Maggot debridement therapy: Utility in chronic wounds and a perspective beyond

Complementary medicinal techniques have a wide history, but the recent focus of modern medicine has been on possible effect mechanisms. Chronic wounds are not only a problem to their patients, but also a burden on the healthcare system due to their extensive costs. Among complementary therapies, maggot debridement therapy (MDT) is by far the most widely studied method in the field of wound prevention and management. MDT is a very effective treatment technique for chronic wounds and, in addition, is a cheap and easy-to-use method, with only minor, rare adverse effects. Many studies have attempted to clarify the actual effect mechanisms of MDT. MDT works in four ways: debridement, antimicrobial effects, wound healing, and biofilm degradation. These actions are mainly achieved by protein substances exhibiting very variable molecular masses and actions. MDT has a certain positive effect on chronic wounds and is a strong candidate to maintain a bold presence in the multidisciplinary approach to chronic wound care. Its cost, application simplicity, minimal side effects, and easy-accessibility are major superiorities among other wound-care methods.