Ann Dermatol.  2014 Oct;26(5):632-635. 10.5021/ad.2014.26.5.632.

Dermatobia hominis: Small Migrants Hidden in Your Skin

• Zammarchi
• Viligiardi R
• Strohmeyer M
• Bartoloni

• KMID: 2265503
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2014.26.5.632

Abstract

Myiasis is a parasitic infestation of vertebrate animal tissues due to maggots of two-winged flies (Diptera) that feed on living or necrotic tissue. Dermatobia hominis occurs widely in tropical parts of Latin America; it is the most common cause of furuncular myiasis in this region. The continuous increase in international travel has increased the possibility of observing this pathology outside endemic countries, especially in travelers returning from the tropics. If clinicians are aware of the possibility of the disease and its treatment options, this dermatosis can be easily managed. However, diagnostic delay is very common because the disease is often misdiagnosed as a bacterial skin infection. Here, we report 2 cases of furuncular myiasis caused by D. hominis in travelers returning to Italy from Latin America. Surgical and noninvasive treatment approaches are also described.

Keyword

Dermatobia hominis; Furuncular myiasis; Latin America; Occlusive treatment; Surgical treatment

MeSH Terms

Animals
Diptera
Humans
Italy
Larva
Latin America
Myiasis
Pathology
Skin Diseases
Skin*
Transients and Migrants*
Vertebrates

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Case 1. Furuncular lesion in the scalp with visible maggot spiracle.

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  Fig. 2 Case 1. Two of the three third instar maggots extracted; the third was crushed during the procedure.

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  Fig. 3 Case 2. Furuncular lesion in the skin of the interscapular region with visible maggot spiracle.

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  Fig. 4 Case 2. Soft tissue ultrasound showing a hypoechoic lozenge-shaped formation in the context of the skin.

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  Fig. 5 Case 2. Third instar maggots extracted, with the posterior side containing the spiracle damaged.

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