PURPOSETo review 54 cases of human myiasis in China reported from 1995-2001 in order to characterize the current epidemic situation.

DATE SOURCESAll reference data originated from some Chinese literature in Chinese medical journals. Twenty-four short reports published from 1995-2001 were selected according to the stated purpose. Due to the varied outcomes of myiasis at different sites in the body, the present paper is divided into 7 types of infection: ocular, nasal cavity, external auricular, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and traumatic myiasis.

RESULTSOf these 54 selected cases of myiasis in China from 1995-2001, hypodermic myiasis (31 patients) and ocular myiasis (12 patients) were the most common, comprising 43 cases (80%). The cases were equally distributed amongst both genders. Furthermore, most of the infected were children and infants, totaling 39 cases, or 72%. The regional distribution of myiasis was widespread throughout the sixteen provinces and autonomous regions in question.

CONCLUSIONSAlthough not always reported, myiasis is a common zoonotic parasitosis occurring in most of China's territories. Due to its prevalence, preventive measures for myiasis are urgently needed.