Publication:

A rare case report of aural myiasis in a 24-day old neonate in Tanzania

Aural myiasis refers to the infestation of the ear by the larvae of certain dipterous flies. The disease-producing flies prefer a warm and humid environment and higher incidence occur in tropics and subtropics of Africa and America. Aural myiasis is rare during neonatal life and children with tendencies of poking the ear need immediate review by otorhinolaryngologists for thorough otological review. The objective is thus to report the case of a 24-day old neonate who was diagnosed to have aural myiasis upon otoendoscopy at a private health facility in Tanzania. This is the first reported case of neonatal aural myiasis in our country. Neonates with tendencies to poke ears and with irritability should be handled with care by having immediate Otorhinolaryngologist review to exclude aural pathologies such as aural myiasis. Removal of the maggot, instilling ototopical antibiotics admixed with aural antiseptics, systemic antibiotics and close follow up for meticulous aural toilet remains the main stay in management of aural myiasis.