DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages

TRANSLATE TRANSLATE CLOSE SEARCH modal-close SEARCH DERMNET

breadcrumbs Home » Topics A–Z » Myiasis pathology

Myiasis pathology

Author: Adjunct A/Prof Patrick Emanuel, Dermatopathologist, Clínica Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru. DermNet NZ Editor in Chief: Adjunct A/Prof Amanda Oakley. Copy edited by Maria McGivern/Gus Mitchell. September 2018.

Myiasis pathology — codes and concepts
open

Introduction

Myiasis is infestation by the larvae (maggots) of fly species within the arthropod order Diptera (the adult flies are two-winged).

Histology of myiasis

In myiasis, the histopathology shows the larva of the fly in the dermis or subcutis. There is a surrounding infiltrate (figures 1–3).

Myiasis pathology
Myiasis pathology

Figure 1
Myiasis pathology

Figure 2
Myiasis pathology

Figure 3

None are generally needed.

Differential diagnosis for myiasis

Other conditions that should be considered include:

  • Ticks — these have legs and mouth
  • Tunga penetrans — look for a flea with legs; this almost always involves the feet.

See smartphone apps to check your skin.
[Sponsored content]

 

Related information

 

References

On DermNet NZ

Books about skin diseases

See the DermNet NZ bookstore.