Overview
Subcutaneous myiasis involves infestation of human tissue by maggots, commonly seen in tropical regions and increasingly relevant in returned travelers from endemic areas 1.Diagnosis
Clinical suspicion: High index of suspicion in travelers from endemic areas (e.g., Sierra Leone) 1.
Ultrasound: Bedside emergency ultrasound can aid in diagnosing subcutaneous myiasis by visualizing maggot infiltration 1.Management
Surgical removal: Manual extraction of maggots under sterile conditions is essential 1.
Antimicrobial prophylaxis: Consider prophylactic antibiotics to prevent secondary infections 1.
Wound care: Proper wound cleaning and dressing to prevent complications 1.Special Populations
Travelers: Increased vigilance for diagnosis in returned travelers from endemic regions 1.Key Recommendations
Maintain high suspicion for subcutaneous myiasis in patients with travel history to endemic areas (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
Utilize bedside ultrasound for early diagnosis of subcutaneous myiasis in emergency settings (Evidence: Moderate) 1.
Perform prompt surgical removal of maggots under sterile conditions (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.References
1 Schechter E, Lazar J, Nix ME, Mallon WK, Moore CL. Identification of subcutaneous myiasis using bedside emergency physician performed ultrasound. The Journal of emergency medicine 2011. link