Antiviral and virucidal activities of Lucilia cuprina maggots’ excretion/secretion (Diptera: Calliphoridae): first work

Maggots of Lucilia sericata and L. cuprina are a backbone of the maggot debridement therapy. Further, the excretion/secretion (E/S) of these maggots has antibacterial and antifungal activities, nevertheless the antiviral activity of E/S for these maggots still out the focus. This study aimed to evaluate the E/S of L. cuprina maggots against the Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and Coxsackie B4 (CB4) viruses for first time. After collection of the E/S, its cytotoxicity on Vero cells was evaluated and the safe concentration was determined which used to investigate the antiviral and virucidal effect of E/S on the selected viruses. The E/S decreased the titers of the tested viruses compared with that of untreated viruses. The outcome data refer to that the E/S of L. cuprina consider as a promising antiviral and virucidal agent.