CHRYSOMYA BEZZIANA Meaning and
Definition
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Chrysomya bezziana, also known as the Old World screw-worm fly, is a species of parasitic fly within the Chrysomya genus. It belongs to the family Calliphoridae, commonly known as blowflies. This species is infamous for its ability to cause severe damage and tissue destruction in both animals and humans.
The adult Chrysomya bezziana fly measures around 10-15 millimeters in length and has a distinctive metallic blue or green coloration. The larvae of this species are reared in decaying organic matter, but they can also infest open wounds and damaged tissue in living hosts. When the female fly comes into contact with a suitable host, it will lay its eggs on the affected area, which hatch into small, whitish maggots.
These maggots feed voraciously on living tissue and bodily fluids, burrowing deep into the wound. As they grow, they cause extensive tissue necrosis, leading to a condition known as myiasis. If untreated, this can result in severe pain, secondary infections, and even death.
Chrysomya bezziana is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Eastern Hemisphere, including Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It is of significant concern in the livestock industry, as it can cause considerable economic losses by reducing meat and milk production.
Effective control measures involve the prompt treatment and sanitation of wounds in both humans and animals. In addition, insecticides and various sterile fly release techniques have been employed to prevent infestations and minimize the spread of Chrysomya bezziana.
Etymology of CHRYSOMYA BEZZIANA
The word "Chrysomya" is derived from the Greek words "chryso" meaning "golden" and "mya" meaning "fly". It refers to the golden coloration often seen on the maggots and flies belonging to the genus Chrysomya.
The specific epithet "bezziana" is named after the Italian parasitologist and entomologist Mario Bezzi (1868-1927) who made significant contributions to the study of dipterology (the study of flies) including the description of various species, including Chrysomya bezziana.
