Researchers in Kenya disclosed that they are currently conducting studies on how to use insect larvae to treat chronic wounds, CEOAFRICA.com gathered.

Kenya  Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Researcher Phoebe Mukiria explained to journalists that they have identified the larvae of the green bottle fly as the best vehicle.

“We will complete the proof of principle study that will establish the efficacy of using  maggots to clean wounds in three months. Live maggots are introduced into the raw wound to feed on the dead tissue and to enable surgeons to conduct further medical procedures”, she said.

Furthermore, Mukiria noted that the maggots take on average 10 days to clean the wounds. “On the other hand, the period for conventional methods vary but could take over four weeks to do the same. The maggots could therefore emerge as one of the most effective method of removing dead tissue from the wounds. We have so far used the lavae on five patients who have shown positive results,” she said.

The research is joint collaboration of the University of Nairobi, KARI , Slovakia based Comenius University and Tenwek Mission Hospital in Kenya.

The research team attained government approval to conduct the investigations for one year. The insects could be used on patients with chronic disease such as diabetes and cancer.

However, Mukiria disclosed that the use of maggots for treatment is expensive.  “ By using the biological method, the only investment is the production of maggot. However, the eggs which take a short time to hatch, have to be maintained in cool temperature for optimum results,” she said.

She also disclosed that the method cannot be used on wounds that are close to major blood vessels, pointing out that the procedure has already being successful in other parts of the world.

“In Europe, it is commonly used to treating animal pets.Once the method is approved in Kenya, we will also extend the technology to animals,” she said.