Balanic Myiasis in an Elderly Patient: Clinical Presentation and Environmental Factors

Context: Myiasis is an infestation of vertebrate tissues or organs by dipteran flies, mainly of the order Cyclorrhapa. Although the cutaneous form is the most common, urogenital infections are also rare.

Case Report: A 70-year-old alcoholic and smoker consulted with penile lesions that appeared two weeks after untreated pruritus of the glans penis. Clinical examination revealed five furunculoid lesions on the glans with the emergence of larvae. The diagnosis was balanic myiasis. Treatment consisted of bi-digital extraction of the larvae, local care, antibiotic therapy and analgesic treatment. Progress was favourable after three weeks. An environmental investigation revealed precarious hygiene conditions. Recommendations were made to improve the patient’s personal and environmental hygiene.

Conclusion: Balanic myiasis is a rare disease, encouraged by poor personal and environmental hygiene. It is often difficult to diagnose because of its unusual location and varied symptoms. This observation highlights the importance of hygiene in preventing these infestations, even in a context of limited medical resources.

Keywords: Balanic Myiasis, Diptera larvae, Poor hygiene conditions.