Cordylobia rodhaini

Lund’s fly is parasitic at its larval stage. Under examination with a scanning electron microscope, it appears whitish and barrel-shaped, with 11 segments.[11] Its body is almost completely covered by large cone-shaped spines. These spines serve as a point of attachment to its host. The larvae have a brown apex, pointing towards the posterior end where fewer spines occur. Two bulges exist in the anterior end with paired mouth hooks at the anterior end of the larvae. After hatching, the larvae penetrate into the dermis and molt to second- and third-instar larvae before emerging from the skin.[6][7] The third-instar larvae have an approximate length of 1.5 cm and are distinctively less elongated and conical in shape, compared to the second-instar larvae.[11]

As the larvae fall off eventually, the disease is self-limiting and no treatment is usually needed,[2][6] but to facilitate healing, the larvae can be physically removed from the infected region. This is done by applying gentle manual pressure to any two ends of the lesion until the larvae come out [2][5] Occasionally, petroleum jelly or oil is applied to the opening in the lesion, to reduce oxygen supply to the larvae, thereby forcing them to move closer to the surface.[10] Improper removal of the larvae could lead to inflammation of the lymph nodes as bursting of the fluid from the larvae could lead to allergic reactions in some people.[5] Proper covering of the wound prevents further infection.[12] Unsterilized objects should not be used to open lesions, as this could result in infection. Hyperpigmentation may persist on the skin of the infected area months after infection.[5] Also, lack of experience in diagnosing Lund's fly-induced myiasis could lead to a misdiagnosis of impetigo, insect bites, folliculitis, or other skin disorders.[10]

Generally, humans are accidental hosts of myiasis as a result of Lund’s fly larvae infestation, so are less likely to be infected. Infestation can pose a health problem, though, for the local population in the endemic region and tourists alike.[8] Infestations of Lund’s fly larvae are usually diagnosed in tourists and foreign workers who previously travelled to the endemic regions.[7][8][9] Therefore, incidence rates might be under-reported in endemic regions, and might be treated by local means. Even as it can be spread by human travel, it has not reported to be contagious and is also less likely to thrive in regions other than sub-Saharan Africa, due to differences in climate.[2] As eggs are usually laid on wet clothing in endemic regions, clothes should not be left outside for long periods, specifically at dawn or twilight, as this is when Lund’s flies are most active and likely to lay eggs. Also, ironing all clothes to kill eggs or larvae can help to reduce the incidence of myiasis.[12] Good hygiene can also play a role in preventing myiasis, as Lund’s flies are known to feed in dirty surroundings and lay eggs where they breed.