Multispecies blow fly myiasis combined with hypothermia in a man assumed to be dead

• Published in: Parasitology research (1987) Vol. 117; no. 2; pp. 579 - 583
• Main Authors: Bernhardt, Victoria, Finkelmeier, Fabian, Tal, Andrea, Bojunga, Jörg, Derwich, Wojciech, Meier, Simon, Lux, Constantin, Verhoff, Marcel A., Amendt, Jens
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.02.2018; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Amputation; Animals; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Diptera - classification; Diptera - genetics; Diptera - physiology; Forensic science; Humans; Hypothermia; Hypothermia - parasitology; Immunology; Larva - classification; Larva - genetics; Larva - physiology; Male; Medical Microbiology; Microbiology; Myiasis; Myiasis - parasitology; Pest control; Physiological aspects; Short Communication; Species; Neglected; Facultative parasites; Calliphoridae; Fly infestation; Diptera
• ISSN: 0932-0113; 1432-1955
• DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5691-8

We describe the case of a man who was found with severe hypothermia and advanced myiasis involving five species of blow flies, which eventually led to a transtibial amputation of the man’s right leg. A case of such a heavy and species-rich infestation with fly larvae in an urban environment is extraordinary and has, to our knowledge, never been described so far. Best practice in cases such as this one demands accurate species identification not only to ensure appropriate treatment and pest management but also, from a forensic point of view, to explore the possibility of third-party responsibility. The cooperation between physicians and forensic entomologists is highlighted.