Shampoos as a Mosquito Controller - A Preliminary Toxicity Study on Its Larvicidal Potential

Abstract

Mosquito Control is important to the community because of the vector potential that exists from mosquitoes in transmitting diseases and the annoyance factor in disrupting outdoor activities. The vector potential of mosquitoes stems from the female's bloodsucking habits. Various mosquito species are capable of transmitting malaria, dengue, yellow fever, filariasis, encephalitis, chikungunya, and Zika viruses and other diseases. Apart from being a nuisance to the public by affecting labor efficiency, depreciation of real estate values, and interference with outdoor activities, they also affect the health of livestock, pets, and wild animal population. Several techniques are used for mosquito control like chemical control, biological control, source reduction, environmental control, genetic control, traps and personal protection. Shampoos being regularly used, the effluent containing the same is being discharged into the open environment. The present study attempts to investigate the larvicidal effects of different shampoos (a means of chemical control) on mosquito larvae. Toxicity studies were carried out using the serial dilution method and LC50 was estimated for each of the shampoo type (Superia, Clinic Plus, Dove, Sunsilk) at 24h interval for five days. A comparison of the lethal effect of these shampoos at specific concentrations (0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4) was also done. The study reveals that Superia shampoo has the best larvicidal properties (0.1mlL1) compared to Dove (0.15ml L-1), Sunsilk (0.15ml L-1) and Clinic Plus (0.2ml L-1). The low LC50 value for a particular shampoo could be attributed to the special combination of ingredients used in its preparation which could be employed for mosquito control. An extensively used cosmetic product could be turned into an effective vector control product with further research in the area.