Oral Myiasis : Case Report

| Posted in: Science Health Sciences Journals

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Oral Myiasis : Case Report
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Author:

Roszalina Ramli, Roslan Abd Rahman


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The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Oral Myiasis : Case Report

Year: 2002

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Myiasis is an infestation of living tissues in humans or vertebrates by dipterous larvae, primarily affecting mammals. This condition is relatively rare, even in regions experiencing poor sanitation, and is often linked to compromised oral hygiene and persistent mouth opening. This report details two instances of oral myiasis found in cerebral palsy patients at Seremban General Hospital in Malaysia, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of maggots and the critical importance of oral health care among individuals with special needs.

Therapeutic Use of Maggots

Maggots have gained recognition for their therapeutic properties, particularly in the debridement of chronic wounds. In the cases discussed, both patients, due to their inability to maintain proper oral hygiene, developed oral cavities filled with maggots, which were effectively treated using turpentine. Research indicates that maggots secrete substances like allantoin, which promote healing while removing necrotic tissue. While traditionally associated with filthy conditions, the controlled therapeutic use of maggots has been documented since the 1930s, illustrating their efficacy in wound management.

Conclusion

The occurrence of oral myiasis in cerebral palsy patients underscores the need for heightened awareness of oral health care among this vulnerable population. The case reports highlight the role of poor hygiene and prolonged mouth opening as predisposing factors, and they call for proactive dental interventions to prevent such infestations. Overall, the therapeutic potential of maggots and the importance of maintaining oral hygiene in special needs patients are critical areas for further exploration and awareness in healthcare practices.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is myiasis and how does it occur in patients?

Myiasis is an infestation of living tissues by fly larvae, primarily from Diptera. It typically occurs when flies lay eggs in decaying tissue, often influenced by poor hygiene, leading to the larvae feeding on the host's living or dead tissues.

What were the circumstances surrounding the reported cases of oral myiasis?

Two cases of oral myiasis in cerebral palsy patients were reported, where poor oral hygiene and persistent mouth opening led to fly larvae infesting the oral cavity, filling perforations in the palate.

How were the oral myiasis cases treated and managed?

The treatment involved cleansing the affected areas with turpentine and antibiotics. Parents were instructed on oral hygiene, but both patients failed to attend follow-up appointments, highlighting the need for diligence in care.

What role do maggots play in both myiasis and healing?

While maggots can cause myiasis, they also have therapeutic uses. They can debride necrotic tissue in chronic wounds and secrete substances that promote healing, making them valuable in certain medical treatments despite their association with infections.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Oral Myiasis : Case Report”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene refers to practices that maintain health and prevent disease, specifically through cleanliness. In the context of myiasis, inadequate oral hygiene is a significant predisposing factor, particularly in patients with conditions like cerebral palsy who may have challenges in maintaining proper hygiene, leading to inviting infestations by fly larvae.

2) Pur (Pūr):
Poor denotes a lack of quality or sufficiency. In this report, it indicates inadequate oral hygiene, which is a critical factor contributing to myiasis. Poor oral hygiene results in the accumulation of food debris and foul odors, providing an environment for flies to lay eggs, ultimately leading to larval infestation.

3) Indian:
Indian refers to the ethnicity of one of the patients described in the report. This highlights the demographic aspect of the case studies, showcasing how myiasis can affect individuals from various backgrounds. Additionally, it emphasizes that myiasis is not confined to specific regions or populations but is a broader global health issue.

4) Sood:
Sood refers to a researcher whose work is cited in the report. Sood's studies contribute to the understanding of myiasis, particularly the life cycle of flies and the behavior of larvae. The recognition of past research emphasizes the importance of established scientific literature in addressing contemporary medical issues like oral myiasis.

5) Drug:
Drug often refers to medicinal substances used to treat diseases or conditions. In the context of this report, drug treatments like antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin) are critical in managing infections associated with myiasis. Proper medical intervention is essential to prevent complications arising from tissue infestations and secondary infections.

6) Surrounding:
Surrounding pertains to the environment or context around a particular entity. In this article, it relates to the surrounding tissues where larvae attach and feed. Understanding how larvae interact with the surrounding tissue is crucial for effective treatment and removal, highlighting the importance of detailed examination in medical cases of myiasis.

7) Substance:
Substance can refer to a particular chemical or compound. In the context of myiasis, it denotes secretions or toxins released by larvae that can cause tissue destruction. These substances are integral to understanding the pathological effects of myiasis on the host, underscoring the need for targeted treatment strategies to manage such infestations.

8) Animal:
Animal encompasses a broad category of living organisms, specifically referring to mammals in this case study. The report discusses myiasis, an infestation phenomenon primarily concerning animals and humans. Understanding the animal-human interaction is crucial for the prevention and management of myiasis, highlighting that both can serve as hosts.

9) Filling (Filled):
Filled describes a condition where a space contains a specific substance, in this case, maggots within an oral cavity perforation. This term highlights the severity of myiasis cases, emphasizing how deeply larvae can infest living tissues and underscoring the urgent need for medical intervention to remove the larvae effectively.

10) Ulcer:
Ulcer represents an open sore or lesion typically resulting from tissue necrosis. In myiasis, ulcers may develop due to the destructive feeding behavior of larvae on living tissues. Identifying and treating ulcers promptly is vital for patient recovery and illustrates the need for comprehensive care to restore oral health.

11) Pupa (Pūpa):
Pupa refers to a life stage of an insect undergoing transformation. In the context of myiasis, understanding the pupa stage is essential because it signifies the metamorphosis of larvae into adult flies. This biological knowledge is pivotal for assessing the timeline of infestation and for implementing timely interventions in affected patients.

12) Food:
Food pertains to substances consumed for nutritional support. In the context of oral myiasis, decaying food in the mouth can attract flies to lay eggs. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is critical to preventing food accumulation, which is necessary for reducing the risk of myiasis and ensuring overall health and well-being.

13) Life:
Life encapsulates the biological state of living organisms, including their development and interactions. Within the report, life refers to the life cycle of the flies responsible for causing myiasis. Recognizing the various stages of flies’ life is essential for diagnosing and treating myiasis effectively while understanding ecological aspects involved.

14) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body's response to injury, infection, or irritation, often resulting in redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. In cases of oral myiasis, inflammation may present due to tissue damage caused by the invasive larvae. Addressing inflammation is crucial in treatment, highlighting the need for broader therapeutic strategies to manage infection.

15) Developing:
Developing indicates the process of growth or gradual advancement, which, in this context, applies to the growth stages of myiasis and the conditions in which it flourishes. The report points out that neglecting oral hygiene can lead to environments favorable for larvae, illustrating the importance of proactive health measures in preventing myiasis.

16) Alcoholism:
Alcoholism refers to a chronic addiction to alcohol. It can contribute to oral myiasis by impairing an individual’s ability to maintain oral hygiene. In the report, patients with cerebral palsy may have coexisting conditions like alcoholism, reinforcing the possibility of neglecting oral care, which can significantly elevate the risk of myiasis development.

17) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic refers to a type of medication used to treat bacterial infections. The report emphasizes the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics in managing myiasis cases, especially in preventing secondary infections resulting from tissue breakdown due to infestations. Effective antibiotic therapy is vital for recovery in patients undergoing treatment for myiasis.

18) Container:
Container refers to a vessel or device used for holding something. In the context of maggot therapy, sterile containers are important for rearing maggots intended for therapeutic use. Understanding how to maintain clean and controlled environments for the development of maggots illustrates the importance of proper techniques in medical applications of maggots.

19) Cleansing:
Cleansing refers to the process of removing dirt, impurities, or contaminants. In managing myiasis, thorough cleansing of the affected area is crucial to eradicate maggots effectively. The report highlights various methods of cleansing, emphasizing that proper care is essential in preventing complications arising from infestations, underscoring the need for systematic treatment protocols.

20) Disease:
Disease refers to any abnormal condition affecting the body, often marked by specific symptoms. In the report, myiasis is highlighted as a significant disease caused by fly larvae infestation, showcasing how underlying health conditions, like cerebral palsy, can exacerbate its occurrence. Understanding the disease dynamics is crucial for improving health outcomes.

21) Mineral:
Mineral refers to a naturally occurring inorganic substance. In the context of this report, mineral oil is mentioned as a treatment option for managing myiasis. Its usage as a topical agent serves to highlight alternative approaches to larvae removal and underscores the need for effective therapeutic options beyond traditional medicinal treatments.

22) Mishra (Miśra):
Mishra refers to a contributor in the referenced literature, pertinent to myiasis research. Citing Mishra indicates the integration of established scientific knowledge into the case report, essential for validation of findings and providing a foundation upon which current practices can be evaluated and improved, contributing to best practices in treatment.

23) Cotton:
Cotton refers to a soft, white fiber used in textiles and medical applications. The report mentions cotton buds used in the cleansing process during the removal of maggots from the oral cavity. The use of cotton represents a practical element in clinical procedures, highlighting the importance of suitable materials in effective patient care.

24) Kakar:
Kakar is another contributor mentioned in the citations, emphasizing the collaborative nature of research and its applications. Recognizing Kakar underscores the importance of diverse contributions to the body of knowledge surrounding myiasis, which is vital for comprehensive understanding and enhancing treatment protocols in medical and dental practices.

25) Visit:
Visit refers to the act of going to see or spend time with someone or a place, in this case, a dental clinic. The report discusses the significance of regular dental visits for special needs patients to maintain oral health, emphasizing that neglect can lead to conditions like myiasis, necessitating preventive care and regular monitoring.

26) Study (Studying):
Study signifies the process of research or investigation into a particular subject. The report itself constitutes a study on myiasis in cerebral palsy patients, documenting cases and treatment methods. This study contributes to the expanding knowledge base for healthcare professionals and underscores the need for continuous research into rare medical conditions.

27) Sah:
Shah refers to one of the researchers cited in the references, contributing to the understanding of myiasis. Citing Shah illustrates the collaborative nature of scientific research. Such references provide credibility to the report, indicating that findings and treatment methods are built on previously established knowledge in the field of oral health.

28) Sign:
Sign refers to an indication or evidence of something. In the report, signs of infection lead to the prescription of antibiotics for the patients. Recognizing signs is essential for diagnosis and treatment plans, highlighting the necessity for healthcare practitioners to be observant and informed about symptoms related to myiasis and associated conditions.

Other Health Sciences Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Oral Myiasis : Case Report’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Cavity, Maggots, Personal hygiene, Life cycle, Oral hygiene, First attempt, Infected tissue, Mouth-opening, Same method, General Hospital, Case report, Cerebral palsy, Host tissue, Halitosis, Oral health care, Systemic treatment, Poor oral hygiene, Maggot therapy, Maggot debridement therapy, Topical treatment, Toxic chemicals, Dental extraction, Oral hygiene instruction, Larval stage, Broad spectrum antibiotic, Tissue necrosis, Gingival Margin, Psychosocial factor, Special needs patients, Unpleasant odour, Local measures, Parents and, Myiasis.

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