J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2022 Sep;26(3):148-150. 10.14193/jkfas.2022.26.3.148.

Myiasis with Larvae of Sarcophaga Species in a Diabetic Foot with Gangrene in Korea: A Case Report

• Jang H
• Kim TH
• Yoon YK
• Park JH
• Suk YJ
• Yong TS
• Lee JW
• Park KH

• KMID: 2533198
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14193/jkfas.2022.26.3.148

Abstract

Myiasis is the parasitic infestation of the body of a live animal by fly larvae that grow inside the host while feeding on its tissue. Necrotic tissue is a favorable environment for larvae to thrive, which can be seen easily in patients with a diabetic foot. Myiasis in a diabetic foot is rare but is constantly being reported. The common larvae genera causing myiasis are Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, and Muscidae. This paper reports a rare case of sarcophaga myiasis in a diabetic foot. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first case report in Korea regarding human myiasis with the sarcophaga genus.

Keyword

Diabetic foot; Myiasis; Sarcophagidae

Figure

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  Figure 1 Initial clinical photograph of left foot with gangrenous change and maggots in the first webspace.

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  Figure 2 Preoperative image studies. (A) Dorsoplantar radiograph of left foot shows osteolysis of fourth proximal phalanx (arrow). (B) Internal oblique radiograph of left foot shows osteolysis of fifth proximal phalanx (arrow). (C) Computed tomography of left foot shows gas formation on fourth webspace (arrow).

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  Figure 3 Macroscopic view of extracted maggot. (A) The length of larvae was 11 mm. (B) Anterior view of larvae ×16 magnification. (C) Posterior view of larvae ×16 magnification.

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  Figure 4 Optic microscope view of extract maggot. (A) Three pairs of posterior spiracle and spiracular slits not pointing toward opening in peritreme can be seen in ×890 magnification. (B) Small pores listed in a row on anterior spiracle can be seen in ×1,400 magnification.

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