Human Botfly: A Case Report and Overview of Differential Diagnosis. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shenouda, Mina; Enten, Garrett; Nguyen, Thanh; Mangar, Devanand; Camporesi, Enrico
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative medicine high impact case reports. Volume 6(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Dermatobia hominis -- human botfly -- furuncular lesion; Internal medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Periodicals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1177/2324709618801692
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2324-7096

Abstract

Dermatobia hominis, commonly known as the human botfly, is native to Tropical America. As such, cutaneous infestation by its developing larvae, or myiasis, is quite common in this region. The distinct dermatological presentation of D hominis myiasis allows for its early recognition and noninvasive treatment by locals. However, it can prove quite perplexing for those unfamiliar with the lesion's unique appearance. Common erroneous diagnoses include the following: folliculitis, benign dermatocyst, and embedded foreign body with localized infection. We present a patient who acquired D hominis while she was in Belize. In this report, we discuss the presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic tests, and therapeutic approaches of human botfly lesion to raise the awareness about human botfly.