MYIASIS 199 



It is important to remember that even a properly 

 covered wound or ulcer may become infected, especially 

 by the flies that deposit living larvae. The larvae are 

 small, and are deposited in the skin or dressings in the 

 vicinity, and crawl under these dressings to the wound. 

 It is no uncommon thing to find such larvae crawling 

 into a Petri dish, having been deposited outside by the 

 adult, if the Petri dish contains an odorous substance or 

 any decomposing or offensive animal material. 



Dusting with calomel and treatment with lotio nigra 

 are the most effective measures for getting rid of these 

 larvae, after picking out and syringing out as many as 

 possible. If ulcers and wounds are kept 'clean, and the 

 dressing changed so frequently that there is no odour, 

 they are not likely to be invaded, as these flies are 

 attracted by smell. 



FlG. 75. Lucilia c&sar. 



NASAL MYIASIS. 



In South America the most important and dangerous 

 form of myiasis is that due to the Chrysomyia (Compsomyia) 

 macellaria. This fly usually attacks some junction of skin 

 and mucous membrane, and the larvae then attack the 

 mucous membrane. The most frequent place attacked is 

 the nose, but they are found also in the orbit, the vagina, 



