An infestation by larvae of flies.
Infection or infestation with the larvae of flies, most often through a wound or other opening.
An infestation of living human tissue or organs by maggots, which are flies in an immature stage. Myiasis may be caused by the larvae of several different species of flies, called myiatic flies. Most of these flies exist in regions including central and tropical Africa, Central America, and South America. In most cases, the larvae of the flies penetrate the skin either when direct contact is made with infested soil or when an insect carrier, such as a mosquito, transmits the larvae by biting a person. Some females of a certain species of flies deposit eggs on the edges of a person’s open wounds or sores and on healthy mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth or nose. Generally, the larvae feed on the host, mature to the next stage, and drop off.
An infestation of a living organ or tissue by maggots. The flies normally breed in decaying animal and vegetable matter; myiasis therefore generally occurs only in regions of poor hygiene, and in most cases the infestations are accidental. Various genera may infect man. Gasterophilus, Hypoderma, Dermatobia, and Cordylobia affect the skin; Faimia invades the alimentary canal and the urinary system; Phormia and Wohlfahrtia infest open wounds and ulcers; Oestrus attacks the eyes; and Cocbliomyia invades the nasal passages. Treatment of external myiases involves the destruction and removal of maggots followed by the application of antibiotics to wounds and lesions.
Infestation of the skin, deeper tissues or the intestine by larvae of the tropical tumbu fly.
Infestation by the larvae (maggots) of flies. It may be caused by cutaneous, intestinal, or atrial (within a cavity such as mouth, nose, eye, sinus, vagina, urethra).
Infestation by fly larvae, known as myiasis, is predominantly prevalent in tropical regions. In Africa, for instance, the tumbu fly deposits its eggs on damp clothing left outdoors. These eggs hatch into larvae that penetrate the skin, resulting in boil-like swellings. Other types of flies lay eggs in wounds, on the skin, or even within the ears and nose. In some cases, the larvae can burrow deeply into tissues. Additionally, intestinal infestation can transpire after consuming contaminated food.
Skin myiasis is managed by administering drops of oil onto the affected area. This prompts the larva to emerge, allowing for its safe extraction. For instances where the infestation has reached deeper tissues, surgical intervention might be necessary. In the case of intestinal myiasis, a laxative is used as treatment. Preventive measures encompass keeping flies at bay from food, ensuring that open wounds are covered, and meticulously ironing clothes that have been air-dried outdoors.