Oral myiasis--a case report

Abstract

Myiasis, a term introduced by William Hope in 1840, refers to the invasion of tissues and organs of animals and human wounds and certain body cavities by the dipteran larvae, which manifests as subcutaneous furunculoid or boil-like lesions. Oral myiasis is a rare pathology and a risk to the patient's life. A higher incidence is seen in rural areas, affecting the tropical and subtropical zones of Africa and America. It can be secondary to medical or anatomic conditions, such as cancrum oris, neglected mandibular fracture, cerebral palsy, mouth breathing, anterior open bite, incompetent lips, and use of mechanical ventilation. Myiasis also has been described after tooth extraction. All these conditions more easily allow the infestation of human tissues. Myiasis affecting the orodental complex is rare. This case report describes oral myiasis in a 25-year-old male patient who was a gardener by profession. The lesion was treated with turpentine oil, which forced the larvae out, and irrigated with normal saline solution.