Introduction
Myiasis is a disease characterized by an infestation by fly larvae. The larvae survives on both the living and dead tissue, giving different symptoms. The symptoms may include boils on the scalp, legs face, forearms. Patient may complain of itchy, and tender skin lesions; Sometimes fever or swollen extremities; eye irritation, redness, pain, lacrimation in the eyes etc.
Alternative Names:
- Fly strike
- Fly blown
- Blowfly strike
Epidemiology:
Myiasis infestation varies as per the season, geographical location and life cycle of different types of flies. The tropical and subtropical regions like Africa and America, show higher rate of affections. A warm, moist environment helps the fly to survive easily; as a result summer is a peak period for Myiasis manifestation.
Subtypes:
Myiasis generally affected the skin, eyes, nasal, throat and urogenital region. The Presentations have following forms.
- Cutaneous presentations: Lesions on the skin which include furuncles and wound.
- Nasopharyngeal Myiasis: The throat, nose, pharynx and sinuses are seen as affected.
- Ophthalmomyiasis: The eyes and surrounding areas show the signs of affection.
- Urogenital Myiasis: Urogenital system including kidney and urinary tract show the symptoms and manifestations.
- Hematophagous Myiasis: It is seen in infants younger than 9 months in the endemic areas, though it is found rarely.
It can also be classified as, depending upon the choice of tissueinfested.
-
Obligate: The larvae feed on the living tissues. Seen in the tropical region.
-
Facultative: Flies residing and feeding themselves on wounds or innecrotic tissue. It is sometimes observed in the hospital staff. |