lucilia sericata larvae used for maggot therapy under laboratory conditions

Background: The larvae of Lucilia sericata (green blow fly) are most efficient and widely used in maggot therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate some environmental factors that influence the mass rearing of Lucilia sericata as the most suitable candidates for maggot therapy in Iran. The study was conducted in flies breeding insectarium of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, IranObjectives: Author(s) should declare objectives/aims of the study.Materials and Methods: The fly samples were collected using handheld net method and protein baits from five cities in two provinces. At the insectarium, food (dry milk, protein and sugar), water and a nest for laying eggs were provided for the flies and after oviposition, the eggs were transferred to new rearing place and identification keys were used to identify the specimen. Four factors (temperature, humidity, photoperiod and diet)were studied for the maintenance and mass rearing of Lucilia sericata larvae used in maggot therapy under laboratory conditions.Results: The best temperature for embryonic period and hatching (97.27%) was 27 °C with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The highest larval death 15.27% was seen at temperature 23 °C and was statistical significant (P<0.05). The highest hatching rate (86.95%) was seen at relative humidity of 80% and was also statistically significant (P<0.05). The maximum batches of eggs laid (25 batches) occurred in 16:8 photoperiod. Significant difference was seen between the weight of larvae fed with burgers, fish, liver and blood agar (P<0.05). Using Kruskal-Wallis and proportion test, significant difference was observed between body weight and body length of larvae fed on blood agar and liver (P<0.05).Conclusion: In vitro condition, although temperature, humidity, light-dark period and diet had effect on the life cycle of L. sericata, however, temperature and relative humidity were found to have more influence in the development of L. sericata larva

Keywords:

Lucillia sericata , Invitro , Rearing , Maggot therapy , Iran