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Nosocomial Infections with Aeromonas hydrophila from Leeches
Catherine Sartor1, Frédérique Limouzin-Perotti, Régis Legré
1Comité de Lutte contre les Infections Nosocomiales, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France.
Abstract:
The manner in which leeches are maintained before they are used for therapy has not been studied as a factor contributing to nosocomial infections. A 5-year retrospective survey of Aeromonas hydrophila nosocomial infections at a hospital in Marseille, France, revealed infections in 5 (4.1%) of an estimated 122 patients treated with leeches in the Hand Surgery Unit and 2 (2.4%) of an estimated 85 patients treated with leeches in other hospital units. The retrospective survey showed that the Hand Surgery Unit was the only unit that had its own aquarium for maintaining leeches; this aquarium was filled with tap water contaminated with Aeromonas species and was not regularly disinfected or cleaned. Leeches used in other units were maintained in noncarbonated water in a transport device. Use of leeches kept in aquariums that are filled with tap water and not disinfected or cleaned regularly may be linked to A. hydrophila infections.
Insights
Improper leech maintenance in hospital aquariums may increase Aeromonas hydrophila infections. Regular disinfection and cleaning of leech storage are crucial for patient safety and preventing nosocomial infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Healthcare-Associated Infections
Background:
- Leech therapy is a medical practice.
- The role of leech maintenance in nosocomial infections is poorly understood.
- Aeromonas hydrophila is a potential pathogen in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between leech maintenance practices and Aeromonas hydrophila nosocomial infections.
- To identify risk factors associated with leech-related infections in a hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year retrospective survey was conducted.
- Data on Aeromonas hydrophila infections in patients treated with leeches were analyzed.
- Leech maintenance protocols in different hospital units were compared.
Main Results:
- Nosocomial infections were observed in 4.1% of patients treated with leeches from a dedicated, poorly maintained aquarium.
- Patients treated with leeches from a different maintenance system had a lower infection rate (2.4%).
- The hospital aquarium used tap water and lacked regular disinfection, correlating with Aeromonas contamination.
Conclusions:
- Inadequate disinfection and cleaning of hospital aquariums for leech maintenance may contribute to Aeromonas hydrophila nosocomial infections.
- Proper storage and maintenance of leeches are essential to mitigate infection risks.
- Standardized protocols for leech handling are recommended to enhance patient safety.