Oral myiasis in a patient with neurological deficit - Case report

Abstract

The term "myiasis" refers to human and animal parasites caused by fly larvae. The clinical manifestations of myiasis are not specific, they vary according to the area of the body involved and the species of fly. It is strongly associated with poor oral hygiene and is seen in people with predisposing conditions, such as lack of lip sealing due to malocclusion, tooth extraction, decreased body resistance, malnutrition, open-mouth breathing (especially during sleep), alcoholism, senility, neurological disorder, hemiplegia and facial trauma. The present work describes the particularities of diagnosis and treatment of a case of oral myiasis. A 17-year-old male patient with neurological deficit, totally dependent on his daily life activities. Oral examination revealed poor oral hygiene, presence of periodontitis and lesions in the palate and gingival regions, with swelling and presence of large numbers of larvae. Surgery under local anaesthesia was performed. After exposure of the affected region, the larvae were removed. Sixty-two larvae of various sizes were observed. Early and correct diagnosis of oral myiasis can be easily treated by the dentist by mechanical removal of the larvae with or without the use of local chemicals, with a favourable prognosis.