A Novel Allele Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (AS-PCR) Assay to Detect the V1016G Knockdown Resistance Mutation Confirms Its Widespread Presence in Aedes albopictus Populations from Italy

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based genotyping of mutations in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (vssc) associated with resistance to pyrethroid insecticides is widely used and represents a potential early warning monitoring system for insecticide arising mosquito populations, which are vectors different human pathogens. In secondary vector Aedes albopictus—an Asian species that has invaded colonized whole world, including temperate regions—sequencing domain II vssc gene still needed detect V1016G mutation resistance. this study we developed tested novel allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) assay genotype applied it analysis wild populations from Italy. The results confirm high accuracy AS-PCR highlight frequencies allele as >5% most sampling sites, peaks 20–45% coastal touristic sites where treatments extensively implemented, mostly nuisance reduction. frequency observed Italian Ae. albopictus should serve bell, advocating increased management phenomenon risks neutralizing only weapon today available counteract (risks of) arbovirus outbreaks.