Molecular and Biochemical Approaches to Evaluating Cypermethrin Resistance in Aedes aegypti: Insights from ELISA, PCR, and Sanger Sequencing

Dengue fever control using chemical methods is often performed by the community due to its immediate and effective results. Control is applied through thermal fogging. Continuous use of chemicals beyond the recommended dose leads to resistance. Methods to determine mosquito resistance include the World Health Organization (WHO) Susceptibility tests using impregnated paper, non-specific esterase enzyme biochemistry using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA reader), and VGSC gene identification (Voltage Gated Sodium Channel) using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Kediri Regency has been using Cypermethrin insecticide for one year to prevent resistance. This study aims to predict the resistance of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to Cypermethrin 0.05% insecticide. This is an observational laboratory study and efficacy test with a cross-sectional design. Third-generation (F3) Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were used as research subjects, with Cypermethrin 0.05% as the insecticide. The study variable is the percentage of mosquitoes that die within 60 minutes and 24 hours post thermal fogging application. Efficacy tests and VGSC gene identification results show that up to the 6th generation (R3), mosquitoes remain susceptible to Cypermethrin 0.05%. The mortality percentage is ≥ 98%, and the non-esterase absorbance value increases from 0.276 (R0) to 0.488 (R3). Further resistance testing using ELISA, PCR, and chromosome examination with the Sanger method continues until mosquitoes show resistance to Cypermethrin 0.05%.