Lucilia Sericata Research Articles

The Effects Of Lucilia Sericata Larval Secretions On The Expressions Of microRNAs That Are Suggested To Be Related With Wound Healing In Experimental Diabetic Rat Wound Model

The Effects Of Lucilia Sericata Larval Secretions On The Expressions Of microRNAs That Are Suggested To Be Related With Wound Healing In Experimental Diabetic Rat Wound Model

Molecular Barcoding of Green Bottle Fly, Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae ) Using COI Gene Sequences In Upper Egypt.

Molecular Barcoding of Green Bottle Fly, Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae ) Using COI Gene Sequences In Upper Egypt.

Impact of necrophagous insects on the emission of volatile organic compounds released during the decaying process

After death, corpses undergo a complex decomposition process, during which volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released. Several groups of organisms, including insects, use these VOCs to select their mating and feeding sites. While the presence of insects on a corpse influences the decaying process, we do not know whether insects impact on the VOC profile released by the cadaver. Using decomposing rats exposed to dipterans ( Lucilia sericata ) and/or coleopterans ( Dermestes frischii ), we assessed how the presence of insects impacted the cadaver volatilome by using dynamic sampling. As expected, the decomposition of rats in presence of insects was faster than in absence of insects. All rats went through the five decomposition stages with the exception of rats decomposing without insects. The composition of their volatile profiles differed among decomposition stages. We also found that insects do not affect the volatilome of decomposing rats, and no indicator compound could be associated to the presence of specific insect groups.

Successive waves of dipteran flies attracted to warfarin-intoxicated rabbit carcasses in Cairo, Egypt

BackgroundForensic entomology is an increasing area of research, focuses on the violent crime, and deals with the necrophagous-feeding insects that typically decompose carcasses. The present study aimed to update the baseline data of the decay process and its associated successive waves of necrophagous flies on rabbits placed in an urban city (Cairo, Egypt) in spring season.ResultsSix rabbits divided equally into two groups were used. The first group was killed by asphyxia via hanging and marked as the control (C), while the second group was intoxicated with rodenticide warfarin (WI). The fresh, bloated, active decay, advanced decay, and skeletal stages of decomposition were observed and defined in all carcasses. Out of 30 insect families collected, 3 families were more common (Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae). Thirteen insect families were collected of which Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae were common. A total of 10,121 individuals (immature and adult stages) of 26 species were collected, of which Chrysomya rufifacies was the most common species on both types of carcasses (14.7%) followed by Musca domestica, Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya albiceps, Muscina stabulans, Sarcophaga hertipes, Calliphora vicina, Musca sorbens, Lucilia cuprina, Sarcophaga argyrostoma, and Lucilia sericata (2.0–12.4%). The other 15 species were represented by small numbers (cumulatively 2.9%). Among the collected flies, Scathophaga litorea (Scathophagidae) was reported for the first time as a new report in Egypt. Unexpectedly, significantly more adults and immatures were attracted to WI than to C carcasses (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study investigated the rabbit carrion dipteran necrophagous fauna as a model which may be of value for medico-legal cases.

Antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of fatty acids extract of dried Lucilia sericata larvae against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae in vitro

Development of new effective antimicrobial drugs is still a big challenge to date due to microbial infection remains an inevitable problem against human health. In this study, fatty acids extract of Lucilia sericata larvae (LFAs) was obtained and evaluated by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) was investigated. We found that LFAs exhibited effective antibacterial activity against S. aureus and S. pneumoniae with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 125 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL, respectively. The bacterial wall and membrane were the main targets, which was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, a notable anti-biofilm activity against S. aureus and S. pneumoniae was also observed, which was able to both prevent biofilm formation and eradicate mature biofilms of these bacteria. As a promising antibacterial agent, LFAs showed good application prospects in clinical practice.

Electrophoretic Protein and Amino Acid Analysis of Lucilia sericata, Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae) And Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) Larval Excretion/Secretion

Lucilia sericata, Chrysomya albiceps and Musca domestica larvae have been successfully used routinely for the clinical treatment of difficult necrotic and infected wounds. Degradation by proteinases contained in larval excretory/secretory (ES) products is thought to contribute to wound debridement by removal of dead tissue. However, proteinase activity may also affect host tissue remodeling processes (Chambers et al., 2003), for hundreds of years, the beneficial effects of maggots on wound healing have been documented. Insects have to defend themselves from infection by a wide variety of potential bacteria and fungi. In addition to some of flies have beneficial effects in medicine especially, L. sericata which used in Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT). Maggot therapy success is partly due to the ingestion and killing of living microorganisms but antibacterial activity of excretion/secretion (ES) that included the salivary gland secretions and faecal products of L. sericata has been demonstrated in vitro.

Facing death together: heterospecific aggregations of blowfly larvae evince mutual benefits

AbstractHeterospecific aggregations and foraging associations have been observed between different species, from apes to birds to insects. Such associations are hypothesized to result in a mutually beneficial relationship entailing benefits that are not apparent in conspecific groupings. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to investigate 1) how 3 blowfly species, namely, Calliphora vicina, Calliphora vomitoria, and Lucilia sericata, aggregate according to species, and 2) if developmental benefits are linked to heterospecific aggregation. For objective (1), larvae of 2 species were placed between 2 conspecific aggregates, each with a different species (i.e., a binary choice test). After 20 h, the positions of all larvae were determined. On average, 98% of the maggots added later settled together on one of the 2 pre-existing aggregations, demonstrating a collective choice. The aggregation spot with C. vicina was preferred against others, indicating different attractiveness of different species. To relate this behavior to its benefits (objective ii), C. vicina and L. sericata larvae were raised from first instar to adult in con- and heterospecific conditions, and their development time, mortality rates, and morphometrics were measured. Thereby, mutual and asymmetric consequences were observed: specifically, there were significant increases in size and survival for L. sericata and faster development for C. vicina in heterospecific groups. These results indicate that the predilection for heterospecific association leads to mutual developmental benefits. This heterospecific aggregation behavior may be a resource-management strategy of blowflies to face carrion-based selection pressure.

Spatial and Seasonal Distribution of Forensically Important Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The seasonal activity of adults of eight forensically important blow fly species [Calliphora croceipalpis (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Jaennicke, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), L. cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya chloropyga (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Ch. albiceps (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Ch. marginalis (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Ch. putoria (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Ch. megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)] was quantified from collections in Makhanda, South Africa. Flies were collected in traps baited with chicken liver and placed in the field at eight locations for four consecutive days each fortnight for 14 mo. The seasonal distribution of each species compared well to published seasonal distributions of these blow flies elsewhere in South Africa, with evidence of year-to-year variation within seasons that might be explained by weather. This information is important for determining when and where certain species are likely to occur and will be of use in forensic investigations and myiasis management plans.

Natural host preferences of parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) on synanthropic flies.

Synanthropic flies are members of order Diptera and considered as medical and veterinary pests. In this study, parasitoid wasps were determined and their natural host preferences in order to select a suitable agent for biological control of flies. The pupae of three species of flies; Musca domestica, Lucilia sericata and Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis were used as hosts for natural parasitoids. For this issue, as much as 50 pupae of each fly species put in three separate dishes with covered top by a net. These dishes were placed in the field to attract parasitoid wasps. The most parasitic rate was related to N. vitripennis (%17.2). Host preferences of N. vitripennis on M. domestica pupae were higher than observed parasitism on L. sericata and S. haemorrhoidalis. The emerging rate of two parasitoids; P. vindemmiae and S. nigroaenea were one per host pupae. According to the result, N. vitripennis can be an appropriate candidate for use as natural enemy which expected to be effective in controlling various species of synanthropic flies. Therefore, S. nigroaenea was more suitable to biological control of housefly populations.

Proteomics and Lipidomics of Black Soldier Fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) and Blow Fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Larvae.

Farming insects has recently emerged as a new source of protein and lipid production. To date, research has mostly focused on food applications of insects. Focusing on nonfood potential of oil and proteins of insects, high-throughput studies of insect lipids and proteins are needed. We performed proteomics and lipidomics investigation on black soldier fly (Hermitia illucens) and blow fly (Lucilia sericata) larvae to investigate new potential and applications. We used mass spectrometry for proteomics and lipidomics analysis of control and treated larvae. Treatment was performed by incubation with a biological decomposer. We provide the list of all fatty acids with their concentration in control and treated larvae. This result showed high levels of lauric acid in black soldier fly, which could even increase after biological decomposition. Proteomics analysis showed the presence of proteins like collagen of cosmetic interest, and proteins with antimicrobial properties such as phenoloxidases and enzymatic activities, such as amylase and trypsin. Insects harbor high potential for nonfood usage as additives, antimicrobial effects, and even pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. These data open avenues for future research in pharmacological and cosmetic approaches to find new molecules of interests.

Evaluation and Comparison of Various Plant Extracts as Repellents Against Lucilia spp.

The facultative blowfly species, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) largely handicap sheep production practices, resulting in immense economic devastation. Through simultaneous mechanical and chemical activity, the larvae largely cause physical damage to the wool and meat. Over the past few decades, myiasis has predominantly been controlled with the use of various synthetic chemicals, in addition to various sheep husbandry practices. However, an increased development of chemical resistance has been noted. With this, the aim of the study was to evaluate and compare various plant extracts for the potential use in the management of Lucilia spp. Through use of inverted funnel choice tests, the repellent action of the plant extracts was assessed. With a commercial citronella spray employed in the control, similarly high repellency was observed with treatments of Zanthoxylum sp. and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. With a minimum of 80 % pesticidal action required for test solutions to be considered successful, both plant extracts implicated potential action against the flies. The phytochemical secondary metabolic properties of the plant extracts were analysed with thin layer chromatography (TLC). Qualitative TLC was employed to differentiate the organic compound profiles of each plant extract, while various spray reagents were utilised to identify specific properties of various chemical groups. Those possibly contributing to the repellent results obtained included triterpenoids, alkaloids, essential oils, coumarin drugs, saponin drugs and flavonoids. With positive management potential and a basic phytochemical evaluation, further investigation into the use of these plant extracts against Lucilia spp. is advised.

The Drosophila melanogaster antimicrobial peptides Mtk-1 and Mtk-2 are active against the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components of the vertebrate and invertebrate innate immune systems. Although AMPs are widely recognized for their broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, their activity against protozoan parasites has not been investigated in detail. In this study, we tested 10 AMPs from three different insect species: the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella (cecropin A-D), the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (drosocin, Mtk-1 and Mtk-2), and the blow fly Lucilia sericata (LSerPRP-2, LSerPRP-3 and stomoxyn). We tested each AMP against the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum which is responsible for the most severe form of malaria in humans. We also evaluated the impact of these insect AMPs on mouse and pig erythrocytes. Whereas all AMPs showed low hemolytic effects towards mouse and pig erythrocytes, only D. melanogaster Mtk-1 and Mtk-2 significantly inhibited the growth of P. falciparum at low concentrations. Mtk-1 and Mtk-2 could therefore be considered as leads for the development of antiparasitic drugs targeting the clinically important asexual blood stage of P. falciparum.

Urban and Rural Spatial Delineations in Blow Fly Species (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Across Canada: Implications for Forensic Entomology.

Blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae are commonly used in forensic cases to determine postmortem intervals using development rates and successional changes in community composition. Studies are conducted from different regions to provide these data. We wanted to know how widely applicable these data are. We examined whether urbanized landscapes have distinct urban blow fly communities or whether the community composition in urbanized areas is simply a variation of that found in the surrounding habitat or ecozone. Using liver baited traps, we sampled 7,272 flies from 32 sites across Canada and used mapping analysis to assess urban and rural landcover classifications, and compared urban and rural species abundance and composition. Blow fly species communities from urban areas across Canada were made up of similar species and differed from the communities found in nearby rural sites. Trapping at rural sites caught more blow flies compared with urban sites (mean flies/site 59.5 and 12.4). Of the 14 species caught, 8 were caught at urban sites, 61% of these being Cynomya cadaverina Robineau-Desvoidy, 14% Phormia regina Meigen, and 11% Lucilia sericata (Meigen). In rural sites, all 14 species were caught, 41% of specimens caught were P. regina, 21% C. cadaverina, 10% Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus), with only 4% L. sericata. These data suggest that regional studies are appropriate for forensic entomology applications in urban landscapes, given the similar trends across Canada, less so for wilderness or rural landscapes.

Crude and Chitosan Nano-particles Extracts of Some Maggots as Antioxidant and Anticancer Agents

The antioxidant effects besides anticancer activities of Musca domestica, Lucilia sericata and Chrysomya albiceps maggots extracts against human liver carcinoma (HepG-2) and human colon carcinoma (HCT-116) were investigated. Two kinds of extracts, crude and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared. The antioxidant activity of different tested extracts was performed by DPPH radical scavenging method, the results obtained revealed that, the highest levels of DPPH scavenging activity were exhibited by the crude extracts of tested maggots with preference to C. albiceps extract, which exhibited a much more potent activity followed by L. sericata and M. domestica in crude and CNPs extracts. Crude extracts have lower anticancer activity than the CNPs extracts; however, the lowest percentage of cell viability (6.7±0.7%) was recorded by L. sericata crude extract against HCT-116, followed by C. albiceps crude extract (7.57±1.25%) against HepG-2 at the highest used concentration 100 µg/ml. The strongest anticancer activity was observed with CNPs extracts and it was recorded at concentrations of 80, 90 and 100 µg/ml against cell lines tested. Depending on Median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of maggots crude and CNPs extracts, the IC50 values were in the range of 37.3 to 74.3 µg/ml and the highest anticancer activity was obtained by C. albiceps CNPs extracts against cell lines tested. In conclusion, both tested extracts have optimistic antioxidant activity. CNPs extracts have great therapeutic potential due to its anticancer inducing activities.

Influence of Clothing on Decomposition and Presence of Insects on Rabbit Carcasses.

The decomposition rate and insects attraction to carcasses are affected by a number of factors such as temperature, body mass, the presence of poisons, humidity, and insect activity. The present study was planned to investigate the influence of clothing on both the decomposition process and the presence of insects on rabbit carcasses. The study was performed in May 2016 and involved the use of 18 live mature rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.), which were euthanized by chloroform. Rabbit carcasses were divided into three replicates with six rabbits in each replicate. Rabbits in each replicate were further subdivided, so that three rabbits were wrapped with cloth, whereas the remaining three were left unclothed. Both clothed and unclothed carcasses reached the dry stage within 6 d. The results of this study showed that clothes neither affect the decomposition process nor the presence of insects (flies and beetles). The pattern of flies and beetles, however, did vary significantly in the different decomposition stages. In total, 2,849 insects, including 2,459 flies and 390 beetles, were collected and sorted during the decomposition process. Among the dominant species, flies were assigned to the families Calliphoridae and Muscidae, whereas beetles were assigned to the families Dermestidae and Histeridae. Lucilia sericata Meigen, Musca domestica L., Dermestes maculatus DeGeer, and Saprinus moyses Marseul were the most abundant species occurring on both the clothed and unclothed carcasses. In conclusion, this study emphasized that, the clothes have no effect when dealing with decay process and insect attraction to the carrions.

Myiasis of Mandible Due to Lucilia sericata, in Diabetic Woman Patient: A Case Report

Introduction: Myiasis can be defined as the infestation of living tissues of humans and animals by dipterous eggs or larval stages that can penetrate the skin and soft tissues. Case Presentation: The aim of the study was to report an uncommon case of insect infestation in human tissues, called myiasis. The patient was a 62-year-old woman, with the larval presence in the jaw, who suffered from diabetes and anemia. She was originally from the rural areas of Khuzestan province, the southwest of Iran. She had a wound on her mandible with a foul-smelling mouth before preparing for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Her mandible and mouth were infested by 50 live larvae after three days of CABG. The larvae were examined in the pathology and parasitology department of the laboratory and definitely identified as Lucilia sericata. Conclusions: Myiasis can be a risk for elderly people, especially old patients. The primary control method is the prevention and repulsion of adult flies before they can cause any damage.

Wing measurement can be used to identify European blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) of forensic importance

Correct species identification is a crucial step in research and the practice of forensic entomology. At the moment the most common and widely used tool for this purpose are taxonomic keys based on morphological characters. During recent decades molecular methods have been used more and more often for species identification. Automated species identification can also be based on wing measurements. This method proved to be reliable in the case of some groups of necrophagous Diptera from various geographical regions. Up to now, this method has not been applied to a wide range of species of European Calliphoridae. We have used 968 specimens representing 15 species and 6 genera. Identification was based on 15 landmarks located at wing vein junctions. Wing shape differed markedly between the studied species. The overall correct classification rate at the level of species was 97.1%. Seven species, including Calliphora vomitoria, Chrysomya albiceps, Phormia regina, Protophormia terraenovae and Lucilia sericata were identified without error. Lucilia caesar and Lucilia illustris, which are considered relatively difficult to distinguish, were correctly classified in 93.0% and 94.1% cases, respectively. The correct classification rate at the level of genera was 99.2%. The results presented here suggest that wing measurements are a promising alternative to other methods of identification of necrophagous Calliphoridae. This method can be particularly useful for identification of large samples of females collected during carrion succession studies. It can also be used to double check identification performed by a taxonomist using traditional methods.

TESTING LARVAE OF THREE DIPTERAN SPECIES AS FEED FOR PREDATORY BUG PODISUS MACULIVENTRIS BREEDING

In order to identify less expensive food source for the mass breeding of spined soldier bug, the larvae of three species of Dipteran insects were tested: the black soldier fly - Hermetia illucens L., the common green bottle fly - Lucilia sericata Meigen and the midge - Chironomus plumosus L.. We also undertook the comparison with the traditional food - caterpillars of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. The experiments were carried out in two ways: feeding during the entire development cycle and only at the larval stage, i.e. to feed the nymphs, while the imago of the predator was fed with the caterpillars of G. mellonella. Comparison of a number of the development indicators and reproductive potential showed that the larvae of the midge and the black soldier fly are not suitable for the mass breeding of the spined soldier bug, because most indicators of the development and reproductive potential of the predatory bug are greatly decreased. The most acceptable option for replacing the G. mellonella caterpillars as alternative food is the larvae of the common green bottle fly. In this case the survival of nymphs and the lifespan of adults also decreases, but the duration of nymphs development slightly increases.

Life cycle of Lucilia sericata (Meigen 1826) collected from Andean mountains

ABSTRACTIn forensic science, fly larval size and developmental time help to estimate the time elapsed since a person has died until the body is found, generally known as minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). Lucilia sericata (Meigen 1826) is a cosmopolitan and necrophagous fly species (Diptera: Calliphoridae) that usually colonizes decomposing stages. In this study, we determined life tables parameters of L. sericata (e.g. fly survivorship, mortality and life expectancy) and developmental time of different larval stages under controlled temperatures. Cohorts of 12 eggs (12 x 10 repetitions) of L. sericata were exposed to 8°C, 10°C, 18°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, and 37 ± 0.5°C. We found that larval development was not complete at 8°C and 10°C (minimum temperature limit), and at 35°C and 37°C (maximum temperature limit). The number of larvae that reached the adult stage was similar (F2,30 = 0.20, p = 0.814) at all viable temperatures (18°C, 25°C, and 30°C). We found the highest mortality to occur at initial developmental stages. Under viable temperatures, the developmental time of L. sericata from egg to adult decreases with temperature, with an average of 778 h at 18°C, 401 h at 25°C, and 288 h at 30°C. The developmental time of L. sericata at the fastest temperature (778 h) is similar to that found in Vienna (Austria), but it is 2–3 times slower than that in three cities across the United States. These results will improve the estimation of mPMIs in tropical countries across the Andes region

Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Some Maggots Methanol Extracts

Insects offer a source of novel natural compounds that may have therapeutic utility in cancer and other diseases. Antioxidant activity of these extracts was evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), and total antioxidant capacity assays. The antioxidant and anticancer effects of the crude extract of maggots namely; Musca domestica, Lucilia sericata and Chrysomya albiceps against the human colon carcinoma cell line (Caco-2), were investigated. The antioxidant activity of tested extracts revealed that the highest DPPH scavenging activity levels were exhibited by methanolic extractof C. albiceps, followed by those of L. sericata and M. domestica. Also, the highest effect was recorded against human colon carcinoma cell line (Caco-2) with L. sericata maggots methanolic extract, followed by those of C. albiceps and M. domestica at the highest concentration used (25 mg/ml). The IC50 values of tested extracts ranged from 0.27 to 1.91 mg/ml. In conclusion, data suggest that tested extracts possess antioxidant and anticancer properties that may further explored as a potential source for treatment of cancer and other diseases involving oxidative stress.