Selective activity of diselenides against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae

INTRODUCTION: Aedes aegypti (L.) is the major vector of arboviruses that causes serious public health concerns in tropical and subtropical countries. METHODS: We examined the larvicidal activity of 1,2-diphenyldiselenide [(PhSe)(2)] and 1,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) diselenide [(p-ClPhSe)(2)] and determine its toxicity to different non-target organisms. RESULTS: (PhSe)(2) and (p-ClPhSe)(2) killed Ae. aegypti L3 larvae with LC(50/24h) values of 65.63 µM (20.48 mg/L) and 355.19 µM (135.33 mg/L), respectively. (PhSe)(2) was not toxic to the four model organisms. CONCLUSIONS: (PhSe)(2) is a larvicidal compound with selective action against Ae. aegypti larvae. The mechanisms of action of (PhSe)(2) under field conditions remain to be investigated.