Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40315222›Full record

ArticlePloS one2025

Perception and management of Oestrus ovis human myiasis by physicians: Exploratory survey in an endemic area (Italy).

Fahad Ahmed, Carlo Carta, Daniele Satta, Luca Varcasia, L Kirsty Pourshahidi, Sebastian Alessandro Mignacca, Lia Cavallo, Antonio Scala, Antonio Varcasia, Claudia Tamponi

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

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No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Fahad AhmedNutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
Carlo CartaLaboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
Daniele SattaOpthalmologist, ASL N.1, Sassari, Italy.
Luca VarcasiaGeneral physician, ASL N.1, Alghero, Italy.
L Kirsty PourshahidiNutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
Sebastian Alessandro MignaccaDepartment of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine - Pathology Division - Backweston Campus, Celbridge, - Ireland.
Lia CavalloLaboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
Antonio ScalaLaboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
Antonio VarcasiaLaboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6306-9978
Claudia TamponiLaboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMyiasis caused by the sheep nasal botfly is endemic in countries where sheep and goats are largely reared, while humans serve as incidental hosts. Ophthalmomyiasis in humans caused by Oestrus ovis is documented globally but is most prevalent in Mediterranean countries, highlighting the significance of this myiasis as a neglected disease.

methodA thorough questionnaire covering frequency of disease occurrence, seasonal patterns, and management of O. ovis was forwarded to clinicians in Italy gathering data from 100 respondents across diverse regional and occupational backgrounds.

resultsMajority of respondents were from endemic areas of the Southern Italy and main islands, like Sardinia (52%) and Sicily (42%), with 81% representing physicians. Notably, 31% of physicians reported treating ophthalmomyiasis cases, while 80% expressed interest in further information. Seasonal trends revealed a peak during summer (χ² = 29.429, df = 4, p < 0.001), notably among outdoor workers in contact with farm animals (χ ² = 18.059, df = 2, p < 0.001). Diagnosis relied on symptoms or parasite detection, with ocular regions being the most common site of infestation. O. ovis was identified in 13% of cases (χ² = 20.368, df = 3, p < 0.05), with physicians emphasizing the importance of removing larvae painlessly to avoid complications. Finally, physicians reported the efficacy of mercuric oxide ointment and the use of topical povidone-iodine for ocular localization, combined with antibiotics and corticosteroids.

conclusionsDiagnostic challenges and the persistence of recurrent infestations highlight the need for enhanced disease surveillance and clinician knowledge to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of ophthalmomyiasis as it continues to emerge as a significant public health concern.

Indexed as

DipteraMyiasisPhysiciansAdultAnimalsEndemic DiseasesFemaleHumansItalyMaleMiddle AgedSeasonsSheepSurveys and Questionnaires

Identifiers

PMID40315222
PMCPMC12047822

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.