Wound and Conjunctival Myiasis Caused by Lucilia sericata: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Wound myiasis is the infestation of human wounds by dipterous larvae due to Calliphora, Cochliomyia, Phormia and Lucilia species. Ophthalmomyiasis is rare and is classified into external, internal, or orbital categories. External ophthalmomyiasis (the most common type) refers to an infestation of the conjunctiva and palpebra, mainly caused by the sheep bot fly (Oestrus ovis). Case Presentation: We describe a young male with wound and ocular myiasis due to Lucilia sericata, who had a history of trauma to his scalp following a car accident during the previous few days and was left about three days in an inaccessible area. He complained of painful parietal ulcer and sudden onset of left eye redness with pain. Physical examination revealed wound and conjunctival myiasis. The larvae were manually extracted by forceps and seven days later, the lesions showed improvement. Conclusions: Early diagnosis is required for the management of human myiasis. If we don’t properly recognize and treat ophthalmomyiasis, it can progress rapidly and can result in destruction of orbital tissues. The main treatment modality includes removal of the larvae and if necessary, surgical debridement.