A collective analysis on 54 cases of human myiasis in China from 1995-2001
Jiang, C.
Chinese Medical Journal 115(10): 1445-1447
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 12490083 Document Number: 548710
Purpose: To review 54 cases of human myiasis in China reported from 1995-2001 in order to characterize the current epidemic situation. Date sources: All reference data originated from some Chinese literature in Chinese medical journals. Twenty-four short reports published from 1995-2001 were selected according to the stated purpose. Due to the varied outcomes of myiasis at different sites in the body, the present paper is divided into 7 types of infection: ocular, nasal cavity, external auricular, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and traumatic myiasis. Results: Of these 54 selected cases of myiasis in China from 1995-2001, hypodermic myiasis (31 patients) and ocular myiasis (12 patients) were the most common, comprising 43 cases (80%). The cases were equally distributed amongst both genders. Furthermore, most of the infected were children and infants, totaling 39 cases, or 72%. The regional distribution of myiasis was widespread throughout the sixteen provinces and autonomous regions in question. Conclusions: Although not always reported, myiasis is a common zoonotic parasitosis occurring in most of China's territories. Due to its prevalence, preventive measures for myiasis are urgently needed.