CASE REPORT: MYIASIS CAUSED BY LUCILIA CUPRINA IN AN ADULT PATIENT IN KELANTAN, MALAYSIA

Murnihayati Hassan1, Liszen Tang2,3, Azlinda Abu Bakar1, Zeti Norfidiyati Salmuna@Ayub1,2, Tengku Nurfara’ain Qistina Tuan Kamarul Baharin2,3, Nazni Wasi Ahmad4 and Zakuan Zainy Deris1,2

Abstract

Lucilia cuprina is a rare cause of serious myiasis. We reported here a case of a 51-year old Malay male with an underlying history of stroke causing him to be bed ridden; he had a tracheostomy and a Ryle’s feeding tube. His oral care had been neglected. His caregiver noted a foul oral odor and the presence of maggots on tracheostomy suction. On physical examination, the patient was febrile. On oral examination, he had periodontitis, multiple mobile teeth and oral myiasis. He was treated with removal of all 153 larvae, given intravenous cefuroxime and wound care. The larvae was identified as those of Lucilia cuprina. At follow-up three months post-operatively, the myiasis and periodontitis had resolved completely without residuals. Lucilia cuprina can cause severe myiasis in disabled patients but good hygiene and appropriate wound care can treat this condition.