Nasal myiasis under direct bronchoscopic visualization.

Area of Science:

• Medical Entomology
• Clinical Case Reports
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Nasal myiasis is an infestation of the nasal cavity by dipteran larvae.
• It is uncommon in developed countries but can occur in immunocompromised individuals.
• Septic shock and metastatic prostate cancer represent severe comorbidities that may increase susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of nasal myiasis in a patient with severe systemic illness.
• To illustrate the utility of flexible bronchoscopy for direct visualization of nasal myiasis.
• To identify the specific larval species responsible for the myiasis.

Main Methods:

• Direct visualization using flexible bronchoscopy.
• Microbiological analysis for larval identification.
• Clinical case review of a patient with septic shock and metastatic prostate cancer.

Main Results:

• Flexible bronchoscopy allowed direct visualization of Lucilia sericata larvae in the nasal cavity.
• The patient presented with septic shock and metastatic prostate cancer, indicating a severely compromised state.
• Microbiology confirmed the presence of Lucilia sericata larvae.

Conclusions:

• Nasal myiasis can occur in critically ill patients with advanced cancer.
• Flexible bronchoscopy is an effective tool for diagnosing and visualizing nasal myiasis.
• Prompt identification of the causative agent, Lucilia sericata, is crucial for appropriate management.