Exploring the Life Cycle of Mouth Larva and Their Impact on Health

Mouth larvae, also known as oral myiasis, refer to a condition whereby the human mouth is infected by larvae. Though the condition is rare, if not treated, it may result in serious health complications. The article discusses the life cycle of mouth larva and its impact on health, as well as what you need to know about prevention and treatment.

What is Mouth Larva?

Mouth larva is the larvae of certain types of flies that penetrate and infest the mouth. Larvae are typically those species like Cochliomyia hominivorax (screwworm fly) and Chrysomya bezziana (Old World screwworm). Infection takes place when the females of the adult fly lay their eggs in or near the mouth. Such infections typically take place through poor hygiene or open wounds in the mouth. When the larvae hatch, they start eating necrotic tissue. This is too painful, and it risks health.

Knowing what is mouth larva meaning helps a person realize how to spot the signs and thus act accordingly. The presence of larvae in the mouth causes pain, swelling, and infection. If left untreated, it could cause severe tissue damage along with other complications.

 Life Cycle of Mouth Larva

The mouth larvae undergo a life cycle with several stages, including:

1. Egg Stage: The female adult flies lay eggs around the mouth. This often occurs in areas where food has started to rot or if there are open sores. In 24 to 48 hours. The eggs will hatch based on environmental conditions.

2. Instar Larva: After egg hatch, the larva begins its instar for the first time. Thus, it becomes small. Then, this instar would feed on necrotic tissue and body fluid alone. Later, larvae shed the skin hundreds of times, moving their life into the second and third instars. Duration can be as long as 6 to 10 days. Thereby major harm can happen to tissues within the oral cavity in such a case.

3. Pupal Stage: At pupation, the larvae leave the food source in search of an appropriate place to pupate. In the pupal stage, they go into transformation to form adult flies.

4. Adult Stage: Egg-to-Adult life cycle, at ideal conditions, takes nearly fourteen days. They become able to mate and deposit additional eggs when adults.

Health Impacts of Mouth Larva

Infestation of the larva in mouth leads to these problems:

Pain and Discomfort Infestation causes immense pain due to tissue damage and irritation.Infection: At times, when the larvae feed, they introduce bacteria to the tissues and most probably cause secondary infection