Cordylobia rodhaini infestation of the breast: Report of a case mimicking a breast abscess

Abstract

IntroductionMyiasis, parasitic infestation of the body by fly larvae, caused by the Cordylobia rodhaini is very rare with only fourteen cases published since 1970. We present a rare case of myiasis mimicking a breast abscess.Presentation of caseA 17-year-old female presented with a nodular ulcerative lesion in her left breast 14 days following a trip to Ghana. She had been initially unsuccessfully treated with the antibiotic flucloxacillin following a misdiagnosis of a breast abscess. Following application of Vaseline to the breast wound, covering the wound for 2 h and gentle manipulation the larvae was removed successfully and the patient made a good recovery.DiscussionPresenting as an inflammatory papule with central opening oozing serosanguinous fluid myiasis secondary to C. rodhaini can easily be mistaken for a breast abscess, often avoiding detection by unsuspecting surgeons on initial assessment. In turn ineffective antibiotic treatment is often prescribed leading to further disease progression and associated morbidity.ConclusionMyiasis secondary to C. rodhaini is a rare but important differential surgeons should consider in women presenting with an inflammatory breast lesion with a recent history of foreign travel to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Ultrasound imaging can be useful in confirming diagnosis and avoiding treatment delays.

Breast myiasis in an elderly male patient: a case report

“…Myiasis is known for its erythematous papular lesions, which may turn into furuncles or pustules. They usually present a central orifice through which the larva breathes, and there may be serous, serosanguinolent or seropurulent secretion [ 2 , 5 , 8 , 9 ]. Additionally, it may produce pain, pruritus, burning, a sensation of movement and perilesional inflammatory reactions.…”

“…Additionally, it may produce pain, pruritus, burning, a sensation of movement and perilesional inflammatory reactions. Although systemic symptoms are rare, fever, adenopathies, asthenia, adynamia, agitation and insomnia may be present [ 2 , 8 , 9 ].…”

Furuncular myiasis for the Western dermatologist: treatment in outpatient consultation

“…Cordylobia rodhaini lesions are usually bigger and more painful, sometimes mimicking real abscesses, and can involve subcutaneous edema or lymphangitis . In a recent review of published cases, nine patients out of 26 reported were infected by five or more larvae.…”