Cutaneous Myiasis in Rural Haiti.

Background: Myiasis is a disease caused by the infestation of human tissue by the larval stage of various flies. It has been identified in sub-Saharan Africa and in tropical parts of the Americas. Cases have also been identified among travelers returning to the United States. Infestations may involve any part of the body, including the scalp, and open wounds may become infected with these larvae. The primary cause of wound myiasis in the western hemisphere is Cochliomyia hominivorax. Case Report: We present a case of wound myiasis in an adult Haitian male with a persistent wound for 2 years. To our knowledge, only 1 other report of wound myiasis in Haiti caused by C hominivorax has been published. Conclusion: Wound myiasis can occur in many tropical regions of the world, including Haiti. Because of the prevalence of global travel, clinicians should be familiar with the condition's diagnosis and management.

Factors Influencing Condom Use among Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic Patients in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The use of condoms can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We conducted this study to determine factors that impact condom use among patients attending an STI clinic in Montego Bay, Jamaica. A questionnaire containing sections on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of STIs and HIV, preventive measures for STI/HIV transmission and sexual practices including condom use was administered to 212 participants. Using logistic regression, we determined the relationship between the different factors and condom use during the last sexual episode. Approximately 43% of study participants reported condom use during the last sexual episode. Employment (OR=2.2; 95%CI=1.1-4.1) and greater knowledge of STIs (OR=1.9, 95%CI=1.02-3.6) were associated with increased likelihood of condom use during the last sexual episode. Having multiple sexual partners was associated with decreased likelihood to report condom use (OR=0.3, 95%CI=0.1-0.9). Also, persons belonging to a religious organization were less likely to report condom use (OR=0.5, 95%CI=0.2-0.9). The results of this study can be used in formulating effective strategies to increase condom use in Montego Bay. This would decrease the transmission of STIs and HIV.