Leech infestation in the vulvar region: causes of vaginal bleeding in a six-year-old child
Case report published in East Afr Health Res J (2021)
Abstract
Leeches are hermaphroditic rare blood-sucking human endoparasitesof phylum Annelida and class Hirudinea. Leech infestation is a zoonotic disease acquired by drinking contaminated water, swimming in ponds and streams.1 Epidemiology of leech bites in literature is limited and the majority of existing data are case reports from the tropics or subtropics.2-4 Leech bites can occur on various orifices of the body including internal body cavities and orifices, such as the uterus, rectum, urinary bladder, vulva, nasal cavity, peritoneal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, oesophagus, trachea, bronchi and the vagina.5 Different chemicals for leech removal have been utilized and include anesthetics drugs like lidocaine and topical anesthetic spray. Salt, saline, vinegar, alcohol, and heat are also viable options. Of these, saltwater has been shown to be effective in causing the leech to relax and release. Vaginal bleeding resulting from leech bite is rare, but when it occurs, it may be of severe morbidity.2-4 In the present case report that happened at Kabaya district hospital, a six year old child with vaginal bleeding that turned out to be caused by vaginal leech infestation is presented. Kabaya district hospital is a rural hospital with 144-bed capacity and serves 188,902 inhabitants and is geographically difficult to access due to the lack of reliable roads and bridges, especially in the rainy season.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
6-year-old child in rural Rwanda with vaginal bleeding from vulvar leech infestation, managed at a 144-bed district hospital with limited resources.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This case report describes a six-year-old child who presented with vaginal bleeding caused by vaginal leech infestation at Kabaya district hospital. The abstract notes that leeches are blood-sucking parasites of the class Hirudinea, that leech infestation is acquired through contaminated water or swimming, and that vaginal bleeding from leech bites is rare but may cause severe morbidity. For ASH's domain, this article provides a clinical example of the morbidity associated with accidental leech attachment to human mucosal tissue. CAVEAT: This is a single case report of accidental parasitic leech infestation, not therapeutic hirudotherapy; the leech species is unspecified, and the context is entirely distinct from controlled, medicinal leech application.
Citación
Leech infestation in the vulvar region: causes of vaginal bleeding in a six-year-old child.
Sebazungu T et al. · The East African health research journal, 2021
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026