Human bot fly 5630479 225707062 2008-07-15T00:29:39Z Mark-mitchell-aldershot 3401544 {{Taxobox | name = Human Bot Fly | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Arthropod]]a | subphylum = [[Hexapoda]] | classis = [[Insect]]a | subclassis = [[Pterygota]] | infraclassis = [[Neoptera]] | superordo = [[Endopterygota]]| | ordo = [[Fly|Diptera]] | subordo = [[Brachycera]] | familia = [[Oestridae]] | subfamilia = [[Cuterebrinae]] | genus = '''''Dermatobia''''' | species = '''''D. hominis''''' | binomial = ''Dermatobia hominis'' | binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1781) }} {{Refimprove|date=August 2007}} The genus '''''Dermatobia''''' contains only one species, '''''D. hominis''''', the only species of [[bot fly]] that attacks humans (in addition to other [[primate]]s). It is also known as the '''torsalo'''. In this species, the fly's eggs are vectored by [[mosquito]]es and muscoid flies; the female ''Dermatobia'' captures the mosquito and attaches its eggs to the body of it, then releases it. Either the eggs hatch while the mosquito is feeding and the larvae use the mosquito bite area as the entry point, or the eggs simply drop off the muscoid fly when it lands on the skin. The larvae develop inside the [[subcutaneous]] layers, and after approximately eight weeks, they drop out to pupate for at least a week, typically in the soil. The adults are small gray flies resembling a [[blowfly]]. This species is native to the [[New World]] tropics, though it is not abundant enough (nor harmful enough) to ever attain true pest status. Since the fly larvae can only survive the entire eight-week development if the wound does ''not'' become infected, it is rare for patients to experience infections unless they kill the larva without removing it completely (below). It is even possible that the fly larva may itself produce antibiotic secretions that help prevent infection while it is feeding. <!-- ==Background== The botfly maggot is a potentially fatal parasite that lives in most southern Brazilian countries and can be found in the soil or various exotic fruit and vegetable exports as well as some animals from other regions. If the correct form of action is not taken soon enough, then disease can spread throughout the body and household. Check with close family members, relatives or close friends you have recently come in contact to see if any of the below symptoms occur. If you suspect a botfly check with a doctor immediately, but until action is taken, avoid loud deep sounds as this causes the larva to vibrate and bury deeper into the flesh. Avoid eating high [[carbohydrate]]s foods such as [[bread]]s, [[pasta]]s, and [[whole wheat]]s and [[grain]]s. In July 2008, a Brazilian man was found dead as a result of a human botfly growth in his brain. Tests and autopsy have so far shown that the parasite had eaten 2cm into his brain. Attempts to explain this incident have so far proven nothing. ==Stages== *Stage One: Infection usually caused by ingesting diseased foods or contact with eggs. There are no immediate symptoms. *Stage Two: Infection becomes visible resembling a [[pimple]] or skin irritation. *Stage Three: Hole emerges and botfly is visible through hole. Usually there is a period of two to three weeks until next symptoms. *Stage Four: Botfly comes out and lays eggs, this can be on the previous victim. ==Symptoms== Some or all symptoms may occur depending on family genetics, environment and diet. *[[Depression (mood)|Depression]] *Lack of energy *Confusion of basic shapes and colors *Low activity level *Snappy *Mood swings *Elation after ingesting high [[carbohydrate]] foods. *Infected area resembles a large [[pimple]] or a minor skin irritation. *Loss of hair on infected area. --> ==Remedies== The botfly maggot cannot be removed easily whilst alive due to the strong, hooked spines that run in circular rings around the midsection of its body. However, various solutions have been suggested: *Immediate contact with [[larva]]e can be remedied with [[alcohol]]. *Recently, many physicians have discovered that venom extractor syringes can remove larvae with ease at any stage of growth. As these devices are a common component of first-aid kits to deal with snakebites, this is an effective and easily accessible solution. *Duct tape can kill the larvae by cutting off their air supply. *Some people have reported success simply by careful application of pressure, but this approach runs a very high risk of killing the larva ''[[in situ]]'', leading to infection. One medical treatment is to suffocate the grub by sealing off the air hole found in the surrounding blister. This can be done with petroleum jelly or a similar substance. This forces the grub to expose itself temporarily (to clear the [[spiracle]]s), making it easier to remove, though it is still risky if the larva does not come completely out of the wound and therefore is not a simple matter to perform without killing the larva and causing infection. Most commonly, people will snap off the tail of the larva, leaving the portion with the hooks still embedded. *A similar "cure" (which is really more of a [[folk remedy]]) is to put meat over the affected area while the flies are in their larval stage, thereby cutting off the parasites' air supply. The grubs should then burrow through the meat to gain access to oxygen, at which point the meat may be removed with the larvae trapped inside. It is unclear, however, whether this is generally effective, and controlled experiments have not been done to determine precisely which "home-grown" method of extraction is safest, most effective, or easiest. Surgical removal is an option, of course, but could be costly for those without access to affordable healthcare. *In general, then, simply allowing the larva to develop and leave the body on its own is the safest and least risky course of action, though few people are willing to wait that long, especially if the larva is lodged in an uncomfortable or unsightly location. The degree of discomfort experienced does seem to be entirely dependent on where the larva is located, related to how sensitive the surrounding tissue is. ==See also== *[[Myiasis]] ==External links== *[http://www.davesgonemental.com/?p=50 Personal account of a botfly larva and extraction, with video and close-up photos showing mouth action] *[http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050401/letters.html Case Report: Insect Bite Reveals Botfly Myiasis in an Older Woman] *[http://humanbotfly.blogspot.com/ Personal blog featuring facts and stories] *[http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=b466093a94 Video of live botfly larvae extraction from back of human host] *[http://domandnat.com/albums/South_America/Venezuela/_ICT4060.JPG.html Young botfly larvae (about 3 weeks old) just minutes after having been extracted from an arm] {{parasite-stub}} {{fly-stub}} [[Category:Oestridae]] [[Category:Flies]] [[Category:Parasites]] [[es:Dermatobia hominis]] [[fr:Dermatobia hominis]] [[pt:Mosca-varejeira]] [[fi:Dermatobia hominis]]