Bilateral aural myiasis (Wohlfahrtia magnifica): a case with chronic suppurative otitis media

Abstract

Myiasis is a disease caused by fly larvae and aural myiasis is a rare clinic condition often occuring in children or mentally retarded people. We report the case of an unusual presentation of a bilateral aural myiasis in a mentally retarded patient with bilateral chronic otitis media caused by the third instar larvae of Wohlfahrtia magnifica. Two larvae were located on the other ear canal while two additional larvae were located in the middle ear cavity and were removed through perforation of the tympanic membrane. Treatment of aural myiasis is based on removal of the maggots and cleansing of the ear with ethanol, chloroform or physiological saline. Physiological saline is preferred in patients who have tympanic membrane perforation. Myiasis is related to personal hygiene. Therefore, in order to decrease the incidence of these infestations, care and hygiene standards should be carried out for those at risk.