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Synergism between maggot excretions and antibiotics
Author(s) -
Cazander Gwendolyn,
Pawiroredjo Janity S.,
VandenbrouckeGrauls Christina M. J. E.,
Schreurs Marco W. J.,
Jukema Gerrolt N.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
wound repair and regeneration
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.847
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1524-475X
pISSN - 1067-1927
DOI - 10.1111/j.1524-475x.2010.00625.x
Subject(s) - gentamicin , microbiology and biotechnology , flucloxacillin , tobramycin , antibiotics , enterococcus faecalis , staphylococcus aureus , minimum bactericidal concentration , enterobacter cloacae , maggot , minimum inhibitory concentration , ciprofloxacin , chemistry , biology , bacteria , enterobacteriaceae , biochemistry , escherichia coli , genetics , botany , gene
ABSTRACT Maggots are successfully used to treat severe, infected wounds. This study investigated whether maggot excretions/secretions influence the antibacterial activity of different antibiotics. Minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined of gentamicin and flucloxacillin for Staphylococcus aureus , of penicillin for Streptococcus pyogenes , of amoxicillin and vancomycin for Enterococcus faecalis , of gentamicin for Enterobacter cloacae , and of gentamicin, tobramycin, and ciprofloxacin for Pseudomonas aeruginosa by checkerboard titration. A range of concentrations of antibiotics in combination with excretions/secretions was examined to investigate the potential of maggot excretions/secretions to affect antibacterial activity. The results showed a dose‐dependent increase of the antibacterial effect of gentamicin in the presence of excretions/secretions on S. aureus . Minimal concentrations and MBC of gentamicin decreased, respectively, 64‐ and 32‐fold. The MBC of flucloxacillin and excretions/secretions against S. aureus were also decreased. The other antibiotic and excretions/secretions combinations exerted an indifferent effect. Excretions/secretions alone did not have any antibacterial effect. The synergism between gentamicin and maggot excretions/secretions could be of direct importance in clinical practice, because it could allow the use of lower doses of gentamicin and thus minimize the risk of gentamicin‐related side effects.