NoteSilkworm larvae plasma (SLP) assay for detection of bacteria: False positives secondary to inflammation in vivo

- The SLP assay detects bacterial peptidoglycan in biological fluids and tissues.
- Generation of melanin by this assay is not reliable as a surrogate for bacteria.
- Endogenous inflammation may activate the protease cascade leading to melanin.

The silkworm larvae plasma (SLP) assay has been developed as a means to detect bacterial peptidoglycan as a surrogate for live bacteria. Here, we present results that indicate that generation of melanin by this assay is not fully reliable as a surrogate marker for bacterial count.