American Society of Hirudotherapy

Antibiotic sensitivities of Aeromonas hydrophila cultured from medicinal leeches

Basic science / microbiology published in Br J Plast Surg (1988)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Safety & Infection ControlDrug DevelopmentHermansdorfer J et al. · British journal of plastic surgery, 1988

Abstract

Increased use of medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) for the treatment of venous congestion in flaps and replanted parts has coincided with reports of soft tissue infections following leech application. We cultured the gullets of 20 medicinal leeches to re-examine the antibiotic sensitivities of Aeromonas hydrophila, the leech enteric organism associated with reported infections. These isolates reflected reported resistance to penicillin and first generation cephalosporins as well as sensitivity to gentamicin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol. Additionally, the cultures were sensitive to cefamandol, cefoxitin and two third generation cephalosporins (cefoperazone and cefotaxime). These findings suggest that cefamandol, cefoxitin and some third generation cephalosporins may have a role as perioperative antibiotics in replantation and flap surgery. These antibiotics might provide prophylaxis against Aeromonas hydrophila infection when leech use is required.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAeromonasAnimalsAnti-Bacterial AgentsDrug Resistance, MicrobialLeechesMicrobial Sensitivity Tests

Summary

Culture of 20 medicinal-leech gullets confirming Aeromonas hydrophila resistance to penicillin and 1st-generation cephalosporins, with sensitivity to gentamicin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, cefamandol, cefoxitin, and 3rd-generation cephalosporins.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study cultured the gullets of 20 medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) to re-examine antibiotic sensitivities of Aeromonas hydrophila, the leech enteric organism linked to soft tissue infections following leech application in flap and replantation surgery. Isolates were resistant to penicillin and first-generation cephalosporins but sensitive to gentamicin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, cefamandole, cefoxitin, and third-generation cephalosporins (cefoperazone, cefotaxime). This is directly relevant to ASH's domain: it provides prophylaxis guidance for Aeromonas infection risk associated with therapeutic leech use. The honest caveat is that this is an in-vitro microbial sensitivity study of cultured isolates, not a clinical trial of antibiotic prophylaxis outcomes, and it does not report infection rates, patient outcomes, or resistance mechanisms; the suggested prophylaxis role is inferential.

Citation

Antibiotic sensitivities of Aeromonas hydrophila cultured from medicinal leeches.

Hermansdorfer J et al. · British journal of plastic surgery, 1988

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.