HUMAN HYPODERMOSIS

Hypoadermosis is a myasis, parasitic infestation of various mammals by the larvae of dipterous flies of Hypoderma genus. The usual host in t emperate areas is the cattle and the economical consequences of cattle infestation led to prophylactic use of ivermectine in endemic areas. Human hypodermosis is a rare event. In France, it occurs mainly in chi ldren living in the countryside in contact with cattle, between septem ber and april. Clinical manifestations are usually benign (cutaneous o edems, general faintness) but can be more severe with ocular and intra cerebral localisations. Diagnosis can rarely be certain by spontaneous migration of larvea, but is usually based on specific serology agains t Hypoderma. Efficacy of medical treatment has not get been codified, but the prognosis is usually excellent, except ocular and cerebral loc alisations that require urgent surgical removed.