Manifestation of leech infestation as severe gastrointestinal bleeding in a 3-year-old boy: a case report and review of the literature
Case report published in BMC Pediatr (2022)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Leeches are a class of hermaphroditic parasites that can attach to various body parts and start sucking blood. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to leeches is a rare phenomenon that is more common in less developed countries. Common symptoms include melena, hematemesis, pallor, weakness, and fatigue. Due to the similar symptoms of this issue to the main differential diagnoses of GI bleeding in pediatrics, such as diarrhea, constipation, diverticulitis, esophagitis, and anal fissures, it is challenging to differentiate it from the rest. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a three-year-old boy who was transferred to our center with hematemesis, tarry stool, and a drop in hemoglobin level. He finally was diagnosed with a leech in his stomach. CONCLUSIONS: In less developed counties, the inability to reach safe drinking water, swim in lakes or springs, and inadequate awareness of public health information among individuals can be risk factors for leech infestation.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Case report and literature review of a 3-year-old boy who presented with severe GI bleeding due to leech infestation acquired from contaminated drinking water. Highlights diagnostic challenges and outcomes.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This case report describes a three-year-old boy transferred with hematemesis, tarry stool, and a drop in hemoglobin, ultimately diagnosed with a leech in his stomach. The abstract notes that gastrointestinal bleeding due to leeches is a rare phenomenon more common in less developed countries, with symptoms including melena, hematemesis, pallor, weakness, and fatigue, and lists risk factors such as inability to reach safe drinking water, swimming in lakes or springs, and inadequate public health awareness. For ASH's domain, the relevance is limited: this concerns pathological parasitic leech infestation, not controlled therapeutic hirudotherapy or the leech secretome, and the abstract describes no therapeutic application.
Citation
Manifestation of leech infestation as severe gastrointestinal bleeding in a 3-year-old boy: a case report and review of the literature.
Reihani H et al. · BMC pediatrics, 2022
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