Date of Defense

7-4-2025 10:00 AM

Location

F3-023

Document Type

Thesis Defense

Degree Name

Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

College

COS

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Prof. Mohammad Ali Al-Deeb

Keywords

Public health risk, Abu Dhabi, Pyrethroid resistance, Knockdown resistance (kdr), Sodium channel gene, 16S rRNA sequencing, Microbial communities.

Abstract

This study investigates the Culex quinquefasciatus is a major vector of West Nile virus, lymphatic filariasis, and arboviruses, which represent public health risk. Widespread application of pyrethroid insecticides has increased resistance in mosquito populations threatening the effectiveness of control strategies. This study aims to (1) assess deltamethrin resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus populations across the Abu Dhabi Emirate, (2) characterize the microbial communities associated with these mosquitoes. Mosquitoes from sites around the Abu Dhabi Emirate were collected and genomic DNA extracted for molecular analysis. PCR and allele-specific primers were used to detect knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the sodium channel gene, classifying mosquitoes as susceptible (SS), heterozygous resistant (RS), or homozygous resistant (RR). Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze bacterial communities, with a focus on pathogenic taxa. The results revealed a high kdr mutation rate, confirming widespread deltamethrin resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus populations. The bacterial community analysis identified potentially harmful bacterial taxa that may affect mosquito fitness and pathogen transmission. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of deltamethrin resistance and mosquito microbiota in the UAE, providing important insights into vector resistance management. Such findings call for alternate control strategies and continuous surveillance to limit the impact of insecticide resistance on existing and future vector control programs in the region.

Included in

Biology Commons

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Apr 7th, 10:00 AM

CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS MOSQUITOES IN THE ABU DHABI EMIRATE: ASSESSING DELTAMETHRIN INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE AND ASSOCIATED MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES

F3-023

This study investigates the Culex quinquefasciatus is a major vector of West Nile virus, lymphatic filariasis, and arboviruses, which represent public health risk. Widespread application of pyrethroid insecticides has increased resistance in mosquito populations threatening the effectiveness of control strategies. This study aims to (1) assess deltamethrin resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus populations across the Abu Dhabi Emirate, (2) characterize the microbial communities associated with these mosquitoes. Mosquitoes from sites around the Abu Dhabi Emirate were collected and genomic DNA extracted for molecular analysis. PCR and allele-specific primers were used to detect knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the sodium channel gene, classifying mosquitoes as susceptible (SS), heterozygous resistant (RS), or homozygous resistant (RR). Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze bacterial communities, with a focus on pathogenic taxa. The results revealed a high kdr mutation rate, confirming widespread deltamethrin resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus populations. The bacterial community analysis identified potentially harmful bacterial taxa that may affect mosquito fitness and pathogen transmission. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of deltamethrin resistance and mosquito microbiota in the UAE, providing important insights into vector resistance management. Such findings call for alternate control strategies and continuous surveillance to limit the impact of insecticide resistance on existing and future vector control programs in the region.