Antibacterial potential of Lucilia sericata larval secretions and extracts against pathogenic bacteria

Articles in Press

Document Type : Complete paper

Authors

1 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological ciences, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Falavarjan, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center Isfahan

3 Siavash Diabetes Clinic, Affiliated with Zist Eltiam Sepanta Knowledge-Based Company, Isfahan, Iran.

4 2 Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

10.22059/jbioc.2025.397502.349

Abstract

Introduction: The rising resistance of bacteria to common antibiotics has underscored the urgent need to discover and develop novel antibacterial agents. One promising natural source in this regard is the secretions and extracts of Lucilia sericata larvae, which have gained attention in recent years due to their antimicrobial properties and wound-healing potential. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antibacterial effects of the secretions and extracts derived from Lucilia sericata larvae against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using standard microbiological methods.

Materials and Methods: In this study, larval secretions and extracts were obtained from three-day-old larvae using different solvents (70% ethanol and a mixture of methanol: water: acetic acid). The antibacterial activity of the samples was assessed using well diffusion, disk diffusion, and colony counting methods against standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Results: The results indicated that larval secretions alone exhibited no significant antibacterial activity. However, the extracts from dried larvae using 70% ethanol and the mixed solvent (methanol: water: acetic acid) showed considerable inhibitory effects against pathogenic bacteria. The largest inhibition zone diameter was observed with the extract prepared using the mixed solvent. Furthermore, concentrating the extracts with Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) enhanced their efficacy.

Discussion and Conclusion: This study demonstrates that Lucilia sericata larval extracts, especially when combined with suitable solvents, possess notable potential for inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. These extracts may serve as a complementary or alternative approach in treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Keywords

Main Subjects

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PESTS AND PLANT DISEASES

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 15 December 2025

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