Delayed leech-borne infection with Aeromonas hydrophilia in escharotic flap wound

Case report published in J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg (2006)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board

Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference

Evidence: Case reportSeguridad y control de infeccionesArdehali B et al. · J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg, 2006

Abstract

Medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) are commonly used in plastic surgery for the salvage of congested flaps and replanted parts compromised by venous congestion. Infection associated with leech therapy is a documented complication of leech application, with reported incidences ranging from 2.4 to 20% [De Chalain TM. Exploring the use of the medicinal leech: a clinical risk-benefit analysis. J Reconstr Microsurg 1996;12(3):165-72.1]. We describe a case of delayed leech-borne infection, from the escharotic portion of a latissimus dorsi flap, which developed several days after stopping leech therapy for venous congestion in a reconstructed breast.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article

Indexed MeSH termsAeromonasAnimalsBreast NeoplasmsFemaleGram-Negative Bacterial InfectionsHumansLeechesLeechingMammaplastyMastectomyMiddle AgedSurgical Flaps

Resumen

Case of delayed leech-borne Aeromonas hydrophila infection from escharotic latissimus dorsi flap, developing several days after stopping leech therapy for venous congestion in a reconstructed breast.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This case report describes a delayed leech-borne infection from the escharotic portion of a latissimus dorsi flap, developing several days after leech therapy was discontinued for venous congestion in a reconstructed breast. The abstract notes that leech-borne infection is a documented complication of medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) application, with reported incidences ranging from 2.4 to 20%. For ASH's domain, this report is directly relevant as it addresses an infectious complication of hirudotherapy in a plastic-surgical setting. Caveat: This is a single case report of a delayed presentation; the abstract provides no data on treatment outcomes, organism susceptibilities, or preventive strategies beyond acknowledging the complication.

Citación

Delayed leech-borne infection with Aeromonas hydrophilia in escharotic flap wound.

Ardehali B et al. · J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg, 2006

DOI

Contexto clínico relacionado

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

Safety Protocols Aeromonas Management Microsurgery Outcomes Surgery Chronic Venous Insufficiency Venous Disease Aeromonas

Aviso legal — investigación y educación

La información en esta página se proporciona únicamente con fines educativos e informativos y no constituye asesoramiento médico, diagnóstico o recomendaciones de tratamiento. Los resúmenes de evidencia clínica reflejan la literatura publicada revisada por pares y no implican eficacia terapéutica fuera de los contextos autorizados por la FDA.

La autorización FDA 510(k) para sanguijuelas medicinales se limita a indicaciones específicas. Las aplicaciones en investigación y fuera de indicación se identifican como tales. Los profesionales deben consultar las directrices vigentes de la FDA, los protocolos institucionales y las normativas estatales aplicables antes del uso clínico.

ASH apoya la evaluación rigurosa basada en evidencia de todas las aplicaciones de hirudoterapia mediante ensayos clínicos controlados e investigación revisada por pares.

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026