What's in a child's ear? A case of otomyiasis by Sarcophaga argyrostoma (Diptera, Sarcophagidae)

A clinical report of otomyiasis in a 1-year-old girl is reported. A III instar larva of Sarcophaga sp. was microscopically identified and Sarcophaga (Liopygia) argyrostoma (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) was suspected. A molecular method targeting a fragment of the cox1 gene was used to confirm the identity of the specimen. Although myiases are not frequent manifestations in otolaryngology, they should arouse the attention of doctors, social workers and parents dealing with disabled people, the elderly and children. This contribution also highlights the need of combining microscopy and molecular tools to achieve a correct and reliable identification of the specimen/s.