Myiasis in a Neglected Elderly: Urgent Action Needed in South America

Abstract

Background Myiasis is an infestation by fly larvae. Some species exclusively affect humans, contaminating wounds, mucous membranes, and other tissues. It is a disease with marked socioeconomic connotations. Case Presentation The current case involves a 95-year-old woman, an inhabitant of the Andean region of Ecuador with a history of resection of basal cell carcinoma in the left zygomatic region and a diagnosis of chronic leukemia. The surgical wound was secondarily infested with Cochliomyia hominivorax fly larvae and the patient was readmitted to the hospital to treat this complication. A marked clinical improvement was observed after surgical debridement, removal of larvae and administration of ivermectin and antibiotics. Conclusion The determinants of this infestation were advanced age, neglect, and destitution in a patient with an open wound on the face after resection of a basal cell carcinoma. This case illustrates the appalling reality of the marginalized and excluded population of South America. Also of concern is the expansion of myiasis-producing fly populations to areas outside their natural humid and warm habitat. South American governments are called upon to act jointly and effectively against this ominous disease.

The epidemiology and clinical features of the neglected myiasis: A pilot surveillance study from Oman

“…Recently, tracheostomal myiasis was reported in a 4-year-old child with Guillain–Barre syndrome, vaginal myiasis in a 67-year-old homeless woman with multiple comorbidities, and cutaneous myiasis in a 95-year-old woman with a history of basal cell carcinoma. 25 – 27 …”