Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834), the main vector of Chagas disease in Latin America, is regularly controlled by spraying the pyrethroid deltamethrin, to which some populations have developed resistance. The three main mechanisms of resistance are 1) metabolic resistance by overexpression or increased activity of detoxifying enzymes, 2) target site mutations, and 3) cuticle thickening/modification. We use open-flow respirometry to measure real-time H₂O loss rate (H₂O) and CO₂ production rate (CO₂), on nymphs from susceptible and resistant populations before and after exposure to the insecticide to understand the underlying mechanisms of resistance in live insects. Lack of differences in H₂O between populations suggested that cuticular thickness/composition is not acting as a relevant resistance mechanism. Similarly, there was no difference in resting CO₂, suggesting a trade-off between resistance mechanisms and other physiological processes. The increment in CO₂ after application of deltamethrin was similar in both populations, which suggested that while enhanced enzymatic detoxification may play a role in resistance expression in this population, the main mechanism involved should be a passive one such as target site mutations. Open-flow respirometry provided useful evidence for evaluating the mechanisms involved in deltamethrin resistance. Using this technique could improve efficiency of scientific research in the area of insecticide resistance management, leading to a faster decision making and hence improved control results.

Graphical abstract