Pirimiphos-methyl Resistance of Culex pipiens Populations (Diptera: Culicidae) in Central Tunisia: Status and Mechanisms Involved

In Tunisia, Culex pipiens plays a role in the high annoyance experienced by most urban cities, suburban and rural areas. Resistance to Pirimiphos-methyl was analyzed in five populations of Culex pipiens collected in central Tunisia. Bioassays were performed over different larvae samples. All samples were resistant to Pirimiphos-methyl. The study of the mechanisms involved in this resistance showed the involvement of two known targets in resistance to organophosphates: insensitive acetylcholinesterase and overproduced esterases. Results were discussed in comparison with previous studies. Our results will help to propose alternatives control strategies to limit the development of resistance on the ground.