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Project Description

Please note that we are a research service provider, not a pharmacy or clinic, so we are unable to see patients and do not offer diagnostic and treatment services for individuals.

Myiasis

The presence of myiasis in livestock has very serious economic consequences which may include lower output, higher costs incurred through veterinary services and even mortality in extreme cases. This suggests the urgent need of proper preventative actions like vaccines or therapeutic interventions. Our company offers comprehensive services in the development of vaccines and therapeutics for myiasis.

Introduction to Myiasis

Myiasis is where decomposition flies’ larvae invade the tissues of animals and mammals regarded onliving organisms, specifically to the families Calliphoridae and Oestridae. This phenomenon is alarming for people and animals as it may cause lethality. Myiasis has several morphological forms based on how the infestation occurred:

Cutaneous Myiasis: This is where the invasion is done to the tissues underneath the skin and upper layers of it by fly larvae. Common agents include species like Lucilia cuprina (sheep blowfly) and Lucilia sericata, which are notorious for causing skin infections in livestock.
Cavitary Myiasis: This kind of infestation occurs when the larvae penetrate a body cavity; this could be the gut (associated with bot flies) or other openings. An example is the Gastrophilus spp species that infects horses.
Wound Myiasis: Here the infestation is done to wounds or necrotic tissues and is highly probable to occur in weak injury ridden animals or humans. Blowflies of certain species such as Cochliomyia hominivorax, New World screw-worm are highly opportunistic, and in this case, are the most dangerous.

Fig.1 World distribution of the 707 cases of head and neck myiasis reported in the literature. (de Arruda J. A. A., et al., 2017)

Vaccine Development for Myiasis

Natural Antigen Vaccines

Natural antigens from larval extracts have been used since time immemorial in the formulation of vaccines, like immunization with Lucilia cuprina whole larval preparations. However, these vaccines have been found to be largely ineffective due to the larvae's sophisticated immune evasion mechanisms.

DNA Vaccines

There is ongoing research regarding novel methods to control Myiasis such as employing DNA vaccines. Initial data indicates that plasmid DNA that codes for particular larval proteins can elicit a strong immune response from xenogeneic hosts. The approach has numerous advantages, among them, the induction of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity which could be important in the control of myiasis.

Recombinant Protein Vaccines

The development of recombinant protein vaccines against particular larval targets has been facilitated by advancements in biotechnology. Particular attention has been given to the hypodermins of Hypoderma spp. and other serine proteinases from Lucilia spp. It is anticipated that these recombinant vaccines will elicit a high level of immune response with reduced risk of allergic responses to whole larval extract.

Subunit Vaccines

Subunit vaccines, for example, are an all-embracing type of vaccine that is comprised of a few antigens which can elicit an immune response all by themselves without the inclusion of the entire organism. Some researchers have shown that certain secreted proteins provided by blow fly larvae can be beneficial in inducing protective immunity. These Vaccines aim to provide the immune system with antigens so that these larvae will not be able to establish themselves and grow.

Therapeutics Development for Myiasis

Ivermectin Therapy

Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug with broad application, has been employed as an effective treatment of myiasis infection. Its mechanism involves the binding of the drug to glutamate-controlled chloride ion channels, resulting in paralysis and death of the larvae.

Maggot Therapy

Also known as the larval therapy, maggot treatment has gained popularity in the field of wound care as a form of complimentary treatment for myiasis. This therapy utilizes sterile maggots which are applied on wound sites to eat away necrotic tissues enabling the wound to heal and regenerate.

Our Services

Implementing targeted vaccines and therapeutics for myiasis is no easy task considering the intricacies surrounding host-parasite interactions as well as new scientific technology. Our services are tailored to meet these needs through comprehensive research initiatives, including:

Diagnostics Development

Disease Models

Cutaneous Myiasis Animal Models
Nasal Myiasis Animal Models
Aural Myiasis Animal Models
Ophthalmomyiasis Animal Models
Customized Animal Models

Vaccine Development

Therapeutic Development

Our preclinical research services are designed to support the advancement of myiasis vaccine and therapeutic development. Key offerings include:

Immunogenicity Studies: Assessing the immune responses elicited by candidate vaccines through a range of experimental models.
Efficacy Testing: Evaluating the protective efficacy of vaccine candidates against established myiasis models.
Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology Assessments: Conducting detailed studies to understand the pharmacokinetics and potential toxicity of new therapeutic agents.

If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

References

de Arruda, José Alcides Almeida, et al. "Head and neck myiasis: a case series and review of the literature." Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology 124.5 (2017): e249-e256.
Nigam, Y. "Advances in Myiasis Treatment." Heal Care Curr Rev 4.01 (2016): 1-3.

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.