Abstract

FUENTES GONZALEZ, Omar  and  RISCO OLIVA, Grisel. First report of intestinal myiasis caused by por Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). Rev Cubana Med Trop [online]. 2009, vol.61, n.1. ISSN 0375-0760.

INTRODUCTION: Hermetia illucens from Stratiomyidae family is a relatively frequent species reported in Cuba. It has been accused of causing myiasis in humans and animals. OBJECTIVE: to report for the first time in Cuba, the occurrence of intestinal myiasis caused by this species. METHODS: the patient, a white woman aged 26 years presented with a picture of postprandial fluid discharges accompanied by abdominal pain. When the patient took an infusion of medicinal plants such as incense (Artemisa abrotanum L.), mint (Mentha nemorosa Wild) and camomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), five larvae were ejected (2 large and 3 small). It was decided to admit the patient to the hospital for a week, but not more larvae were ejected. A gastroscopy showed antral chronic gastritis with acute foci and also other types of parasitosis, so Mebendazol was prescribed. RESULTS: one of the ejected larvae was taken to the Medical Entomology Department of "Pedro Kourí" Institute of Tropical Medicine where it was taxonomically identified as Hermetia illucens. CONCLUSIONS: this report together with the pieces of knowledge provided by the world literature show the possibility that myasis caused by this species may occur in summer months when ripe unwashed fruits are consumed; physicians should be warned about this possible myiasis, hygienic measures should be applied when taking fruits and the study of antiparasitic properties of Artemisa abrotanum L. must be assessed.

Keywords : Hermetia illucens; Stratiomyidae; intestinal myiasis; Diptera; Cuba.

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