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that spread dengue, chikungunya and Zika are showing resistance to permethrin, a commonly used pyrethroid insecticide, in parts of Pune, according to a new ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) study.The finding, published as preprint in the International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, raises concerns about the effectiveness of insecticide-based mosquito control, particularly during outbreaks.Researchers collected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from nine Pune Municipal Corporation wards — Pashan, Susgaon, Khadki, Yerawada, Warje, Hadapsar, Kondhwa, Kothrud and Dhankawdi — between February and May 2024.They exposed the mosquitoes to 0.75% permethrin, the standard dose used in WHO susceptibility testing.Resistance was detected in mosquitoes from six of the nine localities, while mosquitoes from three wards remained susceptible.Genetic Mutations Linked to ResistanceThe researchers then used PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing to look for genetic changes associated with pyrethroid resistance.They identified four previously reported mutations:S989P and V1016G in Pashan and KondhwaF1534C in Khadki, Susgaon, Warje, Yerawada and HadapsarT1520I exclusively in HadapsarThe D1763Y mutation, which can occur alongside V1016G, was not detected. The differences in mutations across wards suggest that resistance mechanisms may vary between mosquito populations.Why Are Mosquitoes Becoming Resistant?Pyrethroid resistance can develop through metabolic changes, target-site mutations, or both. Target-site changes, known as knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations, can reduce the ability of pyrethroids to act on the mosquito's voltage-gated sodium channel.Pyrethroids have been widely used in India for mosquito control since the 1980s. Reduced susceptibility to deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin and permethrin has also been reported in several states, including Assam, Delhi, West Bengal and Rajasthan.The researchers noted that the widespread use of pyrethroid-based household mosquito-control products, including vaporizers, mats and coils, could potentially contribute to resistance.What Does This Mean for Public Health?According to the WHO South-East Asia Region Epidemiological Bulletin which reported 22,938 dengue cases in India through June 2026.When mosquitoes develop resistance, more of them can survive exposure to insecticides that would normally kill susceptible mosquitoes. This could make controlling Aedes aegypti more difficult, particularly during dengue outbreaks.Importantly, insecticide resistance does not mean the mosquitoes cause more severe dengue. The concern is that commonly used mosquito-control measures may become less effective.The researchers called for regular resistance surveillance, insecticide rotation and locally tailored integrated vector-management strategies.Did Insecticide Spraying Cause the Resistance?The researchers noted that areas reporting more dengue cases may have experienced more frequent insecticide spraying, which could potentially be associated with higher resistance. However, the study did not directly track insecticide use in these areas and did not establish that spraying caused the resistance.The researchers stressed the need for continued surveillance to track resistance and adapt mosquito-control strategies to local conditions.Future research could examine resistance genes through genetic mapping, transcriptomic profiling and CRISPR-Cas9 studies, while studying behavioral changes that may help mosquitoes survive insecticide exposure.

icmr study shows pune dengue mosquitoes resist insecticides: what it means for public health

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

ICMR Study Shows Pune Dengue Mosquitoes Resistant To Insecticides: What It Means for Public Health

9/11-Linked Cancer Cases Surge 75%: Why Researchers Are Concerned

Google DeepMind’s AlphaGenome Atlas Maps 9 Billion Mutations in Human Genome; To Reveal Genetics, Rare Disease Clues

Alexander Disease: FDA Approves First Drug That Can Target The Root Cause Of The Rare Neurological Disease

Health Conditions A-Z