Avermectins, MK-933 and MK-936, for mosquito control.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Entomology
• Medical Entomology
• Insecticide Development

Background:

• Mosquitoes transmit numerous diseases globally, necessitating effective control strategies.
• Avermectins are macrocyclic lactones with potent insecticidal properties.
• Evaluating novel compounds for mosquito control is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of two avermectins, MK-933 and MK-936, as larvicides.
• To determine the systemic insecticidal activity of MK-933 against adult female mosquitoes via oral and blood-borne routes.

Main Methods:

• Larval toxicity was evaluated by determining LC50 values for different mosquito species.
• Adult female mosquitoes were exposed to MK-933 in sucrose solution and through feeding on treated blood.
• Mortality rates and systemic effects were recorded at specified time points.

Main Results:

• MK-933 and MK-936 exhibited significant larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens, Anopheles stephensi, and Aedes aegypti.
• Oral administration of MK-933 in sucrose solution resulted in complete mortality of adult female mosquitoes within 60 hours.
• Feeding on blood from MK-933-treated mice led to high mortality rates in An. stephensi, Ae. aegypti, and Cx quinquefasciatus.

Conclusions:

• Avermectins MK-933 and MK-936 are effective mosquito larvicides.
• MK-933 demonstrates systemic insecticidal properties against adult female mosquitoes, with greater efficacy against anophelines compared to culicines.
• These findings suggest potential applications for avermectins in integrated mosquito management programs.