Knowra Myiasis Myiasis Myiasis is infestation of living humans or other vertebrates by fly larvae that feed on host tissue or bodily substances. It can be classified by the larvae’s relationship to the host and their site of infestation.
Diptera : Diptera is the insect order comprising flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and midges. Myiasis-causing species belong to this order of insects.
Cutaneous myiasis : Cutaneous myiasis is infestation of the skin by fly larvae. It includes furuncular, migratory, and wound-associated forms.
Dermatobia hominis : Dermatobia hominis is a Neotropical botfly whose larvae cause furuncular myiasis in humans and other mammals. Its larvae enter skin after phoretic transfer by blood-feeding insects.
Maggot debridement therapy : Maggot debridement therapy uses sterilized fly larvae to remove dead tissue from chronic wounds. It applies larval feeding under controlled conditions rather than treating uncontrolled myiasis.
Ophthalmomyiasis : Ophthalmomyiasis is infestation of the eye or ocular tissues by fly larvae. This organ-specific form can threaten vision and requires prompt assessment.
Fly life cycle : The fly life cycle proceeds through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Myiasis occurs when the larval stage develops on or within a vertebrate host.
Furuncular myiasis : Furuncular myiasis is a skin infestation in which a larva creates a boil-like lesion. The larva develops within a localized skin nodule, often with a breathing pore.
Cordylobia anthropophaga : Cordylobia anthropophaga is an African tumbu fly whose larvae cause furuncular myiasis. Its larvae commonly penetrate skin after contact with contaminated soil or drying laundry.
Dermoscopy : Dermoscopy is examination of skin with a magnifying device and specialized illumination. It can help visualize a larva or breathing pore in cutaneous infestation.
Cavitary myiasis : Cavitary myiasis is infestation of a body cavity, such as the nose, ear, or mouth, by fly larvae. Larvae in cavities can damage mucosa, cartilage, or nearby structures.
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