A collective analysis on 54 cases of human myiasis in China from 1995-2001

Purpose To review 54 cases of human myiasis in China reported from 1995 - 2001 in order to characterize the current epidemic situation. Date sources All reference data originated from some Chinese literature in Chinese medical journals. Twenty-four short reports published from 1995 - 2001 were selected according to the stated purpose. Due to the varied outcomes of myiasis at different sites in the body, the present paper is divided into 7 types of infection: ocular, nasal cavity, external auricular, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and traumatic myiasis. Results Of these 54 selected cases of myiasis in China from 1995 - 2001, hypodermic myiasis (31 patients) and ocular myiasis (12 patients) were the most common, comprising 43 cases (80%). The cases were equally distributed amongst,both genders. Furthermore, most of the infected were children and infants, totaling 39 cases, or 72%. The regional distribution of myiasis was widespread throughout the sixteen provinces and autonomous regions in question. Conclusions Although not always reported, myiasis is a common zoonotic parasitosis occurring in most of China's territories. Due to its prevalence, preventive measures for myiasis are urgently needed.