American Society of Hirudotherapy

Sensitivities of Aeromonas hydrophila cultured from medicinal leeches to oral antibiotics

Research article published in J Reconstr Microsurg (1990)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportSafety & Infection ControlBraga A et al. · J Reconstr Microsurg, 1990

Abstract

Infections associated with medicinal leech application are caused by Aeromonas hydrophila, an organism that resides in the leech gut. We cultured the intestinal tracts of 25 leeches and evaluated the efficacy of oral antibiotics against Aeromonas hydrophila. Cultures of this organism showed no sensitivity to ampicillin and inconsistent sensitivity to cephalothin (equivalent to cephalexin). The Aeromonas hydrophila cultures did show consistent sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole. These three antibiotics should be considered if oral antibiotic coverage is used in association with leech application.

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

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAdministration, OralAeromonasAnimalsAnti-Bacterial AgentsBacterial InfectionsHumansLeechesMicrobial Sensitivity Tests

Summary

Aeromonas hydrophila cultured from the intestinal tracts of 25 medicinal leeches showed consistent sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, inconsistent sensitivity to cephalothin, and none to ampicillin; these three agents merit consideration when oral coverage accompanies leech application.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study cultured Aeromonas hydrophila from the intestinal tracts of 25 medicinal leeches and tested sensitivity to oral antibiotics, finding no sensitivity to ampicillin, inconsistent sensitivity to cephalothin, and consistent sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. This is directly relevant to hirudotherapy practice, as A. hydrophila is the primary pathogen responsible for infections associated with medicinal leech application, and these findings can guide prophylactic or therapeutic antibiotic choices. The study provides practical, actionable data from a meaningful sample size. However, it is an in vitro sensitivity study and does not report clinical outcomes of antibiotic prophylaxis in leech-treated patients, so the translation to in vivo efficacy and clinical infection prevention requires further corroboration.

Citation

Reference (Vancouver style)

Braga A, Lineaweaver WC, Whitney TM, Follansbee S, Buncke HJ. Sensitivities of Aeromonas hydrophila cultured from medicinal leeches to oral antibiotics. J Reconstr Microsurg. 1990;6(2):135-137. doi:10.1055/s-2007-1006813. PMID: 2352221

Bibliographic details (authors, volume, pages, DOI) are taken from the PubMed record.

DOIPubMed

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.