Manifestation of leech infestation as severe hematemesis and melena in a 29-year-old man: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

BackgroundLeeches are rarely the cause of foreign bodies in the airways and digestive tracts of adults. Most of the cases reported about the presence of leech as a foreign body in the respiratory and digestive tracts have been reported in children. We report a rare case of manifestation of leech infestation in a 29-year-old man.Methods and resultsWe report the case who presented with hemoptysis and melena. The patient underwent an endoscopy, which revealed a leech in the lower end of the esophagus. In order to better investigate and understand the different dimensions of conflict with leeches, we investigated the cases reported in adults.ConclusionLeech contamination is one of the rare causes of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in adults, which is due to non-compliance with health recommendations to drink safe drinking water or swim in ponds/or river water. A detailed history and clinical examination of the patient are essential for the diagnosis of leech bite in adult patients who live in or travel to tropical regions.