Scientific Reports (Jul 2024)

Imidazolium salt’s toxic effects in larvae and cells of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

  • Wellington Junior da Silva,
  • Leonardo Francisco Diel,
  • Harry Luiz Pilz-Júnior,
  • Alessandra Bittencourt de Lemos,
  • Tarcísio de Freitas Milagres,
  • Igor Luiz Gonçalves Pereira,
  • Lisiane Bernardi,
  • Bergmann Morais Ribeiro,
  • Marcelo Lazzaron Lamers,
  • Henri Stephan Schrekker,
  • Onilda Santos da Silva

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66404-3
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the main vectors of arboviruses such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, causing a major impact on global economic and public health. The main way to prevent these diseases is vector control, which is carried out through physical and biological methods, in addition to environmental management. Although chemical insecticides are the most effective strategy, they present some problems such as vector resistance and ecotoxicity. Recent research highlights the potential of the imidazolium salt "1-methyl-3-octadecylimidazolium chloride" (C18MImCl) as an innovative and environmentally friendly solution against Ae. aegypti. Despite its promising larvicidal activity, the mode of action of C18MImCl in mosquito cells and tissues remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate its impacts on Ae. aegypti larvae and three cell lines of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, comparing the cellular effects with those on human cells. Cell viability assays and histopathological analyses of treated larvae were conducted. Results revealed the imidazolium salt’s high selectivity (> 254) for mosquito cells over human cells. After salt ingestion, the mechanism of larval death involves toxic effects on midgut cells. This research marks the first description of an imidazolium salt's action on mosquito cells and midgut tissues, showcasing its potential for the development of a selective and sustainable strategy for vector control.

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