Activity of antibacterial protein from maggots against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

Maggots (larvae of Lucilia sericata) have shown therapeutic effects on refractory wounds infected with bacteria, yet the bacterial killing mechanisms are unclear. Herein, we report the isolation and purification of an antibacterial protein from maggots (MAMP). MAMP demonstrated inhibitory activity against both standard strains and clinically isolated antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. The topical use of MAMP effectively decreased the viability of S. aureus and promoted wound healing in an S. aureus mouse skin infection model. MAMP exerted its antibacterial activity via a bactericidal mechanism based on observations using scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. MAMP interacted with the bacterial cell membrane and disrupted the cell surface structure. In addition, MAMP had weak hemolytic activity at a high concentration. Taken together, MAMP exhibits potential use as a topical agent for treating bacterial infections.

Lucifensins, the Insect Defensins of Biomedical Importance: The Story behind Maggot Therapy

“…In 2013, Chinese researchers described the isolation of antimicrobial protein from an extract of the homogenate of L. sericata larvae using an ultrafiltration procedure [33]. The crude material obtained was named “antibacterial protein from maggots” (MAMP).…”

Housefly maggot-treated composting as sustainable option for pig manure management

“…Given the high forage and food value of Musca domestica, the cultivation of their larvae and pupae can alleviate the protein feed shortage (Akpodiete et al, 1997;Hwangbo et al, 2009;Iniguez-covarrubias et al, 1994;Miller et al, 1974;Ocio and Vinaras, 1979;van Huis, 2013;Yan et al, 2012;Zuidhof et al, 2003). Additionally, M. domestica larvae, or maggots, contain several biologically active substances, such as antimicrobial peptides, lectin and chitin Fu et al, 2009;Hou et al, 2007;Nayduch and Joyner, 2013;Tang et al, 2009;Wang et al, 2013;Zhang et al, 2013). The supplemental use of maggots in animal feed may improve animals' immune systems and reduce antibiotic usage Dong et al, 2013).…”

Advances in Myiasis Treatment

“…A further investigation on antimicrobial activities of compounds released externally by L. sericata has confirmed the presence of a range of structurally diverse compounds, and most recently, research scientists in China have reported the isolation and purification of yet another antibacterial molecule from larval secretions [5]. This protein, MAMP, has a significant inhibitory effect on S. aureus and appears to work by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane [6]. In addition, another group of researchers have posited that over 45 antimicrobial peptides including lucifensin, lucimycin, attacins, cecropins, diptericins, proline-rich peptides, and sarcotoxins, are coded in L. sericata.…”