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Midgut lysozymes of L ucilia sericata – new antimicrobials involved in maggot debridement therapy
Author(s) -
Valachova I.,
Takac P.,
Majtan J.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
insect molecular biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.955
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2583
pISSN - 0962-1075
DOI - 10.1111/imb.12122
Subject(s) - midgut , biology , maggot , microbiology and biotechnology , antimicrobial , debridement (dental) , antibacterial activity , antimicrobial peptides , bacteria , larva , medicine , surgery , botany , genetics
Abstract Larvae of L ucilia sericata are used for maggot debridement therapy ( MDT ) because of their ability to remove necrotic tissue and eradicate bacterial pathogens of infected wounds. So far, very few antibacterial factors have been fully characterized (eg lucifensin). Using a molecular approach, some other putative antimicrobial compounds, including three novel lysozymes, have been previously identified and predicted to be involved in MDT . Nevertheless, data on lysozymes tissue origin and their functions have never been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of three lysozymes in L . sericata and confirm their antibacterial effects within MDT . Moreover, we characterized the eradication process of bacteria within the digestive system of maggots and determined the role of lysozymes in this process. We found that three lysozymes are expressed in specific sections of the L . sericata midgut. Recombinant lysozymes displayed comparable antibacterial activity against M icrococcus luteus . Furthermore, the majority of G ram‐positive bacteria were destroyed in vivo within the particular section of the L . sericata midgut where lysozymes are produced. Larval ingestion and subsequent eradication of wound pathogens during their passage through the intestine of maggots are due to, at least in part, antibacterial action of three midgut lysozymes.