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Updated: May 4, 2026
11:53
Intracellular Recording, Sensory Field Mapping, and Culturing Identified Neurons in the Leech, Hirudo medicinalis
Published on: November 4, 2013
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Unexpected reach of a leech
Subramanian Senthilkumaran1, Ritesh G Menezes2, Sadip Pant3
1Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Sri Gokulam Hospital & Research Institute, Salem, India.
Summary
Vaginal bleeding caused by leech infestation is uncommon. This report details two cases of severe anemia and hypovolemic shock from leech infestation, necessitating blood transfusions.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Parasitology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Vaginal bleeding is a common gynecological complaint.
- Leech infestations are a rare cause of vaginal bleeding.
- Severe anemia and hypovolemic shock are potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two rare cases of severe anemia and hypovolemic shock due to vaginal leech infestation.
- To review the existing literature on vaginal leech infestations.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Literature review of medical databases.
Main Results:
- Two patients presented with severe anemia and hypovolemic shock secondary to vaginal leech infestation.
- Both patients required blood transfusions for management.
- Literature review revealed limited documented cases.
Conclusions:
- Vaginal leech infestation can lead to life-threatening complications, including severe anemia and hypovolemic shock.
- Prompt diagnosis and management, including blood transfusion, are crucial.
- Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and optimal treatment of this rare condition.
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