Human vaginal myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax

Homeopathic Sulphur Ointment as Adjuvant in the Treatment of Sheep with Myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae): A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a serious problem in animal health. Homeopathic Sulphur presents similarity with the clinical presentation verified in these cases and has already shown in vitro efficacy on the blowfly that causes this pathology. This article presents the report of a series of clinical cases of myiasis by C. hominivorax in sheep that underwent adjuvant treatment with homeopathic Sulphur and presents a theoretical-scientific discussion of biological events related to the clinical treatment of the condition.

PATIENTS

Seven naturally occurring myiases affecting sheep from an experimental farm were treated by an ointment impregnated with the homeopathic medicine Sulph 12cH, used as adjuvant after the manual removal of accessible larvae from the wound during wound cleaning. The animals were treated daily and evaluated clinically until complete healing of the lesions. Clinical information on the evolution of the inflammatory and scarring process was collected. Blood counts and bacteriological examinations were performed before and after topical homeopathic treatment.

RESULTS

The homeopathic ointment Sulph 12cH was able to inhibit the development of parasitic C. hominivorax larvae and promote tissue repair and healing in naturally occurring myiasis in the sheep of this study.

CONCLUSION

The homeopathic medicine Sulphur, formulated as an ointment, may be a useful new and adjuvant therapeutic option for treating myiasis in animals.

Design and Optimization of a Natural Medicine from Copaifera reticulata Ducke for Skin Wound Care

In this study, we developed a bioadhesive emulsion-filled gel containing a high amount of Copaifera reticulata Ducke oil-resin as a veterinary or human clinical proposal. The phytotherapeutic system had easy preparation, low cost, satisfactory healing ability, and fly repellency, making it a cost-effective clinical strategy for wound care and myiasis prevention. Mechanical, rheological, morphological, and physical stability assessments were performed. The results highlight the crosslinked nature of the gelling agent, with three-dimensional channel networks stabilizing the Copaifera reticulata Ducke oil-resin (CrD-Ore). The emulgel presented antimicrobial activity, satisfactory adhesion, hardness, cohesiveness, and viscosity profiles, ensuring the easy spreading of the formulation. Considering dermatological application, the oscillatory responses showed a viscoelastic performance that ensures emulgel retention at the action site, reducing the dosage frequencies. In Vivo evaluations were performed using a case report to treat ulcerative skin wounds aggravated by myiasis in calves and heifers, which demonstrated healing, anti-inflammatory, and repellent performance for the emulsion-filled gel. The emulgel preparation, which is low in cost, shows promise as a drug for wound therapy.

Molecular basis of resistance to organophosphate insecticides in the New World screw-worm fly

Background

The emergence of insecticide resistance is a fast-paced example of the evolutionary process of natural selection. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis of resistance in the myiasis-causing fly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) to dimethyl-organophosphate (OP) insecticides.

Methods

By sequencing the RNA from surviving larvae treated with dimethyl-OP (resistant condition) and non-treated larvae (control condition), we identified genes displaying condition-specific polymorphisms, as well as those differentially expressed.

Results

Both analyses revealed that resistant individuals have altered expression and allele-specific expression of genes involved in proteolysis (specifically serine-endopeptidase), olfactory perception and cuticle metabolism, among others. We also confirmed that resistant individuals carry almost invariably the Trp251Ser mutation in the esterase E3, known to confer OP and Pyrethroid resistance. Interestingly, genes involved in metabolic and detoxifying processes (notably cytochrome P450s) were found under-expressed in resistant individuals. An exception to this were esterases, which were found up-regulated.

Conclusions

These observations suggest that reduced penetration and aversion to dimethyl-OP contaminated food may be important complementary strategies of resistant individuals. The specific genes and processes found are an important starting point for future functional studies. Their role in insecticide resistance merits consideration to better the current pest management strategies.

A review on the occurrence of Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Brazil

Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel, 1858), the New World screwworm, causes primary myiasis in wild and domestic animals in tropical and subtropical regions of Brazil. Although this species is considered to occur throughout the country, organized information about its recorded distribution has not been available until now. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the historical and current data published on both immature (myiasis) and adult stages of C. hominivorax in Brazil. A total of 174 articles were found; of these, 141 articles reported myiasis cases in cattle (146 records), humans (68 records), and other mammalian hosts (40 records), and captures of adult flies were reported in 33 articles. C. hominivorax is widespread in Brazil, having been recorded in 208 municipalities in all major biomes of the country.

Umbilical Myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax in an Infant in Colombia

Myasis is the infestation by fly larvae (Diptera) in live vertebrates including humans. Myasis has been reported most commonly in tropical and subtropical areas around the world with poor sanitation and presence of cattle. Neonatal umbilical myiasis is an important cause of death in bovines and produces major economic losses in the livestock industry. However, its presentation in humans is rare, with a few cases reported worldwide. Moreover, umbilical myasis can be life-treating due to the risk of larvae migration to deeper tissues of the abdomen, omphalitis, and sepsis. We describe the case of a 7-day-old infant admitted to the hospital due to umbilical cord myiasis. In total, 55 larvae were removed from the wound and identified as Cochliomyia hominivorax. The patient recovered satisfactorily after treatment with ivermectin and amoxicillin. A literature search was performed in Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs and Google Scholar, with 64 cases of myasis by C. hominivorax being reviewed. Oral cavity, wounds, scalp and natural orifices are the main affected anatomical areas. Risk factors include the extremes of age, male sex, poor hygiene, alcohol and drug use, cancer, and mental disability. Programs for human myiasis prevention and surveillance are needed in neotropical areas where living conditions make it difficult to implement control strategies.

Occurrence of human urogenital myiasis due to neglected personal hygiene: a review

Myiasis, the infestation of tissues or organs of vertebrate animals with dipteran larvae, is a common parasitic problem among domestic and wild mammals. The condition, which is also witnessed in humans, is relatively frequent in rural areas where people are in close contact with domestic animals. It is a subject of medical and veterinary importance, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Human myiasis is generally encountered in open neglected wounds but can also affect body orifices with foetid discharge, such as the oral cavity, eyes, ears, anus and urogenital tract. Urogenital myiasis involves infestation of the urinary tract, as well as genital organs such as vaginal or penile orifices, with fly larvae. The condition is a rare among humans inhabiting developed countries but relatively more common in patients of low socio-economic status with poor hygienic conditions in developing countries. Damage varies from superficial to massive infestation, which may result in severe problems or even death of the individual. In the present study, the authors reviewed the past literature describing the cases of human urogenital myiasis, causative fly species and risk factors. The aim of the present article is to document the predisposing risk factors and provide guidelines for prevention and control of urogenital myiasis among humans. Besides poor genital hygienic conditions, other factors leading to urogenital myiasis include psychiatric disorders, the use of urinary catheters and uterine prolapse. Prevention of the condition is of utmost importance and involves the dressing and covering of open wounds, maintaining proper personal hygiene and control of fly populations.

Ophthalmomyiasis in a case of basal cell carcinoma of eyelid

Ocular myiasis is a rare disease with invasion of the lids, conjunctiva, cornea and, rarely, orbit or globe of the mammalian eye by dipteral larvae.We report a case of a 74-year-old woman with chronic, infiltrating, ulcerative lesion of the left lower eyelid, which was confirmed as basal cell carcinoma subsequently, having ophthalmomyiasis.She was a destitute, living in unhygienic environmental conditions and having poor general health. She developed permanent blindness as a result of ophthalmomyiasis of the left eye. Proper wound care, hygiene and adequate nutrition helped her recover from the illness.

A rare case of digital myiasis

Cutaneous myiasis is the infestation of the skin or mucous membranes by larvae of the order Diptera. Wound myiasis affect the skin with a previous lesion, and it may consume both dead and living tissue. Finger infestation is rarely a cause of death, but it may provoke considerable morbidity. Prompt wound exploration and careful total larvae removal is essential to achieve healing. In the reported case, the patient was presented in an advanced stage of the infestation, with a large area of finger necrosis and amputation, associated with cellulitis extending from the finger's base to the hand. This diagnosis helped uncover a familiar history of severe abuse and neglect. The accurate understanding and management of such injuries are important not only for the orthopaedic treatment but also for the acknowledgment of their social and forensic implications.

Orbital Myiasis with Scalp Pediculosis and Buccal Abscess-An Uncommon Presentation

We present a case of severe orbital myiasis caused by Osteris ovis, also known as sheep nasal botfly which is an uncommon manifestation of maggot infestation. Our patient was successfully treated with oral as well as topical ivermectin. The experience of ivermectin as an anti-parasitic agent in the treatment of orbital myiasis, although a known entity, is still limited among medical professionals including ophthalmologists. Thus, we would like to highlight the role of oral ivermectin as an anti-parasitic agent in the treatment of orbital myiasis facilitating the removal of maggots; thus, precluding the need for exploratory surgery.

First report of Oriental latrine flies causing vaginal myiasis in human

The present paper reports a case of human vaginal myiasis in a 22 year old woman. This is the first report of this fly species to cause vaginal myiasis in human till now. The infested maggots were removed from the vagina and cultured in laboratory. Entomological studies on the emerged flies showed that the infested larvae were Oriental latrine fly Chrysomya megacephala Fabricius. Clinical presentation and treatment strategies are discussed also.

Myiasis

Myiasis is defined as the infestation of live vertebrates (humans and/or animals) with dipterous larvae. In mammals (including humans), dipterous larvae can feed on the host's living or dead tissue, liquid body substance, or ingested food and cause a broad range of infestations depending on the body location and the relationship of the larvae with the host. In this review, we deeply discuss myiasis as a worldwide infestation with different agents and with its broad scenario of clinical manifestations as well as diagnosis techniques and treatment.

Role of ivermectin in the treatment of severe orbital myiasis due to Cochliomyia hominivorax

We describe 2 patients with severe orbital myiasis due to Cochliomyia hominivorax (of the order Diptera and the family Calliphoridae) who had underlying skin carcinomas and were treated with oral ivermectin and debridement. We suggest that ivermectin plays an important role in the treatment of severe cases of myiasis.