Abstract
Myiasis is a skin infection caused by developing larvae (maggots) of various Diptera fly species. The two most frequent flies that cause human infestations around the world are Dermatobia hominis (human botfly) and Cordylobia anthropophaga (tumbu fly). Maggots have been found to infest the nose, ear, orbit, tracheostomy wound, face, gums, and serous cavities, among other places. Maggots at the colostomy site are an uncommon occurrence. We report a case of maggots infestation surrounding the colostomy site. We came across a rather rare finding in a patient with advanced inoperable rectum cancer who initially complained of persistent nonspecific pain, discomfort, and foul-smelling discharge from the colostomy site. The issue at hand was identified to be maggots, and their removal alleviated the patient's symptoms. We underline the importance of regularly monitoring stoma sites to avoid maggot infestation, especially in tropical regions.
Highlights
Maggot infestation is a parasitic infection caused by dipterous fly larvae, which feed on the living or dead tissues.[1]
The deposition of fly eggs on pus-discharging wounds is the main culprit behind wound myiasis.[2]
It is most common in rural areas of the tropical region especially in patients who have a variety of risk factors and comorbidities that make them more susceptible to this disease.[1]
Summary
Maggot infestation is a parasitic infection caused by dipterous fly larvae, which feed on the living or dead tissues.[1]. Its diagnosis is based on visualisation of larvae when superficial and symptoms, when found on internal organs.[2] Infestation is common in tropical areas including Nepal.[3] Patients have a variety of risk factors and comorbidities that make them more susceptible to this condition.
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