Geographical Distribution of Arboviruses, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Vectors and Their Resistance to Insecticides in Africa: A Systematic Review

Background & Objectives: Epidemics of arboviruses such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika have been recorded in recent years indicating that Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are both important and very active vectors in Africa. For vector control, insecticides are on the front line, unfortunately, reported resistance jeopardizes the effectiveness of this strategy. The objective of this review was to determine the geographical distribution and insecticide resistance mechanisms of Ae. aegypti and Ae. Albopictus in Africa. Methods: A systematic review of the literature in scientific databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Hinari) allowed us to identify relevant articles on the geographical distribution of Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and arboviral diseases. On the other hand, studies related to insecticides used in vector control against Aedes, associated resistances and their molecular and metabolic mechanisms. Results: A total of 94 studies met the inclusion criteria for this search. Aedes aegypti is reported in most of Africa, and Aedes albopictus in part. There is a re-emergence and outbreak of Arbovirus epidemics in West and Central Africa. The insecticides used were organochlorines, carbamates, organophosphates and pyrethroids. In Aedes, target site insensitivity and metabolic resistance would be the 2 main mechanisms of resistance to these insecticides. Interpretation & Conclusion: Resistance has been recorded in all four major classes of insecticides recommended by WHO for vector control and eradication. New vector control methods such as the use of plant extracts with larvicidal and adulticidal activities, advanced modern biotechnology techniques, and nanobiotechnology need to be developed.

Phenolic metabolism and molecular mass distribution of polysaccharides in cellulose-deficient maize cells

As a consequence of the habituation to low levels of dichlobenil （DCB）, cultured maize cells presented an altered hemicellulose cell fate with a lower proportion of strongly wall-bound hemicelluloses and an increase in soluble extracellular polymers released into the culture medium. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative molecular mass distributions of polysaccharides as well as phenolic metabolism in cells habituated to low levels of DCB （1.5 μM）. Generally, cell wall bound hemicelluloses and sloughed polymers from habituated cells were more homogeneously sized and had a lower weight-average relative molecular mass. In addition, polysaccharides underwent massive cross-linking after being secreted into the cell wall, but this cross-linking was less pronounced in habituated cells than in non-habituated ones. However, when relativized, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid contents were higher in this habituated cell line. Feasibly, cells habituated to low levels of DCB synthesized molecules with a lower weight-average relative molecular mass, although cross-linked, as a part of their strategy to compensate for the lack of cellulose.