Manifestation of leech infestation as severe gastrointestinal bleeding in a 3-year-old boy: a case report and review of the literature
Case report published in BMC Pediatr (2022)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Leeches are a class of hermaphroditic parasites that can attach to various body parts and start sucking blood. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding due to leeches is a rare phenomenon that is more common in less developed countries. Common symptoms include melena, hematemesis, pallor, weakness, and fatigue. Due to the similar symptoms of this issue to the main differential diagnoses of GI bleeding in pediatrics, such as diarrhea, constipation, diverticulitis, esophagitis, and anal fissures, it is challenging to differentiate it from the rest. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a three-year-old boy who was transferred to our center with hematemesis, tarry stool, and a drop in hemoglobin level. He finally was diagnosed with a leech in his stomach. CONCLUSIONS: In less developed counties, the inability to reach safe drinking water, swim in lakes or springs, and inadequate awareness of public health information among individuals can be risk factors for leech infestation.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Case report and literature review of a 3-year-old boy who presented with severe GI bleeding due to leech infestation acquired from contaminated drinking water. Highlights diagnostic challenges and outcomes.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este reporte de caso describe a un niño de tres años trasladado con hematemesis, deposiciones alquitranadas y descenso de la hemoglobina, finalmente diagnosticado con una sanguijuela en el estómago. El resumen señala que el sangrado gastrointestinal por sanguijuelas es un fenómeno poco frecuente, más común en países menos desarrollados, con síntomas que incluyen melena, hematemesis, palidez, debilidad y fatiga, y enumera factores de riesgo como la imposibilidad de acceder a agua potable segura, nadar en lagos o manantiales, y la inadecuada concienciación en salud pública. Para el dominio de ASH, la relevancia es limitada: este caso se refiere a una infestación parasitaria patológica por sanguijuelas, no a la hirudoterapia terapéutica controlada ni al secretoma de la sanguijuela, y el resumen no describe ninguna aplicación terapéutica.
Citación
Manifestation of leech infestation as severe gastrointestinal bleeding in a 3-year-old boy: a case report and review of the literature.
Reihani H et al. · BMC pediatrics, 2022
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026