Ceftriaxone-Resistant Aeromonas hydrophila Infection Following Leech Therapy: A New Resistant Strain
Case report published in Annals of Plastic Surgery (2018)
Abstract
We report a case of ceftriaxone-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila infection in a 32-year-old man after medicinal leech therapy. The patient underwent a free gracilis muscle flap for dorsal foot soft tissue reconstruction. Because of persistent congestion after venous revision, medicinal leech therapy was initiated to aid in flap salvage. Intravenous ceftriaxone was administered prior to application of leeches for prophylaxis against A. hydrophila. Leech therapy was discontinued after 1 week, and ceftriaxone was discontinued 24 hours thereafter. An infection developed despite being on appropriate antibiotics. Culture sensitivities indicated that A. hydrophila was resistant to ceftriaxone.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
First report of ceftriaxone-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila infection developing in a free gracilis flap patient despite ceftriaxone prophylaxis, expanding the spectrum of leech-associated resistant pathogens.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
Documents evolving resistance patterns demanding updated antibiotic prophylaxis protocols for leech therapy.
Citation
Ceftriaxone-Resistant Aeromonas hydrophila Infection Following Leech Therapy: A New Resistant Strain.
Bykowski MR, Zhu X, Diaz-Garcia R · Annals of plastic surgery, 2018
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