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Suggest Treatment For Parasitic Infections

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Posted on Thu, 10 Jul 2014
Question: *Warning-Graphic*
Hello,
I was bitten by a (very large) fly in an open wound last August. A month later the reality sank in that I had acquired some sort of parasite that lived under my skin, and they were residing all over my body. Before my infectious diseases doctor gave me medication to kill the parasites, I was admitted to the hospital and for undetermined reasons, I had to have 2 blood transfusions and finally I passed away- code blue. Records from the hospital still indicate an undetermined reason for it failing. I TOLD them it was parasites but that only earned me a 1013 and trip to a psych ward for over 2 weeks. Although I was very happy to have them killed, now my body is NOT absorbing the dead parasites. I am breaking out in sores. Several "sank" down to the bone and my arm and nose both have holes clear through to the other side like a gunshot wound. I cannot get the CDC to help me, nor the Center for Tropical Diseases. I need to find a physician that is all of the following: Surgeon, dermatologist, orthopedic, internal and tropical medicine in order to remove the remaining parasites and eggs. It is going to be a tedious process because I'm guessing there are at lease 200 left to extract. I am desperate as I hurt like never before in my life. No one will help me. I do have insurance as that is not a problem and I also will entertain the thought of leaving the country to find a physician educated in this area.
Side note: These flies were under a sterilization program until 2012 by the CDC so this wouldn't happen to people and I believe that is the reason doctors in the southeastern US don't have a clue. I'm not sure of the species of fly that bit me but the parasites are called "screwworms". Nasty creatures that feed off your blood, muscle, and have spikes all around.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Tissue parasites

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your detailed query and I understand your concern regarding parasitic infections.

Well you are looking for a doctor who are experts in both medical as well as surgical fields. Since these are two different spectrum, I don't feel you will find any that suits this qualification. Nevertheless, I wish to address your other primary concerns. Rather I want to elaborate on tissue parasites which present as sores and non healing ulcers.

Most common being Leishmania and Trypanosomes which are protozoal parasites, they do not lay eggs.

Helminths are parasites that lay eggs and the worms are large enough to be seen by naked eye, the most common being trichinella, ascaris and ancylostoma.

Screw worms is the common name used for larval forms of flies otherwise called maggots, which cause a condition called myiasis. It is more common in open wounds in diabetics. I doubt you are suffering from myiasis.

It would be helpful if you could describe the parasites in detail in your next query to come to a diagnosis.

Picture of the extracted parasite would be really useful.

Please get back with details as soon as possible.

Thanks.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Roopa Hiremath (31 hours later)
I am NOT very technically savvy but will get you a picture of the parasite and wounds as soon as possible thank you so much for your detailed answer. I agree with you and the fact that they were "garden variety" maggots because these parasites has hundreds of multiple sized spikes and as they come out of my body they feel like I feel like I am stuck to a cactus. It is excruciating. I spent the last 2 days in bed trying not to move a muscle. thank you so much for your interest in my case and I'll get back to you as soon as possible
doctor
Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Glad to be of help

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back.

It is really easy to upload scanned images on the link present on the webpage of our forum.

Please get back with a detailed description of the parasite as soon as possible.

Thanks.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Roopa Hiremath

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 877 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Parasitic Infections

Brief Answer: Tissue parasites Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through your detailed query and I understand your concern regarding parasitic infections. Well you are looking for a doctor who are experts in both medical as well as surgical fields. Since these are two different spectrum, I don't feel you will find any that suits this qualification. Nevertheless, I wish to address your other primary concerns. Rather I want to elaborate on tissue parasites which present as sores and non healing ulcers. Most common being Leishmania and Trypanosomes which are protozoal parasites, they do not lay eggs. Helminths are parasites that lay eggs and the worms are large enough to be seen by naked eye, the most common being trichinella, ascaris and ancylostoma. Screw worms is the common name used for larval forms of flies otherwise called maggots, which cause a condition called myiasis. It is more common in open wounds in diabetics. I doubt you are suffering from myiasis. It would be helpful if you could describe the parasites in detail in your next query to come to a diagnosis. Picture of the extracted parasite would be really useful. Please get back with details as soon as possible. Thanks.