Cutaneous myiasis caused by the African tumbu fly (Cordylobia anthropophaga)
C. F. Ockenhouse, C. P. Samlaska, P. M. Benson, L. W. Roberts, A. Eliasson, S. Malane and M. D. Menich
Department of Medicine, Walter Reed Army Medical Center Washington, DC.
We describe a patient with cutaneous myiasis caused by the African tumbu
fly (Cordylobia anthropophaga). This case demonstrates the need for a
detailed travel history and an understanding of the fly life cycle to
prevent erroneous diagnosis and to expedite prompt treatment. The nature of
the lesions, larval morphological features, histological characteristics,
and immune response directed toward fly maggots are described.
