Cuterebra cutaneous myiasis: case report and world literature review

Abstract

Though rare, myiasis can occur in North America without a travel history. Awareness of this entity, its epidemiologic patterns and diagnostic characteristics, can prevent lengthy delays in diagnosis and unnecessary treatments.

First report of furuncular myiasis caused by the larva of botfly, Dermatobia hominis, in a Taiwanese traveler

“…After larval penetration, a small erythematous papule develops that later becomes a furuncular-like nodule and a central pore within the lesion allows exposure to air for larval respiration [12] . During a period of 5 to 10 weeks, the larva develops into the second and then third instars, and burrow deeper into the host's skin, forming a dome-shaped cavity [2] . Symptoms during the larval stage may include itching, a sensation of movement, lancinating pain, and a serosanguinous discharge [1,3] .…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] . Among these flies, D. hominis is the most common agent of both cutaneous myiasis and furuncular myiasis diagnosed in returning travelers [6][7][8][9] .…”

Human myiasis in rural South Africa is under-reported

“…[13] In the East ern Cape the observation was different, with 52% of cases (n=13) occurring in autumn (March -May) and 32% (n=8) in summer. In summer and autumn, the weather conditions recorded at Mthatha are favourable for fly activity and reproduction.…”

Imported and locally acquired human myiasis in Canada: a report of two cases

“…3 Myiasis in humans can be caused by flies native to North America, although people typically represent accidental hosts compared with the flies' usual host species, including livestock (e.g., cattle, goats and sheep) and rodents. 2,3,5 Flies that cause furuncular myiasis in North America include Hypoderma spe- cies, Wohlfahrtia vigil and, as seen in case 1, Cuterebra species.…”

“…2,3 The condition has several cutaneous manifestations, and can present as maggots in a wound, furuncles or migratory lesions. 2,3 Wound myiasis is the most common form of the condition in humans (although it is likely under reported because it is considered a natural sequelae of poorly managed wounds) and can even be encountered in nosocomial settings. 4 In North America, most reported cases are acquired during travel from tropical and subtropical climates.…”