American Society of Hirudotherapy

Ciprofloxacin-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila cellulitis following leech therapy

Case report published in Journal of Clinical Microbiology (2013)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportSafety & Infection ControlGiltner CL, Bobenchik AM, Uslan DZ, Deville JG, Humphries RM · Journal of clinical microbiology, 2013

Abstract

We report a case of surgical site infection with ciprofloxacin-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila following leech therapy. Antimicrobial and genetic analyses of leech and patient isolates demonstrated that the resistant isolates originated from the leech gut microbiota. These data suggest that ciprofloxacin monotherapy as a prophylaxis regimen prior to leech therapy may not be effective in preventing infection.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAeromonas hydrophilaAnimalsAnti-Bacterial AgentsCellulitisChildCiprofloxacinDrug Resistance, BacterialFemaleGastrointestinal TractGram-Negative Bacterial InfectionsHirudo medicinalisHumans

Summary

Surgical site cellulitis from ciprofloxacin-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila following leech therapy; antimicrobial and genetic analyses confirmed the resistant strain originated from the leech gut microbiota.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes a surgical site infection with ciprofloxacin-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila following leech therapy. Antimicrobial and genetic analyses of both leech and patient isolates demonstrated that the resistant isolates originated from the leech gut microbiota. The authors suggest that ciprofloxacin monotherapy as a prophylaxis regimen prior to leech therapy may not be effective in preventing infection. This finding is relevant to hirudotherapy practice, as it provides microbiological and genetic evidence directly linking a drug-resistant pathogen to the leech gut. However, the evidence is limited to a single case report, and no data on the prevalence of ciprofloxacin-resistant A. hydrophila in leech populations or the comparative efficacy of alternative prophylactic regimens are presented.

Citation

Ciprofloxacin-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila cellulitis following leech therapy.

Giltner CL, Bobenchik AM, Uslan DZ, Deville JG, Humphries RM · Journal of clinical microbiology, 2013

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 26, 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.