Dermatobia hominis
Dermatobia hominis
Dermatobia hominis (pronunciation: der-ma-toe-bee-uh ho-min-is), commonly known as the Human Botfly, is a species of fly in the family Oestridae that is native to Central and South America.
Etymology
The term 'Dermatobia' is derived from the Greek words 'derma' meaning skin and 'bios' meaning life. 'Hominis' is Latin for 'of man'. Thus, the term 'Dermatobia hominis' can be translated to 'skin life of man', referring to the parasitic nature of the species.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Dermatobia hominis is unique among insects. The female botfly captures a blood-feeding insect, such as a mosquito, and glues her eggs to its body. When the mosquito feeds on a human, the body heat causes the eggs to hatch, and the larvae penetrate the skin and develop in the subcutaneous layers.
Medical Significance
Dermatobia hominis is medically significant as it is a cause of myiasis, a parasitic infection of the skin. The larvae burrow into the skin, causing a painful, itchy lesion. If not treated, the larvae can remain in the skin for up to eight weeks, causing secondary bacterial infections and potential scarring.
Treatment
Treatment involves the removal of the larvae, usually by surgical excision. Topical and systemic treatments, such as ivermectin, may also be used. Prevention involves avoiding mosquito bites in areas where Dermatobia hominis is endemic.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dermatobia hominis
- Wikipedia's article - Dermatobia hominis
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