Oral myiasis: a case report and literature review

Myiasis is the infestation of tissues and organs of animals and humans by certain Dipteran fly larvae. This phenomenon is well documented in the skin, especially among animals and people in tropical and subtropical areas. Oral myiasis is a rare condition and can be caused by several species of Dipteran fly larvae and may be secondary to serious medical conditions. Upon removal of the larvae, the tissues seem to recover with no subsequent complications and with no need for further treatment. Here we describe a case of oral myiasis within the gingiva of a healthy young man caused by the larvae of Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Family Sarcophagidae), in which infection may have been due to ingestion of infested flesh. Reviewing the literature revealed that most cases of oral myiasis tend to be multiple and to occur in anterior segments of the jaws rather than in posterior segments as in the case we describe here.