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Cutaneous myiasis: Think beyond furunculosis.
Vikas Pathania1, A W Kashif2, R N Aggarwal3
1Classified Specialist (Dermatology), Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune 411040, India.
Medical Journal, Armed Forces India
|August 11, 2018
Summary
Cutaneous myiasis, a skin infestation by fly larvae, is often misdiagnosed. This study highlights its presentation in individuals stationed in endemic areas, with lesions typically on covered body parts and resolving within days of maggot extraction.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cutaneous myiasis involves skin infestation by Diptera larvae (maggots).
- Furuncular myiasis presents diagnostic challenges, especially in travelers and expatriates.
- It is increasingly reported globally as a 'vacation disease'.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation of cutaneous furuncular myiasis in Indian patients.
- To increase awareness of this endemic infestation among healthcare professionals.
- To document the management and resolution of myiasis in a field hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- A study of 16 Indian male patients with cutaneous furuncular myiasis.
- Data collected on clinical presentation, lesion sites, and larval extraction.
- Observation of resolution period and any complications post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Patients averaged 29 years old with a 4-day infestation duration.
- Lesions were most common on the anterior abdomen (56.25%) and chest (37.5%).
- Larvae (Cordylobia anthropophaga) extraction led to an average 6-day resolution.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous furuncular myiasis can mimic pyoderma, posing diagnostic difficulties.
- Awareness is crucial for physicians encountering imported or 'exported' cases.
- Prompt larval extraction facilitates rapid resolution of the infestation.
