Nasal Myiasis in an Immunocompetent Child With Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report

Abstract

Myiasis is a parasitic infestation, either accidental or obligatory, that affects animals and humans and is caused by the larvae of flies, also known as maggots. Nasal myiasis is more commonly encountered in tropical and subtropical regions. We report the case of a five-year-old child with cerebral palsy residing in a rural area, with a history of contact with dogs and sheep, who was admitted to the otorhinolaryngology department after his parents noticed several larvae in his right nostril for the past two days. Clinical examination revealed maggots in the right nostril, while the nasopharynx and oral cavity were free of infestation. The maggots were manually removed using forceps under endoscopic visualization and were sent to the parasitology department for precise identification. Microscopic examination of the larvae confirmed the diagnosis of myiasis caused by Lucilia. The patient's nose was washed with a 2% solution of xylocaine, and 2 mg (0.2 mg/kg) of ivermectin tablets was given orally, and repeated after 24 hours. Subsequently, the patient's nasal symptoms resolved completely.