Myiasis in public health and veterinary public health

Abstract

The invasion of tissues of man and other animals by dipterous larvae is defined myiasis. These larvae can harm the tissues temporarily or permanently. In extreme cases, extensive damage to internal tissues can cause the death of the patient. To treat the myiasis topic, they can be classified from different angles: medical, biological, ecological and/or epidemiological. The multidisciplinary approach favours the understanding of the epidemiology of the parasitic disease, strengths the integral knowledge of theses parasites, and contributes to the development of national surveillance and control programs. Based on an extensive literature review in journals data base and local reference libraries some kind of myiasis are discussed, aiming to stress the relationships between public health and veterinary public health. Myiasis types discussed were selected according to frequency of cases, severity of the infestation, anatomical sites involved and/or clinical approach. For each type of myiasis, species of flies involved, its geographical distribution, clinical signs of the infestation, and preventive measures are presented. Additionally, a few aspects of maggot therapy in humans and animals are mentioned. Finally, the main challenges for veterinarians in developing countries about control of myiasis in domesticated animals under a frame of budget deficit of national veterinary services.