Larvicidal and adulticidal effects and ultrastructural changes of larvae midgut epithelium of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) fed with Bacillus thuringiensis var. kyushuensis

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2019 Aug 1:52:e20190135. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0135-2019.

Abstract

Introduction: Musca domestica is resistant to many insecticides; hence, biological control is a suitable alternative.

Methods: We evaluated the lethality of strain Btk176 towards the larval and adult M. domestica and the histopathological effects in the larvae midgut.

Results: We observed 99% larval and 78.9% adult mortality within 48 hours of spore ingestion (dosage, 2.4×108 CFU/ml). The histopathological effects were consistent with cytotoxicity. PCR analysis showed the presence of the cry1Ba gene. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a bipyramidal parasporal body. Thurigiensin activity was not detected.

Conclusions: The serovar, Btk176 might be a potential biocontrol agent for houseflies.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Bacillus thuringiensis*
  • Bacterial Toxins / pharmacology*
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Exotoxins
  • Houseflies / drug effects*
  • Insecticides / pharmacology*
  • Larva / drug effects*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Pest Control, Biological / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Exotoxins
  • Insecticides