Maggot Debridement Therapy

What is “maggot therapy?”

Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT) is an accepted, effective method of treating chronic (non-healing) wounds with live, germ-free fly larvae (“maggots”). It is also called “larval therapy,” “biodebridement,” or simply “maggot therapy.” In maggot therapy, disinfected (germ-free) fly larvae are applied to wounds for 2 or 3 days within special “cage-like” dressings that prevent the maggots from wandering off. For a more complete explanation, please visit our general information page for Maggot Therapy.

How does maggot therapy work?

Medicinal maggots are often called “the world’s smallest surgeons.” They are also the world’s cheapest surgeons because they work 24 hours/day, secreting enzymes that break down dead, infected tissue within the wound, and gently removing debris (debridement) as they crawl about, like a gentle brush. The literature identifies three primary actions of medicinal maggots on wounds:

They clean ("debride") the wounds by dissolving dead (“gangrenous” or necrotic) and infected tissue;
They disinfect the wound (kill germs);
They speed the rate of healing.
Note: See brand-specific package inserts for the indications approved by regional regulators.

What are the clinical indications for maggot therapy?

Medicinal maggots are used in human and veterinary wound care for debriding non-healing necrotic skin and soft tissue wounds, including:

Pressure Ulcers
Venous stasis ulcers
Neuropathic foot ulcers
Non-healing post surgical wounds
Non-healing traumatic wounds

Why are medicinal maggots still available?

Because they are so effective! Despite all of the recent advances in wound care, many problematic wounds still need maggot therapy. Nearly 100 times/week, someone in the U.S. is opening up another bottle of medicinal maggots for wound care.

What do patients think of maggot therapy?

In published studies, over 95% of patients with wounds agreed to maggot therapy when offered the treatment.

Who really uses maggot therapy, anyway?

Today, nearly 4,000 therapists in 40 countries use maggot therapy; 700 in the U.S. alone. In 2006, an estimated 45,000 treatments were distributed world-wide.

Is maggot therapy regulated by the FDA?

Yes, production and marketing of medicinal maggots is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as a prescription only medical device. In January 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted permission to Dr. Ronald Sherman to produce and market medicinal maggots, for the following indications: "Debriding non-healing necrotic skin and soft tissue wounds, including pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, neuropathic foot ulcers, and non-healing traumatic or post surgical wounds."