Abstract text
Background: Myasis, a vector-transmitted disease, is a persistent public health problem in South America, where it is most commonly transmitted to humans by the fly larvae Dermatobia hominis (Dh) and Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coh) of the order Diptera. In Colombia, the geographic distribution of Dh and Coh is little known, and clinical reports of myasis are scarce. Results: Based on an exhaustive review of the biological-medical literature, biological collections, and clinical case records, the geographic distributions of Dh and Coh in Colombia were determined by province; the history of the myasis literature in Colombia was sketched; and the typical clinical presentation of myasis in Colombia was summarized. Conclusions: Myasis is endemic in Colombia and is concentrated in the cities and provinces of the country´s Andean Mountain ranges, where the majority of its population and primary medical care services are also found. Key Words Myasis, fly larvae, geographic distribution, Andes, Colombia.