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Clinical Use of (FDA Approved) Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT)

The FDA has approved the Medical Maggot™ as a medical device, based solely upon the ability to debride necrotic tissue. FDA approval did not ascribe any claims of antibiotic or growth-promoting properties to the medical maggot.

Nevertheless, there is historical and scientific data which documents the antibacterial and growth-promoting properties of maggots. Studies cite 3 distinct actions that are responsible for the positive clinical effects of maggot debridement therapy:

Debridement, liquefaction and removal of necrotic tissue
Reduction of bacteria by ingestion and antibacterial secretions
Promotion of healing; stimulation of granulation tissue

Furthermore, medical maggots secrete substances such as calcium carbonate, allantoin, and urea. These substances change the pH environment of the wound to promote further healing. Sherman states that the enzymes secreted by the maggots gain access to the deeper, necrotic tissue through the mechanical debridement action of the maggot's mouth hooks. The hooks are 2 probing appendages located near their toothless mouth and are used for locomotion.

Instant feedback:

The FDA approval of medical maggots, as a medical device, is based solely on debridement capacity, not antibiosis or stimulation of granulation.