A Leech in the Upper Tract of a Shepherd: Case Report and Review of Literature

Yassine  Merad; Ahmed  Nasrallah; Yacine  Rehamnia; Khadija  Ebaidallah; Yamina  Rezoug; Fadia  Bouroumi; Derouicha  Matmour; Zoubir  Belmokhtar; Nazim  Bellifa; Mohamed Chadli; Mohamed Amin  Boumlik; Samia Merad; Mohamed Reda  Mouleshoul; Benali  Beghdadli; Mahmoud  Benatta; Othmane  Ghomari

doi:10.52845/CMRO/2024/7-1-1

Yassine Merad ⁽¹⁾ , Ahmed Nasrallah ⁽²⁾ , Yacine Rehamnia ⁽³⁾ , Khadija Ebaidallah ⁽⁴⁾ , Yamina Rezoug ⁽⁵⁾ , Fadia Bouroumi ⁽⁶⁾ , Derouicha Matmour ⁽⁷⁾ , Zoubir Belmokhtar ⁽⁸⁾ , Nazim Bellifa ⁽⁹⁾ , Mohamed Chadli ⁽¹⁰⁾ , Mohamed Amin Boumlik ⁽¹¹⁾ , Samia Merad ⁽¹²⁾ , Mohamed Reda Mouleshoul ⁽¹³⁾ , Benali Beghdadli ⁽¹⁴⁾ , Mahmoud Benatta ⁽¹⁵⁾ , Othmane Ghomari ⁽¹⁶⁾

(1) Central laboratory, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(2) Central laboratory, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(3) Parasitology-Mycology unit, Regional Military University Hospital of Constantine (HMRUC), Algeria , Benin

(4) Central laboratory, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(5) Central laboratory, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(6) Central laboratory, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(7) Central laboratory, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(8) Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Djilali Liabes University of Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(9) Central laboratory, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(10) Surgical Emergency department, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(11) Department of Forensic, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(12) Department of Occupational Medicine, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(13) Department of Occupational Medicine, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(14) Department of Occupational Medicine, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

(15) Department of Urology, Oran University of medicine, Algeria , Benin

(16) Department of Occupational Medicine, UDL university of medicine, Sidi-Bel-Abbes, Algeria , Benin

https://doi.org/10.52845/CMRO/2024/7-1-1

Issue
Vol. 7 No. 01 (2024)

Keywords:

Leech, Hirudo medicinalis, hemoptysis, sore throat, dyspnea, parasites

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Abstract

Leeches are segmented, sanguinivorous annelids, they are water-living, blood-sucking parasites of various colors and lengths. Hirudo medicinalis is the most reported species, more than 121 cases were described since 1962 in Algeria. The most common infection source is the consumption of contaminated water either by voluntarily ingestion or unintentionally, during swimming in contaminated water in rural areas.

A 50-year-old male without any particular background, shepherd by profession drank water from a nearby source of his village.

Two months later the patient consulted for a sore throat, becoming more and more marked, leading to dyspnea.

After examination, the leech was successfully grasped and removed with foreign body forceps with a full length of more than 7,5 cm.

This case highlights the importance of considering leech infestation in shepherds living in rural areas. A high index of suspicion allows for early diagnosis and prompt treatment, preventing potential complications.

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