Case Report of Maggot Infestation on Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Abstract

Myiasis is originated from the Greek word, Miya, which means fly.  Fly larva are called maggots. Infestation in humans by maggots is called myiasis. Fly maggots feed on and develop in the tissues of living beings and this condition is known as myasis. The maggot (larvae) invades the skin and subcutaneous tissue is known as Maggot infestation. It was found that farmers who are working in agricultural fields are more susceptible to this infestation. Myiasis symptoms may vary according to the fly type, the number of larvae, and the location of the infected area. Many organs can be infested by these larvae and the most common form is cutaneous myasis. The predisposing factors of cutaneous myasisare cutaneous immobilization, advanced age, poor social conditions, mental retardation, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, vascular occlusive disease, and infected dermatitis as myiasis. Myiasis is more common in tropical and subtropical countries, especially in rural regions where people are in close contact with animals.Myiasisrepresents the fourth most common travel-associated skin disease. Here we report case on 55-year-old female patient was admitted with complaints of diabetic foot ulcer over left foot for 1 and half months and maggots were examined in the wound. The complete blood cell count [CBC] test shows that her HbA1c level was increased to 10.1%. The patient has undergone wound debridement on left forefoot and maggots were completely removed.