The using of Lucilia cuprina maggots in the treatment of diabetic foot wounds.

In the present study, Lucilia cuprina maggots were used for the treatment of diabetic foot wounds. An artificial wound was made in diabetic foot of rabbit. The maggots were sterilized and put directly on the wound after dressing the wound without using any antibiotics. Several cycles of maggots were put on the wound. The present results showed that the treatment of the diabetic foot was observed after 13 days. After this period the wound was completely healed and become free of microbial contamination. The new tissues were observed to close the wound.

Repellent effect of Lagenaria siceraria extracts against Culex pipiens.

Ethanolic, acetone and petroleum ether extracts from leaves and stems of Lagenaria siceraria (Cucurbitaceae) were screened for their repellency effect against Culex pipiens L. mosquito. The repellent action of the present plant extracts were varied depending on the plant parts and the dose of extract. The petroleum ether extract of leaves showed the same repellency percent (100%) of commercial formulation, N. N.diethyl toulamide (DEET) at the higher dose (3.33 mg/cm2), while petroleum ether extract from stems exhibiting the repellent action (89.6%) at the same dose, respectively. Ethanolic extracts of leaves and stems exhibited the lowest repellent activity as it recorded (81.3% and 69.1%) at (6.67 mg/cm2), respectively. Results of this study may contribute to design an alternative way to control mosquitoes currently based on applications of synthetic insecticides. These extracts could be developed commercially as an effective personal protection measure against mosquito bites and thus to control diseases caused by mosquito-borne pathogens.

Effects of midgut bacteria and two protease inhibitors on the reproductive potential and midgut enzymes of Culex pipiens infected with Wuchereria bancrofti.

Laboratory investigations were carried out to asses the effect of some proteases inhibitors on the reproductive potential of Culex pipiens females resulted from larvae treated with different protease inhibitors. The fecundity and engorgement of symbiotic and aposymbiotic C. pipiens females were significantly reduced. The blood meal digestion period increased significantly. On the other hand, enzyme band with molecular weight of 40 KDa which may be cysteine protease was detected in untreated symbiotic and aposymbiotic female midguts. The results may explain that the absence of this enzyme bands in treated female midguts may be due to the inhibition caused by (E-64) a cysteine protease inhibitor.

Effects of midgut bacteria and two protease inhibitors on the transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti by the mosquito vector, Culex pipiens.

Laboratory investigations were carried out to study the effect of two protease inhibitors on the transmission of W. bancrofti filarial by Culex pipiens and to study the susceptibility interaction between filaria and protease inhibitors. The results obtained revealed that, infection rates were variable among untreated and treated symbiotic and aposymbiotic Cx. pipiens females resulted from third instar larvae treated with E-64 and EDTA. The survival rate was variable among untreated and treated symbiotic and aposymbiotic females resulted from third instar larvae treated with E-64 and EDTA. Protease inhibitor (E-64) caused inhibition of the parasite development and transmission by means of ceasing catalytic activity- responsible for parasite migration-caused by parasitic larval stages inside the mosquito vector.

The ultrastructure of sensilla associated with mouthparts and antennae of Lucilia cuprina.

Antennal and maxillary palps of Lucilia cuprina male and female (family: Calliphoridae) were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Five types of sensilla were observed namely: trichoid, basiconic, coeloconic, styloconic and sensory pit. Trichoid sensilla (one subtype: short trichoid sensilla) was found on the scape of the antenna, while both trichoid (two subtypes: short and long trichoid sensilla) and styloconic sensilla were observed on the antennal pedicel. Basiconic sensilla (two subtypes: small and large basiconic sensilla), coeloconic sensilla and sensory pits were detected on the flagellum of antenna. Cheatica (two subtypes: small and large Cheatica) and small basicinic sensilla were located on the maxillary palps. Microtrachia were observed on all joints of antenna and maxillary palps. No marked differences were observed in the morphological structure of any of the sensilla among the two sexes studied. The suggested function of each antennal sensillum was based on comparison with results of other investigations on similar sensilla.