Maggot infestation (Myiasis) in children (Tropical Surgery Series)

Abstract

Myiasis (myasis) is a parasitic infestation of fly (diptera) larvae. Maggots are both a pest and a therapeutic agent. Ayurvedic surgeons of ancient India (2000-600 BCE) have described Krimi-Karna (aural myiasis) and Krimija-Siroroga (nasal myiasis). They also used maggot therapy (MT) to heal wounds (Krimi Upattikara Chikitsa). About 95% of pediatric myiasis is due to 80 species of flies belonging to 4 major categories: blowflies, flesh flies, botflies and house flies. Hence, myiasis is not one disease; but a group of diseases caused by various dipteran larvae. Cochliomyia, Chrysomya and Wohlfahrtia are the 3 important deadly maggots.