Antimicrobial Evaluation of Multifaceted Stress induced Hermetia illucens’ Larval Hemolymph against Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC)

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