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Human external ophthalmomyiasis occurring in Barbados.
P N Levett1, L Brooker, C Reifer
1School of Clinical Medicine and Research, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, The University of the West Indies, Barbados, West Indies. plevett@health.gov.sk.ca
The West Indian Medical Journal
|September 9, 2004
Summary
Human infection with the sheep nasal botfly (Oestrus ovis) is rare, especially in the Americas. This study documents the first Caribbean case in Barbados, successfully treated by removing larvae.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Parasitology
- Public Health
Background:
- Human infections with Oestrus ovis, the sheep nasal botfly, are infrequent globally.
- Cases are typically associated with ocular exposure to adult flies.
- Oestrus ovis infections are seldom reported in the Americas.
Observation:
- A case of Oestrus ovis infection occurred in an urban setting in Barbados.
- This represents the first documented instance of this infection in the Caribbean region.
- The patient presented with conjunctival infestation by botfly larvae.
Findings:
- The patient's infection was successfully treated.
- Treatment involved the physical removal of Oestrus ovis larvae from the conjunctiva.
- Symptomatic management was also provided to the patient.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for Oestrus ovis infections in new geographical areas, including urban Caribbean environments.
- Emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing ocular myiasis caused by Oestrus ovis.
- Suggests the need for increased awareness and surveillance of Oestrus ovis infections in tropical and subtropical regions.