The Impact of Nutrition on Insecticide Resistance and Gene Expression in Aedes aegypti

Author

• Esmeralda Guadalupe Rosas, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-1-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Christopher Vitek

Second Advisor

Sarah Mays Maestas

Third Advisor

Jason Tidwell

Abstract

The development of insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti, a major vector of dengue and Zika viruses, threatens vector control efforts, particularly in endemic regions such as South Texas. Insecticides remain widely used; however, their overuse has accelerated metabolic resistance mediated by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Environmental factors such as larval nutrition may influence mosquito physiology and resistance-associated gene expression, yet this relationship remains poorly understood. This study examines how larval nutritional conditions affect the expression of cytochrome P450 genes linked to pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti. Larvae were reared under five dietary treatments differing in lipid and protein ratios, and adults were exposed to permethrin using CDC bottle bioassays. Susceptible, resistant, and field-collected populations were compared. Gene expression was quantified using qPCR. We hypothesize that carbohydrate-rich diets relative to protein will result in increased cytochrome P450 expression, informing improved resistance management strategies.

Comments

Copyright 2026 Esmeralda G. Rosas. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3371162783

Recommended Citation

Rosas, E. G. (2026). The Impact of Nutrition on Insecticide Resistance and Gene Expression in Aedes aegypti [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1934