Furuncular Myiasis: Alternatives to Bacon Therapy-Reply

Abstract

In Reply. —We appreciate hearing from Drs Biggar, O'Connor, and Thelin about their experiences with furuncular myiasis and alternative treatments for this problem. Almost any occlusive agent will probably work, and a large number of different compounds have been tried. They all presumably cause larvae to egress from the skin by interfering with their air supply. Bacon therapy is a safe, highly effective, and efficient treatment that led to intact larval removal within 2 to 3 hours. All three letters refer to infestation caused by tumbu larvae ( Cordylobia anthropophaga , found in tropical Africa) Bacon therapy was used to treat botfly infestation ( Dermatobia hominis , found in Central and South America). Despite many similarities, there are important differences between the two types of myiasis that are reviewed in our article. Botfly larvae are larger and have abdominal hooklets anchoring them under the skin; perhaps this explains why our patients noted intermittent pain,