Barlaam A, R Colonna, G Zani, M Terzitta, A Giangaspero
The specimens were identified morphologically as Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae) and the sequences matched with M. scalaris with a 100% homology. The cox1 gene is a robust diagnostic marker for the identification of Phoridae flies in the field of forensic entomology.
Megaselia scalaris has been recorded in cases of urogenital, intestinal, nasopharingeal and ocular myiasis. This is the first report of accidental myiasis in humans due to Megaselia scalaris in Italy. The flies were attracted to foul-smelling nasal discharge and crawled along the nasogastric tube.
Correct identification of the myiasis agent provides more detailed information on the responsibility that health units (hospitals, geriatric homes, etc.) must have towards patients. In this view, hygiene, protection from flies by physical barriers, efficient waste disposal measures to reduce the smell of decomposition, and insecticide sprays are basic prevention measures that hospitals should take.
Scarica poster