Transcriptomic profiling of different developmental stages reveals parasitic strategies of Wohlfahrtia magnifica, a myiasis-causing flesh fly.

BACKGROUND: Wohlfahrtia magnifica is an obligatory parasite that causes myiasis in several warm-blooded vertebrates. Adult females deposit the first-stage larvae directly onto wounds or natural body orifices (e.g., genitalia) of the host, from where they quickly colonize the host tissue and feed on it for development. The infestation of W. magnifica can lead to health issues, welfare concerns, and substantial economic losses. To date, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of the W. magnifica-causing myiasis. RESULTS: In this study, we collected parasitic-stage larvae of W. magnifica from wounds of naturally infested Bactrian camels, as well as pupae and adult flies reared in vitro from the wound-collected larvae, for investigating the gene expression profiles of the different developmental stages of W. magnifica, with a particular focus on examining gene families closely related to the parasitism of the wound-collected larvae. As key proteins related to the parasite-host interaction, 2049 excretory/secretory (ES) proteins were identified in W. magnifica through the integration of multiple bioinformatics approaches. Functional analysis indicates that these ES proteins are primarily involved in cuticle development, peptidase activity, immune response, and metabolic processes. The global investigation of gene expression at different developmental stages using pairwise comparisons and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) showed that the upregulated genes during second-stage larvae were related to cuticle development, peptidase activity, and RNA transcription and translation; during third-stage larvae to peptidase inhibitor activity and nutrient reservoir activity; during pupae to cell and tissue morphogenesis and cell and tissue development; and during adult flies to signal perception, many of them involved in light perception, and adult behavior, e.g., feeding, mating, and locomotion. Specifically, the expression level analysis of the likely parasitism-related genes in parasitic wound-collected larvae revealed a significant upregulation of 88 peptidase genes (including 47 serine peptidase genes), 110 cuticle protein genes, and 21 heat shock protein (hsp) genes. Interestingly, the expression of 2 antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes, including 1 defensin and 1 diptericin, was also upregulated in the parasitic larvae. CONCLUSIONS: We identified ES proteins in W. magnifica and investigated their functional distribution. In addition, gene expression profiles at different developmental stages of W. magnifica were examined. Specifically, we focused on gene families closely related to parasitism of wound-collected larvae. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the life cycle of the myiasis-causing fly, especially during the parasitic larval stages, and provide guidance for the development of control measures against W. magnifica.

Scalp myiasis associated with soft tissue sarcoma lesion: a case report and review of relevant literature.

BACKGROUND: Sarcophagidae is one of the main fly families that is attracted to open wounds, ulcers, lesions, and other injuries for depositing their larvae. The presence of larvae of flies in human tissues makes myiasis. Myiasis on the scalp could be more frightening in comparison with myiasis on the other parts of the body. It is a rare myiasis case that shows the ability of myiasis agents to attack various parts of the body. On the other hand, reporting of myiasis cases by Sarcophagidae larvae is not common due to difficulties in their identification. This study aimed to emphasize the importance of Sarcohagidae larvae in producing myiasis by describing the first case of soft tissue sarcoma infestation and provides a review of human myiasis by larvae of the Sarcophagidae family during 2010-2023 and also a review of wound myiasis cases associated with malignancy during 2000-2023. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of sarcoma cancer myiasis is reported on the scalp of a 43-year-old man who referred to one of Tehran's hospitals for surgical treatment of cancer. Before surgery, insect larvae were observed in the area of ​​sarcoma. The larvae were isolated, examined morphologically, and identified as Sarcophaga spp. CONCLUSIONS: Myiasis has been considered as a neglected disease. Publishing of myiasis cases could be useful to alert health policy-makers about its danger and appearance in the community. It is not usual but can be expected even on the scalp of the human head. Exact daily supervision and dressing of the wound could be recommended to prevent cutaneous myiasis.

Ophthalmomyiasis Case Caused by Two Blow Fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Species in North America.

Ophthalmomyiasis is the result of fly larvae feeding on the tissues of the eye. Commonly associated with poor hygiene and open wounds, this condition is rare and often stigmatized. Treatment can be straightforward, and full recovery is common. Identifying the species responsible for ophthalmomyiasis is important for the medical, forensic, and entomological communities. Here, we present a case of ophthalmomyiasis where 30-40 blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae were removed from the eye of a human male. A representative subsample of five larvae was used for taxonomic identification via two approaches (a) DNA analysis, via sequencing of the complete mitochondrial genome (mtGenome) and comparison of the mtGenome and mitochondrial COI barcode region to GenBank, and (b) morphology, examination of the posterior spiracles using microscopy, and comparison to published larval descriptions of blow flies. Two species of blow flies were identified from the DNA analysis: Lucilia coeruleiviridis and Phormia regina. Morphological examination could only confirm L. coeruleiviridis as being present. To our knowledge, finding two blow fly species causing ophthalmomyiasis in a single individual has not been previously reported in the scientific literature. Neither P. regina nor L. coeruleiviridis prefers living tissue for larva development, but since they fill similar ecological niches, perhaps this was a show of competition rather than a normal feeding habit. Knowing these blow fly species can resort to this behavior, and that it can affect human populations, is valuable to the education of patients and providers.

CUTANEOUS MYIASIS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO WELLNESS IN EASTERN BOX TURTLES (TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA) IN CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS.

Eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) face a variety of anthropogenic, infectious, and environmental threats and have been affected by high morbidity and mortality disease events. Wellness parameters in free-ranging eastern box turtles with a high prevalence of myiasis on Cape Cod, MA, were documented to identify epidemiologic trends or associations with several health parameters. There were 109 samples collected from 59 individual box turtles over the course of 4 mon. Six turtles died over the course of this study. Fly larvae infestations varied in severity and were observed in the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue (n = 18; 30.5%). Animals with myiasis had fewer plastron abnormalities than those without (P = 0.034), and all turtles found in bogs had evidence of fly larvae infections (P < 0.0001). Individuals with myiasis also had lower body condition index (P = 0.014), lower total white blood cells (P = 0.031), lower PCV (P < 0.0001), lower total solids (P < 0.0001), higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < 0.0001), lower calcium (P = 0.018), and lower phosphorus (P = 0.017). Three turtles tested positive for terrapene herpesvirus 1, but presence was not associated with myiasis. Heavy metal analysis revealed no significant differences between turtles with and without myiasis. This study examined the health of a population of eastern box turtles, and continued health assessments will be beneficial in determining the impact of myiasis on future conservation plans.

[A case of intestinal myiasis in a bedridden elderly patient].

A 75-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and a history of previous empyema surgery was admitted to our hospital due to difficulty moving caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and dehydration. During the first two days of hospitalization, intestinal myiasis was diagnosed after maggots were found in his diapers. After the maggots disappeared, he developed a fever, prompting antibiotic therapy for a suspected secondary infection, resulting in clinical improvement. Despite thorough home cleaning, no flies or maggots were found, and the source of infection and the fly species remained unknown. Recent reports suggest a higher prevalence of myiasis among the elderly, even with overall improvement in hygiene. While myiasis is typically mild, it is a condition that requires consideration in an aging society. Myiasis is a disease that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the elderly, especially in people who are bedridden or frail.

Pedicle myiasis by Lucilia caesar (Diptera, Calliphoridae): An emerging disease in roe deer from north-western Spain.

A total of 35 male roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Lugo province (north-western Spain) were examined for pedicle myiasis between 2020 and 2022. All these animals had died by different causes and were examined or preserved just after their death to avoid post-mortem infestations. After external and internal head inspection, five animals were diagnosed with severe myiasis at the basis of the antlers (14.29%; 95% confidence interval = 5.38-31.04). All the affected bucks presented a cutaneous wound (1.5-15 cm in diameter) around the pedicles with extensive tissue destruction, exposition of frontal and parietal bones, and massive infestation by dipteran larvae (2-12 mm long). Four of five roe deer showed whitish egg clusters adhered to the basis of the antlers. Moreover, in one animal, six larvae had penetrated the cranial cavity, and in two of them larvae were also found in the nasopharyngeal cavity. All the cases were recorded in summer (May-August). Morphological identification and subsequent molecular confirmation revealed that all animals were infested by different larval stages of Lucilia caesar (Diptera: Calliphoridae). This study represents the first report of pedicle myiasis in Spain. Since this disease is reported sporadically, the detection of five cases in a short period of time suggests an increase in the incidence of this myiasis.

Larval morphology of the avian parasitic genus Passeromyia: playing hide and seek with a parastomal bar.

The enigmatic larvae of the Old World genus Passeromyia Rodhain & Villeneuve, 1915 (Diptera: Muscidae) inhabit the nests of birds as saprophages or as haematophagous agents of myiasis among nestlings. Using light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, we provide the first morphological descriptions of the first, second and third instar of P. longicornis (Macquart, 1851) (Diptera: Muscidae), the first and third instar of P. indecora (Walker, 1858) (Diptera: Muscidae), and we revise the larval morphology of P. heterochaeta (Villenueve, 1915) (Diptera: Muscidae) and P. steini Pont, 1970 (Diptera: Muscidae). We provide a key to the third instar of examined species (excluding P. steini and P. veitchi Bezzi, 1928 (Diptera: Muscidae)). Examination of the cephaloskeleton revealed paired rod-like sclerites, named 'rami', between the lateral arms of the intermediate sclerite in the second and third instar larva. We reveal parastomal bars fused apically with the intermediate sclerite, the absence of which has so far been considered as apomorphic for second and third instar muscid larvae. Examination of additional material suggests that modified parastomal bars are not exclusive features of Passeromyia but occur widespread in the Muscidae, and rami may occur widespread in the Cyclorrhapha.

Larval anatomy of the digestive and excretory systems of the pharyngeal bot fly, Pharyngomyia picta (Diptera: Oestridae).

Oestrid flies (Diptera: Oestridae) are obligate parasites of mammals during their larval stage and show anatomical adaptations for the infestation of host tissues. Unlike the species that parasitize domestic mammals, those oestrid species that infest wild mammal hosts remain poorly known. With the use of x-ray micro-computed tomography, we describe for the first time the anatomy of the digestive and excretory systems of the second and third larval instars of Pharyngomyia picta (Meigen), a parasite of cervids that, like other species within the subfamily Oestrinae, causes nasopharyngeal myiasis. Both larval instars of P. picta show a pair of remarkably large salivary glands arranged in a characteristic 'glandular band', a convoluted and thickly uniform midgut and a greatly enlarged distal region of the anterior pair of Malpighian tubules. These anatomical features also have been described in other species within the subfamily Oestrinae, whereas they differ from the observations in other oestrid subfamilies. We discuss the potential functional significance of the anatomy of the digestive and excretory systems of Oestrinae larvae as specific adaptations to parasitize the nasopharyngeal cavities of mammal hosts.

Prevalence of Oestrus ovis in small ruminants from the eastern Iberian Peninsula. A long-term study.

Oestrus ovis is an obligate parasite that causes myiasis in domestic ruminants, being commonly found in the Mediterranean area. From 2009 to 2019 a total of 3476 heads of culling sheep and goats from the Mediterranean coast of Spain were examined for the presence of O. ovis. The total prevalence was 56.3%, significantly higher in sheep than in goats (61.2% and 43%, respectively). Differences were found in the mean annual prevalence, with the highest value being registered in 2018 (61.7%) and the lowest in 2012 (50.3%). Autumn, for sheep, and winter, for goats, were the seasons with the highest number of infested specimens. Temperature, but not rainfall, was found to be associated with prevalence (p < 0.05). Most L1 were found in the anatomic region I (septum, meatus, and ventral conchae), while L2 and L3 were mainly located in regions II (nasopharynx, ethmoid labyrinth, and dorsal conchae), and III (sinuses). The overall intensity was 12.8 larvae per head, significantly higher in sheep (13.3) than in goats (3.5). Our results confirm the high prevalence of O. ovis in sheep and goats in this geographic area over the last decade, with the trend increasing in recent years in association with higher mean temperatures.

Insights into the genetic landscape and presence of Cochliomyia hominivorax in the Caribbean.

The New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a major parasite that causes myiasis in livestock, humans, and other warm-blooded animals in the western hemisphere. There is a permanent biological border that is maintained between Panama and Colombia, as it has been eradicated from North and Central America. However, it still exists in much of the Caribbean and South America causing an estimated annual loss of $3.6 billion dollars in South America alone. Less information is available for C. hominivorax in the Caribbean. Thus, here we examined its presence and genetic landscape in order to gain insights into this fly's distribution in this region. First, through sampling efforts, novel GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates were collected. Second, the environmental correlates of those presence points were examined. Next, samples were sequenced in order to obtain a pairwise ΦIT genetic distance matrix. And lastly, this matrix was used to create a genetic landscape of divergence. The results of the genetic landscape show flies as more diverse in Trinidad and Tobago and less diverse in the Dominican Republic. This is perhaps due to the proximity of Trinidad to Venezuela and gene flow may be occurring between these two areas. This information will aid in screwworm surveillance and control programs by providing environmental correlates and a view into the distribution of these flies.

Botfly Myiasis Masquerading as Dacryocystitis.

Cutaneous myiasis is an infection most commonly caused globally by Dermatobia hominus , the human botfly, which is endemic to Central and South America. In North America, the most common cause of cutaneous myiasis is infestation with the larvae of Cuterebra , the North American botfly. The authors describe a 44-year-old man who presented with a 1-month history of intermittent, severe, boring pain along the side of his nose that progressed to swelling and redness along his right inferior orbital rim and lacrimal sac. CT imaging showed a rim-enhancing collection at the right medial canthus with surrounding phlegmonous changes communicating with the skin. Pathologic evaluation revealed curvilinear pigmented material associated with a granulomatous and eosinophil-rich inflammatory infiltrate, consistent with botfly myiasis. This case describes the pathogenesis of the botfly infestation in humans, as well as the clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features of this rare orbital infection, with an emphasis on its treatment.

Efficacy of the combination of milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner for the control of myiasis by Musca domestica in desert tortoises (Gopherus berlandieri).

The efficacy of the combination of milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner was evaluated in desert tortoises infested with fly larvae. Oral administration of the combination of milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner eliminated the infestation without generating any evident adverse effects on the tortoises.

L'efficacité de la combinaison de milbémycine oxime et d'afoxolaner a été évaluée chez des tortues du désert infestées par des larves de mouches. L'administration orale de la combinaison de milbémycine oxime et d'afoxolaner traite l'infestation sans générer d'effets indésirables évidents sur les tortues.

A eficácia da associação de milbemicina oxima e afoxolaner foi avaliada em tartarugas do deserto infestadas por larvas de moscas. A administração oral da combinação de afoxolaner e milbemicina oxima eliminou a infestação sem gerar nenhum efeito adverso evidente às tartarugas.

Se evaluó la eficacia de la combinación de milbemicina oxima y afoxolaner en tortugas del desierto infestadas con larvas de mosca. La administración oral de la combinación de milbemicina oxima y afoxolaner eliminó la infestación sin generar efectos adversos evidentes en las tortugas.

An Atypical Presentation Of Cutaneous Myiasis Of The Scalp In North Punjab: A Case Report.

Myiasis is an ectoparasitic infestation caused by larvae of arthropods in the group Diptera. Cutaneous myiasis is the infection of skin and includes the following types: furuncular, migratory and wound myiasis. Out of all the organisms responsible for this disease, Wohlfahrtia vigil is the most common causative agent in Pakistan, usually seen from June to September with nearly all presentations occurring at a young age. In our case, a patient without a history of trauma, skin erosion or animal exposure has a unique presentation of cutaneous myiasis. Here, an effort was made to treat a 15- year-old otherwise healthy female with a multisegmented treatment modality. A follow up visit was conducted every three days for three months at the end of which a 60% decrease in the size of the open wound was observed.

[A child with periorbital swelling]. / Et barn med hevelse rundt øyet.

BACKGROUND: A young boy presented with acute ethmoiditis and recurrent periorbital swelling. The periorbital swelling was confirmed to be caused by a rare condition. CASE PRESENTATION: Debut symptoms were acute rhinitis, unilateral periorbital swelling, fatigue, and swelling in the temple region, probably caused by an insect bite. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sinuses showed bilateral ethmoiditis and unilateral periorbital cellulitis without subperiostal abscess formation, and antibiotics were prescribed. Because of recurrence of the periorbital swelling, an interdisciplinary team started an investigation for a differential diagnosis. The infestation of Hypoderma tarandi was confirmed by recent history of hiking in reindeer habitat, typical clinical presentation and detection of IgG hypodermin C antibodies. INTERPRETATION: Human myiasis by Hypoderma tarandi is a rare condition in Norway. Typical clinical signs are unaffected general condition, migration of swelling in the forehead, recurrent unilateral periorbital swelling and normal CRP levels. Early-stage diagnosis and treatment will contribute to rapid symptom relief and prevent rare eye and intracranial complications. This case illustrates the importance of investigation for other conditions when the disease course is unexpected. The authors emphasise that knowledge about this disease is important in a variety of medical specialties.

A rare case of residual root myiasis caused by Clogmia albipunctata larvae (Diptera: Psychodidae).

BACKGROUND: Dental injury caused by caries and trauma is the main cause of residual roots. Food trapped in the residual roots is difficult to clean. If the residual roots are not treated and cared for in time, flies can take advantage as soon as hygiene slips. Here, we present a rare case of human residual root myiasis caused by Clogmia albipunctata larvae, never previously reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old lady found two active, living larvae in her mouth while brushing her teeth. She did not present with fever, pain and any uncomfortable oral feeling. The intraoral examination revealed the right second mandibular molar was severely damaged as a result of caries, leaving a residual tooth root. The mucosa above it was mildly erythematous and edematous. No larvae and no inflamed gums were observed in her mouth. When normal saline was used to flush the area of the residual root with a syringe, four larvae appeared from the residual root. The larvae were observed by naked eye and under a light microscope. They were identified as the mature stage larvae of Clogmia albipunctata. Because the patient was in lactation, medication was not recommended. Treatment included the removal of all visible larvae followed by flushing the residual root with normal saline three times a day. The patient was followed-up weekly for one month. No more larvae were found and the erythematous and edematous mucosa healed completely. CONCLUSIONS: The existence of a residual root can result in residual root myiasis. Myiasis caused by Clogmia albipunctata larvae or other fly larvae should be considered in cases of residual root infection.

The effects of genital myiasis on the diversity of the vaginal microbiota in female Bactrian camels.

BACKGROUND: Genital myasis is one of the most important diseases that affects the reproductive organs of Bactrian camels in which can cause serious mechanical damage to the vaginal tissue. The accumulation of bacteria in the vagina of female camels can affect their health and reproductive ability. The effect of this damage is commonly manifested in the vaginal flora and vaginal mucosal immune system. Therefore, this investigation is a study of the diversity of the vaginal flora and the differences between healthy Bactrian camels and those suffering from genital myiasis. RESULTS: Vaginal microbiota samples were collected from two groups of female Bactrian camels of the same age. An Illumina MiSeq was used to sequence the 16S rRNA V3-V4 hypervariable sequence in the samples. The results showed that the vaginal microflora of the infected camels had a significantly greater operational taxonomic unit (OTU) value. According to the assessment of the alpha diversity index and the vaginal pH, the diversity index of the infected camel flora was higher than that of the normal camel flora, and the vaginal pH was lower than that of the normal camels (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the abundance of dominant genera in the Bactrian camel vagina (P > 0.05), indicating that the certain stability is maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this comparison revealed the differences and similarities between the vaginal microbiota of Bactrian camels in various health statues. In addition, these data provide a reference point for understanding the types of bacteria that cause genital myiasis affecting the healthy development of Bactrian camels.

Prevalence and pathology of Cephalopina titillator infestation in Camelus bactrianus from Xinjiang, China.

BACKGROUND: In camels, nasopharyngeal myiasis is caused by the larvae of Cephalopina titillator, which parasitize the tissues of nasal and paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. C. titillator infestation adversely affects the health of camels and decreases milk and meat production and even death. However, the C. titillator infestation in Bactrian camels has not been widely studied. METHODS: The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of C. titillator in Bactrian camels of northwestern Xinjiang. Suspected larvae recovered from infested camels were evaluated for C. titillator by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequences of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) and cytochrome b (CYTB) genes from the C. titillator of camels were aligned from the NCBI database. Furthermore, the gross and histopathological alterations associated with C. titillator infestation were evaluated via pathological examination. RESULTS: Of 1263 camels examined 685 (54.2%) camels were infested with suspected C. titillator larvae. Different larval stages were topically detected in the nasal passages and pharynx of the camel heads. Microscopy analysis of the pharyngeal mucosa tissue revealed necrotic tissue debris and some inflammatory cells. Molecular detection of the larval COX1 and CYTB genes indicated that pathogen collected in Bactrian camels was C. titillator. The epidemiological study demonstrated that the prevalence rate of C.titillator infestation was significantly higher in camels of Bestierek Town Pasture (67.2%) and Karamagai Town Pasture (63.6%) compared to Kitagel Town Pasture (38.7%) and Qibal Town Pasture (35.8%) (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the prevalence rates in male (52.6%) and female (54.6%) camels (P > 0.05). The prevalence was higher in warm (64.2%) than that in cold (48.4%) seasons (P < 0.001). The prevalence in camels with non-nomadic method (67.2%) was significantly higher than in animals with nomadic method (47.5%) (P < 0.001). The prevalence of C.titillator infestation was significantly higher in animals of aged 5-10 (60.1%) and aged > 10 (61.1%) years old compared to those of aged < 5 (31.7%) years old camels (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that there is a high prevalence of C. titillator in Bactrian camels from Xinjiang, closely related to age, season, pasture environment, and husbandry methods. Developing prevention, diagnosis, and control programs to prevent transmission is necessary.

A Rare Human Case of External Ophthalmomyiasis due to Oestrus ovis in West China.

BACKGROUND: Myiasis is an infection of the tissues and organs occurring in animals or humans by fly larvae, and human ophthalmic myiasis has been described worldwide. METHODS: We report here a rare case of unilateral severe conjunctival ophthalmomyiasis due to the larvae of Oestrus ovis in Jixi city, Shaanxi province of west China, in which the climate is relatively dry and cold. RESULTS: The larvae were verified as the first instar larvae of Oestrus ovis according to the previously described morphological criteria. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we present an optimal method to identify larvae under a microscope to make images sharper for accurate laboratory diagnosis and preserve the specimen for a long time so that laboratory staff can learn about the rare case, especially in the regions with dry and cold climate like ours, where laboratory staff are not familiar with the disease. Accurate laboratory identification and prompt treatment will provide remarkable benefit to the patients.

Traumatic myiasis by Wohlfahrtia magnifica in sheep flocks from southeastern Spain: prevalence and risk factors.

Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is an obligate myiasis-causing fly of livestock that is widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin. A total of 73 683 sheep from 122 flocks in Albacete Province (southeastern [SE] Spain) were examined to detect active traumatic myiasis. The influence of several individual and flock factors on the prevalence was also assessed. The overall flock prevalence of traumatic myiasis was 95.9%, with an individual prevalence of 7.1%. Wohlfahrtia magnifica was identified in all of the positive animals except one that was infested by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Adults of both genders showed a higher risk of infestation than juveniles, whereas males of all ages displayed an increased risk of infestation than females of all ages; the existence of a lambing building on the farm, poor husbandry facilities and the location area were also identified as risk factors. Prevalence was highest in the summer, and the fly season lasted from March to November. Genitalia were the main location of infestation in males (94.4%) and females (76.3%). Our results reveal that traumatic myiasis by W. magnifica is widespread in southeastern Spain, hence preventive measures minimizing the attractiveness of sheep to gravid flies are necessary to avoid health and welfare problems and significant production losses in sheep flocks.

Oral myiasis in humans.

Myiasis is a parasitic infestation resulting from flies laying eggs in the host tissues. It is common in animals, but can also occur in humans, including in the oral cavity. The diagnosis is usually quite clear in endemic regions such as Brazil, but it can be challenging to clinicians in nonendemic counties when faced with a patient who has acquired the infection elsewhere. We report two clinical cases of human intraoral myiasis and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Two men, both of whom were in situations of vulnerability presented with myiasis: the first patient had larvae infesting the alveolar ridge region after tooth extraction, while the second was diagnosed with inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia associated with larvae along the edges of the lesion. Both were treated with ivermectin and antibiotics, and given guidance on preventative care. Such infestations are often a clear sign of neglect, and clinicians need to pay attention to the general health of patients affected by oral myiasis.