Umbilical myiasis in a human newborn

Abstract

The new-world screw-worm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, is an obligate ectoparasite of domestic and wild animals, and in some cases may affect humans. Myiasis in the human neonatal period is a rare occurrence and almost exclusively found in neotropic areas. Although umbilical myiasis is well-recognized in animals, infestation of human umbilical cord and abdominal tissue is a rare occurrence. Once the diagnosis has been made, the treatment is usually straightforward and uncomplicated. In this article, a newborn infant from an urban area is reported with umbilical myiasis caused by fly larvae of C. hominivorax. The blowfly causing this infestation belongs to the family Calliphoridae (Diptera) and the genus Cochliomyia that usually infests only open wounds of animals.

Umbilical myiasis associated with Staphylococcus aureus sepsis in a neonate

“…[3] Umbilical cord myiasis with sepsis in the human neonatal period is a very rare occurrence[24] and almost exclusively found in neotropic areas. [5]…”

Myasis Occuring in A Neonate

“…There is however documentation of maggots retrieved from the aural cavity, 7 eyes and ears, 8 and umbilical cord of neonates. 9 This baby was presented because of the number of lesions, and because of the fact that this is the first ever case documented in this Teaching Hospital.…”

Umblical myiasis in a newborn: a case report

“…Few cases of umbilical myiasis have been reported in the recent past. [9][10][11] Chrysomya megacephala commonly known as latrine blow fly is common in developing countries and with poor hygienic conditions are known to infect wounds.…”