Abstract:
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), a subgroup of extraintestinal pathogenic
E.coli (ExPEC), poses a significant threat to poultry production and human health.
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant APEC strains necessitates the development of
novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial potential of
hemolymph from Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly) larvae, an insect with
promising antimicrobial properties. Hemolymph samples were collected from larvae
exposed to various stress conditions, including bacterial challenge, stab wound, as
well as from uninfected larvae. The antibacterial activity of hemolymph was assessed
against APEC using post antimicrobial effect and time kill assays. Our results
demonstrated that hemolymph from H. illucens larvae exhibited significant
antibacterial activity against APEC, with hemolymph from stressed larvae exhibiting
enhanced activity. These findings suggest that H. illucens hemolymph holds promise
as a novel therapeutic candidate for APEC infections, offering a potential solution to
the growing problem of antibiotic resistance
