Histological changes in the Dengue vector,Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae treated with neem oil loaded niosomes

Mosquitoes are one of the greatest threats to human health around the globe. They act as vectors for common diseases like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, etc. Niosomes encapsulated with neem oil showed a significant mortality rate against Aedes aegypti larvae when treated for 24 h. In this study, the histological changes that led to the mortality of the Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae were studied. Organs of the late III-instar stage larvae such as head, optic lobes, cuticle, adipose tissue, midgut region, haemolymph were investigated. Several histological alterations such as disorientation of the brain and antenna in the head part, damage in the optic lobe and microvilli were observed. Total disruption was seen in the inner and outer retractor muscles of the larval body. The midgut and hindgut regions were disintegrated due to the damage to the fat bodies in the region. A Series of such histological changes in the body of mosquito larvae compared to the control larvae hindered metabolic functions leading to death. The results suggested that the neem oil loaded niosomes could be used as a biocontrol agent against the Dengue vector, Aedes aegypti larvae.