Insecticide Mode of Action Classification:

Mosquito adulticides with WHO Prequalification

www.irac-online.org
Introduction Insecticide Resistance Management
Insecticides have been extensively used since the 1940s to control the mosquito vectors of disease, • Plan:
and have been a vital component in the fight against malaria. However, resistance to some IRM should be considered an integral part of any vector control programme and included during the planning phase
insecticides has developed and is widespread in populations of the major mosquito vector species. • Monitor:
As insecticide resistance continues to develop and spread, there is a real danger that these valuable The susceptibility status of the target mosquito populations should be monitored regularly to guide the design of the IRM
tools will be lost. An understanding of the insecticide modes of action classes is a fundamental step programme, and choice of intervention
in developing Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) programmes. • Rotation:
Guided by susceptibility monitoring data, plan to rotate insecticides by MoA class, either temporally or spatially. In the
Insecticides contained within WHO prequalified mosquito adulticide products absence of susceptibility data, the rotation of products between IRAC MoA classes will reduce selection pressure for
For further information on insecticide modes of action (MoA), refer to: www.irac-online.org resistance development
• Mixtures:
The use of mixtures of insecticides will have the greatest IRM benefit if the insecticides in the mixture are from different
MoA class 1. MoA class 4.
MoA classes, and the target mosquito population is fully susceptible to both. Include mosquito larvicides, or other
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors: Inhibit Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) interventions, with alternative MoA in the vector control programme where appropriate
AChE, causing hyperexcitation. AChE is the competitive modulators: Bind to the
enzyme that terminates the action of the acetylcholine site on nAChRs, causing a range
excitatory neurotransmitter acetylcholine at of symptoms from hyper-excitation to
nerve synapses. lethargy and paralysis. Acetylcholine is the
1A Carbamates: major excitatory neurotransmitter in the
Bendiocarb IRS insect central nervous system.
1B Organophosphates: 4A Neonicotinoids:
Malathion SS Clothianidin IRS1
Pirimiphos-methyl IRS Imidacloprid SS2
4D Butenolides
MoA class 3. Flupyradifurone SS3
Aedes aegypti courtesy of Syngenta Anopheles stephensi courtesy of Syngenta
Sodium channel modulators: Keep sodium MoA class 7.
channels open, causing hyperexcitation and,
in some cases, nerve block. Sodium channels Juvenile hormone mimics: Pre-metamorphic Notes: Further reading:
are involved in the propagation of action instar - disrupt and prevent metamorphosis
IRS – Indoor Residual Spraying. LLIN – Long Lasting Insecticide treated
potentials along nerve axons. Adult - reduces fecundity and fertility Prevention and management
Net. SS – Space Spray
7C Pyriproxyfen IRS4 of insecticide resistance in
3A Pyrethroids: 1. Prequalified alone and in combination with deltamethrin (IRS) vectors and pests of public
Alpha-cypermethrin IRS, LLIN 2. Prequalified in combination with prallethrin (SS) health importance
Bifenthrin IRS MoA class 13. 3. Prequalified combination, transfluthrin and flupyradifurone (SS) www.irac-online.org
Deltamethrin IRS, LLIN Uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation via 4. Prequalified in combination with alpha-cypermethrin (LLIN)
d, d, trans-cyphenothrin SS 5. Prequalified in combination with alpha-cypermethrin (LLIN)
disruption of the proton gradient:
Etofenprox IRS Protonophores that short-circuit the Global Plan for Insecticide
Lambda-cyhalothrin IRS Nb. Prequalification relates to products, not individual insecticides or Resistance Management in
mitochondrial proton gradient so that ATP can insecticide mode of action classes. Refer to the WHO Prequalification
Permethrin LLIN not be synthesized. Malaria Vectors
Prallethrin SS website to identify prequalified Vector Control products www.who.int/malaria/public
S-bioallethrin SS 13 Pyrroles: www.who.int/pq-vector-control/en/ ations/atoz/gpirm/en/
Transfluthrin SS3 Chlorfenapyr LLIN5 Prequalified MoA classes correct as of January 2021
Designed & produced by the IRAC Public Health Team January 2021 This poster is for educational purposes only. Details are accurate to the best of our knowledge but IRAC and its member companies cannot accept responsibility for how this information is
For further information visit the IRAC website: www.irac-online.org used or interpreted. Advice should always be sought from local experts or advisors and health and safety recommendations followed. IRAC document protected by © Copyright