Occurrence of human urogenital myiasis due to neglected personal hygiene: a review.

Abstract

Myiasis, the infestation of tissues or organs of vertebrate animals with dipteran larvae, is a common parasitic problem among domestic and wild mammals. The condition, which is also witnessed in humans, is relatively frequent in rural areas where people are in close contact with domestic animals. It is a subject of medical and veterinary importance, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Human myiasis is generally encountered in open neglected wounds but can also affect body orifices with foetid discharge, such as the oral cavity, eyes, ears, anus and urogenital tract. Urogenital myiasis involves infestation of the urinary tract, as well as genital organs such as vaginal or penile orifices, with fly larvae. The condition is a rare among humans inhabiting developed countries but relatively more common in patients of low socio-economic status with poor hygienic conditions in developing countries. Damage varies from superficial to massive infestation, which may result in severe problems or even death of the individual. In the present study, the authors reviewed the past literature describing the cases of human urogenital myiasis, causative fly species and risk factors. The aim of the present article is to document the predisposing risk factors and provide guidelines for prevention and control of urogenital myiasis among humans. Besides poor genital hygienic conditions, other factors leading to urogenital myiasis include psychiatric disorders, the use of urinary catheters and uterine prolapse. Prevention of the condition is of utmost importance and involves the dressing and covering of open wounds, maintaining proper personal hygiene and control of fly populations.