Monsters Inside Me
Botfly Infection
Caused by the human botfly, aka Dermatobia hominis.
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The Parasite: The human botfly is indigenous to parts of Mexico, Central and South America. In larval form, it can be a horrifying parasite that preys on humans in the region. Its life cycle starts when a female botfly deposits her eggs on a blood-feeding arthropod, such as a mosquito or a tick. This insect vector is usually captured by the botfly mid-flight and then released. The mosquito then goes on its way and the next time it feeds on a human or animal (generally cattle and dogs; occasionally buffalo, cats, monkeys, pigs, rabbits or sheep) the botfly eggs react to the change in temperature and hatch. The larvae then burrow into the skin of their new host through the bite wound or hair follicles. The larvae remain inside the host for up to 12 weeks and can grow to be relatively large. After an average of 30 days, they crawl out of the host and pupate in soil, where they will remain until they emerge as adult botflies and the cycle begins again.
The Infection: While living inside the host, the botfly larvae remain in the subcutaneous layer of the skin. Their presence creates painful pustules that secrete pus and other fluids. The host can sometimes feel the larvae moving inside these raised pustules or lesions, particularly when they shower or cover the wound. The infected individual's body reacts to the presence of the parasite by increasing its white blood cell count, and this often causes the wound to secrete pus.
Treatment: The most conventional way to treat an infection from human botfly larvae is to remove the larvae through a simple surgical procedure that requires local anesthesia. In this procedure, a scalpel is used to cut a slit in the wound and then extract the insects. The larvae breathe through small openings or spiracles that must be covered in order to coax them out of the host. To accomplish this, the larvae are covered with bacon fat, petroleum jelly or beeswax, all of which prevent breathing. The larvae then come up out of the pustule in order to breathe and can be removed with forceps. In some cases, the larvae may be popped out of the lesion by applying pressure around the wound or by injecting lidocaine under the wound to create pressure and push the larvae out. After any of these procedures, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection.
Prevention: The most effective prevention is fairly simple and straightforward. When traveling to Central and South America, individuals should apply insect repellent and wear protective clothing to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes or ticks.
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Featured in Sex Maniacs!, Episode 3 of MONSTERS INSIDE ME
Violent and manipulative, these naughty parasites have taken sex to the extreme. Highlighting the bedbug, botfly, screwworm and lung fluke.
 Check out the botfly in action.
See how a botfly infection can manifest.
 Download a wallpaper-sized botfly picture.
Visit the Monsters Inside Me video gallery.
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  Livin' La Vida Parasita! Find out how parasites affect our mind, our health and our lives in this series of articles from HowStuffWorks.com.
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 Rate Disgusting Parasite Habits: From blood-sucking to brain-eating, rate revolting parasite habits on a scale from "gross" (0) to "I think I'm going to vomit" (10).
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