Heverly Menezes

Ms. Heverly Menezes


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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27 July 2021 in Toxins
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MSMaria Helena Neves Lobo Silva-Filha
Maria Helena Neves Lobo Silva-Filha
TRTatiany Patricia Romão
Tatiany Patricia Romão
TRTatiana Maria Teodoro Rezende
Tatiana Maria Teodoro Rezende
KCKarine Carvalho
Karine Carvalho
HMHeverly Menezes
Heverly Menezes
Alejandra BravoAlejandra Bravo
Alejandra Bravo
Larvicides based on the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis svar. israelensis (Bti) and Lysinibacillus sphaericus are effective and environmentally safe compounds for the control of dipteran insects of medical importance. They produce crystals that display specific and potent insecticidal activity against larvae. Bti crystals are composed of multiple protoxins: three from the three-domain Cry type family, which bind to different cell receptors in the midgut, and one cytolytic (Cyt1Aa) protoxin that can insert itself into the cell membrane and act as surrogate receptor of the Cry toxins. Together, those toxins display a complex mode of action that shows a low risk of resistance selection. L. sphaericus crystals contain one major binary toxin that display an outstanding persistence in field conditions, which is superior to Bti. However, the action of the Bin toxin based on its interaction with a single receptor is vulnerable for resistance selection in insects. In this review we present the most recent data on the mode of action and synergism of these toxins, resistance issues, and examples of their use worldwide. Data reported in recent years improved our understanding of the mechanism of action of these toxins, showed that their combined use can enhance their activity and counteract resistance, and reinforced their relevance for mosquito control programs in the future years.