From pre-oral secretions to gut digestion: How do Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae handle Leishmania major?

ABSTRACT: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), caused by Leishmania major, is a neglected tropical disease affecting impoverished populations. Current treatments are limited by cost, resistance, and side effects, highlighting the need for affordable, sustainable interventions. Lucilia sericata larvae, used in maggot therapy, effectively treat chronic wounds through debridement, antimicrobial activity, and healing promotion. This study explores how L. sericata processes L. major and proposes its potential application in ZCL treatment. The life cycles of L. sericata and L. major were maintained in laboratory conditions. Larval-parasite interactions were tested across substrates [hen liver, rat spleen, Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 cell culture medium] and time intervals (30-240 minute

SUBMITTER: Malekian A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12543111 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature