Neonatal Cutaneous Myiasis: A Mistaken Identity for Impetigo

Iyabode Olabisi Florence Dedeke,Samsudeen Opeyemi Alao,Joyce Anwuri Akinseinde,Babatunde Hakeem Soile,Efe Evwibovwe,Dominic Donatus Agbo

doi:10.4236/ojped.2019.92014

Abstract

Introduction: Myiasis is a parasitic infestation of the animal body by fly larvae that grow inside the host and feed from its tissue. Myiasis occurs when eggs laid by female flies come in contact with the human skin where they feed and develop into the larvae. Greater numbers are noted in the less-developed countries where environmental hygiene remains a problem. Case Report: A case of a previously healthy 10-day old female neonate delivered in a specialist hospital but was infested by the larval forms of the blowfly with over 50 papules widely distributed to all parts of the body excluding the diaper area which was initially mistaken for impetigo. Conclusion: This case is to heighten the index of suspicion in this category of babies especially in endemic settings and reiterate the need to handle newborn clothing with better care such as ironing especially where such articles are aired in the open.

Highlights

Myiasis is a parasitic infestation of the animal body by fly larvae that grow inside the host and feed from its tissue
Case Report: A case of a previously healthy 10-day old female neonate delivered in a specialist hospital but was infested by the larval forms of the blowfly with over 50 papules widely distributed to all parts of the body excluding the diaper area which was initially mistaken for impetigo
Cutaneous myiasis in neonates is rare in urban settings

Summary

Introduction

Myiasis is the infestation by larvae of diptera on man and animals. Myiasis has a global distribution, with more cases seen in the low-income countries in the tropical regions of the world. Myiasis occurring in the neonatal period has been documented in Nigeria especially in rural settings [2] [3]. Cutaneous myiasis occurs when these flies lay their eggs directly on debris or wound and occasionally on clothing (which may come in contact with the human skin). A female fly can lay as much as 500 eggs which hatch into larvae within a day. These larvae feed on dead or decaying organic material, host dead or living tissue and body substances and live for around one week, the maggots crawl out to a cool, dry place to transform into pupae, from which adult flies emerge [5] [6]

Case Report

Discussion

Conclusion