Maggots Make Medical Comeback

[matcom]

<snip>

WASHINGTON -- It sounds disgusting, but maggots are helping doctors with some of their sickest patients.

The bugs are intentionally applied to wounds that won't heal.

Dr. Ronald Sherman, a researcher at the University of California, is such an advocate of the bug therapy. He's earned the nickname Dr. Maggot.

Sherman said the worms not only eat dead tissue, but produce substances that kill bacteria and stimulate healing.

http://www.wftv.com/health/3609840/detail.html

[redqueen]

1. Is this catching on?

I wonder if there's enough of a market to start a maggot farm.

[Beware the Beast Man]

2. Gosh, why don't I have the big ideas??

:shrug: That would be an easy gig.

[yellowcanine]

3. maggots, leeches, what's next? Nit picking monkeys? Come to think of it,

a monkey personal groomer might be great for getting rid of Lyme-disease carrying ticks.

[SarahB]

4. Leeches have been used in recent years..

My husband used to work in a major pediatric hospital and leeches were used for re-establishing circulation when reattaching limbs. I'm completely serious. I'll see if I can find an article or something.

Edit: articles

http://www.biopharm-leeches.com/

http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/06/28/fda.leeches.ap/

http://www.hsc.missouri.edu/~news/LEECHES.shtml

[Sabriel]

5. At least there's an employment outlook for the White House staff.

n/t