Incidence of myiasis in Panama during the eradication of Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel 1858, Diptera: Calliphoridae) (2002-2005).

This study explores the occurrence of myiasis, a parasitic infestation by flies, in various animal species and humans in Panama during an eradication program against a specific fly species, Cochliomyia hominivorax, from 2002 to 2005. The research confirms that despite the elimination of the main culprit, C. hominivorax, there was no increase in myiasis caused by other fly species.

Study Overview

• The study investigated the prevalence of myiasis during the first years of a program aimed at eradicating Cochliomyia hominivorax, a species of fly notorious for causing myiasis. The investigation spanned from 1998 to 2005.
• The scope included the documentation and study of the behavior of flies causing myiasis in animals and humans.

Findings and Results

• The investigation revealed that the hosts that tested positive for myiasis were mainly cattle (46.4%), dogs (15.3%), and humans (14.7%). Also affected to a lesser extent were birds (12%), pigs (6%), horses (4%), and sheep (1%).
• The study found that six different species of flies caused myiasis: Dermatobia hominis (58%), Phaenicia spp. (20%), Cochliomyia macellaria (19%), Chrysomya rufifacies (0.4%), and unidentified maggots belonging to the Sarcophagidae (3%) and Muscidae (0.3%) families.
• Using the Dubois index, a method for measuring the incidence of diseases, the researchers found no evidence suggesting that, in the absence of the C. hominivorax fly, there was an increase in cases of myiasis caused by the other types of flies.

Significance of the Study

• This study provides valuable insights into the incidence of myiasis in various species during a period of targeted eradication against a specific fly species – Cochliomyia hominivorax.
• The findings indicate that the eradication of this species did not cause a rise in myiasis caused by other species – which is crucial information for public health planning and control of myiasis.