A Case of Hematesis and Severe Anemia due to Leech Biting

Abstract

Background & Objective: Leech biting rarely causes bleeding in Alimentray and Respiratory systems and in genital. Leech saliva contains strong anticoagulant materials. The most important one is Hirudine, which by inhibiting the thrombine causes dysfunction in coagulation. Normally leech is taken by contaminated water and goes inside mouth and nose. The most common places of leech bite are the mucuses of nose and nasopharynx which causes epistraxis and respiratory distress. In rare cases it may stick to profunda muscuses like esophagus and Trachea and causes hematemsis, hemoptysis and respiratory distress.