myiasis

an infestation of a living organ or tissue by maggots. The flies normally breed in decaying animal and vegetable matter; myiasis therefore generally occurs only in regions of poor hygiene, and in most cases the infestations are accidental. Various genera may infect humans. GASTEROPHILUS , HYPODERMA , DERMATOBIA , and Cordylobia affect the skin; Fannia invades the alimentary canal and the urinary system; PHORMIA and WOHLFAHRTIA can infest open wounds and ulcers; OESTRUS attacks the eyes; and Cochliomyia invades the nasal passages. Treatment of external myiases involves the destruction and removal of maggots followed by the application of antibiotics to wounds and lesions.