Furuncular Myiasis in 2 American Travelers Returning From Senegal
Cutis. 2014 December;94(6):281-284
December 9, 2014|Cutis
Author and Disclosure Information
Furuncular myiasis caused by Cordylobia anthropophaga larvae is commonly seen in Africa but rarely is diagnosed in travelers returning from the sub-Saharan region. We report 2 cases of furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia species in adolescent American travelers returning from Senegal.
Practice Points
- Cutaneous myiasis is caused by an infestation of fly larvae and can present as furuncles (furuncular myiasis), migratory inflammatory linear plaques (migratory myiasis), and worsening tissue destruction in existing wounds (wound myiasis).
- Furuncular myiasis should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with furuncular skin lesions who have recently traveled to Central America, South America, or sub-Saharan Africa.
- Furuncular myiasis may be treated by both occlusive and extraction techniques.
Conclusion
We present 2 cases of travelers returning to North America from Senegal with C anthropophaga furuncular myiasis. Careful review of travel history, physical examination, and identification of fly larvae are important for diagnosis. Individuals traveling to sub-Saharan Africa should avoid drying clothes in shady places and lying on the ground. They also are urged to iron their clothing before wearing it.
