Background: The blowfly, Chrysomya megacephala, is distributed worldwide. Previous studies found maggot excretions-secretions from other blowfly species inhibited pro-inflammatory response and antimicrobial activity.
Objective: This study aimed to test the bactericidal activity of excretions-secretions from C. megacephala larvae.
Material and method: A total of 1,500 3-day-old larvae were used to collect excretions-secretions (ES) modified by the Barnes method. The bactericidal activity ofthe excretions-secretions was test by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli using suitable liquid culture assay. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to investigate the morphological change ofthe bacteria.
Results: E. coli were significantly inhibited by excretions-secretions from C. megacephala larvae. P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were not found to inhibit growth.
Conclusion: The excretions-secretions from C. megacephala larvae may have a medical property for the inhibition of bacterial growth.