Abstract
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.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health
Reference24 articles.
1. Mumcuoglu KY. 60 - Other Ectoparasites: Leeches, Myiasis and Sand Fleas. In: Farrar J, Hotez PJ, Junghanss T, Kang G, Lalloo D, White NJ, editors. Manson's Tropical Infectious Diseases (Twenty-third Edition). London: W.B. Saunders; 2014. p. 843–7.e1.
2. Al-Hadrani A, Debry C, Faucon F, Fingerhut A. Hoarseness due to leech ingestion. J Laryngol Otol. 2000;114(2):145–6.
3. Cundall DB, Whitehead SM, Hechtel F. Severe anaemia and death due to the pharyngeal leech Myxobdella africana. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1986;80(6):940–4.
4. Joslin J, Biondich A, Walker K, Zanghi N. A comprehensive review of hirudiniasis: from historic uses of leeches to modern treatments of their bites. Wilderness Environ Med. 2017;28(4):355–61.
5. Demirören K, Calişkan U. Unexpected result in the etiological approaching to an anemic case: a leech infestation. Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2003;20(7):547–50.