Time to Reconsidering the Potential Role of Leech Salivary Proteins in Medicine: Type-II Kounis Syndrome Triggered by Leech Bite
Research article published in Pakistan journal of medical sciences (2025)
Abstract
Kounis syndrome also known as allergic myocardial infarction, represents the simultaneous occurrence of acute coronary syndromes with allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. We present a case of a 58-years-old male who developed anaphylaxis following a leech bite, leading to myocardial infarction despite the absence of prior allergic history. He was entubated and cardiopulmonary resusciation had been performed for 10 minutes. The patient was successfully resuscitated and Intravenous antihistamine, prednisolone and adrenaline were given. The patient was stabilized and transferred to the intensive care unit and coronary angiography was performed, which revealed a 90% stenosis in the circumflex coronary artery. A stent was successfully implanted in the affected artery. This report emphasizes the complexity of diagnosing and managing Type-II Kounis syndrome and highlights the need for increased clinical awareness.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Zusammenfassung
Time to Reconsidering the Potential Role of Leech Salivary Proteins in Medicine: Type-II Kounis Syndrome Triggered by Leech Bite.
Warum dies für die Hirudotherapie relevant ist
This case report describes a 58-year-old male with no prior allergic history who developed anaphylaxis and myocardial infarction (Type-II Kounis syndrome) following a leech bite, requiring intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, antihistamines, corticosteroid, and adrenaline, followed by coronary stenting for a 90% circumflex artery stenosis. For ASH's domain, this is relevant as a rare but serious adverse event temporally linked to leech exposure, highlighting safety considerations in hirudotherapy. CAVEAT: This is a single case report and does not establish incidence or causation beyond temporal association; the abstract does not specify the leech species, setting (wild vs therapeutic), or secretome components involved, so generalizability to controlled hirudotherapy is limited.
Zitation
Time to Reconsidering the Potential Role of Leech Salivary Proteins in Medicine: Type-II Kounis Syndrome Triggered by Leech Bite
Tas B et al. · Pakistan journal of medical sciences, 2025
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