Efficacy of a Hemolymph-Based Cream Derived From Lucilia Sericata Larvae in Treating Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: An in Vitro and in Vivo Study in Balb/C Mice Publisher



Moghimian R ; Mohebali M ; Basseri H R ; Akhoundi B ; Salarkia E ; Aghaei Afshar A ; Akbarzadeh K
Source: Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease with limited therapeutic options due to drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and prolonged treatment duration associated with pentavalent antimonials such as meglumine antimoniate (MAT). Lucilia sericata larvae produce hemolymph containing bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, suggesting potential as an alternative or adjunct therapy for CL. Methods: Hemolymph was extracted from sterile third-instar L. sericata larvae and characterized using SDS-PAGE and Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography. The antileishmanial activity of whole hemolymph, its most active fraction, MAT, and their combinations was assessed against promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major. Cytotoxicity, cytokine gene expression and reactive oxygen species production were evaluated. In vivo efficacy was examined in BALB/c mice infected with L. major and treated for 28 days with topical hemolymph cream, intramuscular MAT, or combination therapy. Lesion size and parasite burden were measured. Results: Whole hemolymph and the active fraction significantly inhibited parasite growth in vitro, while combination treatments showed strong synergistic effects. Treatments enhanced Th1-associated cytokines, suppressed Th2 cytokines, and increased reactive oxygen species production. In vivo, hemolymph cream reduced lesion size and parasite load, with the greatest improvement observed in the combination group. No significant cytotoxicity was detected. Conclusions: Lucilia sericata larval hemolymph exhibits potent antileishmanial and immunomodulatory activity and represents a promising and safe topical therapy for CL. Combination with MAT enhances efficacy and may reduce systemic toxicity. Copyright © 2026 The Authors.