Larva residing in and around the mouth of a fish have different morphology from the other species of fish. Many of these larvae are ‘soft-bodied’ with segments, and can vary from translucent pale-coloured worms. They are small in size and somewhat resemble a worm.
Such mouth larva as those that dwell in the mouth region of their host are almost slimy. These are usually miniature and have elongated, cylindrically shaped, segmented and of a different colour. Such larva may show minimum activity, it is for this reason that their movement is powerful evidence of their existence in such a delicate area.
Physical Appearance of Mouth Larva
Mouth-dwelling larva are often small in size and are characterised by a soft-bodied and segmented form. Their appearance can vary depending on the species, but they generally share some common characteristics:
Size
Those larva that inhabit the mouth are often tiny in size, they can measure from a few millimetres to a centimetre. They are small making it possible for them to find hiding places within easy access of the mouth without being easily seen.
Colour
The colour of such kinds of larvae varies from white to yellowish or even colourless and translucent. There are some which may be slightly darker than the others depending on the growth stage or the type of larva in question.
Body Structure
Post embryonic development, mouth larva are often characterized by a segmented worm-like morphology. They can have smooth skin but there are certain types which have small bristles or hooks on their bodies. These bristles enable the larva to hold on to the tissues that surround it thus enabling it to be hard to be detached.
Movement
The larva crawls or wriggles in any way you would like to call it since it does not resemble walking. However, possible to notice them when they move within the oral cavity even though these movements are not very conspicuous. One more factor that contributes to them can be their action to penetrate deeper into soft tissue.
Specific Features of Mouth Larva
Certain species infest the specific features of mouth larvae. Below are given unique features of various what is mouth larva:
Fly Larva (Maggots)
Of all these larva, it is the most frequently reported in cases of oral myiasis. They are soft-bodied and elongated with cylindrical shaped tubes and sometimes they may be pointed at one end. Fly larva of varied species may possess many small hooks at the anterior end to stay attached to the tissue and feed.
Hooked Mouthparts
Some larva have different-shaped mouth hooks with which they tear through tissue so that they can feed. These hooks are generally coloured dark and can be seen if one takes time to look at the item carefully.
Spiracles (Breathing Tubes)
The larva have some apertures on their body, which are called spiracles where they breathe. These can sometimes be observed near the posterior end and this makes the larvae appear to be slightly rough surfaced.
Where They Are Found in the Mouth
Mouth-dwelling larvae are mainly seen in tissues, where there is exposure, injury or where the tissue is somehow vulnerable. Common sites include:
Gums
Gum lines can be injured or rotted and this spot becomes the place where larva can be found. They also can bore into the soft tissue where they feed on a necrotic material.
Tongue
In some situations, the larva can penetrate the surface of the tongue mucus, particularly if there are lesions in the form of sores or ulcers.
Cheeks
Soft tissues of cheeks are also good sites to harbour larva, particularly in patients with poor hygiene predisposing sites or having open wounds.
Causes of Mouth Larvae Infestation
Mouth larva infestations can be caused by various reasons. Here are some possible causes of mouth larva:
- Arise from bad hygiene
- Gum diseases
- Unclothed wounds
- Illnesses that might affect the mouth condition
- Sickness like untreated toothache
- Oral sores are liable to collect flies that lay eggs that turn into maggots.
Conclusion
Mouth-dwelling larvae, which are often observed in patients are tiny, segmented, pale, and relatively inactive. Although they are not common to be found in the mouth their identification is essential and has to be done as soon as possible. If you focus on the fact that you are dealing with an infestation, primary medical or dental care must be called to extract the larvae and address the roots.
