Opportunistic Cutaneous Myiasis

To the Editor.— The invasion of human or animal tissue by the larvae (maggots) of dipterous flies is known as myiasis. Cutaneous myiasis in man tends to occur in individuals who work in, or travel to, tropical climates and in individuals with poor personal hygiene and open wounds. Several clinical forms have been described, including the furuncular, opportunistic, and creeping myiasis.1,2Opportunistic myiasis occurs when the flies lay their eggs in open wounds, ulcers, or cavities, and one then usually finds multiple larvae.3-9 Therapy consists of three general techniques: mechanical or surgical débridement; application of toxic substances to the larvae, eggs, or both; and techniques producing localized hypoxia to force emergence of the larvae. I present my experience with a severe opportunistic infestation of stasis ulcers in an elderly lady with poor personal hygiene. Report of a Case.— An 82-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for lower