Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Summer 2024
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance poses a growing threat across the globe. The United Nations estimates that up to 10 million deaths by 2050 will be due to superbugs and antimicrobial resistance. Finding effective solutions has been obstructed by the expensive and time-intensive research and development process. Maggot therapy, however, has emerged as a promising, cost-effective approach to wound debridement or cleaning. This unconventional method takes advantage of the natural capabilities of maggots to effectively debride chronic, non-healing wounds, even those infected with multidrug-resistant bacteria. Through the utilization of proteolytic and digestive enzymes, maggots are able to break down necrotic tissue and promote wound healing that conventional, antibiotic-focused treatments struggle to achieve. Despite negative public opinion, maggot therapy is gaining recognition as a powerful tool against chronic wounds and the eradication of drug-resistant infections in patients. Its effectiveness and efficiency make it a compelling alternative in medical settings where conventional therapies fall short. As the global healthcare community struggles with the challenge of antibiotic resistance, maggot therapy stands out, not only for its clinical effectiveness, but also for its potential to reduce healthcare costs and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems around the world. Innovative approaches and unconventional thinking may prove vital in mitigating the damages of antibiotic resistance in the coming years.
Recommended Citation
Leidy, MS, Nicholas, "Maggot Therapy and Its Clinical Application in the War Against Microbial Resistance" (2024). Student Papers, Posters & Projects. Paper 154.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/student_papers/154
Language
English
Comments
Course: LS 803 Contemporary Topics Research
Course Instructor: Dr. Paula McCourt
Department: Medical Laboratory Sciences and Biotechnology Department, Jefferson College of Health Professionals