Myiasis on the tongue of a patient hospitalized in a psychiatric ward: A case report with a focus on diagnosis and clinical management.

INTRODUCTION

Myiasis is a disease caused by the infestation of fly larvae in the skin, which complete part of their life cycle by feeding on host tissues.

OBJECTIVE

To report a rare case of tongue myiasis in a patient admitted to a psychiatric ward, focusing on clinical management.

CASE REPORT: A dependent care and mentally challenged 55 years old male patient was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward. After 42 days, during the intraoral examination, it was noted numerous larvae peeking from inside of a wound on the dorsum of the tongue. The clinical diagnosis of myiasis was rendered. For the treatment, manual removal was performed initially and ivermectin (15 mg), metamizole sodium (500 mg/ml), and chlorhexidine digluconate (0.12%) were prescribed. After one week, larvae were no longer observed, and the wound was completely healed.

CONCLUSION

Myiasis occurrence is uncommon in the mouth, however, its correct diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid further damage to patients, especially those who are hospitalized.