First report of human myiasis caused by Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Thailand, and its implication in forensic entomology

J Med Entomol. 2005 Jul;42(4):702-4. doi: 10.1093/jmedent/42.4.702.

Abstract

We report a forensic entomology case associated with human myiasis in Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. The remains of a 53-yr-old-male were concurrently infested with third instars of the two blow fly species, Chrysomya megacephala (F.) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), near a severe tumor lesion presented on the lower right leg. The presence of third instars, approximately 5 d old, on the day following postmortem indicated that myiasis occurred before death. This is the first report of both fly species acting as a myiasis-producing agent in Thailand. Unsynchronized data between the age of fly larvae due to myiasis premortem and verified age/ condition of the corpse suggest a potential complication and error in the estimation of postmortem interval if other predisposition fly infestations are not considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / mortality
  • Diptera / classification*
  • Forensic Medicine / methods*
  • Humans
  • Leg
  • Male
  • Malnutrition / complications
  • Malnutrition / mortality
  • Middle Aged
  • Myiasis*
  • Thailand
  • Time Factors