Leech infestation in children through body orifices: experience in a hospital in Bangladesh
Retrospective study published in World J Surg (2012)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Bangladesh harbors many leeches in its vast wetlands. Leeches have a tendency to enter through body orifices with potentially life-threatening consequences. Literature search revealed inadequate description of clinical manifestations and treatment of leech infestations in children. We describe our experience with leech infestations in children. METHODS: Between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010, 17 cases of leech infestation through body orifices in children were managed. This is a retrospective study on age, sex, route of leech entry, investigation and treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: Age ranged from 4.5 to 11 years (mean 6.4 ± 1.8) and females accounted for more than 70 %. The orifices of leech entry include urethra, vagina, and rectum. Leeches could be found in eight cases. Two boys with leeches in the urinary bladder needed suprapubic removal. Leeches were retrieved from the vagina under general anesthesia in three cases, and on three occasions leeches came out from the vagina after normal saline instillation. In nine cases with different routes of entry where leech was not found, instillation of normal saline was sufficient to stop bleeding. Fifteen cases presented with bleeding and transfusion was required in five cases with Hb% <7 gm/dl. CONCLUSIONS: Leech infestation through lower body orifices is common in children of rural Bangladesh. Prompt diagnosis is of paramount importance, and application of normal saline is effective in most cases. Sometimes surgical intervention is required.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
17 cases of leech infestation through body orifices (urethra, vagina, rectum) in children aged 4.5-11. 15/17 presented with bleeding; 5/17 required transfusion; normal-saline instillation effective in most cases.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This retrospective study describes 17 pediatric cases of leech infestation through body orifices—urethra, vagina, and rectum—managed between January 2004 and December 2010, with ages ranging from 4.5 to 11 years (mean 6.4 ± 1.8) and females comprising over 70% of cases. Fifteen cases presented with bleeding, five required transfusion for hemoglobin below 7 g/dL, and management ranged from normal saline instillation to surgical removal under general anesthesia; the authors conclude that normal saline application is effective in most cases. For ASH's domain, this documents the clinical spectrum and management of accidental leech parasitism in children. Caveat: This addresses parasitic infestation rather than therapeutic hirudotherapy, is retrospective in design, and offers no insight into leech-derived therapeutics or the leech secretome.
Citation
Leech infestation in children through body orifices: experience in a hospital in Bangladesh.
Hannan MJ et al. · World journal of surgery, 2012
Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026