Cordylobia anthropophaga cellulitis of the penis

Abstract

Background: Myiasis is a condition in which fly larvae (maggots) invade living tissue. It is now considered a rare condition in humans, because of improved physical hygiene. It is imperative therefore to present a new case in order to stimulate a high index of suspicion among clinicians.

Aim: To report a case of a boy who presented with furuncular cellulitis of the penis from which fly larva  was extracted.

Case report: An 8-year-old boy presented with a painful swelling of the penis which was referred as a case of phimosis. A boil-like pruritic lesion was noticed prior to the penile swelling. About three-weeks prior to presentation, two live maggots were extracted  from a two-month old puppy which the child handled very often as a pet. Clinical examination revealed a single papular lesion on his penis from which a live maggot was extracted. He responded to treatment with anit-tetanus toxoid, oral paracetamol and topical gentamicin cream. The mode of infestation, prevention and management are highlighted.

Conclusion: There is need to raise the level of awareness and stimulate a high index of suspicion among clinicians about this disease which is prone to misdiagnosis and from which fatal cases have been reported in children.

Key words: Cordylobia anthropophaga, Cellulitis, Penis, Children, Nigeria