Bacterial Identification in the Medicinal Leech.

Lee, Young Dae; Park, Chul

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 2000;27(6):605-608.
Published online November 1, 2000.

Bacterial Identification in the Medicinal Leech.

Young Dae Lee, Chul Park

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Young Dong Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine.

Abstract

The use of medicinal leech(Hirudo medicinalis) has been increased during the past years and is a very common procedure for treatment of venous congestion in flaps and replanted part in plastic surgery. One of the main complication in using leeches is infection. We used the medicinal leeches in venous congestion after total ear reconstruction(8 cases) and replanted finger(1 case). A bacteriologic study of the leeches is undertaken before applying it to the patient and an antibiotic susceptibility test was also performed. In 6 patients. 6 pathogenic organisms were identified, and in 2 cases 2 different organisms were identified simultaneously.

Keywords: Medicinal leech; Bacterial identification