Current insecticide resistance patterns in mosquito vectors in Thailand

Abstract

Chemical pesticides are still commonly used in Thailand for control of agricultural pests and disease vectors. Organophosphates, carbamates and synthetic pyrethroids are commonly used for agricultural purposes, whereas synthetic pyrethroids have become more popular and predominate for public health use. The genetic selection of insecticide resistance (whether physiological, biochemical or behavioral) in pests and disease vectors has been extensively reported worldwide (Brown and Pal, 1971). The long-term intensive use of chemical pesticides to control insect pests and disease vectors is often cited as the reason behind the development of insecticide resistance in insect populations. Unfortunately, reliable information on vector resistance patterns to pesticides in Thailand is sparse because of a remarkable shortage of carefully controlled, systematic studies. This review gathers useful information on what is presently known about disease vector resistance to chemical pesticides in Thailand and provides some possible management strategies when serious insecticide resistance occurs.