Human Ophthalmomyiasis Caused by Hypoderma tarandi in Northern Canada
Author Information
Author(s): Philippe R.S. Lagacé-Wiens, Ravi Dookeran, Stuart Skinner, Richard Leicht, Douglas D. Colwell, Terry D. Galloway
Primary Institution: University of Manitoba
Hypothesis
Human myiasis caused by bot flies of nonhuman animals is rarely reported but may be increasing.
Conclusion
Ophthalmomyiasis caused by Hypoderma tarandi can lead to vision loss, but treatment options like laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy can improve outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Infestations by H. tarandi in humans are rare but likely underreported.
- The first patient improved from 20/400 to 20/30 visual acuity after treatment.
- The second patient had to undergo enucleation due to disease progression.
Takeaway
Some flies can lay eggs on caribou, and those eggs can sometimes end up in people's eyes, causing problems. Doctors can help fix this with special treatments.
Methodology
The study presents two case reports of ophthalmomyiasis interna and reviews literature on similar cases.
Limitations
The rarity of the condition makes it difficult to study outcomes effectively.
Participant Demographics
One patient was a 41-year-old woman and the other an 11-year-old Inuit boy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.08
Statistical Significance
p = 0.08
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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