1.Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of the successful sterilization of Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) utilized in maggot debridement therapy (mdt)
Yeong, Y.S., ; Nazni, W.A.* ; Santana, R.L. ; Mohd Noor, I. ; Lee, H.L. ; Mohd Sofian, A.
Tropical Biomedicine 2011;28(2):325-332
In Malaysia, maggot debridement therapy (MDT) utilizes maggots of Lucilia
cuprina (Wiedemann) to debride necrotic tissue from wound surface, reduce bacterial infection
and therefore, enhance wound healing process. To evaluate the sterility of the sterile maggots
produced after sterilization process before delivering onto patient wounds. Sterility of sterile
maggots is crucial in ensuring the safe usage of MDT and patient’s health. Eggs of L. cuprina
collected from a laboratory colony were divided into treated group (sterilized) and control
group (non-sterilized). Treated group underwent sterilization while eggs from control group
were allowed to hatch without sterilization. Sodium hypochlorite and formaldehyde were the
main disinfectants used in this sterilization process. Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
was used to examine and ascertain the sterility of sterile maggots. SEM results showed that
all sterilized L. cuprina eggs and maggots achieved sterility and all were cleared from
bacterial contamination. In contrast, all non-sterilized eggs and maggots were found to be
colonized by microorganisms. Sterilization method employed to sterilize eggs and maggots
used in Malaysia MDT was proven successful and MDT is safe to be used as wound management
tools.