Antibacterial Activity of Excretions-Secretions from Chrysomya megacephala Against Escherichia coli

Background: The blowfly, Chrysomya megacephala, is distributed worldwide. Previous studies found maggot excretionssecretions 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 of the 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 of the 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. Keywords: Chrysomya megacephala, Excretions-secretions, Antimicrobial