Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Flap infection associated with medicinal leeches in reconstructive surgery: two new drug-resistant organisms

Case report published in Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery (2013)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportSeguridad y control de infeccionesBibbo C, Fritsche T, Stemper M, Hall M · Journal of reconstructive microsurgery, 2013

Abstract

The use of medicinal leeches in reconstructive surgery has proven value for the salvage of flaps with venous congestion but is associated with a risk of leech-acquired infection. The most common leech-associated organism is Aeromonas hydrophila, which antibiotic prophylaxis is typically directed against. The authors describe two new multidrug-resistant organisms acquired from medicinal leech therapy that resulted in flap infection. The evaluation of suspected leech-borne infection and management protocol for this leech-acquired resistant multi-organism infection is presented.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAeromonasAgedAnimalsAntibiotic ProphylaxisArthropathy, NeurogenicGraft SurvivalGram-Negative Bacterial InfectionsHirudo medicinalisHumansLeechingMaleObesity, Morbid

Resumen

Two new multidrug-resistant organisms acquired from medicinal leech therapy resulted in flap infection, with discussion of evaluation and management protocol for leech-acquired resistant multi-organism infections.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This report describes two new multidrug-resistant organisms acquired from medicinal leech therapy that resulted in flap infection in the context of reconstructive surgery. While Aeromonas hydrophila is noted as the most common leech-associated organism and typical target of antibiotic prophylaxis, these cases involve additional resistant organisms. The authors present their evaluation approach and management protocol for suspected leech-borne resistant multi-organism infection. This finding is relevant to hirudotherapy practice, as it documents microbiological risks associated with medicinal leech use beyond A. hydrophila. However, the specific organisms are not named in the abstract, the report is limited to two cases, and no data on prevalence or systematic evaluation of prophylactic strategies against these organisms are provided.

Citación

Flap infection associated with medicinal leeches in reconstructive surgery: two new drug-resistant organisms.

Bibbo C, Fritsche T, Stemper M, Hall M · Journal of reconstructive microsurgery, 2013

DOI

Contexto clínico relacionado

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

Safety ProtocolsAeromonas ManagementAeromonasOtolaryngologySurgeryMicrosurgery OutcomesAntimicrobial Peptides

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 26, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026

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