External ophthalmomyiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis. A retrospective study of nine cases and a review of the literature

Abstract

Purpose: To report nine cases of external ophthalmomyiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis.

Methods: Retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series. Participants consisted of patients (n = 9) presenting at Cayenne Hospital between 1968 and 2003. The location and number of larvae, the larval stage, and the medical and surgical procedures applied were studied in each case.

Results: Seven patients had palpebral myiasis (including one with three larvae) and two had conjunctival myiasis. Every patient had palpebral oedema. The larval respiratory pore was located on the palpebral skin or free margin or on the conjunctiva. Movements were present within the lesion in at least three patients. Petroleum ointment or ivermectine solution was used in at least four patients to smother or kill the larvae. Extraction under local anaesthesia was possible in six patients, while three required general anaesthesia.

Conclusion: Several larvae may be present in a patient. Topical ivermectine may help to kill the larvae before extraction is attempted.