American Society of Hirudotherapy

Nasopharyngeal bleeding due to leech bites in a 9-month-old infant

Case report published in Indian J Pediatr (2010)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportSafety & Infection ControlClinical TrialsJafari Rouhi AH et al. · Indian journal of pediatrics, 2010

Abstract

Leeches are annelids, comprising the subclass Hirudinea. There are freshwater, terrestrial and marine leeches. Haemophagic leeches attach to their hosts and remain there until they become filled up with blood and then they fall off to digest. Leech bites can manifest various symptoms, which lead to anemia. Here is reported, a case of leech bites in a 9-month-old infant, with a long history of hematemesis, melena, epistaxis and anemia which demanded repeated transfusions. So, leech bites may be a differential diagnosis of anemia particularly in the endemic rural areas where villagers use non boiled water.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsDiagnosis, DifferentialEpistaxisHumansInfantInsect Bites and StingsIranLeechesMaleNasopharynx

Summary

9-month-old infant with chronic anemia, hematemesis, melena, and epistaxis ultimately diagnosed with nasopharyngeal leech bites requiring repeated transfusions. Highlights differential diagnosis in rural endemic areas.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes a 9-month-old infant with a prolonged history of hematemesis, melena, epistaxis, and anemia requiring repeated transfusions, ultimately attributed to leech bites. The authors note that leech bites can produce a range of symptoms leading to anemia and suggest leech bites warrant consideration in the differential diagnosis of anemia, particularly in endemic rural areas where non-boiled water is consumed. For ASH's domain, this illustrates that human leech encounters can carry clinically significant hemorrhagic consequences. Caveat: This documents parasitic leech infestation rather than therapeutic hirudotherapy, is a single case report, and offers no discussion of leech-derived therapeutics or the leech secretome.

Citation

Nasopharyngeal bleeding due to leech bites in a 9-month-old infant.

Jafari Rouhi AH et al. · Indian journal of pediatrics, 2010

DOI

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.