Umbilical Myiasis by Cochliomyia hominivorax in an Infant in Colombia

Ophthalmomyiasis in a preterm neonate resulting in blindness: A case report from Botswana

Myiasis is an infestation of human tissue by insect larvae. While rare, healthcare-associated myiasis has been reported from immobilized patients in resource-limited healthcare facilities in warm climates without adequate vector control measures. We describe a case of Ophthalmomyiasis in a hospitalized neonate in Botswana that resulted in vision loss. The neonate, who was initially hospitalized due to the complications of prematurity, received phototherapy for jaundice, and to avoid phototherapy-related retinopathy, the neonate's eyes were covered using cotton gauze and adhesive tapes that potentially damaged the skin as commercially available eye covering was not in stock. Therefore, eye covering was not changed and when the eye covering was removed almost 3 days after placement, insect larvae were noted in the patient's eyes and nose. Ophthalmologic evaluation revealed perforated corneal ulcer and uveal prolapse in the right eye resulting in complete blindness and corneal scarring of the left eye. The patient's clinical course was further complicated by an Enterobacter species bloodstream infection. This case highlights the importance of vector control as a major patient safety measure for neonatal units in warm climates. Flies had been observed in the room and mitigation measures included reducing fly populations through traps, screens, and removal of standing water and leftover food. Every mother and staff were sanitizing hands when entering the room and gowns were used. This case also reinforces the importance to conduct vigilant monitoring of patients, especially neonates with eyes covered during phototherapy.

Impact of landfill garbage on insect ecology and human health

The landfill garbage includes organic and inorganic matter. The organic matter covers more than 50% of the total waste material. Due to improper management of landfill garbage, it causes serious risks to human health directly by the emission of toxic gasses. On the other hand, landfill sites are the natural habitat of several microbes and arthropods. The present discussion illustrates the impact of landfill garbage on insect ecology and human health. Here, we highlighted the arthropod density as well as diversity. Moreover, the population of insect vectors of various diseases, insect scavengers as well as pollinators has been pinpointed. It shows that landfill sites and adjacent areas are hotspots for a wide variety of arthropods. The proper management of landfill sites could reduce the population dynamics of various insect pests, and health risks could be decreased in low-and middle-income countries.

First report of furuncular myiasis in a domestic dog caused by Dermatobia hominis (Linnaeus, 1781) in Colombia

This paper reports a case of furuncular myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis in a domestic dog from Colombia. A male domestic dog, German shepherd breed, of approximately 2 years old was brought for medical consultation. The reason was the presence of one furuncular lesion and discomfort in the patient. Clinical examination revealed a wound over the sacral area similar to an inflammatory papule, with a central punctum exuding a serosanguinous discharge. In the medical examination was applied pressure around the wound, that allowed evidencing a larva inside the tissue. The applied treatment was surgical removal of the larva in the dog. Treatment was complemented with Cephalexin (20 mg / kg, twice a day orally for 7 days), Meloxicam (0.2 mg / kg, once a day orally for 3 days) and cleaning with chlorhexidine, three times a day until removal of points 7 days later. The larva was sent to Parasitology laboratory of the UDES for morphology identification. The larva was identified as Dermatobia hominis.