BOG THE RELATION OF FLIES TO MYIASIS 



this species in Italy by a patient suffering from an affection of 

 the chest. 



Paris (1913) records the discharge of larvae of Piophila together 

 with those of Anthomyia from a young man (20) of Dijon suffering 

 from intestinal haemorrhage and complaining of pains in the anal 

 region. A decoction of absinthe leaves successfully caused the 

 discharge of the larvae, numerous larvae appearing subsequently 

 at regular intervals. A cure was effected by a few weeks' treat- 

 ment with chloroform enemata and strong doses of thymol. 



Mode of Infection. 



In the majority of cases of intestinal and urinary myiasis the 

 larvae of the two species of Fannia have been found. Less fre- 

 quently the larvae of 31. domestica have occurred. The larvae of 

 these species and also of A. radicum breed in excrement and 

 decaying vegetable products, and the female flies guided by their 

 sense of smell and impelled by their natural instincts seek such 

 substances. Owing to the fact that these flies are attracted to 

 excrement, decaying, putrefying or purulent substances or matter 

 several methods of infection are rendered possible. 



In the case of intestinal myiasis, the flies may have deposited 

 their eggs in or upon rotting or decaying fruit, vegetables or other 

 food which may be eaten in a raw state, and thus the eggs or 

 young larvae will be taken into the digestive tract. Or, the flies 

 which are generally to be found depositing their eggs in the okl 

 style privies, may deposit their eggs in or near the anus, especially 

 if the person is somewhat costive. The larvae on hatching, make 

 their way into the rectum and thence into the intestine. This 

 latter mode of infection is probably the common one in the case 

 of infants belonging to careless mothers. Such infants are some- 

 times left about in an exposed and not very clean condition, in 

 consequence of which flies are readily attracted to them and deposit 

 their eggs. 



The infection of the urinary tract is more difficult to under- 

 stand. The flies are no doubt attracted to the genital apertures 

 by the different albuminous secretions, spermatic, menstrual, 

 gonorrheal or leucorrhoeal. The larvae would feed upon the 

 muco-purulent secretions. It is easier to understand the infection 



