Leech infestation in children through body orifices: experience in a hospital in Bangladesh
Retrospective study published in World J Surg (2012)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Bangladesh harbors many leeches in its vast wetlands. Leeches have a tendency to enter through body orifices with potentially life-threatening consequences. Literature search revealed inadequate description of clinical manifestations and treatment of leech infestations in children. We describe our experience with leech infestations in children. METHODS: Between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010, 17 cases of leech infestation through body orifices in children were managed. This is a retrospective study on age, sex, route of leech entry, investigation and treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: Age ranged from 4.5 to 11 years (mean 6.4 ± 1.8) and females accounted for more than 70 %. The orifices of leech entry include urethra, vagina, and rectum. Leeches could be found in eight cases. Two boys with leeches in the urinary bladder needed suprapubic removal. Leeches were retrieved from the vagina under general anesthesia in three cases, and on three occasions leeches came out from the vagina after normal saline instillation. In nine cases with different routes of entry where leech was not found, instillation of normal saline was sufficient to stop bleeding. Fifteen cases presented with bleeding and transfusion was required in five cases with Hb% <7 gm/dl. CONCLUSIONS: Leech infestation through lower body orifices is common in children of rural Bangladesh. Prompt diagnosis is of paramount importance, and application of normal saline is effective in most cases. Sometimes surgical intervention is required.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
17 cases of leech infestation through body orifices (urethra, vagina, rectum) in children aged 4.5-11. 15/17 presented with bleeding; 5/17 required transfusion; normal-saline instillation effective in most cases.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio retrospectivo describe 17 casos pediátricos de infestación por sanguijuelas a través de orificios corporales —uretra, vagina y recto—, atendidos entre enero de 2004 y diciembre de 2010, con edades comprendidas entre 4,5 y 11 años (media 6,4 ± 1,8) y un porcentaje de mujeres superior al 70% de los casos. Quince casos se presentaron con sangrado, cinco requirieron transfusión por hemoglobina inferior a 7 g/dL, y el manejo osciló desde la instilación de suero fisiológico hasta la extracción quirúrgica bajo anestesia general; los autores concluyen que la aplicación de suero fisiológico es eficaz en la mayoría de los casos. Para el ámbito de la ASH, esto documenta el espectro clínico y el manejo del parasitismo accidental por sanguijuelas en niños. Salvedad: aborda la infestación parasitaria más que la hirudoterapia terapéutica, tiene un diseño retrospectivo y no aporta información sobre los terapéuticos derivados de la sanguijuela ni sobre el secretoma de la misma.
Citación
Leech infestation in children through body orifices: experience in a hospital in Bangladesh.
Hannan MJ et al. · World journal of surgery, 2012
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026