Maggots of the green blowfly, Lucilia sericata , are used as an
alternative to surgical intervention and long-term antiseptic
therapy for the treatment of chronic wounds. 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 quantitative suspension test (EN 1040) was
developed, in which a co-culture of maggots and bacteria
( Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, methicillin-sensitive
Staphylo-coccus aureus ) in tryptic soy broth was tested. The
numbers of bacterial colonies with and without maggot exposure
were compared after 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure. The
mean log 10 reduction factor (RF) for bacterial elimination per
maggot was 1 4 at all examined times for all tested bacteria.
Thus, maggot secretion fulfilled the required definitions of
an antiseptic. In addition, the maggots’ ability to ingest bacteria
was also evaluated. Maggots contained viable bacteria
after 48 h of contact with the respective organisms. These
maggots also continued excreting bacteria. Therefore, maggots
should be disposed of after use as they must be regarded
as medical waste.