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TheScientificWorldJournal 2024Ophthalmomyiasis is the result of fly larvae feeding on the tissues of the eye. Commonly associated with poor hygiene and open wounds, this condition is rare and often...
Ophthalmomyiasis is the result of fly larvae feeding on the tissues of the eye. Commonly associated with poor hygiene and open wounds, this condition is rare and often stigmatized. Treatment can be straightforward, and full recovery is common. Identifying the species responsible for ophthalmomyiasis is important for the medical, forensic, and entomological communities. Here, we present a case of ophthalmomyiasis where 30-40 blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae were removed from the eye of a human male. A representative subsample of five larvae was used for taxonomic identification via two approaches (a) DNA analysis, via sequencing of the complete mitochondrial genome (mtGenome) and comparison of the mtGenome and mitochondrial barcode region to GenBank, and (b) morphology, examination of the posterior spiracles using microscopy, and comparison to published larval descriptions of blow flies. Two species of blow flies were identified from the DNA analysis: and . Morphological examination could only confirm as being present. To our knowledge, finding two blow fly species causing ophthalmomyiasis in a single individual has not been previously reported in the scientific literature. Neither nor prefers living tissue for larva development, but since they fill similar ecological niches, perhaps this was a show of competition rather than a normal feeding habit. Knowing these blow fly species can resort to this behavior, and that it can affect human populations, is valuable to the education of patients and providers.
Topics: Animals; Calliphoridae; Male; Humans; Larva; Myiasis; North America; Phylogeny; Diptera; Genome, Mitochondrial
PubMed: 38774420
DOI: 10.1155/2024/2209301 -
Animal Welfare (South Mimms, England) 2024Tail docking is a husbandry practice widely incorporated in sheep farms around the world. It is an irreversible mutilation that impairs animal welfare, both immediately...
Tail docking is a husbandry practice widely incorporated in sheep farms around the world. It is an irreversible mutilation that impairs animal welfare, both immediately and in the longer term. The defence of tail docking as a practice is centred around the perception that doing so contributes to the promotion of local hygiene, allowing the use of the wool, facilitating reproductive management and reducing the chances of myiasis, a disease caused by the invasion of blowfly larvae in the tissues of warm-blooded animals. However, current understanding of farm animal welfare questions the need to maintain practices such as tail docking. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tail docking on the incidence of myiasis in sheep in an experimental flock in Brazil during a six-year retrospective cohort study. Relative risk, odds ratio and incidence rate ratio were the association measures adopted. A total of 4,318 data-points were collected and supplied the analytical model. Tail docking did not decrease the risk and, on the contrary, was found to increase the chances of sheep being affected by myiasis. The results support the hypothesis that tail docking is not a protective factor against the occurrence of myiasis and further fuel calls for a rethink of tail docking being deployed as a blanket measure in the prevention of myiasis in sheep.
PubMed: 38751799
DOI: 10.1017/awf.2024.21 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Apr 2024Nasopharyngeal myiasis in European roe deer is a pathological condition caused by the larval stages of , a fly from the Oestridae family. These larvae reside in the...
Nasopharyngeal myiasis in European roe deer is a pathological condition caused by the larval stages of , a fly from the Oestridae family. These larvae reside in the host's upper respiratory tract for months, inducing significant tissue damage and clinical symptoms. The lifecycle of is complex, involving three larval stages before maturation into adult flies, with each stage contributing to the progressive pathology observed in the host. Despite their prevalence, the histopathological effects of these larvae in the nasal and nasopharyngeal cavities have been understudied. Our study fills this knowledge gap by providing a detailed histopathological analysis of the affected tissues, using various staining techniques to reveal the extent and nature of the damage caused by these parasitic larvae. This histopathological examination reveals significant alterations within the nasopharyngeal mucosa and nasal cavity, including erythematous changes, mucosal metaplasia, fibrosis, and tissue necrosis. Parasitic cysts and eosinophilic infiltration further characterize the impact of the infestation, compromising not only the mucosal integrity but also potentially the olfactory function of the affected animals. This research is crucial for understanding the impact of myiasis on both the health and olfactory capabilities of roe deer populations and could have significant implications for wildlife management and conservation.
PubMed: 38731301
DOI: 10.3390/ani14091297 -
IDCases 2024•Tracheostomy wound myiasis is rarely observed in unconscious and immobile patients.•Maggots in the vicinity of the tracheostomy site should be closely...
•Tracheostomy wound myiasis is rarely observed in unconscious and immobile patients.•Maggots in the vicinity of the tracheostomy site should be closely monitored.•Controlling myiasis in hospitals requires fly control and patient fluid management.
PubMed: 38681076
DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2024.e01969 -
Genes Apr 2024The Australian sheep blowfly, , is a major sheep ectoparasite causing subcutaneous myiasis (flystrike), which can lead to reduced livestock productivity and, in severe...
The Australian sheep blowfly, , is a major sheep ectoparasite causing subcutaneous myiasis (flystrike), which can lead to reduced livestock productivity and, in severe instances, death of the affected animals. It is also a primary colonizer of carrion, an efficient pollinator, and used in maggot debridement therapy and forensic investigations. In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of from the Northern Territory (NT), Australia, where sheep are prohibited animals, unlike the rest of Australia. The mt genome is 15,943 bp in length, comprising 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and a non-coding control region. The gene order of the current mt genome is consistent with the previously published mt genomes. Nucleotide composition revealed an AT bias, accounting for 77.5% of total mt genome nucleotides. Phylogenetic analyses of 56 species/taxa of dipterans indicated that and are the closest among all sibling species of the genus , which helps to explain species evolution within the family Luciliinae. This study provides the first complete mt genome sequence for derived from the NT, Australia to facilitate species identification and the examination of the evolutionary history of these blowflies.
Topics: Animals; Genome, Mitochondrial; Calliphoridae; Phylogeny; Northern Territory; Myiasis; RNA, Transfer; RNA, Ribosomal; Diptera; Sheep
PubMed: 38674440
DOI: 10.3390/genes15040506 -
Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia... 2024Oestrus ovis larvae are obligate parasites of vertebrates and cause cavitary myiasis (oestrosis) in sheep and goats. It is also reported as a zoonosis causing...
Oestrus ovis larvae are obligate parasites of vertebrates and cause cavitary myiasis (oestrosis) in sheep and goats. It is also reported as a zoonosis causing ophthalmomyiasis and nasopharyngeal myiasis. Despite being relatively common in Brazil, epidemiological studies on O. ovis are scarce. Considering that the infestation is influenced by the climate and biomes of the studied region, we aimed to investigate the seasonal prevalence of O. ovis among slaughtered sheep in the northern region of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The heads of sheep (n=697) slaughtered at a slaughterhouse in the municipality of Terra Nova do Norte (November 2011 to November 2013) were collected to count, catalog, and identify the larvae found in the upper respiratory tract. Overall, 45.77% (319/697) of the animals were infested with 2,412 recovered larvae, 96.89% (2,337/2,412) of which were identified at the species level as O. ovis. Seasonal variations in prevalence ranged from 41% (spring) to 56% (summer); however, no correlation was observed between prevalence and season, mean humidity, or temperature. In conclusion, parasitism by O. ovis in sheep in the studied area, occurs year-round, considering the occurrence of larvae (L1, L2, and L3) throughout the year, probably because of the area's environmental conditions.
Topics: Animals; Brazil; Sheep; Seasons; Prevalence; Myiasis; Sheep Diseases; Diptera; Larva
PubMed: 38656051
DOI: 10.1590/S1984-29612024020 -
Qatar Medical Journal 2024Myiasis is a neglected disease, characterized by ill-defined diagnostics and management protocols. Published epidemiological and clinical studies of myiasis are still...
BACKGROUND
Myiasis is a neglected disease, characterized by ill-defined diagnostics and management protocols. Published epidemiological and clinical studies of myiasis are still scarce, although several countries, such as Oman, have reported a few cases over the past 30 years. This study explores the epidemiological profile and clinical characteristics of myiasis in South Batinah Governorate (SBG), Oman.
METHODOLOGY
A prospective surveillance study was conducted in SBG from 1st November 2018 to 31st October 2019. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected using a pre-designed reporting form for suspected and confirmed cases.
RESULTS
A total of 188 cases were reported, of which 81.4% were male. One-third of cases were 11-20 years old, and a quarter reported exposure inside house. The rate of exposure was 16 per 10000 in Nakhal and Wadi Mawel. About 57% patients reported multiple re-exposure. Almost 60% of patients developed nasal or oral myiasis, 25% developed myiasis in the eye, and 4% in the ear. The most common respiratory symptoms were cough (83%), runny nose (48%), and foreign body sensation (35%). Over 50% of patients with eye exposures had redness, pain, and itchiness. Most patients (89.3%) kept animals at homes. Many cases occurred between December 2018 and April 2019, with almost one-third of exposures occurring at 5 p.m. Re-exposure likelihood for patients residing in Nakhal and Wadi Mawel was high; OR = 2.49 (95% CI 1.14-5.45), with OR = 3.59 (95% CI 1.37-9.39) for 11-20-year-olds and, OR = 3.01 (95% CI 1.07-8.42) for patients ≥ 31 years.
CONCLUSION
The myiasis exposure rate is high in certain areas and age groups, which is most likely associated with animal-related activities. The disease has a significant impact upon people's health in SBG. Therefore, urgent active-surveillance and clinical studies are warranted to explore possible preventive measures and treatment options. Adopting one health approach could offer an effective strategy for preventing myiasis in human and animal populations.
PubMed: 38650828
DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2024.15 -
International Maritime Health 2024Myiasis, an infestation caused by dipteran larvae, commonly known as maggots, is one of the most common parasitic skin disorders in the tropical regions. Authors report...
Myiasis, an infestation caused by dipteran larvae, commonly known as maggots, is one of the most common parasitic skin disorders in the tropical regions. Authors report a case of cutaneous myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis (Diptera: Oestridae) in a Polish traveller returning from a self-organized trip to South America. Species biology, prophylaxis, and medical implications of this tropical parasitosis are discussed.
Topics: Myiasis; Humans; Animals; Poland; Diptera; Travel; South America; Male; Larva; Adult; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38647061
DOI: 10.5603/imh.99548 -
Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi. Japanese... 2024A 75-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and a history of previous empyema surgery was admitted to our hospital due to difficulty moving caused by chronic obstructive...
A 75-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and a history of previous empyema surgery was admitted to our hospital due to difficulty moving caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and dehydration. During the first two days of hospitalization, intestinal myiasis was diagnosed after maggots were found in his diapers. After the maggots disappeared, he developed a fever, prompting antibiotic therapy for a suspected secondary infection, resulting in clinical improvement. Despite thorough home cleaning, no flies or maggots were found, and the source of infection and the fly species remained unknown. Recent reports suggest a higher prevalence of myiasis among the elderly, even with overall improvement in hygiene. While myiasis is typically mild, it is a condition that requires consideration in an aging society. Myiasis is a disease that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the elderly, especially in people who are bedridden or frail.
Topics: Male; Animals; Humans; Aged; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Myiasis; Diagnosis, Differential; Larva
PubMed: 38583974
DOI: 10.3143/geriatrics.61.80 -
BMC Research Notes Apr 2024Dermatobia hominis belongs to the Cuterebridae family, Diptera order; These flies inhabit tropical regions where they are called "fly of death" since the larvae are...
INTRODUCTION
Dermatobia hominis belongs to the Cuterebridae family, Diptera order; These flies inhabit tropical regions where they are called "fly of death" since the larvae are capable of causing lesions in domestic animals, wild animals including humans, the adult females of D. hominis capture other dipteran to oviposit their eggs on them (phoresis), when hematophagous mosquitoes land on an animal and / or human in order to feed on their blood, the eggs hatch and the larvae immediately penetrate the skin where they will develop to later abandon the host, then in the soil and / or other moist substrate the pupal stage develops, finally new adult flies will emerge from the pupae.
OBJECTIVE
The primary goal of the present study was to determine as first record, the presence of Psorophora ferox infested with eggs of Dermatobia hominis, Peru.
METHODOLOGY
The present study was carried out in an area of the private reserve "El Vencedor", located within the city of Pucallpa, Ucayali Region-Perú. The area is characterized by being humid tropical, with an average temperature of 26ºC and humidity of 92%, while the annual precipitation is approximately 1570 mm. The capture method was carried out with the help of a hand net type "butterfly" or also called Jama.
RESULTS
A total of 668 mosquitoes of different species were collected, the most abundant being Psorophora albigenu and Psorophora ferox, which represented 88.72% and the least abundant was Culex coronator and Uranotaenia apicalis with 0.15% of the total sample collected.
CONCLUSIONS
Within these specimens it was captured a mosquito of the species Ps. ferox with the presence of 8 eggs of D. hominis, of which 3 would have hatched, while in the remaining 5, the larvae would remain inside the eggs.
Topics: Animals; Female; Adult; Humans; Culicidae; Peru; Larva; Skin; Pupa; Diptera
PubMed: 38561830
DOI: 10.1186/s13104-024-06759-y