Epidemiology of human furuncular myiasis of Cordylobia anthropophaga (Grunberg) in Nigeria

Abstract

Two hundred people were randomly selected for myiasis infection in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, except in some states where we did not get the stipulated number (200) to sample. In each of the six states sampled within the Niger Delta in 2009, 88% of 200 patients examined in Rivers State had the Cordylobia infection followed by Cross Rivers State (>86%), Bayelsa (>84%) while Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states showed higher than 82% infection in that order. Our findings showed that women, children, and infants are commonly affected by furuncular myiasis irrespective of skin color, age, blood group, race, sex, genotype, etc. Infection due to C. anthropophaga occurs throughout the year; the rate of infection is higher during the rainy season (when humidity is normally higher) than the dry seasons. Most cases of human myiasis are not reported but treated locally. The Niger Delta populace (especially the areas sampled) consists of people with diverse occupations; some are fishermen, traders, farmers, and refuse disposers. They move from one place to another predisposed to myiasis-causing agents due to the types of work they do. Two major categories of people based on skin color (i.e., white and black skinned) are recognized for this research. People with albinism are also part of the colored African group, however, according to the data, there does not seem to be any difference between them and others. Cordylobia infection is a neglected disease of the Niger Delta region. Therefore, there was the need to know the spread and factors that promote spreading as well as populations of the myiasis-causing agent in the Niger Delta. The data presented here provides good travel information to the Niger Delta region as well as other parts of Nigeria. Human furuncular myiasis affects neonates ranging from 3 to 11 days old, children, and adults in Nigeria. C. anthropophaga maggots penetrate all types of skin; people with albinism, white skin, and black skin. Some of the factors that affect the distribution include unhygienic situations, high humidity, poverty, and use of soiled clothes. Details of our findings are presented.

The Use of Ageratum Conyzoides L. [Asteraceae] As A Therapeutic Measure In The Treatment Of Breast Myiasis Sores In Rural Women And Associated Bacteria

“…Lepidagathis alopecuroides [Vahl] and Bryllophyllum species are some of the Niger delta plants' extracts that had been used in the flushing of the serosanguinous fluid that is associated with Cordylobia anthropophaga larval extraction [Ogbalu et al,2012[Ogbalu et al, , 2013 In the present study, it exhibited its property as an antipyretic agent in the treatment of breast myiasis sores. The application of ethanolic extracts of A. Conyzoides resulted in relieving pains associated with breast myiasis sore and initiated closing of wound sites within 72 hours after application.…”

Furuncular Myiasis Affecting the Lower Lip of a Young Patient

“…Myiasis is a type of parasitosis which involves the infestation of body tissues of humans and animals by dipteran larvae which feed on host's necrotic or living tissue, liquid body substances or ingested food (4,15,17). In a recent literature review, Singh et al (4) described approximately 37 different fly species belonging to ten families as responsible worldwide for the onset of human myiasis and the most frequently reported were those from the family Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, Oestridae, Muscidae, Psychodidae, Syrphidae, Phoridae, Drosophilidae, Dryomyzidae and Gasterophilidae.…”

Human myiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

“…The disease has a worldwide distribution and has been endemic in Latin America and SSA for years. However, with the increase in global travel, the disease has spread widely, especially in areas with warmer temperatures and high humidity [ 5 ]. Myiasis is more common in animals, such as sheep, rodents, and antelope, than humans because humans are accidental hosts.…”

“…Compelling scientific literature have revealed that a significant rise in temperature or humidity will increase the growth and redistribution of most myiasis-causing flies, subsequently increasing myiasis infestation in such regions [ 11 , 14 ]. Some factors that influence this dermatosis in SSA are high humidity and temperature (especially during the rainy season) [ 5 ]. Poverty, and poor hygiene also add to the vulnerability to human myiasis infestation.…”