A silent, trapped guest in the maxillary sinus: Oestrus ovis myiasis with unusual presentation (with CARE guideline)

Abstract

IntroductionA sheep bot fly, Oestrus ovis, is an obligate parasite that is found worldwide, especially widespread in the Mediterranean areas and Middle Eastern. Interestingly, in this report, a case with an L3 larva trapped in the human maxillary sinus with other stage larvae is presented. Case summaryA 32-year-old female patient has no symptoms until the larva is expelled by sneezing. Endoscopic examination was normal on admission. Paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) revealed left maxillary sinus soft tissue density. Uncinectomy and middle meatal antrostomy was performed to remove the infection and larvae. DiscussionHuman ophthalmic and nasopharyngeal myiasis have been documented but asymptomatic maxillary sinus myiasis is unusual and not reported. Due to changes in environmental factors, this atypical infection may occur with an unexpected presentation.