Can Flies Have Parasites?
Some people may be wondering, “Can flies have parasites?” This condition is known as myiasis. It is an infection caused by fly larvae that can affect the skin and intestine. It is not contagious but can cause considerable pain and tissue damage. It is best to consult a doctor if you suspect you have this condition.
The life cycle of these parasites is complex. They reproduce in intermediate hosts and develop sexual stages. The larvae excrete their eggs in feces, urine, and sputum. The eggs contain a protective shell that is inedible unless they are taken up immediately by a host. Studies on flies as vectors have not found a connection between the eggs and the development of the disease.
There are two types of myiasis. Obligate myiasis occurs when a fly larvae feeds on a living host, while facultative myiasis occurs when maggots develop in decaying organic matter or a necrotic wound. Myiasis in birds is most common in nestling birds. The Neottiophilidae, a family of flies, are responsible for this disease.
A review of published studies found that flies can carry a number of different types of parasites. Most of these parasites were isolated from the body surfaces of flies. They include the Entamoeba, Trichiuris, and Ascaris genera. Some of these parasites are responsible for disease in humans.