Effect of Ivermectin on Wound Myiasis- A Hospital Based Study.

Abstract

Myiasis is infestation of tissues or body cavities of a live mammal by larvae of flies (maggots). It is a debilitating condition seen commonly in our part of the world and if unchecked would devour large amount of flesh undermining the skin creating flask like bone deep wounds. Most of the patients that reported to our emergency department were homeless, drunkards, mentally and physically disabled people. This data was compiled from the admission log book of our surgical emergency and OPD from January 2009 to March 2016. We treated and observed that the patients who received oral and topical ivermectin treatment showed almost complete resolution of myiasis with a very rapid recovery (3-4 days) as compared to the conventional use of turpentine oil at local site with regular debridement and picking up of live larvae from the wound site.