The Physiology of Wound Healing by the Medicinal Maggot, Lucilia sericata

The larvae of Lucilia sericata (the medicinal maggot) have been exploited to undertake many applications, from their use in the management of chronic, non-healing wounds (larval therapy), to their assistance in forensic investigations and analysis. This current review describes these various applications and discusses the recent scientific and clinical developments supporting their use in wound healing and management. The review includes aspects such as their role in wound debridement, disinfection properties and biofilm disruption, as well as their potential role in the acceleration of wound healing. Also considered is the study of novel therapeutic compounds and biological therapies derived from this species. From a clinical perspective, recent studies that have been concerned with the efficacy and value of maggot debridement therapy are summarised and discussed.