An Investigation into Inducible Antibacterial Peptides in Calliphora Vomitoria

Abstract

Insects of many dipteran species have recently been shown to respond to bacterial challenge by a rapid synthesis of a number of antibacterial peptides that are secreted into the haemolymph. Presented here is a report on the inducible antibacterial peptides produced by the blow fly Calliphora vomitoria. The larvae of Calliphora vomitoria where inoculated with bacteria and incubated. The haemolymph of the larvae was collected and assessed for antibacterial activity. The antibacterial molecules were investigated and purified. Isolated by this study is a potent peptide that has antibacterial activity against gram positive bacteria. This peptide shows no antibacterial activity towards gram negative bacteria. This peptide is heat stable and relatively pH stable. The purified sample of this antibacterial peptide shows many similarities with other peptides of the insect defensin family.