Nosocomial Myiasis Caused by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in a Pediatric Patient in Mexico

Prevention of nosocomial myiasis, or hospital-acquired larvae infestation, should be an essential part of all hospital infection control programs. However, little is known about nosocomial myiasis, despite the extensive medical and psychological effects it has on patients and their families and the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hugo Martínez-Rojano, Herón Huerta, Luis M. Hernández-Triana, Eduardo Francisco Ruiz Pérez, Reyna Sámano
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Limited 2020-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Infectious Diseases
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/1285459
Description
Summary:Prevention of nosocomial myiasis, or hospital-acquired larvae infestation, should be an essential part of all hospital infection control programs. However, little is known about nosocomial myiasis, despite the extensive medical and psychological effects it has on patients and their families and the negative effects it has on hospitals’ reputation and finances. This report describes a case of nosocomial myiasis of a 13-year-old boy who was admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit for congestive heart failure, anemia, uremic encephalopathy, hypertension, and severe respiratory distress. Ten days after admission, the pediatrician and the nurse perceived an increase in the volume of the gingival mucosa of the upper buccal vestibule and the presence of fly larvae. The maggots were sent to the Instituto de Diagnostico y Referencia Epidemiologicos for identification and were found to be Lucilia sericata larvae. This report highlights the need to educate medical and paramedical personnel, as well as creation and implement protocols in hospitals to avoid nosocomial myiasis and improvement of general sanitation.
ISSN:2090-6625
2090-6633