Nairobi: Maggot therapy has emerged as a promising alternative treatment for chronic wounds in Kenya, thanks to the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). The organization has initiated the production of maggots for clinical therapy aimed at treating chronic non-healing or infected wounds.
According to Kenya News Agency, Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT), also known as Larval therapy, utilizes sterile fly larvae that consume dead tissue and bacteria film in wounds, effectively facilitating the healing process. Chronic wounds, defined as those taking more than three weeks to heal, often place a substantial burden on patients and caregivers.
Paul Ngari, from the Biotechnology Research Institute at KALRO Muguga, explained the significant progress in maggot therapy. The larvae consume necrotic tissue and harmful bacteria while secreting proteolytic enzymes that form a protective layer on the wound’s surface. While maggot therapy is not new to Kenya, having been introduced in 2013 through
collaboration with the Slovak Government, it is gaining renewed attention due to bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Ngari emphasized the importance of biotherapy, which uses substances from living organisms to treat diseases, in managing such wounds. Beyond healthcare, maggots offer potential benefits in forensic research and waste conversion. The protein-rich larvae can be dried and used as animal feed, offering a sustainable alternative protein source.
The pilot study on maggot therapy conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital in 2013 treated 24 patients with 30 maggot applications. As climate change impacts food security, innovative solutions such as maggot therapy can play a role in addressing production challenges.
KALRO is hosting an open week across its sectors, allowing farmers and the public to engage with scientists on various agricultural technologies.