Preliminary investigation of the mechanisms of DDT and pyrethroid resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) from Saudi Arabia

High levels (>1000-fold) of resistance to DDT, permethrin and deltamethrin were detected in Culex quinquefasciatus Say from Saudi Arabia. Biochemical enzyme and metabolic studies indicated that there is evidence for a metabolic basis to both the organochlorine and pyrethroid resistances. Electrophysiological studies indicated that there is no kdr-type mechanism conferring resistance to the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin neurophysiologically, although there is evidence of cross-resistance between DDT and the pyrethroids by bioassays. There was a change in the oxidase system in both the DDT- and permethrin-selected strains and an increase in glutathione transferase activity in the DDT-selected line. Metabolic studies indicated that both oxidases and glutathione transferases are involved with DDT resistance as DDA and DDE were the predominant metabolites after a 5-h in-vitro incubation period. Permethrin resistance is likely to involve an increase in oxidative degradation, but further metabolic studies are needed to confirm this.