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[A human case of internal myiasis in Korea]
1Department of Parasitology, Inha University College of Medicine, Inchon, Korea.
Abstract:
A 71-year old male patient was admitted in Inha hospital due to right facial palsy, quadriplegia and aphasia. This patient was operated to replace his heart values 7 years ago and has been treated with Coumarin, an anti-coagulant drug, to prevent the formation of thrombus in the heart. A number of fly maggots continuously crawled out from the nasogastric tube set up for supplying a liquid diet and patient's mouth for 2 days until his death in the intensive care unit of hospital. These maggots were about 11.5 mm long on the average and identified as genus Lucilia belonging to family Calliphoridae. The lesion of this myiasis case might be regarded in the gastro-intestinal system of patient. This is the first report of an internal myiasis case in Korea.
Insights
A rare case of internal myiasis occurred in a patient with a history of heart valve replacement and anticoagulant therapy. Fly maggots were found emerging from the patient
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Clinical Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- A 71-year-old male patient presented with neurological deficits including right facial palsy, quadriplegia, and aphasia.
- The patient had a history of heart valve replacement surgery 7 years prior and was on Coumarin (an anticoagulant) to prevent thrombus formation.
Observation:
- During intensive care, fly maggots were observed emerging from the patient's nasogastric tube and mouth over a two-day period.
- The maggots, averaging 11.5 mm in length, were identified as belonging to the genus Lucilia (family Calliphoridae).
Findings:
- The case is diagnosed as internal myiasis, with the gastro-intestinal system suspected as the primary site of infestation.
- This represents the first reported case of internal myiasis in Korea.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for opportunistic infections in vulnerable patients, including those with indwelling medical devices.
- Underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for unusual infestations in clinical settings.
- Suggests a need for further investigation into risk factors and prevention strategies for internal myiasis in immunocompromised or debilitated individuals.