Maggot Therapy
MAGGOT (LARVA) TREATMENT
Maggot Therapy: In recent years, the larvae of the Lucilla Sericata fly species have begun to be used to clean the dead tissue in the wound (debridement) in inflamed wounds that are difficult to treat and have black tissue that does not heal, that is, have dead cells (necrotic) and do not heal with antibiotics. The process of cleaning dead tissue and cells in this wound while preserving the intact skin is called maggot debridement treatment (MDT).
The first observations in history that war wounds where maggots settled healed more easily were made in the 16th century. Its use in modern medicine was discovered in 1917 by Prof. They were observed by Baer in two war-wounded soldiers and quickly became popular again. With the invention of antibiotics, especially penicillin, the use of maggot rapidly declined and disappeared.
With the emergence of resistant bacteria in chronic wounds, their use was brought to the agenda again by Sherman in the 1990s, and larvae began to be produced and used in a scientific way.
Since it may cause tetanus or anaerobic bacterial infections, the larvae are sown from bacteria at a rate of 10 larvae per square centimeter and covered with a hydrocolloid film. Since the larvae enter pupa form in 4 days, the application is repeated every two to three days until healthy granulation tissue is obtained.(source : https://www.ahmetakgul.com.tr/index.php/uzmanliklar/yara-bakimi/74-yarada-maggot-tedavisi-larva-kurtcuk-tedavisi )
Clinical Outcomes of Maggot Therapy
Scientific research on maggot therapy, also known as maggot debridement therapy (MDT), has provided valuable insights into its effectiveness and safety for treating various types of wounds. Studies have consistently shown that maggot therapy can significantly improve wound healing by effectively debriding necrotic tissue and promoting granulation tissue formation.
Research has demonstrated that maggots possess unique enzymatic properties that aid in wound debridement and have antimicrobial effects, which can help reduce bacterial load and prevent infection. Clinical trials and case studies have reported positive outcomes with maggot therapy, particularly in chronic and non-healing wounds such as diabetic ulcers and pressure sores. Moreover, studies have highlighted the non-toxic nature of medical maggots and the relatively low incidence of adverse reactions, making maggot therapy a safe and viable option for wound care. Despite these promising results, ongoing research is needed to optimize treatment protocols, identify ideal patient selection criteria, and further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of maggot therapy on wound healing.
Pros and Cons of Maggot Therapy
Pros of Maggot Therapy
Here are the maggot debridement therapy advantages:
Effective Debridement: Maggots are very effective in debridement of your wounds by removing dead tissue, bacteria and other debris from your body. This speeds up your recovery and reduces your risk of infection.
Antimicrobial Properties: Maggots secrete substances with antimicrobial properties that can help control bacterial growth in the wound on your body.
Promotes Healing: Maggots release growth factors that promote the formation of healthy tissue and blood vessels, which can speed up the healing of the wound you have.
Non-invasive: Maggot treatment is generally non-invasive and can be applied without causing additional trauma to your wound.
Natural Process: Maggot therapy uses natural wound cleansing and healing processes, which may be very appealing to you if you are looking for alternative or complementary treatments.
Cons of Maggot Therapy:
Here are the disadvantages of maggot therapy:
Unpleasant Appearance: the sight of maggots may be uncomfortable for you, which may prevent you from being willing to seek treatment.
Sensation of Movement: You may feel discomfort due to the presence of maggots in the wound, which may make you feel uncomfortable.
Allergic Reactions: You may develop an allergic reaction in your body against the worms or their secretions. But this is a very rare situation.
Limited Availability: Maggot treatment may not be widely available in all healthcare settings, making it difficult for you to access the treatment option.
Treatment Duration: Worm treatment usually requires multiple sessions over several days or weeks, which can be challenging if you have a busy schedule.
Scientific Research On Maggots:
Maggot débridement therapy in outpatients
Methods
Seventeen practitioners of maggot therapy were identified, based on available records of medicinal maggot use. Therapists were asked to complete a questionnaire describing their indications for maggot débridement therapy. The clinical outcomes of each nonhospitalized patient treated. A 7-point scale rated the benefits and disadvantages associated with therapy, as well as the attitudes of patients and therapists. To be eligible for the study, patients had to have received some part of their
Results
Of the 17 therapists initially identified, 2 could not be contacted and 3 did not respond to our questionnaire. All 5 nonparticipants were physicians who had probably treated only 1 patient with maggot therapy. Of the 12 therapists who responded, most had treated 2 to 10 patients with maggot therapy (median, 2 patients), but only 7 had used it with outpatients. Of the 21 outpatients, 18 (86%) went to a hospital, clinic, or day care facility for their dressings and 3 (14%) were treated in their
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000399930185485
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