Human Myiasis in Neonates and Children of the Niger Delta Wetlands and South-East Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Myiasis is characterized by larval infestation of body tissues or cavities of living hosts. Although most frequently observed in underdeveloped and tropical countries, reports of human myiasis have been encountered throughout the world including temperate zones. Cases of human myiasis in Nigeria and most African countries are most probably underreported because many remain undiagnosed, unidentified or unpublished. We had conducted studies on myiasis earlier in 2006. Here we conducted preliminary studies in 2009 and went in the main studies between January and December 2010. Objectives: We assessed the infection rates of neonates and children of two ecological zones in Nigeria [Niger Delta and South-east]. Patients and Methods: We studied a cohort of 400 patients presenting different cases of myiasis in children within the age bracket 0-12 years. We extracted maggots from different parts of neonates, toddlers and children and our therapeutic approach was the application of cholesterol-free oil for extraction and the use of antibiotics to seal up the openings of wounds. Results: Dermatological data showed in neonates an overall infection rate of 16% in Enugu state [CI 95%, 15.2 - 16.2]; 4% in Anambra [CI 95%, 3.4 - 4.7]; 7% in Abia State [CI 95%, 6.1 - 7.4]; 11% in Imo [CI 95%, 10.3-11.7]; 20% in Ebonyi [CI 95%, 18.4 -2 1.6]; 7% infection in Rivers [CI 95%, 6.8 - 7.8]; 17% in Bayelsa [16.1 - 17.5] and 18% in Akwa Ibom [CI 95%, 17.7 - 18.8]. Based on their sites of infection, five different types of myiases were diagnosed. in neonates and children of the Niger Delta and South-east zones of Nigeria.