Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Sensitivities of Aeromonas hydrophila cultured from medicinal leeches to oral antibiotics

Research article published in J Reconstr Microsurg (1990)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportSeguridad y control de infeccionesBraga A et al. · J Reconstr Microsurg, 1990

Abstract

Infections associated with medicinal leech application are caused by Aeromonas hydrophila, an organism that resides in the leech gut. We cultured the intestinal tracts of 25 leeches and evaluated the efficacy of oral antibiotics against Aeromonas hydrophila. Cultures of this organism showed no sensitivity to ampicillin and inconsistent sensitivity to cephalothin (equivalent to cephalexin). The Aeromonas hydrophila cultures did show consistent sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole. These three antibiotics should be considered if oral antibiotic coverage is used in association with leech application.

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

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAdministration, OralAeromonasAnimalsAnti-Bacterial AgentsBacterial InfectionsHumansLeechesMicrobial Sensitivity Tests

Resumen

Cultures of Aeromonas hydrophila from 25 medicinal leeches; consistent sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; no sensitivity to ampicillin.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This study cultured Aeromonas hydrophila from the intestinal tracts of 25 medicinal leeches and tested sensitivity to oral antibiotics, finding no sensitivity to ampicillin, inconsistent sensitivity to cephalothin, and consistent sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. This is directly relevant to hirudotherapy practice, as A. hydrophila is the primary pathogen responsible for infections associated with medicinal leech application, and these findings can guide prophylactic or therapeutic antibiotic choices. The study provides practical, actionable data from a meaningful sample size. However, it is an in vitro sensitivity study and does not report clinical outcomes of antibiotic prophylaxis in leech-treated patients, so the translation to in vivo efficacy and clinical infection prevention requires further corroboration.

Citación

Sensitivities of Aeromonas hydrophila cultured from medicinal leeches to oral antibiotics.

Braga A et al. · J Reconstr Microsurg, 1990

DOI

Contexto clínico relacionado

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

Safety ProtocolsAeromonas ManagementAeromonasAntimicrobial PeptidesOtolaryngology

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

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