A collective analysis on 54 cases of human myiasis in China from 1995-2001.
OBJECTIVE
To review 54 cases of human myiasis in China reported from 1995-2001 in order to characterize the current epidemic situation.


METHODS
All reference data originated from some Chinese literature in Chinese medical journals. Twenty-four short reports published from 1995-2001 were selected according to the stated purpose. Due to the varied outcomes of myiasis at different sites in the body, the present paper is divided into 7 types of infection: ocular, nasal cavity, external auricular, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and traumatic myiasis.


RESULTS
Of these 54 selected cases of myiasis in China from 1995-2001, hypodermic myiasis (31 patients) and ocular myiasis (12 patients) were the most common, comprising 43 cases (80%). The cases were equally distributed amongst both genders. Furthermore, most of the infected were children and infants, totaling 39 cases, or 72%. The regional distribution of myiasis was widespread throughout the sixteen provinces and autonomous regions in question.


CONCLUSIONS
Although not always reported, myiasis is a common zoonotic parasitosis occurring in most of China's territories. Due to its prevalence, preventive measures for myiasis are urgently needed.
Jiang
Cipeng
C
Hydatidosis Research Laboratory, Lanzhou Medical College, Lanzhou 730000, China.
D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009198:Myiasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors