What does myiasis mean?
Myiasis names a parasitic infestation in which fly larvae live in or on living tissue. It can affect humans as well as animals, with particular forms involving the skin, eyes, wounds, or other parts of the body. The condition is not caused simply by an adult fly landing on the skin; the important feature is the presence and development of larvae within a living host. Different forms may be described by location, such as cutaneous myiasis or ocular myiasis. In medicine and veterinary practice, the term is used precisely, while “fly infestation” is more readily understood by general audiences. Myiasis is a striking example of how the life cycle of an insect can produce a serious condition when larvae develop in an unusual environment.
nounMyiasis is the infestation of living tissue by fly larvae, especially larvae of botflies and other flies that develop in or on the body.
- A condition in which fly larvae infest and develop in living tissue, particularly skin, wounds, or the eyes.
"The veterinarian diagnosed the painful swelling as myiasis after finding a botfly larva beneath the animal's skin."
"Cutaneous myiasis occurs when fly larvae develop beneath the skin."
"Researchers documented an unusual case of ocular myiasis in a patient with a severe eye infection."
Usually used as a mass noun for the condition or infestation; the plural myiases is used when referring to separate cases or instances.
"Cases of myiases were reported in several districts."
Myiasis is a reminder that a larva can turn a seemingly ordinary bump into a dramatic—and sometimes dangerous—invasion of living tissue.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does myiasis come from?
The word comes from Greek myia, meaning “fly,” combined with the suffix -osis, a form used in medical terminology to indicate a diseased or abnormal condition. The term was developed in the medical literature for infestation by fly larvae. Its modern use follows the older Greek sense of the fly and the broader medical pattern of naming conditions with -osis.
Related word forms
How myiasis is actually used
This is primarily a medical and veterinary term. The phrase fly infestation is often clearer for general audiences, while myiasis is used when the infestation specifically involves fly larvae developing in living tissue.
Easily confused with myiasis
Myiasis is an infestation by fly larvae, whereas myositis is inflammation of muscle tissue.