Cutaneous Cuterebra myiasis; an unusual case in an infant.

Abstract

NEARLY every physician has at one time or another witnessed the contamination of a necrotic lesion by maggots, and in the early part of this century certain species of fly larvae were even employed therapeutically as scavengers. Myiasis is well known in domestic animals as a source of ruined hides, blown meat, and frequently fatal extensions of wounds. Specific parasitism by fly larvae in humans however, is not familiar to many physicians and is relatively uncommon in the United States. Infestation by the strictly American genus Cuterebra has been reported only twice, both instances involving adults. The present case in an infant, therefore, is unique. Since failure to recognize this entity may lead to unwarranted concern, needless morbidity, and perhaps unnecessary or inappropriate therapy, it seems worth while to report the following episode in medical literature. REPORT OF CASE A boy, aged 11 months, in otherwise excellent physical health and