American Society of Hirudotherapy

Pediatric Vaginal Leech Infestation with Severe Bleeding: A Case Report and Review Article

Case report published in J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol (2019)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportSafety & Infection ControlMajidi S et al. · Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vaginal leech infestation is a rare event with vaginal bleeding being its prominent sign. Few cases have been reported in young children. CASE: In this article, we present a case of vaginal leech infestation in a 2-year-old girl who presented with significant vaginal bleeding that caused severe acute anemia, prompting transfusion. On examination, she appeared anemic, but healthy, without any signs of pubertal development. The leech was seen during examination with the patient under anesthesia and was removed. With removal of the leech, bleeding decreased significantly and stopped completely after 2 hours. She was discharged the next day in good condition. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: The important concern in vaginal leech infestation is early diagnosis to prevent severe acute anemia and shock.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnemiaAnimalsBlood TransfusionChild, PreschoolFemaleHumansLeechesParasitic DiseasesTreatment OutcomeUterine HemorrhageVagina

Summary

A 2-year-old girl with vaginal leech infestation presented with significant vaginal bleeding causing severe acute anemia that required transfusion; the leech was seen and removed under anesthesia, after which bleeding stopped completely within 2 hours.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes a two-year-old girl with vaginal leech infestation presenting with significant vaginal bleeding causing severe acute anemia requiring transfusion, where the leech was visualized under anesthesia and removed, with bleeding stopping completely within two hours. This paper documents pathological leech infestation rather than therapeutic application. The abstract emphasizes early diagnosis to prevent severe acute anemia and shock but provides no information about hirudotherapy, controlled leech therapy practice, the leech secretome, or therapeutic uses. Its relevance to hirudotherapy is limited to the shared organism, and it reinforces awareness of leech-related morbidity in pediatric populations in endemic regions.

Citation

Reference (Vancouver style)

Majidi S, Hiradfar M, Shojaian R, Mohammadipour A, Khazravi MM, Fata A. Pediatric Vaginal Leech Infestation with Severe Bleeding: A Case Report and Review Article. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2019;32(4):420-424. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2019.03.007. PMID: 30928531

Bibliographic details (authors, volume, pages, DOI) are taken from the PubMed record.

DOIPubMed

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.