A rare finding of distal penile furuncular myiasis in a child of a Nigerian health care worker

Abstract

Introduction: Myiasis is the infestation of tissues of humans and other living vertebrates with the larva of flies, and it can affect any part  of the body. Cutaneous myiasis is the commonest form of presentation. Furuncular myiasis which is a sub-type of cutaneous myiasis  typifies the presentation in this index patient. It is commonly caused by Cordylobia anthropophaga in Sub-Saharan African countries  including Nigeria. It commonly occurs among rural dwellers, as well as people of low socio-economic and poor educational status.

Case  presentation: We present a case of balanitis from distal penile myiasis in a 3 year 8-month-old male child of a health worker in a tertiary  hospital in Nigeria.

Conclusion: It is believed that with adequate knowledge, measures such as good hygiene and proper drying and  ironing of underwear are helpful.