First report of human myiasis caused by Chrysomya megacephala and Chrysomya rufifacies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Thailand, and its implication in forensic entomology.
We report a forensic entomology case associated with human myiasis in Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. The remains of a 53-yr-old-male were concurrently infested with third instars of the two blow fly species, Chrysomya megacephala (F.) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), near a severe tumor lesion presented on the lower right leg. The presence of third instars, approximately 5 d old, on the day following postmortem indicated that myiasis occurred before death. This is the first report of both fly species acting as a myiasis-producing agent in Thailand. Unsynchronized data between the age of fly larvae due to myiasis premortem and verified age/ condition of the corpse suggest a potential complication and error in the estimation of postmortem interval if other predisposition fly infestations are not considered.
Sukontason
Kabkaew L
KL
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
Narongchai
Paitoon
P
Sripakdee
Duanghatai
D
Boonchu
Noppawan
N
Chaiwong
Tarinee
T
Ngern-Klun
Radchadawan
R
Piangjai
Somsak
S
Sukontason
Kom
K
D000818:Animals; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality; D004175:Diptera / Q000145:classification*; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality; D008875:Middle Aged; D009198:Myiasis; D013785:Thailand; D013997:Time Factors