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

Aedes aegypti (L.) is the major vector of arboviruses that causes serious public health concerns in tropical and subtropical countries. 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. (PhSe)2 and (p-ClPhSe)2 killed Ae. aegypti L3 larvae with LC50/24h 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. (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.