Abstract
The maggots of Lucilia sericata are especially indicated for severe, infected wounds that need debridement. Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) has been demonstrated to be a good or better type of debridement than conventional often surgical debridement, is more selective than surgical debridement, decreases time to healing and stay of patients in the ward and may decrease the risk of major amputations. Furthermore it is a safe method with few side effects The exact mechanism of action of MDT is unknown, although part of the underlying mechanism could be explained by modification of extracellular matrix components and by biofilm reduction.In case of biofilm formation maggot secretion has shown to prevent, inhibit and break down biofilms of various bacteria on commonly used prosthetic materials. Conclusion: In spite of lacking clinical evidence MDT clinical experience strongly suggest that this technique is effective and safe. It can be used for most types of problem wounds, it may in the future provide a new treatment of biofilm-associated infections of orthopedic biomaterials. However more research is needed before the full scope of this new treatment modality is fully understood.
Gottrup, F