Counting Larvae in a Farmer's Ear: 23

Atmaca S., Cengel S., Gumussoy M., Kutlar G., Acici M., Hokelek M.

JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL ADVANCED OTOLOGY, vol.5, no.1, pp.118-121, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 5 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL ADVANCED OTOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.118-121
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Aural myiasis can be defined as fly larvae feeding on the host's ear. It is a rare condition and occurs mostly in children and the mentally retarded adults. We present a 40-year-old, mentally healthy, farmer with aural myiasis. Clinical examination revealed live maggots filling the left external ear canal (EAC). Twenty-three live maggots were removed from the EAC and the middle ear (ME) with alligator forceps and suction-irrigation. The maggots were classified as Wohlfahrtia magnifica. Successful treatment is achieved by direct removal of the maggots and application of preventive methods.