Maggot therapy: a review of the therapeutic applications of fly larvae in human medicine, especially for treating osteomyelitis

@article{Sherman1988MaggotTA,
  title={Maggot therapy: a review of the therapeutic applications of fly larvae in human medicine, especially for treating osteomyelitis},
  author={Ronald A Sherman and Edward A. Pechter},
  journal={Medical and Veterinary Entomology},
  year={1988},
  volume={2}
}
ABSTRACT. In traditional medical practice, the larvae of some Diptera: Calliphoridae, notably Lucilia illustris (Meigen), L. sericata (Meigen) and Phormia regina (Meigen), have been employed for maggot therapy, i.e. to help clean lesions antiseptically, especially for treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. This mode of treatment remains appropriate for cases where antibiotics are ineffective and surgery impracticable. 
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In this review, the biology of myiasis and the history of maggot therapy are presented, the current status of the authors' understanding and clinical use of medicinal maggots is discussed, and opportunities for future research and applications are proposed.
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Concern over antibiotic resistance and the increase in demand for organic husbandry and residue-free meat and milk, suggest that maggot therapy is an option which merits further consideration and is discussed in this review article.
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This review summarises the fascinating and turbulent history of larval therapy from its origin to the present day, including mechanisms of action and evidence for its clinical applications, and explores future research directions.
Multiple actions of Lucilia sericata larvae in hard‐to‐heal wounds
TLDR
The present article summarizes the current understanding of the microbiological, immunological, and wound healing actions of larval therapy, and the molecules involved in these beneficial effects.
FIRST NON-CONVENTIONAL VETERINARY TREATMENT OF SKIN INFECTIONS WITH BLOWFLY LARVAE (CALLIPHORIDAE) IN SLOVAKIA
TLDR
It is proved that a single application of larvae can result in cleansing of the respective wounds and healing in experimental rabbits.
First Case Reports of Ignatzschineria (Schineria) indica Associated with Myiasis
TLDR
Three cases of infection due to the Gram-negative rod Ignatzschineria (Schineria) indica involving bacteremia and the urinary tract are reported, believed to be the first I. indica infections reported in association with maggot infestation and myiasis.
Maggot therapy for the treatment of intractable wounds
TLDR
The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of maggot therapy for the treatment of intractable, chronic wounds and ulcers in long‐term hospitalized patients in Israel.
Myiasis: maggot infestation.
TLDR
In general obligate myiasis of humans is tropical in origin, whereas facultative myiasis can occur anywhere in the world.
Therapeutic applications of blowfly maggots: A review
TLDR
It is recommended that maggots therapy in hospitals due to cost effective and rapid debridement of dead tissue is recommended.
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