Comparative Activity of Metabolic Enzymes of Acaricides in F1 Larvae of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) Microplus (Acar. Ixodidae) and Susceptible Strains IVRI-I: Correlation with Massive Selection of Resistant Ticks on Farms in Benin, West Africa

Abstract

The role of enzymes in the metabolic processes of acaricides is well known for their crucial involvement in the resistance mechanisms of several arthropods, including ticks and other mites. The present study therefore aimed to evaluate the level of expression of esterases, monooxygenases and glutathione-S-transferases in F1 populations of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus not exposed to an acaricide molecule. The results obtained indicate a signifi cant diff erence (p < 0.0001) between the level of expression of these enzymes in R. (B.) microplus populations and the reference susceptible strain (IVRI-I ). This may be positively correlated with resistance of R. (B.) microplus to common acaricides. These results thus lift a corner of veil on a massive selection of individuals resistant to conventional molecules used in the fi ght against ticks in Benin. However, this population is not yet multiresistant because the level of expression of these enzymes compared to that of the multiresistant IVRI-V strain, remains signifi cantly (p < 0.0001) lower. Therefore, it is urgent to adopt strategies for the use of acaricides in the control of these ticks