Nasal myiasis caused by Musca domestica in patients with respiratory failure: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Nasal myiasis is a nasal infestation caused by myiasis parasitizing on the nasal cavity, is a rare parasitic disease. The nasal cavity is close to the sinuses, eyes, and cranial cavity, once the fly larvae migrate into this location, it may lead to serious consequences. Timely and effective removal of maggots and proper treatment can effectively avoid further deterioration of the disease. Here, we describe a 55 year-old woman admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with severe respiratory failure. On the 4th day after admission, the patient was still unconscious and several white worms crawled out of the nasal cavity. Through identification, the worm was Musca domestica larvae. And then we performed saline irrigation under nasal endoscope and anti-inflammatory therapy on this patient to prevent intracranial infection. After treatment, the patient's symptoms were controlled, and the prognosis of the patient was good till date of 1month of follow up. We present a literature review about the report of nasal myiasis caused by Musca domestica and discussed the susceptibility factors and treatment modalities for nasal myiasis.