Counting Larvae in a Farmer's Ear: 23

Abstract

Aural myiasis can be defined as fly larvae feeding on the host's ear. It is a rare condition and occurs mostly in children and the mentally retarded adults. We present a 40-year-old, mentally healthy, farmer with aural myiasis. Clinical examination revealed live maggots filling the left external ear canal (EAC). Twenty-three live maggots were removed from the EAC and the middle ear (ME) with alligator forceps and suction-irrigation. The maggots were classified as Wohlfahrtia magnifica. Successful treatment is achieved by direct removal of the maggots and application of preventive methods.