Antimicrobial Potential of Rhynchophorus Beetle Larval Haemolymph Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Nurdjannah Niode, Billy Kepel, Tilesky Phoanda, Stephanie Lukita and Trina Tallei

Background and Objective: The emergence of methicillin-resistant community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae has raised significant concerns. Efforts to combat resistance involve the exploration of novel alternative therapies, particularly those derived from insect components. Rhynchophorus sp., a coconut pest commonly found in Southeast Asia, has haemolymph that exhibits bactericidal properties. The objective of this study was to assess the potential of the haemolymph of Rhynchophorus sp., larvae as an antimicrobial agent against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Materials and Methods: In this study, Rhynchophorus sp., larvae were gathered for the purpose of haemolymph extraction. These larvae were then divided into distinct groups, with one group subjected to immunization using Escherichia coli, while another group was left unimmunized. The study utilized the well diffusion method to evaluate antibacterial effectiveness. Results: Haemolymph fluid extracts from Escherichia coli-immunized Rhynchophorus sp., larvae, exhibited strong antibacterial activity, with an average value of 19.3±0.47 mm, against MRSA, more enhanced compared to unimmunized larvae. In contrast, haemolymph fluid extracts from Escherichia coli-immunized Rhynchophorus sp., larvae demonstrated a more moderate antibacterial activity, with a mean of 14.17±0.27 mm, against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a level similar to unimmunized larvae. Conclusion: The haemolymph extracted from Rhynchophorus sp., beetles larvae exhibited antimicrobial effects against MRSA and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, particularly when it is enhanced through Escherichia coli immunization.

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