Myiasis

Abstract

Myiasis is defined as the infestation of live vertebrates (humans and/or animals) with dipterous larvae. In mammals (including humans), dipterous larvae can feed on the host's living or dead tissue, liquid body substance, or ingested food and cause a broad range of infestations depending on the body location and the relationship of the larvae with the host. In this review, we deeply discuss myiasis as a worldwide infestation with different agents and with its broad scenario of clinical manifestations as well as diagnosis techniques and treatment.

Fig 1

Taxonomy of the Diptera. Species within the dashed lines are reported to cause human myiasis and are included in the corresponding group. See Table 3 for references.

Fig 2

Taxonomic division of the Calyptratae.

Fig 3

Dermatobia hominis larva. Shown is a picture of the larva itself in a green sheet.

Fig 4

Furuncular myiasis. Shown is an initial lesion on the face.

Fig 5

Furuncular myiasis on the scalp due to Dermatobia hominis. Note the bald area on the scalp with a small ulcer.

Fig 6

Myiasis due to C. hominivorax in a B lymphoma patient. Shown is a huge ulcer filled with larvae.

Fig 7

C. hominivorax myiasis. Shown is a closer view of the huge ulcer in Fig. 6 showing many larvae in detail.

Fig 8

C. hominivorax myiasis in a basal cell carcinoma case. Shown are many large myiasis larvae.

Fig 9

Otoscopy in a leprosy patient with otomyiasis. Otoscopy shows a larva.

Fig 10

Otomyiasis due to C. hominivorax. Shown is a picture of the larva itself in a blue sheet.