To the Editor: The use of maggots to clean necrotic wounds, known as maggot debridement therapy (MDT), has long been known to the scientific world. Its use has been recorded since the 1500s when soldiers’ wounds were often infested with maggots. Napoleon’s surgeon, Baron Dominic Larrey, reported that wounds that were infested with maggots appeared to heal faster than those without maggots.1 Wil...

The elimination of bacteria from pyogenic infections must precede permanent healing. That such a phenomenon occurs under the influence of maggot therapy is well known. Baer, in his original report (1929), called the maggots "a viable antiseptic." Later (1931) he had the following to say: "Whatever the bacteria of the original wound, be they aerobes or anaerobes ... the amount begins to diminish...

Background: Today, the use of maggot therapy has become widespread due to the increase in chronic ulcers in the world. The recombinant production of secreted enzymes from these larvae is a novel non-invasive method for the treatment of chronic ulcers. Lucilia sericata (L. sericata) collagenase (MMP-1) has been expressed in insect cells. Collagenase is an enzyme that is widely used in clinical t...

Several agronomic benefits can result from fall seeding of canola (Brassica spp.), but extensive research data are lacking on the potential impact of this practice on infestations of root maggots (Delia spp.) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), which are major pests of the crop in western Canada. Field experiments making up 13 location by year combinations were conducted in central Alberta, Canada, from 1...

Problem statement: The aim of study was to investigate the effect of Salivary Gland Extract (SGE) of Lucillia sericata maggots on Human Neonatal Fibroblasts (B-HNF-1) proliferation and migration within collagen/hyaluronan membrane. Chronic, non-healing wounds are major health care problem worldwide. Nowadays, Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT) has attracted much attention due to its successfull a...

Maggot debridement is the deliberate use of larvae known to consume only necrotic tissue. A retrospective quality improvement analysis of maggot debridement therapy (MDT) was conducted among patients with devitalized tissue or gangrene attending a Canadian foot and leg ulcer clinic who received MDT between January 2001 and June 2006. MDT was applied every 48 hours until >90% of necrotic tissue ...