In vitro anti-Toxoplasma activity of the antimicrobial peptide extracted from the housefly (Musca domestica)

Objective To investigate the anti-Toxoplasma activity of the antimicrobial peptides(AMPs) extracted from the larvae and pupae of the housefly. Methods The crude AMPs were extracted by trituration and centrifugation from the larvae and pupae induced by intection and injury,then adjusted to 4 mg/ml,2 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml by phosphate buffered solution (PBS) respectively, then added into the suspension of tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. The anti-Toxoplasma effect of AMPs were observed by the cell counting method and scanning electron microscope (SEM) at 24 h of incubation. Results It was found that the survival rate of tachyzoites in the larva group and pupae group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). And the anti-Toxoplasma effect decreased along with the reduction of protein concentration in both groups. From SEM, it was found that the cellular membrane of the tachyzoites in the larva group was rugged and swollen compared with that in the control group, of which the cellular membrane was integrated and smooth. Conclusion AMPs extracted from the larvae and pupae of housefly had anti-Toxoplasma aetivity,and the larva AMPs had a better effect. Key words: Housefly;  Antimicrobial peptide;  Toxoplasma gondii