Furunculous myiasis

Overview

Furunculois myiasis (medical condition): A rare condition where a larve invades tissues and organs and causes a furunculous (pus-filled) wound. It can be caused by the Cayor worm which is the larvae of the African tumbu fly (Cordylobia anthropophaga) or by the human botfly (Dermatobia hominis).

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of Furunculois myiasis incude: Pus-filled skin sore Painful skin sore

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually established by the identification of the larva; however radiological investigations like mammography and ultrasonography may be helpful in the diagnosis of Dermatobia hominis. Mammographic features include ill defined masses and associated microcalcifications while ultrasonography may show hyper echoic mass representing the mass surrounded by an hypo echoic halo representing the cavity

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to remove the larva and treat any associated infection with antibiotics . However, secondary bacteria infections are rare in C. anthrophaga infestations. The lesion heals rapidly after the larva is removed or it spontaneously exits. Complications include cellulitis, abscess formation, osteomyelitis and tetanus . Methods of removing the larva include obstructing the cutaneous orifice thus suffocating the larva, which forces it to wriggle out. Substances used include oil, petroleum jelly, butter and liquid paraffin