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Myiasis Basics - Buggy Intruders

  • Infestation of live human/animal tissue by dipterous (fly) larvae (maggots).
  • Causative agents: Various fly species; common ones include Dermatobia hominis (human botfly), Cordylobia anthropophaga (tumbu fly), Cochliomyia hominivorax (New World screwworm).
  • Classification based on larval behavior:
    • Obligatory: Larvae require living tissue for development (e.g., D. hominis).
    • Facultative: Larvae can develop in living or dead tissue (e.g., some Sarcophagidae).
    • Accidental: Larvae ingested/enter via orifices, typically don't complete development.

Cochliomyia hominivorax (New World screwworm) causes obligatory myiasis and is a reportable disease due to its aggressive tissue destruction and potential for severe economic impact on livestock.

  • Clinical forms: Furuncular, wound/traumatic, cavitary, migratory, intestinal, urogenital myiasis based on site of infestation and larval behavior.

Culprit Flies - The Buzzing Baddies

  • Obligatory Parasites (Need Living Tissue):

    • Dermatobia hominis (Human Botfly): Furuncular lesions. Phoresis via mosquitoes. Dermatobia hominis larva in skin lesion and close-ups
    • Cordylobia anthropophaga (Tumbu Fly): African furuncular myiasis; eggs on soil/clothes.
    • Cochliomyia hominivorax (New World Screwworm): Destructive wound myiasis.
    • Chrysomya bezziana (Old World Screwworm): Old World screwworm; wound myiasis.

      Dermatobia hominis larvae possess backward-pointing spines, aiding firm anchorage within the host's skin.

  • Facultative Parasites (Usually Dead Tissue; Can Invade Wounds):

    • Lucilia spp. (Greenbottle), Calliphora spp. (Bluebottle), Sarcophaga spp. (Flesh fly).
  • Specific Presentations:

    • Gasterophilus intestinalis: Creeping eruption (larva migrans cutanea).
    • Oestrus ovis (Sheep Botfly): Ophthalmomyiasis, nasopharyngeal myiasis.

Clinical Picture - Skin's Squirmy Story

  • Furuncular Myiasis: Most common.
    • Boil-like, erythematous nodule.
    • Central punctum (breathing pore); serosanguinous discharge.
    • Movement sensation, pain, itching.
    • Agents: Dermatobia hominis (botfly), Cordylobia anthropophaga (tumbu fly). Furuncular Myiasis Lesions on Wrist
  • Wound (Traumatic) Myiasis: Larvae infest open wounds, ulcers, necrotic tissue.
  • Creeping (Migratory) Myiasis:
    • Larva burrows; serpiginous, erythematous tracts.
    • Itchy, raised linear lesions.
    • Agents: Gasterophilus spp. (horse botfly), Hypoderma spp. (cattle botfly).
  • Cavitary Myiasis: Infests body cavities (nasal, aural, oral, ocular, urogenital).
    • Destructive; site-specific symptoms.
  • Sanguinivorous Myiasis: Larvae feed on blood (e.g., Auchmeromyia luteola - Congo floor maggot). Rare.

⭐ Furuncular myiasis often presents with a characteristic central punctum from which the larva's posterior spiracles may be visible, aiding diagnosis.

Spotting & Nabbing - Larva Eviction Plan

  • Spotting:
    • Look for: Central punctum, visible larva/movement, serosanguinous discharge.
    • Tools: Dermoscopy, Ultrasound (confirms depth/viability).
  • Nabbing (Eviction):
    • Occlusion: Apply petroleum jelly/liquid paraffin to block spiracles; larva surfaces.
    • Extraction: Gentle pressure, forceps. Surgical removal if needed.
    • Systemic: Oral Ivermectin (200 µg/kg) for extensive/cavitary myiasis.
    • Post-Op: Wound care, antibiotics if infected, tetanus prophylaxis. 📌 Mnemonic: "SOS" - Suffocate (Occlude), Operate (Extract), Systemic (Ivermectin if severe).

Dermatobia hominis larvae often require several hours of occlusion before emerging; patience is key during this step for successful non-invasive removal.

Prevention & Control - Fly-Free Zone Tactics

  • Environmental hygiene:
    • Proper waste/carcass disposal.
    • Eliminate fly breeding sites (decaying matter).
  • Personal protection:
    • Insect repellents (DEET).
    • Protective clothing in endemic areas.
    • Window/door screens.
  • Animal husbandry:
    • Prompt wound care in animals.
    • Controlled insecticide use on livestock.
  • Community measures:
    • Fly traps, baits.

⭐ Human botfly (Dermatobia hominis) uses mosquitoes as phoretic vectors for egg delivery to hosts.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Myiasis: Infestation of live vertebrate tissue by dipterous larvae (maggots).
  • Key types: Furuncular (boil-like, central punctum), wound/traumatic, and cavitary (nasal, aural).
  • Caused by larvae of Dermatobia hominis (human botfly) and Cordylobia anthropophaga (tumbu fly).
  • Screwworm myiasis (Cochliomyia, Chrysomya) is highly destructive, often in wounds.
  • Diagnosis: Direct visualization of larvae; occlusion (e.g., petroleum jelly) aids emergence.
  • Management: Mechanical removal of larvae is primary; oral ivermectin as adjunct_._

Practice Questions: Myiasis

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