American Society of Hirudotherapy

Otorrhagia bleeding due to leech bite

Research article published in Advanced biomedical research (2012)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportDrug DevelopmentAskari N et al. · Advanced biomedical research, 2012

Abstract

Leeches are blood-sucking hermaphroditic parasites that attach to vertebrate hosts, bite through the skin, and suck out blood. When leeches feed, they secrete an anticoagulant (hirudin), which helps them get a full meal of blood. This is the first report of leech removal from external auditory canal. Previous leech involvement cases were explained in nasopharynx, larynx, pharynx, eye, and gastrointestinal tract. Prominent sign of all cases was active bleeding from the leech attachment site; that stopped with leech removal. A 24-year-old man was presented to Al-Zahra hospital with left otorrhagia and otalgia from 2 days ago. After suction of ear a small soft foreign body was seen in the external ear near the tympanic membrane, then the ear filled with glycerine phenice, the patient explained decreased movement of foreign body. Four hours later the bloody discharge stopped and otalgia decreased. After suction of clots, a leech was extruded from external auditory canal by alligator. Leech infestation is a rare cause of otorrhagia and should be suspected in the endemic region in all of unusual bleeding; it can be diagnosed and treated by exact inspection and removal.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article

Summary

Otorrhagia bleeding due to leech bite.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes a 24-year-old man who presented with left otorrhagia and otalgia for two days and was found to have a leech in the external auditory canal near the tympanic membrane, reportedly the first such case in that location. The ear was filled with glycerine phenol (likely 'phenice' in the abstract), after which the bloody discharge stopped and otalgia decreased; the leech was then removed with alligator forceps. For ASH's domain, the abstract notes that leeches secrete hirudin as an anticoagulant, linking the bleeding to the leech's biochemistry. CAVEAT: This is a single case report of accidental parasitic leech infestation, not therapeutic hirudotherapy; the relevance to ASH is limited to illustrating hirudin-mediated bleeding and safe removal.

Citation

Otorrhagia bleeding due to leech bite

Askari N et al. · Advanced biomedical research, 2012

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.