Housefly Larvae Research Articles

Dose-response effects of starch in sterilised and unsterilised chicken excreta on Musca domestica larval growth and bioconversion efficiency

Abstract Housefly (Musca domestica L.) larvae can convert animal manure into valuable protein and fat but little is known about their nutritional requirements. We assessed the effects of differential starch content in unsterilised (UE) and heat sterilised (SE) chicken excreta on larval performance and bioconversion. Gelatinized corn starch was added to excreta resulting in 11 diets with 0 to 50% starch of dry mass. Individual larval mass increased from (mean ± SD) 12 ± 0.2 (UE) and 13 ± 0.4 (SE) mg at 0% starch up to 18 ± 0.4 (UE) and 18 ± 0.5 (SE) mg at 15% starch and decreased to 5 ± 0.4 (UE and SE) mg in 50% starch. Higher starch concentrations resulted in non-normal distributions of individual larva mass. Larval wet yield showed a curvilinear relation with starch content, with maxima of 39 ± 2.3 g in UE at 10% starch, and 43 ± 2.8 g in SE at 15% starch. The decrease in yield after the maxima was faster in UE compared to SE. Larval survival was highest in 0% starch, 80 ± 8% (UE) and 72 ± 13 % (SE), linearly decreasing to 14 ± 7% (UE) and 18 ± 3% (SE) in 50% starch. Dry matter bioconversion increased from 4 ± 0.1% (UE) and 4 ± 0.3% (SE) in 0% starch to 6 ± 0.2 in UE with 10% starch and 7 ± 0.3 in SE with 15% starch, decreasing to close to 0 in 50% starch. Highest nitrogen bioconversion was 15 ± 0.5% in UE with 10% starch and 15 ± 0.5% in SE with 15% starch. Optimal starch inclusions increased nitrogen bioconversion with 40% (UE) and 100% (SE) compared to pure excreta. Finally, around 20 to 25% starch uric acid and ammonia contents, pH, and diet residue C/N decreased, indicating a tipping point. In conclusion, adding starch to chicken excreta can substantially increase larval yield and bioconversion while reducing ammonia content in the substrate residue.

Utilization of Black Soldier Fly and Housefly as Biodegradation Agents of Dairy Wastes and source of Animal Feed

Accumulation of dairy wastes and shortage of nutritious feed remain the major challenges in dairy cattle production. Such wastes may sustainably be biodegraded by black soldier fly (BSF) larvae and housefly (HF) larvae into their which ca be used as animal feed. This study was done to compare the capacity of using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and housefly larvae (HFL) to manage dairy wastes and use of such larvae as livestock feed. Biomass reduction rate, biomass reduction index, bioconversion rate, feed conversion ratio and nutritional profile of resultant BSF and HF prepupae raised on cow dung (CD) and dairy shed effluent (DSE) were determined. In order to ascertain whether the substrates had an effect on BSFL and HFL, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used, and multiple mean comparisons at P≤0.05 were done using the Tukey HSD post-hoc test. Housefly larvae reared on DSE had the highest biomass reduction rate and biomass reduction index, even though HFL had a shorter development time than BSFL (P≤0.05). Housefly prepupae reared on DSE had the highest crude protein content of 60.1 % of all the HF prepupae counterparts and BSF prepupae reared on DSE and CD (P≤0.05), Hence HF prepupae could be an alternative source of animal feed. Depending on the needs and purpose, utilization of fly larvae to manage dairy waste is viable and effective option

Vermicomposting reduces the antimicrobial resistance in livestock waste

Vermicomposting, a process in which housefly larvae are used to decompose organic waste, has attracted attention as a method for managing antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) in livestock manure. Vermicomposting effectively reduces antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and residual antimicrobials. However, the evaluation of live bacteria, including ARB, remains scarce. Additionally, conventional DNA extraction methods include DNA from dead bacteria, impeding the accurate evaluation of ARG-associated risk in compost and the microbiome. This study assesses the effectiveness of vermicomposting pig manure against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by evaluating the ARB, ARGs (focusing on DNA from live bacteria), and microbiome associated with vermicomposting processes. Vermicomposting significantly reduces the abundance of bacteria, including ARB, and decreases the ARG (tetA, tetB, blaTEM, and blaCTX−M) copy number in live bacteria. Bacterial community analysis revealed an increase in the abundance of Gammaproteobacteria. Moreover, the vermicomposted samples effectively cultivated myriad plants. Overall, vermicomposting effectively reduces the ARB and ARGs in pig manure, with potential benefits for plant growth and sustainable waste management. Hence, it can be widely applied to treat livestock manure and other organic wastes to combat AMR.

Potential of insect growth regulators for the control of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) with respect to their biochemical and histological effects

BackgroundHousefly causes a variety of health problems to humans and animals. Therefore, it is crucial to find out effective methods for the control of housefly larvae to avoid health problems associated with the presence this disease vector insect. Efficacy of insect growth regulators (IGRs), chlorfluazuron, lufenuron, methoxyfenozide and pyriproxyfen, against larvae of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), was assessed. The IGRs were mixed with food media at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 25.0, 50.0, 75.0 and 100.0 mg/kg (ppm).ResultsThe highest larvicidal activity was obtained by chlorfluazuron and pyriproxyfen with LC50 values of 6.79 and 7.10 ppm, respectively, 72 h post-treatment. Also, 25.0 ppm of chlorfluazuron and 75.0 ppm of methoxyfenozide as well as lufenuron were shown to fully suppress adult emergence and survival percentages (0.0%). Moreover, the activity of three digestive enzymes suppressed in the treated larvae with pyriproxyfen and chlorfluazuron: amylase (enzyme ratio (ER) = 0.71 and 0.78), lipase (ER = 0.54 and 0.63) and proteases (ER = 0.62 and 0.66), respectively. Also, methoxyfenozide and pyriproxyfen inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and general-esterase (GE) activity with ER (0.28 and 0.59) and (0.61 and 0.72), respectively. The histological examination of M. domestica larvae treated with IGRs showed changes in midgut; for example, the epithelial cells were broken, deformed and loss their columnar structure. Also, the peritrophic membrane disappeared completely.ConclusionsThe findings of the current study indicate that the tested IGRs have a potential to be applied in IPM programs of M. domestica.

Nutritional Value of the Larvae of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) and the House Fly (Musca domestica) as a Food Alternative for Farm Animals-A Systematic Review.

Dietary alternatives using insect-based products as an alternative for farm animal nutrition have been the object of study due to the high nutritional value of these feeds and the costs related to both their production and consequently their commercialization. Thus, the use of flies, especially larvae, has a high content of proteins and lipids (fat), as well as minerals and essential nutrients for development and growth, directly impacting the production of these animals, whether meat or milk. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compile data from the literature on the nutritional value of adults and larvae of Black soldier (Hermetia illucens) and housefly (Musca domestica) as a dietary alternative for animal feed. The Prisma checklist was used. After reviewing the data found in the literature, following the systematic review, it was noted that studies emerge that larvae of black soldier flies and domestic flies of the order Diptera obtain essential sources in the nutrition of ruminants, in addition to obtaining rapid digestibility, thus adhering to reproduction with high nutritional content, due to incident levels of protein, lipids, and minerals in M. domestica and Lucilia sericata, making it a target for inclusion in the diet of farm animals. In addition, it is concluded that both species are studied for their sustainable potential as well as for offering greater economic and nutritional viability when compared to ingredients present in production animal feed.

ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODES ASSOCIATION WITH SOIL- DWELLING BACTERIA: THE CASE OF STEINERNEMA FELTIAE

The symbiosis of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) with bacteria in the genera Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus is well known. However, other soil-dwelling bacteria can occasionally be isolated from EPNs collected from diseased larvae. Accordingly, through several studies, we have detected the presence of diverse bacterial species including isolates of Pseudomonas protegens and Serratia spp., in the body of different strains of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae. After documenting the presence of such bacteria inside the nematodes, both nematodes and EPN-associated bacteria were cultured, and bioassays were conducted to determine their potential against different insect targets. An isolate of P. protegens caused over 60% and 90% mortality of house fly and corn earworm larvae, respectively. These insecticidal effects were dose-dependent. The presence of the bacterium confers virulence to the nematode. According to our studies, it appears that these non-core bacteria can establish occasional or stable associations with S. feltiae. Key Words: Biological control, EPN, bacteria, symbiosis, Pseudomonas, soil, bioinsecticide.

The Carotenoid Composition of Larvae Feed Is Reflected in Adult House Fly (Musca domestica) Body.

Carotenoids are common and diverse organic compounds with various functional roles in animals. Except for certain aphids, mites, and gall midges, all animals only acquire necessary carotenoids through their diet. The house fly (Musca domestica) is a cosmopolitan pest insect that populates diverse habitats. Its larvae feed on organic substrates that may vary in carotenoid composition according to their specific content. We hypothesized that the carotenoid composition in the adult house fly's body would reflect the carotenoid composition in the larval feed. House fly larvae were reared on diets that differed in carotenoid composition. HPLC analysis of the emerging adult flies indicate that the carotenoid composition of adult house flies is related, but not identical, to the carotenoid composition in its natal substrate. These findings may be developed to help identify potential sources of house fly infestations. Also, it is recommended that rearing substrates of house fly larvae, used for animal feed, should be carefully considered.

Применение микоинсектицидов для сокращения численности комнатной мухи Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)

The review of foreign literature analyzes the effects of mycoinsecticides on the adults and larvae of the house fly. The time of death of 50?% of individuals at a high concentration of 1?·?109 conidia varies from 3.8 days for Beauveria bassiana and from 5.2 days for Metarhizium anisopliae. The time required to kill the host is usually 4–6 days for both species of fungi. Currently, more effective strains of fungi are developing in the world. Further increases in kill indices can be achieved by genetically modification of pathogen to accelerate its penetration through the cuticle. The susceptibility of house fly adults to sugar baits with B. bassiana conidia has been established. The reasons for differences in the effectiveness of B. bassiana against house fly larvae (from 0?% to 70?% mortality of larvae) are investigated, for example, variations in strain virulence, fungal cultivation method, conidial dose or concentration, fly instar, nutritional status of the host larvae, method of exposure, properties of the substrate for larval cultivation and differences in the susceptibility of fly cultures. Several mycoinsecticides assigned to control the house fly are produced abroad. Domestic developments are needed for use of entomopathogenic fungi against resistant flies in Russia. Keywords: mycoinsecticides, entomopathogens, house fly, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae.

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for Optimizing Protein Extraction from Housefly (Musca domestica) Larvae Fed with Toad and Its Structural Characterization.

With the global population on the rise, an escalating interest exists in environmentally sustainable and friendly protein sources. Insects have emerged as multifaceted resources, viewed not only as potential food items, but also as sources of traditional medicines and proteins. This study utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to ascertain the optimal extraction conditions for proteins from Musca domestica used in toad feeding, denoted as MDPs-T. The yield of MDPs-T was elevated to 18.3% ± 0.2% under these optimized conditions. Subsequently, the particle size, ζ-potentials, and structures of MDPs-T were analyzed and compared with the proteins derived from Musca domestica fed on a normal diet (MDPs-ND). This comparative analysis utilized a range of advanced techniques, involving UV spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The outcomes have revealed a marginal disparity in the physical and chemical properties between MDPs-T and MDPs-ND. Derosination led to a reduction in the particle size of the MDPs by 10.98% to 62.81%. MDPs-T exhibited a higher proportion of low-molecular-weight components relative to MDPs-ND. Additionally, in a comparative analysis of amino acids, MDPs-T displayed a greater abundance of essential and total amino acids relative to MDPs-ND. Consequently, MDPs-T holds potential as a valuable food supplement for human consumption or as a nutrient-rich feed supplement for animals.

The Long-Acting Serine Protease Inhibitor mPEG-SPA-MDSPI16 Alleviates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury.

Anti-inflammatory drugs have become the second-largest class of common drugs after anti-infective drugs in animal clinical care worldwide and are often combined with other drugs to treat fever and viral diseases caused by various factors. In our previous study, a novel serine protease inhibitor-encoding gene (MDSPI16) with improved anti-inflammatory activity was selected from a constructed suppressive subducted hybridization library of housefly larvae. This protein could easily induce an immune response in animals and had a short half-life, which limited its wide application in the clinic. Thus, in this study, mPEG-succinimidyl propionate (mPEG-SPA, Mw = 5 kDa) was used to molecularly modify the MDSPI16 protein, and the modified product mPEG-SPA-MDSPI16, which strongly inhibited elastase production, was purified. It had good stability and safety, low immunogenicity, and a long half-life, and the IC50 for elastase was 86 nM. mPEG-SPA-MDSPI16 effectively inhibited the expression of neutrophil elastase and decreased ROS levels. Moreover, mPEG-SPA-MDSPI16 exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the MAPK signaling pathway in neutrophils. It also exerted therapeutic effects on a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model. In summary, mPEG-SPA-MDSPI16 is a novel anti-inflammatory protein modified with PEG that has the advantages of safety, nontoxicity, improved stability, and strong anti-inflammatory activity in vivo and in vitro and is expected to become an effective anti-inflammatory drug.

Exploring the impact of culture media on life history characteristics of the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)

Insects, particularly house fly pupae (M. domestica L.), are increasingly promoted as a rich and sustainable protein source, presenting a practical solution for organic waste management. These insects possess the capability to transform animal waste into valuable biomass, underscoring the necessity to evaluate housefly larval growth on diverse waste mixtures. The primary objective was to comprehend how different culture media influence the life history traits of this species. To address this, the research aimed to assess the growth and development performance of housefly larvae reared on various waste mixtures. Adult house flies (M. domestica) were sourced from meat and fish markets in Rajshahi city, Bangladesh, employing systematic sampling from different market sections for a representative selection. Experimental diets were formulated with combinations of cattle blood, cattle manure, rice bran, wheat bran, and kitchen waste, categorized into Diet-A (kitchen waste:cattle manure:wheat bran), Diet-B (cattle blood:rice bran), Diet-C (cattle manure:wheat bran), and Diet-D (cattle blood:kitchen waste:rice bran). Additionally, a control group comprised a mixture of waste materials, including yeast, egg white, milk powder, and wheat bran. The findings revealed that larvae, pupae, and adults reared on Diet-B, incorporating cattle blood and rice bran, demonstrated increased length compared to other diets. This varied diet also produced the heaviest larvae, pupae, and adults, exhibiting the highest morphometric parameters. The moisture content of pupae varied across the different diets, ranging from 53.23±0.17 % to 65.47±1.32 %. The pupae reared on Diet-B had the highest levels of crude protein (53.44±0.05 %, p < 0.05), while those reared on Diet-C had the highest levels of fat (18.56±0.05 %, p < 0.05 except for diet A). The findings demonstrate that housefly larvae can be reared on diets containing rice bran and cattle blood, which have different nutritional profiles and biological capacities. However, the ideal rearing strategy should depend on how M. domestica will be utilized in the future. The study highlights insects, especially housefly pupae, as a sustainable protein source and an organic waste management solution. Therefore, the results of this study contribute to the broader understanding of Musca domestica and offer practical implications for both scientific research and pest management practices.

Antagonistic effect of the beneficial bacterium Enterobacter hormaechei against the heavy metal Cu2+ in housefly larvae

Vermicomposting via housefly larvae can be used to efficiently treat manure and regenerate biofertilizer; however, the uptake of heavy metals could negatively influence the growth and development of larvae. Intestinal bacteria play an important role in the development of houseflies, but their effects on resistance to heavy metal damage in houseflies are still poorly understood. In this study, the life history traits and gut microbiota of housefly larvae were evaluated after exposure to an environment with Cu2+ -Enterobacter hormaechei. The data showed that exposure to 300 μg/mL Cu2+ significantly inhibited larval development and locomotor activity and reduced immune capacity. However, dietary supplementation with a Cu2+ -Enterobacter hormaechei mixture resulted in increased body weight and length, and the immune capacity of the larvae returned to normal levels. The abundances of Providencia and Klebsiella increased when larvae were fed Cu2+ -contaminated diets, while the abundances of Enterobacter and Bacillus increased when larvae were exposed to a Cu2+ -Enterobacter hormaechei mixture-contaminated environment. In vitro scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that Enterobacter hormaechei exhibited obvious adsorption of Cu2+ when cultured in the presence of Cu2+, which reduced the damage caused by Cu2+ to other bacteria in the intestine and protected the larvae from Cu2+ injury. Overall, our results showed that Enterobacter hormaechei can absorb Cu2+ and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria, thus protecting housefly larvae from damage caused by Cu2+. These results may fill the gaps in our understanding of the interactions between heavy metals and beneficial intestinal bacteria, offering valuable insights into the interplay between housefly larvae and metal contaminants in the environment. This approach could enhance the efficiency of converting manure contaminated with heavy metals to resources using houseflies.

Rendimiento de larvas de moscas en varias cosechas con tres proporciones de salvado de trigo y gallinaza

The aim of the research was to compare the yields of house fly larvae using different proportions of wheat bran and hens feces as larval development medium, in a randomized block experimental design with five replications in propylene containers with 3 cm of depth of substrates: A-100 % wheat bran; B- 50% wheat bran and 50% hens feces; C- 100% hens feces. Measurements of the temperature of the substrates, as well as the temperature and relative humidity of the place where the flies were developing were made every 24 hours. The larval yield per m2 and kg of substrate, (including the water used to moisten the larval media) were also registered. The temperature in the substrates ranged between 22.88 oC and 36.08 oC, always above the ambient temperature in the fly house, and relative humidity between 44 and 68%. Was used 32.91, 30.29 and 32.19 L of water per square meter for treatments A, B and C, respectively. The highest larval yield was obtained in the first harvest after six days for treatment B with 2290.59 g m2-1 y 112.07 g kg2-1. The transformation of the crude protein of the substrates by the fly larvae was between 28.0 and 37.0%. No presence of pathogenic agents (Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Coccidia) was observed in the treatments, nor in the harvested larvae.

Application of bacteria and bacteriophage cocktails for biological control of houseflies

BackgroundHouseflies, Musca domestica L., are an ubiquitous pest that can transmit numerous diseases and threaten human health. Increasing insecticide resistance shown by houseflies necessitates the develop new control alternatives. The housefly gut is densely colonized with microorganisms that interact with each other dynamically and benefit the host’s health. However, the impact of multiple symbiotic bacteria on the composition of housefly gut microbiota and the host’s activities remains unclear.MethodsWe isolated and cultured 12 bacterial species from the intestines of housefly larvae. We also isolated seven bacteriophages to precisely target the regulation of certain bacterial species. Using 16S rRNA high-throughput gene sequencing, we analyzed the bacterial diversity after orally administering bacteria/phage cocktails to houseflies.ResultsOur results showed that larval growth was promoted, the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Klebsiella and Enterobacter, was increased and the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Providencia, Morganella and Pseudomonas, was decreased in housefly larvae fed with the beneficial bacteria cocktail. However, oral administration of both beneficial and harmful bacterial phage cocktails inhibited larval growth, probably due to the drastic alteration of gut flora. Untargeted metabolomics using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that disturbances in gut microbiota changed the larval metabolite profiles. Feeding experiments revealed that disrupting the intestinal flora suppressed the beneficial bacteria and increased the harmful bacteria, causing changes in the metabolites and inhibiting larval growth.ConclusionsBased on our results, bacteria/phage cocktails are effective tools for regulating the intestinal flora of insects and have a high potential as a biological control agent for incorporation into an integrated pest management program.Graphical abstract

Carvacrol-loaded invasomes efficacy against multidrug resistant isolates of Enterobacteriaceae and housefly

The current study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of carvacrol-loaded invasomes (CLI) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacteriaceae and its mechanical vector, the housefly. CLI were prepared and characterized in the laboratory. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Klebsiella oxytoca were among the MDR enterobacteriaceae stains investigated. These strains were first isolated and identified from naturally infected chickens. The antibacterial activity of CLI against the MDR isolates was evaluated using the diffusion method. In addition, the insecticidal activity of CLI against housefly larvae and pupae was tested. The MDR index of all evaluated isolates was greater than 20%, indicating that they were all multidrug-resistant. CLI decreased the growth of all isolates except S. Typhimurium and P. aeruginosa at a dose of 0.0125%; however, pure carvacrol inhibited the growth of only Klebsiella oxytoca. Furthermore, both CLI and pure carvacrol inhibited Klebsiella oxytoca growth at different concentrations. CLI inhibited E. coli and S. enteritidis at lower concentrations than pure carvacrol, even at a doubled concentration. Carvacrol and CLI caused significant larval mortality even at low concentrations, with LC50 reached at concentartions of 2.54 and 2.19 µl/ml, respectively. Furthermore, at a low concentration of 3.125 µl/ml, both elicited a high percentage inhibition rate (PIR) in pupae. In conclusion, CLI demonstrated substantial antibacterial action, particularly against MDR isolates, as well as pesticide activity against houseflies.

High-sugar diet leads to loss of beneficial probiotics in housefly larvae guts.

The housefly (Musca domestica) is a common insect species with only a few recurrent bacterial taxa in its gut microbiota, because the numerous microbial acquisition routes in its septic habitats can favor transient microbes. Here, we investigated the role of the diet on the microbiota and the developmental success of a housefly strain reared on three substrates. We used a control wheat bran-based substrate, and added clotted cream and sucrose to make a high-fat, and a high-sugar substrate, respectively. The conducted survey revealed that, in contrast to the high-fat diet, the high-sugar diet caused lower developmental success and less diverse microbiota, in which several lactobacilli were replaced with Weissella bacterial phylotypes. Cultures with sucrose as the sole carbon source confirmed that a Weissela confusa strain, isolated from larvae, could utilize sucrose more efficiently than other tested lactic acid bacteria; a result also supported by gene function prediction analysis. Enhancing the rearing substrate with Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains, which were isolated from control larvae, could not only revert the negative effect of the high-sucrose diet on development, but also increase the gut bacterial diversity. In our study, we show that the microbiota shifts in response to the high-sucrose diet did not benefit the host, that showed lower developmental success. In contrast, high-sucrose favored specific components of the microbiota, that continued to be enriched even after multiple generations, outcompeting beneficial bacteria. Also, microbiome manipulation showed the potential of probiotics to rescue host performance and restore the microbiome.

Improvement in efficiency of kitchen waste bioconversion by housefly larvae using new net-bottom method

Bioconversion of housefly larvae is a promising method for the value-added recycling of kitchen waste. However, insufficient heat dissipation and oxygen supply limit the substrate intensity considerably, thus necessitating large production areas and enhanced cooling operations. Hence, a net-bottom method is developed to reduce the substrate temperature and improve oxygen supply. For low and high substrate intensities (i.e., 30 and 45 kg/m2, respectively), the application of net bottoms decreases the average substrate temperatures by 6.4 °C and 3.9 °C compared with the control, respectively; increases the bioconversion efficiencies by 13.31% and 18.73%, respectively; and increases the relative abundances of aerobic bacteria by 5.93 and 12.94 times, respectively. In addition, the frass yielded by the net-bottom method is conducive to the subsequent aerobic composting. The results of this study are expected to address the challenges of heat dissipation and low substrate intensity indicated in the bioconversion of kitchen waste by housefly larvae.

Heterologous expression of the insect SVWC peptide WHIS1 inhibits Candida albicans invasion into A549 and HeLa epithelial cells.

Candida albicans (C. albicans), a microbe commonly isolated from Candida vaginitis patients with vaginal tract infections, transforms from yeast to hyphae and produces many toxins, adhesins, and invasins, as well as C. albicans biofilms resistant to antifungal antibiotic treatment. Effective agents against this pathogen are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been used to cure inflammation and infectious diseases. In this study, we isolated whole housefly larvae insect SVWC peptide 1 (WHIS1), a novel insect single von Willebrand factor C-domain protein (SVWC) peptide from whole housefly larvae. The expression pattern of WHIS1 showed a response to the stimulation of C. albicans. In contrast to other SVWC members, which function as antiviral peptides, interferon (IFN) analogs or pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), which are the prokaryotically expressed MdWHIS1 protein, inhibit the growth of C. albicans. Eukaryotic heterologous expression of WHIS1 inhibited C. albicans invasion into A549 and HeLa cells. The heterologous expression of WHIS1 clearly inhibited hyphal formation both extracellularly and intracellularly. Furthermore, the mechanism of WHIS1 has demonstrated that it downregulates all key hyphal formation factors (ALS1, ALS3, ALS5, ECE1, HWP1, HGC1, EFG1, and ZAP1) both extracellularly and intracellularly. These data showed that heterologously expressed WHIS1 inhibits C. albicans invasion into epithelial cells by affecting hyphal formation and adhesion factor-related gene expression. These findings provide new potential drug candidates for treating C. albicans infection.

The Nutrient Profile of Processed and Unprocessed Maggot Meal from Three Substrates

The proximate composition of housefly larvae (Musca domestica) maggot meal produced from a four (4) days old larvae raised in a mixture of three substrates: cow manure + cow blood (CMM), swine manure + cow blood (SMM), and poultry manure + cow blood and harvested on day 4 were determined. Harvested maggots were oven-dried at constant temperature (90o c) at different time regimes (35minutes, 45minutes, and 55minutes). Each treatment was named according to the substrate source and processing time: (CMM35, CMM45, CMM55, SMM35, SMM45, SMM55, PMM35, PMM45, PMM55). Results revealed that maggot meal contains 35.95-43.62% crude protein, fat ranged between 8.00-16.86%; Ash content ranged between 5.82-9.30%; crude fibre was between 1.15-2.91%, Moisture content was between 2.00-8.80% and nitrogen free extract (NFE) ranged between 29.2- 45.74%. Amino acids analysis identified 19 amino acids including 10 essential amino acids (EAA). The amino acids in CMM, SMM, PMM include: arginine, valine, lysine, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, histidine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, threonine, alanine, aspartate, glutamate, glycine, tyrosine, cysteine, proline serine and asparagine. The methionine content in the meals ranged between 3.78- 4.66 g/100g protein. The treatment CMM55 recorded the highest level of methionine (4.66 g/100g protein) compared to 2.49 g/100g protein in fishmeal. The crude protein of maggot meal is maximized if with poultry manurederived maggot meal that is oven processed for 55 minutes (43.62%).

Preparation of housefly (Musca domestica) larvae protein hydrolysates: Influence of dual-sweeping-frequency ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis on yield, antioxidative activity, functional and structural attributes

Dual-sweeping-frequency ultrasound (DSFU) was utilized in the preparation of polypeptides from housefly (Musca domestica) larvae protein (HLP). Results indicated that ultrasonication (20 ± 2/28 ± 2 kHz, 42 W/L, 25 min) significantly increased peptide yield and DPPH scavenging capacity by 8.25 % and 14.83 %, respectively. Solubility, foaming and emulsification properties of polypeptides were improved by 19.89 %, 33.33 % and 38.74 % over the control; along with notable reduction in particle size and increase in zeta potential. Tertiary structural changes of the sonicated hydrolysates were illustrated by UV and fluorescence spectra. FTIR showed that ultrasonication increased α-helix, β-turn, and random coil by 38.23 %, 46.35 % and 16.36 %, respectively, but decreased β-sheet by 48.03 %, indicating partial unfolding in HLP hydrolysate conformation and reduction in intermolecular interactions. The research results demonstrated that dual-sweeping-frequency ultrasonication has a great prospect in industry application for the purpose of improving enzymolysis efficiency and product quality for housefly larvae protein hydrolysates production.