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Myiasis Overview - Maggot Mayhem

  • Definition: Tissue infestation by dipterous larvae (maggots) of flies.
  • Causative Flies (Order: Diptera):
    • Families: Calliphoridae (e.g., Chrysomya), Sarcophagidae (e.g., Sarcophaga), Oestridae (e.g., Hypoderma, Dermatobia).
    • Key Indian Example: Chrysomya bezziana (Old World screwworm).
  • Mode of Infestation:
    • Accidental: Larvae ingested/enter orifices (e.g., intestinal from Musca domestica).
    • Facultative: Larvae develop in decaying tissue or existing wounds.
    • Obligatory: Larvae require living tissue for development (most pathogenic).

Chrysomya bezziana is a significant cause of obligatory wound myiasis in India, where larvae invade living tissue.

Myiasis Classification - Invasion Sites

TypeCommon SitesKey Larvae ExamplesClinical Hint
CutaneousSkin
- FuruncularExposed areasDermatobia hominis, Cordylobia anthropophagaBoil-like lesion, central punctum, movement
- Creeping/MigratoryEpidermis/DermisGasterophilus spp., Hypoderma spp.Serpiginous, erythematous tracts
- Wound/TraumaticNeglected wounds, ulcersCochliomyia hominivorax, Wohlfahrtia spp., Chrysomya bezzianaLarvae in wound, tissue destruction
CavityNasopharynx, Orbit, Ear, Urogenital, IntestinalOestrus ovis, Fannia spp., Musca domesticaSite-specific (e.g., epistaxis, otorrhea, dysuria)
Systemic (Rare)Internal organsHypoderma spp. (visceral migration)Vague, severe systemic illness; often incidental

⭐ Wound myiasis, often caused by screwworm flies like Cochliomyia hominivorax, critically signals neglected wounds and can cause rapid tissue destruction.

Myiasis Clinicals - Spotting Squatters

  • Furuncular (e.g., Dermatobia hominis):

    • Painful, itchy, erythematous nodule.
    • Central pore (punctum) with serosanguinous discharge.
    • Sensation of movement; larva sometimes visible.
  • Creeping / Migratory (e.g., Gasterophilus, Hypoderma):

    • Serpiginous, erythematous, intensely pruritic linear tracts.
    • Larva migrates within epidermis.
  • Wound / Traumatic (e.g., Cochliomyia hominivorax):

    • Larvae infest pre-existing wounds or necrotic tissue.
    • Foul smell, pain, significant tissue destruction.
  • Cavitary (e.g., Oestrus ovis - nasal):

    • Site-specific symptoms:
      • Nasal: Obstruction, epistaxis, pain, foreign body sensation.
      • Auricular: Otalgia, discharge, sensation of crawling, tinnitus.
      • Ophthalmomyiasis: Interna (visual disturbance, pain) or Externa (foreign body sensation, redness, chemosis).

⭐ The characteristic central punctum in furuncular myiasis often intermittently extrudes serosanguinous fluid or the posterior end of the larva (the "breathing spiracles").

Myiasis Dx & Rx - Eviction Notice

  • Dx: Clinical (travel Hx, visualize larvae); larval ID (entomologist).
  • Rx: 📌 'Suffocate, Sedate, Snatch'
    • Occlusion (petroleum jelly) → Manual/Surgical extraction.
    • Wound care; antibiotics for secondary infection.
    • Oral Ivermectin (200 mcg/kg) for extensive/cavitary/difficult cases.
  • Prevention: Fly control, wound hygiene, protective clothing.

⭐ Occlusive therapy works by depriving the larva of oxygen, forcing it to migrate towards the surface for easier removal.

Surgical removal of Myiasis larva from eyelid

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Myiasis: Infestation of live human/animal tissue by dipterous larvae (maggots).
  • Furuncular myiasis (e.g., Dermatobia hominis, Tumbu fly): Boil-like lesion with a central punctum for larval respiration.
  • Wound myiasis (e.g., Screwworms like Cochliomyia): Larvae infest open wounds/cavities, causing aggressive tissue destruction.
  • Creeping myiasis (e.g., Gasterophilus): Characterized by migratory serpiginous erythematous tracts.
  • Diagnosis: Clinical by visualizing larvae (movement, bubbles at punctum); dermoscopy aids.
  • Treatment: Occlusion (petroleum jelly), surgical extraction, or oral ivermectin for extensive cases.

Practice Questions: Myiasis

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Following are larval control measures, except:

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Flashcards: Myiasis

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In Lepromin test, early or Fernandez test is positive within _____ hours if there is the erythema measuring >10 mm

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

In Lepromin test, early or Fernandez test is positive within _____ hours if there is the erythema measuring >10 mm

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