Multimodal Management of Oral Myiasis in a Patient with Polio-Induced Disability: A Case Report

Abstract

Oral myiasis is a rare parasitic infestation caused by the larvae of dipterous flies, typically occurring in individuals with compromised health or poor hygiene. The treatment is mechanical removal of maggots along with systematic treatment with ivermectin, a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic, have been use for treatment for oral myiasis. This case report presents the clinical management of a 35-year-old non-ambulatory female patient with oral myiasis, secondary to neurological impairment due to polio, and associated with severe oral neglect. Diagnosis was established based on clinical presentation and confirmed by identification of maggots in the oral cavity. Management involved the topical application of turpentine oil to facilitate larval removal, followed by surgical debridement under local anesthesia. Subsequent wound care included repeated debridement, topical treatment, and eventual surgical closure. Ivermectin proved to be safe and effective, adjunct therapy and preventive care through maintenance of oral hygiene and regular dental follow-ups are essential, especially in neurologically impaired individuals. The report also reviews the classification, pathogenesis, and therapeutic strategies of oral myiasis, highlighting the need for awareness among healthcare providers to avoid serious complications such as tissue necrosis and systemic infection.