Genotoxicity of dillapiole n-butyl ether in mice for the control of Aedes aegypti

Abstract

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are vectors of arboviruses and have different levels of resistance to synthetic insecticides, such as the organophosphate temephos, according to their area of occurrence. As an alternative, there are semisynthetic substances with potential insecticidal effect; however, they need to be fully tested by an effective method for the mosquito control. The semi-synthetic dillapiole n-butyl ether exhibits toxic ovicidal and larvicidal activity in both mosquito species. However, has no proven the mutagenicity and cytotoxicity risks of this larvicide in drinking water effect for consumption by non-target organisms, such as in humans neither in other vertebrates, which access pools of water contain this sprayed substance. In this sense, both of the biomarkers of the genotoxicity, the micronucleus (MN) and comet, using this substance were tested in Balb/C mice to assess the genetic damage and risks of its application as a mitigating measure against Ae. aegypti. Male specimens (n = 60) were exposed to dillapiole n-butyl ether at concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg via a comet assay in peripheral blood (n = 30) and a micronucleus test in bone marrow cells (n = 30). The induction of mutagenicity and cytotoxicity of dillapiole n-butyl ether in these animals occurred only at a concentration of 40 mg/kg, in multiple treatments. However, dillapiole n-butyl ether at concentrations of 20 and 10 mg/kg has potential for use against Ae. aegypti in the form of a larvicide in water for consumption by humans and other vertebrates a new vector control measure.