Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: July-September | Volume: 4 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 151-155
Leech Bite and Lymphangitis: An Unknown or Under-Reported Entity?
Dr Arun Kumar M1, Dr Jebin Joseph2
1Surgical Specialist, 178 Military Hospital, Gangtok, Sikkim
2Surgical Specialist, INHS Sanjivani, Cochin, Kerala
Corresponding Author: Dr Jebin Joseph
ABSTRACT
Background: Lymphangitis following leech bite is an under-reported entity. Infectious complications following medicinal leeching have been documented in literature with rates varying between 2.4% to 20%. Infections are the most common cause of lymphangitis, even though a variety of other etiologies have also been cited in literature.
Methods: An observative study of five patients who was admitted to a peripheral surgical center during nine months period from August 2018 to April 2019 was carried out and an analysis with respect to their clinical presentation, laboratory parameters and treatment modality undertaken has been documented.
Results:Five patients who sustained leech bite followed by lymphangitis were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 35.6 years. The symptoms reported were erythematous streak over the skin from the site of leech bite extending proximally, pain, fever and lymphadenopathy. The laboratory parameters were normal except one who had leukocytosis. The treatment modality advocated was intravenous or oral 2nd generation cephalosporins along with analgesics and supportive treatment. All of them were discharged after five days of antibiotic therapy when they were asymptomatic.
Conclusion:Though lymphangitis following leech bite is an under-reported entity, the cause of the same in wild has to be studied in detail with respect to isolation of the offending pathogen. The same may prove beneficial in areas of leech infestation where this entity must be more common and a standard treatment modality as well as precautionary measures can be formalized.
Keywords: Leech, Lymphangitis, Lower limb, Leeching, Vector