V1016G and F1534C Mutation in the VGSC Gene of Cypermethrin Resistant Aedes aegypti from Central Java

Background: Substitutions in the 1016 and 1534 sites of the voltage gated sodium channel (kdr mutations), confer the mosquito with knockdown resistance and lead to pyrethroid insecticides resistance. Point mutations in the para gene of Aedes aegypti populations in Central Java have not been fully characterized. The aim this study was to determine the types and frequencies of mutations in the VGSC gene of Aedes aegypti collected from Central Java. Method: An allele specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (AS-PCR) was used to detect the V1016G and F1534C mutation in the Ae. aegypti voltage-gated sodium channel gene. In order to determine the resistance phenotype of wild-caught Ae. aegypti, mosquitoes were exposed to 0.05% cypermethrin paper. The AS-PCR assay was used to screen 60 individuals from 3 localities (Kudus, Demak, and Purworejo) throughout Central Java. Results: The V1016G mutation was widely distributed throughout Central Java (81.67%). F1534C mutations were also found, but with a lower frequency (5%) than the V1016G mutation. Interestingly, there was a strong correlation between V1016G mutation and survival rates toward cypermethrin exposure (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, there was no relationship between F1534C mutation and survival rates toward cypermethrin exposure (p > 0.05). Conclusion: V1016G and F1534C mutation were found in Ae. aegypti population, however, this mutation alone did not fully explain the resistance phenotype we saw among Central Java’s Ae. aegypti populations. Such metabolic mechanisms can contribute to resistance along with kdr mutations.