Patterns of -L995F Allele Emergence Alongside Detoxifying Enzymes Associated with Deltamethrin Resistance in S.l. from North Cameroon

Understanding how multiple insecticide resistance mechanisms occur in malaria vectors is essential for efficient vector control. This study aimed at assessing the evolution of metabolic mechanisms and L995F/S resistance alleles in s.l. from North Cameroon, following long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) distribution in 2011. Female s.l. emerging from larvae collected in Ouro-Housso/Kanadi, Be-Centre, and Bala in 2011 and 2015, were tested for susceptibility to deltamethrin + piperonyl butoxide (PBO) or SSS-tributyl-phosphoro-thrithioate (DEF) synergists, using the World Health Organization's standard protocol. The L995F/S alleles were genotyped using Hot Ligation Oligonucleotide Assay. Tested mosquitoes identified using PCR-RFLP were composed of (68.5%), (25.5%) and (6%) species. From 2011 to 2015, metabolic resistance increased in Ouro-Housso/Kanadi (up to 89.5% mortality to deltametnrin+synergists in 2015 versus <65% in 2011; < 0.02), while it decreased in Be-Centre and Bala (>95% mortality in 2011 versus 42-94% in 2015; < 0.001). Conversely, the L995F allelic frequencies slightly decreased in Ouro-Housso/Kanadi (from 50% to 46%, > 0.9), while significantly increasing in Be-Centre and Bala (from 0-13% to 18-36%, < 0.02). These data revealed two evolutionary trends of deltamethrin resistance mechanisms; non-pyrethroid vector control tools should supplement LLINs in North Cameroon.