Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of maggots in- vitro. The secretions of maggots are known to have antibacterial properties. To quantify the bactericidal effect of secretions from larvae of L. sericata, an in vitro test model based on the modified European qualitative test. Material and me-thod: In this study, the activity of the maggots was demonstrated against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseu-domonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus group A and group B, and a clinical isolate of MRSA. The num-bers of bacterial colonies with and without maggot exposure were compared after 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure. Results: Maggots applied in the center of the bacterial culture showed a clear zone of inhibi-tion of the bacterial growth in addition the maggot contained viable bacteria after 48 hrs of contact with the respective organisms. Thus, the maggot secretions regarded as an antiseptic against different types of bacteria. In addition, the maggots ability to ingest bacteria was also evaluated. These maggots also continued excreting bacteria. Therefore, maggots should be disposed after use, as they must be re-garded as medical wastes. Conclusions: Complete lyses of the bacteria in the area of maggots applica-tion indicated the antimicrobial properties of maggots.
