Overview
Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia rodhaini, sometimes called Lund's fly myiasis or Tumbu-related myiasis, is an infection caused by the larvae (maggots) of a blowfly called Cordylobia rodhaini. This fly is found in tropical parts of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in forested areas. The fly lays its eggs on soil, leaf litter, or clothing left outdoors. When the tiny larvae come into contact with human skin, they burrow in and begin to grow under the surface, creating a painful, boil-like swelling called a furuncle. This is very similar to the more common Cordylobia anthropophaga (Tumbu fly) infection, but C. rodhaini tends to be found in more rural, forested environments. The main sign of this infection is one or more raised, red, itchy lumps on the skin that look like boils. Each lump contains a single growing larva. People often notice a crawling or moving sensation inside the lump. The condition is not life-threatening in most healthy people, and the larvae do not spread to internal organs. Treatment is straightforward and involves removing the larva from the skin, usually by a healthcare provider. With proper removal, most people recover fully and quickly without lasting problems.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Painful, boil-like swelling on the skinItching or burning at the site of the lumpA sensation of movement or crawling under the skinRedness and swelling around the lumpA small hole or opening at the top of the swelling (where the larva breathes)Discharge of fluid from the lumpMultiple lumps if more than one larva is presentTenderness when touching the affected area
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia rodhaini.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia rodhaini.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia rodhaini.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How many larvae do you think are present, and do all of them need to be removed today?,What is the safest way to remove the larva, and can it be done in this appointment?,How do I care for the wound after the larva is removed?,What signs of infection should I watch for after treatment?,Is there any risk that the larva has caused damage under the skin?,How can I prevent this from happening again if I return to the same region?,Do I need any follow-up appointments after the larva is removed?
Common questions about Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia rodhaini
What is Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia rodhaini?
Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia rodhaini, sometimes called Lund's fly myiasis or Tumbu-related myiasis, is an infection caused by the larvae (maggots) of a blowfly called Cordylobia rodhaini. This fly is found in tropical parts of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in forested areas. The fly lays its eggs on soil, leaf litter, or clothing left outdoors. When the tiny larvae come into contact with human skin, they burrow in and begin to grow under the surface, creating a painful, boil-like swelling called a furuncle. This is very similar to the more common Cordylobia anthropophaga (Tumbu fly
How is Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia rodhaini inherited?
Furuncular myiasis due to Cordylobia rodhaini follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.