Investigation of pseudo-urogenital myiasis and errors in diagnosis

Cases of genitourinary myiasis in humans caused by larvae of flies are reported from time to time. In our study, 11 patients, who reported worms in their urine and brought these worms to our laboratory, were investigated. The larvae were found to belong to the subfamily Psychodinae. By taking urine samples carefully from the patients, examining and evaluating their history, it was concluded that they did not actually have myiasis. We endeavour to describe the pitfalls in this diagnosis.

Automated summary

Cases of genitourinary myiasis caused by larvae of flies in humans are occasionally reported. However, in this study, 11 patients who claimed to have worms in their urine and brought these worms to the laboratory were found not to actually have myiasis. The larvae were identified as belonging to the subfamily Psychodinae. This study aims to highlight the pitfalls in diagnosing genitourinary myiasis.