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Published on: August 12, 2020
Umbilical Myiasis Associated with Staphylococcus Aureus Sepsis in a neonate
Soumya Patra1, Radheshyam Purkait, Rajarshi Basu
1Department of Paediatric Medicine, N.R.S Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Journal of Clinical Neonatology
|September 13, 2013
Summary
Umbilical cord myiasis, a rare fly larva infection, can cause neonatal sepsis in newborns. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this unusual infection in infants, particularly in tropical regions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Myiasis is a tropical/subtropical infection of mammalian tissue by fly larvae.
- While common in animals, human myiasis, especially in neonates, is infrequent.
- Umbilical myiasis in newborns is exceptionally rare, particularly when linked to sepsis.
Observation:
- A 7-day-old neonate from a rural area presented with symptoms of neonatal sepsis.
- Clinical examination revealed myiasis of the umbilical cord.
- The causative agent was identified as the larval form of the blow fly, Chrysomya megacephala.
Findings:
- The neonate's sepsis was directly attributed to umbilical cord myiasis.
- This case represents a rare instance of Chrysomya megacephala causing neonatal infection.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for rare infections like umbilical myiasis to cause severe neonatal conditions such as sepsis.
- Emphasizes the need for increased awareness among healthcare providers in endemic areas.
- Suggests the importance of hygiene and vector control in preventing neonatal myiasis.
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