Risk factors for a wound to be affected:
(1) ulceration with necrosis
(2) hemorrhage
(3) pus
(4) discharge with an alkaline pH (7.1 to 7.5)
(5) show hyperkeratosis
Skin lesions that may develop wound myiasis include:
(1) tumor (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphoma, breast cancer, etc)
(2) neuropathic ulcer
(3) psoriasis
(4) seborrheic keratosis
(5) onychomycosis
(6) ischemic ulcer
(7) noma
(8) lymphedema
(9) condyloma acuminatum
(10) hemorrhoid
(11) leprosy
(12) pediculosis
(13) impetigo
(14) herpes zoster
(15) lipedema
Patients who are at risk for wound myiasis:
(1) poor socioeconomic status
(2) poor hygiene
(3) lack of adequate care
(4) severe disability
(5) coma or depressed level of consciousness
(6) poor visual acuity
(7) natural disaster or social breakdown
(8) sensory loss
Clinical findings may include:
(1) pruritus
(2) pain or discomfort
(3) foul odor
(4) foreign body sensation
The impact on the patient depends on the species of fly involved. Some species are beneficial, consuming nonviable tissue and reducing infection. Others may invade adjacent tissues with local destruction or secondary infection.
