Oestridae Research Articles

Bot fly parasitism in mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata): General patterns and climate influences.

Parasitism is a strong selective pressure, and its study is crucial for predicting the persistence of host species. Mantled howler monkeys are infected by the larvae of the bot fly Cuterebra baeri. This parasitosis produces myiasis and may have negative impacts on host health, although systematic information on the dynamics of this host-parasite relationship is very limited. Currently, all available information on infection patterns of C. baeri comes from a single mantled howler monkey population (Barro Colorado Island, Panama). Therefore, in this study we describe temporal variation in infection patterns for a newly mantled howler monkey population and analyze the relationship between climate and infection likelihood. We assessed the presence of C. baeri nodules in 17 adult individuals in Los Tuxtlas for 10 months through direct observation and compiled data on ambient temperature and rainfall. Most subjects had nodules during the study and there were no differences between sexes in the number of nodules. Nodules were usually located in the neck. Prevalence and abundance of nodules peaked thrice during the study (February, April, and September), a pattern that was very similar to that of parasitism intensity (February, April, and August). Incidence closely tracked these peaks, increasing before and decreasing after them. The likelihood of nodule appearance increased when both mean and minimum temperature decreased in the 24-21 prior days to nodule appearance. It also increased with decreased rainfall in the 5-2 prior days to nodule appearance. Although only three of the eight analyzed climate variables had a significant effect on parasitosis, these results suggest that climate may affect pupal development and the access of larvae to hosts. Besides contributing data on C. baeri parasitism for a new mantled howler monkey population, our study provides novel information on the influence of environmental factors on the dynamics of host-parasite systems.

Immunogenic Proteins Characterization in the Larvae of Oestrus ovis by Western Blot Analysis

The present study was undertaken to characterize and identify immunogenic proteins of Oestrus ovis in Telangana. Oestrus ovis is the most predominant nasal bot fly causing nasal myiasis in India. The collected larvae from Jiyaguda slaughter house, Hyderabad are seperated into L2 and L3 larvae were washed with normal saline and PBS pH 7.4 and preserved at -70°C for antigen preparation and some were preserved in 70 % ethanol for identification. The larvae were speciated by light microscopic examination based on morphological features such as ventral spines, anterior hooks and “D” shaped posterior spiracles. In this study, an antigen was prepared from second and third instar larvae of Oestrus ovis using a soluble buffer solution. The resulting Crude Somatic Larval (CSL) antigen had a protein concentration of 27.4 mg per ml. The CSL antigen was resolved in 8% SDS-PAGE, Immunoblotting was performed by electro transferring the separated polypeptides onto a nitrocellulose (NC) membrane. Treatment with specific reagents and antibodies resulted in the identification of 19 immunoreactive polypeptides, with molecular weights matching those observed in SDS-PAGE. Four polypeptides with molecular weights of 58.56, 20.74, 19.09, and 28.91 kDa exhibited the strongest reaction towards the antibodies raised against CSL antigen. These four polypeptides are considered promising candidates for future immunizations and testing their protective efficacy through in vivo assays. These findings have implications for advancing strategies to combat myiasis, a parasitic disease caused by Oestrus ovis larvae.

Gastrophylosis Patogens in ungulates kept in the steppe research field station “Orenburg Tarpania”

The fauna of gastrophylids was studied based on the collection of eggs and larvae of the 1st-3rd stages of development of bot fly of the family Gasterophilidae from kiang and horses of the Przhevalsk steppe scientific station “Orenburg Tarpania” and domestic horses of the village of Sazan. The Orenburg Province is inhabited by G. haemorrhoidalis (Linnaeus, 1758), G. inermis (Braurer, 1858), G. intestinalis (De Geer, 1776), G. nasalis (Linnaeus, 1758) and G. pecorum (Fabricius, 1794). We found G. intestinalis and G. nasalis. G. intestinalis is the most common species parasitizing solidungulate host animals. The infestation intensity for Przewalski horses and kiangs was low, the prevalence was 100%. Morphological features of the preimaginal forms in parasitic flies G. intestinalis and G. nasalis were caused by extreme conditions in the mammalian digestive tract.

Prevalence of nasopharyngeal myiasis in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from an area with high sympatry between wild and domestic ungulates in Central Spain

Infestation by the sheep bot fly Oestrus ovis was firstly reported in a single roe deer from Central Spain in 2022. For assessing the current situation of nasal myiases in this ungulate in this area, the nasopharyngeal cavities of 184 roe deer hunted in Central Spain between January-June 2023 were examined. All larvae were recovered and morphologically identified; in addition, species identification was molecularly confirmed in a subset of specimens. Forty-four roe deer (23.9%; CI 95 17.95–30.74) were positive for different Oestrinae larval stages. Twenty-six animals (14.1%; CI 95 9.44–20.02%) were infested by the roe deer nasal bot fly (Cephenemyia stimulator) with a mean intensity of 35.2 (SD 49.71) larvae/infested animal, and eighteen (9.8%; CI 95 5.90-15.02%) roe deer harboured the sheep bot fly (O. ovis), with a mean intensity of 2.0 (SD 1.33) larvae/infested animal. No mixed infestations by both Oestrinae were found in a single animal. All larval instars (L1, L2 and L3) of both species were identified. Most C. stimulator specimens were located at the nasal turbinates, and a small percentage (3.2%) at the pharynx; all O. ovis larvae were found at the nasal turbinates. Since O. ovis is highly prevalent in sheep and goat flocks from Central Spain, the high sympatry between roe deer and small ruminant populations in the studied area may have increased the risk of cross-infection. Moreover, the finding of mature L3 of O. ovis suggests that this species can complete its life cycle in roe deer. Therefore, monitoring bot flies in sheep and goat flocks as well as in sympatric wild ruminants is strongly recommended for achieving an optimum control of nasal myiases.

A RANGE-WIDE ECTOPARASITE SURVEY FOR ALLEGHENY WOODRATS (NEOTOMA MAGISTER).

Allegheny woodrats (Neotoma magister) are karst-specializing rodents that are rare or in conservation need in many states within their current range. Parasitism and habitat fragmentation have been suggested as primary reasons for declining populations. The presence, prevalence, and impact of ectoparasites, including fleas, ticks, and bots, is not fully understood rangewide. We collected Allegheny woodrat ectoparasites across 8 states in their range, identifying parasites via morphological and genetic means. Across contributions from 8 states, we discovered 2 woodrat-specific fleas parasitizing Allegheny woodrats: Orchopeas pennsylvanicus (all contributing states, n = 228) and Epitedia cavernicola (Indiana only, n = 9). The former was a new state record in New Jersey and Ohio. Woodrat specialists Ixodes woodi were morphologically identified as the dominant tick species (n = 38), and our contributions to genetic databases may ease confusion in future efforts. Three generalist species of ticks representing 8 individuals were identified as Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis. Only 2 bot fly species were recognized in Allegheny woodrats: 1 squirrel bot (Cuterebra emasculator) and 10 individuals of Cuterebra sp. not genetically conspecific to any known eastern U.S. rodent bot. The host specificity for fleas is not surprising, given that previous small-scale surveys and ticks primarily appear to be a mix of genus-specific (Ixodes woodi) and generalist species. There remains uncertainty with bots via morphological and genetic analyses. Our survey presents a wide-ranging baseline survey for Allegheny woodrats across their range, emphasizing the diversity (or specificity) of parasite groups for this species. An understanding of Allegheny woodrats and the health impact of ectoparasites is imperative because they face myriad challenges rangewide, especially considering the bot-driven demise of 1 woodrat in our study. Ectoparasites can have a marked impact on already-declining woodrat populations across their range and should not be overlooked in future surveys.

A new bot fly species of Cuterebra (Diptera: Oestridae) from Ecuador

A new species of cuterebrine rodent bot fly, Cuterebra yanayacui sp. nov., is described from the cloud forest of Ecuador, and it is argued that the species mimics a range of aculeate hymenopterans, including euglossine orchid bees of the genera Eufriesea Cockerell and Eulaema Lepeletier and bumble bees of the subgenus Cullumanobombus Vogt. Montemyia bureni Dalmat, 1942 is proposed as a junior synonym of Cuterebra ornata Bau, 1928, syn. nov., and an updated identification key to the species of the Metacuterebra species group within Cuterebra Clark is provided. The 5’-end of the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene is sequenced for the new species and compared with published Cuterebra sequences.

Patterns of Estimated Prevalence of Bot Fly Larvae in Harvested Squirrels in Pennsylvania

Patterns of Estimated Prevalence of Bot Fly Larvae in Harvested Squirrels in Pennsylvania

Clinical, Pathological and Epidemiological Aspects of Cephalopina titillator Larval, Exciter in Camelus dromedaris from the Rafsanjan Region, Iran

The camel nasal bot fly is an obligate parasite which its larvae causes nasopharyngeal myiasis and the 3rd generation of larvae may cause serious nasal mucosal damage. The present study was conducted on Camelus dromedaris to determine the clinical assessment, seasonal prevalence and also pathological adverse effect of Cephalopina titillator in Rafsanjan region (South east of Iran). Due to history and dental formula, camels were divided into four age groups: less than two years (62 cases), two to five years (86 cases), five to nine (42 cases) and more than nine years (10 cases), which positive cases confirmed in 12 (19.4%%), 31 (36%), 40 (95.2%) and 10 (100%) cases, respectively. The major clinical signs of naturally infected camel was categorized in three main parts; Respiratory signs, nervous behavior and general symptoms which the main ones were related to stridor and nasal discharge. Suspected larvae with average 14.83±4.35 was recovered from 93 infested camels and evaluated microscopically for determining the larval stage. Furthermore, the gross and histopathological findings were recorded by using tissue samples. These non sex related findings showed that with increasing the age, susceptibility to this specific parasite infestation increased as well (p<0.001). No significant seasonal changes were recorded, but the incidence rate was higher in March, April and September. Different larval stage were mostly found in nasal cavity, nasopharyngeal and laryngeal areas which was accompanied by local inflammation, regional edema and serosanguinous exudate. Microscopical findings were showed the epithelial damage along with lymphoid hyperplasia, accumulation of inflammatory cells and remnants of necrotic tissue. However, fibroblasts proliferation, connective tissue formation along with some degrees of atrophy and focal calcification were the significant findings of chronic infestation. These findings indicate the presence of heavy larval infestation in camel of Rafsanjan region which imposes severe economic losses and affect their health, growth and related productions. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out the necessary measures for the biological control of the camel nasal bot fly.

Studies on the embryonic development and larval infection potential of the stomach bot flies, Gasterophilus pecorum

Endangered Przewalski's horses have faced severe infections from Gasterophilus pecorum (Diptera, Gastrophilidae) in Xinjiang's Kalamaili Nature Reserve (KNR). This study examines G. pecorum's development and infection patterns in embryonic and larval stages, crucial for understanding horse botfly disease in desert grasslands. For the incubation of G. pecorum fertilized eggs, we established the six distinct temperature gradients: 16 °C, 20 °C, 24 °C, 28 °C, 30 °C, and 32 °C. Using the least squares method, we calculated the correlation between the developmental threshold temperature of the eggs and their cumulative effective temperature. Furthermore, we meticulously recorded the survival duration of the larvae across a spectrum of temperature gradients (−20 °C, −10 °C, 4 °C, 10 °C, 20 °C, and 30 °C) and under varying conditions (dark and light). This method allows us to analyze and interpret the impact of these environmental factors on larval survival durations. 1) The formula for predicting the embryonic development period of G. pecorum was N = (182.7 ± 12.03)/[T-(3.191 ± 1.48)], where the developmental threshold temperature was 3.191 ± 1.48 °C, and the effective accumulated temperature was 182.7 ± 12.03 d°C 2) The model describing the relationship between the embryonic development rate and temperature was: y = 0.0001x2+0.0007x+0.0378, demonstrating a positive correlation between the development rate and temperature (R-sq = 0.989, p < 0.001). 3) Larvae in the dark group exhibited a longer survival time, with the longest being 9 months at 4 °C. The adaptation of G. pecorum's embryonic development to cold temperature, combined with the extended survival period of larvae in the egg state, significantly increases the infection potential of G. pecorum in colder climates. This discovery offers essential insights into the predominance of G. pecorum in the KNR region and provides a crucial biological basis for the prevention of myiasis and the conservation of vulnerable species, such as Przewalski's horses.

Molecular characterization of the camel nasal botfly, Cephalopina titillator (Diptera: Oestridae)

BackgroundLarval stages of the camel nasal botfly, Cephalopina titillator (Diptera: Oestridae), rank among the top obligate endoparasites causing nasopharyngeal myiasis. Such infestations have adverse effects on camel health, reducing their economic value. The current study’s objective is to assess the applicability of PCR using partial regions of the COI mtDNA and 28S rRNA gene sequences to identify, classify, and reveal the phylogenesis of C. titillator.ResultsLarvae of the 2nd and 3rd instars of C. titillator were collected from the El-Bassatin abattoir in Egypt, extracted from the nasopharyngeal passage of the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius) during postmortem inspection. Genomic DNA was successfully isolated from 10 samples of 3rd instar larvae of C. titillator and amplified using primer pairs targeting partial mitochondrial COI (916 bp) and ribosomal 28S rRNA (830 bp) gene fragments. Nucleotide sequences from five samples have been sequenced and submitted to GenBank under accession numbers OP482168 to OP482172 for the COI gene and OP482160 to OP482164 for the 28S rRNA gene fragments. The COI gene exhibited 97.3% nucleotide identity across all specimens, while the 28S rRNA gene displayed 99.74% identical nucleotides. Maximum likelihood trees were constructed based on the generalized time-reversible (GTR) model. The resulting COI phylogenetic tree demonstrated that the subfamily Oestrinae does not exhibit monophyly. Additionally, it revealed that C. titillator is a sister group to the subfamily Gasterophilinae. Despite the scarcity of data available for the 28S rRNA gene, the phylogenetic analysis utilizing 28S rRNA revealed one distinct lineage for the Egyptian camel nasal bot fly.ConclusionsMolecular phylogenetic analysis was conducted using molecular markers of distinct origins (both mitochondrial and nuclear) to elucidate the evolutionary relationships within the family Oestridae. This analysis is particularly significant following the inclusion of C. titillator, a first-time discovery in Egypt.

Nasal bots carry relevant titers of CWD prions in naturally infected white-tailed deer.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion disease affecting farmed and free-ranging cervids. CWD is rapidly expanding across North America and its mechanisms of transmission are not completely understood. Considering that cervids are commonly afflicted by nasal bot flies, we tested the potential of these parasites to transmit CWD. Parasites collected from naturally infected white-tailed deer were evaluated for their prion content using the protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) technology and bioassays. Here, we describe PMCA seeding activity in nasal bot larvae collected from naturally infected, nonclinical deer. These parasites efficiently infect CWD-susceptible mice in ways suggestive of high infectivity titers. To further mimic environmental transmission, bot larvae homogenates were mixed with soils, and plants were grown on them. We show that both soils and plants exposed to CWD-infected bot homogenates displayed seeding activity by PMCA. This is the first report describing prion infectivity in a naturally occurring deer parasite. Our data also demonstrate that CWD prions contained in nasal bots interact with environmental components and may be relevant for disease transmission.

Cutaneous Furuncular Myiasis in a Rural Kenyan Hospital: A Case Report

Myiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by infestation by the larval stages (maggots) of many species of flies, which occur worldwide but are more prevalent in the tropical and subtropical regions. The two main types of flies causing human myiasis are Dermatobia hominis (bot fly) and Cordylobia anthropophaga (tumbu fly). Cases of human myiasis in Kenya are not well documented, but some epidemiological studies show the tumbu fly to be the most prevalent. Transmission and infestation occur in cases of poor personal and environmental hygiene, especially in spaces shared with wild and domestic animals. Cutaneous myiasis, presenting as a furuncular, wound, and migratory disease, is the most common clinical phenotype that may be associated with secondary pyogenic infection and cellulitis, especially when not treated promptly. In this study, we present a case of cutaneous furuncular myiasis in a patient from rural Kenya. We share our experience managing the patient and also provide a literature review on the clinical case management of myiasis, with a call for more epidemiological and clinical work to be done to better understand this neglected disease.

SEASONAL AND HOST-ASSOCIATED VARIATION IN BOT FLY (OESTRIDAE: CUTEREBRINAE) PARASITISM OF LAGOMORPHS ACROSS AN ARID-LAND ECOSYSTEM IN SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO.

Bot flies (Oestridae: Cuterebrinae) are obligate mammalian parasites that complete the larval stage of their life cycle under the skin of their host. Most detailed studies of bot fly larval disease ecology have been conducted in temperate deciduous zone rodent systems. To understand the relative importance of seasonal and spatial factors, as well as factors intrinsic to the host, in underpinning the likelihood and extent of parasitism by bot flies in non-rodent hosts as well as in arid-land ecosystems, we examined the dynamic for black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) and desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) parasitism by bot fly larvae (Cuterebra spp.) across 7 repeatedly sampled sites spread across approximately 500 km of the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion of southern New Mexico. This environment is characterized by a climate that includes hot dry summers and cool to cold dry winters, as well as strongly seasonal summer monsoonal rains. Lagomorphs are a common mid-sized mammal in these landscapes. Bot fly parasitism was strongly seasonal, with peak prevalence and abundance in the spring, and there was spatial variation in the extent of parasitism between collection sites. Additionally, jackrabbits in better body condition were less likely to be parasitized (as indicated by kidney fat index). We did not find sex-based differences in bot fly parasitism between male and female jackrabbits. Thus, in arid-land ecoregions, abiotic factors are likely the primary driver of the bot fly-host interaction, whereas factors intrinsic to the host were of secondary importance for characterizing the interactions of bot flies and lagomorphs.

Cuterebra baeri Infecting Grey-Legged Night Monkeys (Aotus griseimembra) and Red Howler Monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) in Colombia.

Myiases are parasitic infections caused by the larval stages of some fly species. In American nonhuman primates (NHP), three bot fly species causing cutaneous myiasis have been reported: Cuterebra baeri, Cochliomyia hominivorax, and Dermatobia hominis. Studies on myiasis in NHP are scarce and mainly based on morphologic identification of larvae, while molecular approaches have been barely used. This study aimed to molecularly identify bot flies parasitizing two NHP species living sympatrically in central Colombia. Bot fly larvae were collected from two grey-legged night monkeys (Aotus griseimembra) and from a howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus). Larvae were measured and photographed for morphologic evaluation; subsequent molecular characterizations of a partial region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene were performed. Sequence analysis allowed the identification of all specimens as Cuterebra baeri, enabling confirmation of this species parasitizing Alouatta seniculus and Aotus griseimembra in Colombia.

Developmental dynamics and survival characteristics of the common horse bot flies (Diptera, Gasterophilidae, Gasterophilus) in desert steppe

The genus Gasterophilus (Diptera, Gastrophilidae) is an obligate parasite of the equine family that causes widespread myiasis in desert steppe. Based on four common naturally excreted Gasterophilus larvae collected systematically in the Karamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve from March to September 2021, this paper studies the population dynamics and ontogenetic laws of horse flies, and discuss the coexistence pattern and population dynamics prediction of horse flies. The results showed that the Gasterophilus larvae had obvious concentrated development period, and the time of population peaks was different, the earliest was G. nigricornis (late March), followed by G. pecorum-Ⅰ (mid-April), G. nasalis (late April), G. intestinalis (early May), G. pecorum-Ⅱ (mid-August). The order of development threshold temperature “Cnigricornis < Cpecorum-Ⅰ ≤ Cpecorum-Ⅱ < Cnasalis < Cintestinalis” is consistent with the peak order of different larval populations. The life history survival rate (L) was as follows: Lnigricornis (83.97%) ≥ Lintestinalis (81.25%) > Lnasalis (72.42%) ≥ Lpecorum-Ⅱ (71.65%) > Lpecorum-Ⅰ (39.23%). This study combined indoor experiments and field surveys revealed the development of horse fly populations with different life strategies in desert grasslands. Based on the different development threshold temperatures of several horse flies, the staggered population dynamics of Gasterophilus form continuous infection stress on the host. In addition, G. pecorum exhibited a univoltine bimodal population distribution in this area and led to two high-intensity host infections, which is one of the important reasons why it has become the dominant species of myiasis in desert steppe.

Identification of larvae of some species of family Oestridae causing myiasis in Wasit Province

This research included taxonomic study of the larvae of three species belonging to three genera of flies of family Oestridae (Diptera), that causing myiasis in domestic animals in Wasit province. The study included the center of the province, and arrondissementes and districts areas affiliate (Alhayy, Badrah , Numaniya arrondissementes , Sheikh Saad districts and Albesrukih region ) . They are Hypoderma lineatum (DeVillers), Oestrus ovis Linnaeus and Cephalopina titillator Clark. Taxonomic keys are designed to isolate the genus, as well as its species, depending on the structure of the Cephalopharyngal skeleton, mouth hook and posterior spiracales, the collection of these species, the type of the host and the history of combining areas were reported. Larvae were collected from live animals, and the injury as an essential part of the complete life cycle. The sheep were more susceptible to injury of myiasis followed by cows and camels. The results showed the presence of eleven case of larvae of Oestrus ovis in sheep in the center of the province, two in Albesrukih region , two cases in the arrondissementes of Badrah , one case in each of Numaniya arrondissementes and Sheikh Saad districts , larvae of Hypoderma lineatum in cows in each of the center of the province , Alhayy arrondissementes and Albesrukih districts . Two cases of myiasis recorded of larvae Cephalopina titillator in the camels in the center of the province.

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

A 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. A 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. Human 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.

EXTERNAL OPHTHALMOMYIASIS

Ophthalmomyiasis is a zoonotic disease most often caused by the larvae of oestrus ovis (sheep fly). Thefemale O. ovis retains her eggs within her body until they hatch, and then typically deposits her larvae into thenostrils of sheep and goats. Larvae of Oestrus ovis are obligate parasites of the nasal and sinus cavities of sheep andgoats, so this parasite is widespread in countries where the climate is hot and dry and sheep and goats are numerous.Therefore, it usually occurs in shepherds and farmers in rural areas, but it has also been observed in urban areas andin close contact with animals. In addition to oestrus ovis, there are other species that can cause this disease - thehuman bot fly (Dermatobia Hominis), midge (Fannia), house fly (Musca domestica) and cattle (Hypoderma).Ophthalmomyiasis is classified as external if the larvae are present on the lids or conjunctiva, and internal whenthere is intraocular penetration of the larvae, which affects the retina and if left untreated can lead to blindness.Intraocular penetration of larvae, or ophthalmomyiasis interna, is less common worldwide than ophthalmomyiasisexterna. It is known to occur at various anatomical sites including skin, eye, nose, paranasal sinuses, throat,intestine, and urogenital tract Conjunctival myiasis is the most common form of ophthalmomyiasis, and it is arelatively mild, self-limited, and benign disease.An ocular involvement occurs in about &lt; 5% of all the cases ofhuman myiasis.Risk factors include eye infections, eye sores, advanced age, frailty, poor general health. Symptoms are described asforeign body sensation with lacrimation, conjunctival hyperemia and pruritus followed by eye pain. These initialsigns and symptoms of ophthalmomyiasis externa may mimic conjunctivitis. All movements of the larva are clearlyvisible from the side, which greatly facilitates its detection and diagnosis. Ophthalmomyiasis can be treatedefficiently ,if identified in time The treatment is based on the manual extraction of all larvae under local anesthesia,followed by washing or rinsing the eyes and local treatment. Prevention has always been better than cure. Goodpersonal hygiene can avert significant complications caused by ophthalmomyiasis Cases of ophthalmomiasis havebeen reported in countries around the world including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Libya, Tunisia, Russia,India, USA, Canada, Croatia Slovenia. In the Republic of North Macedonia in 2022, 4 cases of ophthalmomiasiswere diagnosed and treated at the Shtip Clinical Hospital. It is characteristic that all the patients are men who areengaged in animal husbandry and agriculture and they are from a rural environment. Myiasis should be consideredas an occupational disease in farmers and shepherds.

Insights into the Antennal Characteristics and Olfactory Strategy of the Endangered Rhino Stomach Bot Fly Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (Diptera: Oestridae).

Simple SummaryGyrostigma rhinocerontis (Hope), the rhinoceros bot fly, is a rare obligate intestinal parasite of white and black rhinoceroses that can cause severe myiasis and secondary infection, leading to enormous economic and scientific loss. As the main sensory organs of flies, the antennae provide insects with critical information about the environment, playing significant roles in their key activities. The antennal characteristics of G. rhinocerontis remain largely unexplored, probably due to the extreme rarity of adult specimens in collections. In this study, the antennae of G. rhinocerontis were thoroughly examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. The morphology, including detailed ultrastructure, of antennal sensilla are presented. As the largest species of Oestridae Leach, not surprisingly, G. rhinocerontis has significantly larger antennae with more sensilla and sensory pits than any other Oestridae species, which could be an adaptation to locate their rare and endangered hosts.Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (Diptera: Oestridae) is a rare obligate intestinal parasite of both white and black rhinoceroses, which can induce severe myiasis, cause secondary infection, and lead to enormous economic and scientific loss. Antennae are the main sensory organs of G. rhinocerontis, which may have evolved a series of specialized adaptive structures to facilitate the exploitation of their hosts. Here, we thoroughly examine the antennae of G. rhinocerontis via light and scanning electron microscopy. Only microtrichia and chaetic sensilla were observed on the scape and pedicel, and the latter is enlarged, half-enveloping the postpedicel. Four types of sensilla (trichoid sensilla, basiconic sensilla, coeloconic sensilla, and clavate sensilla) and sensory pits are detected on the postpedicel. A set of coeloconic sensilla and a chaetic sensillum are located on the arista. Distribution, type, size, and ultrastructure of antennal sensilla are presented. The antennae of G. rhinocerontis are the largest among Oestridae species, with the most sensilla and the most sensory pits. These antennal characteristics could be correlated to their adaptation for more sensitive and accurate olfactory organs, used to locate their rare and endangered hosts. Accordingly, this morphological evidence supports that the host is an important driving factor in the diversity of antennal morphology in the bot flies.

Closing the Brief Case: Furuncular Myiasis Caused by the Third-Instar Larva of a Bot Fly in the Genus Cuterebra.

Closing the Brief Case: Furuncular Myiasis Caused by the Third-Instar Larva of a Bot Fly in the Genus Cuterebra.