Oral myiasis: does an indication for surgical treatment still exist? Two case reports

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2012 Sep;114(3):e10-4. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2011.09.003. Epub 2012 Feb 28.

Abstract

Objective: Oral myiasis is a rare infection for which treatment protocol has not yet been established. This article presents 2 cases treated with a combination of topical application of sulfuric ether and surgery. The reasons for the use of surgical therapy, as well as the possible advantages and disadvantages of drug-based treatments, are discussed.

Case report: Two cases of oral myiasis are described, the first being observed in a 9-year-old child with hypotonic cerebral palsy, and the second in a 52-year-old adult, alcohol-dependent, both showing infection in the gingival sulcus. Both cases were successfully treated in a process that involved topical application of sulfuric ether, mechanical removal of larvae, and surgical debridement.

Conclusions: Oral myiasis can be treated effectively with surgery after topical application of sulfuric ether. The use of drugs may suggest a therapeutic alternative, but still requires further study and experience to be implemented, especially in individuals with neurological disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Alcoholism / complications
  • Animals
  • Cerebral Palsy / complications
  • Child
  • Debridement
  • Gingival Diseases / parasitology*
  • Humans
  • Larva / drug effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myiasis / drug therapy
  • Myiasis / surgery*
  • Sulfides / administration & dosage
  • Sulfides / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Sulfides