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Leech related Aeromonas veronii complex infection after reconstruction with a microvascular forearm flap

  • Case Report
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Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Medical leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) in plastic and reconstructive surgery are often used for the treatment of vascular failure after microvascular surgery. Leeches are a reservoir for bacteria of the Aeromonas group that help digesting the blood meal. In some cases these bacteria are able to cause severe wound infections that can lead to loss of tissue transplants. We report about a patient with a common microvascular forearm flap after resection of an oral squamous cell carcinoma which got infected by Aeromonas spp. after treatment with medical leeches. Most of these species are resistant for common antibiotic treatment after surgery. This report shows the importance of an early concomitant antibiotic prophylaxis in the treatment of venous congestion with medical leeches.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Augustusplatz 2, 55131, Mainz, Germany

    Benjamin Beger, Elisabeth Goetze, Maximilian Moergel & Christian Walter

  2. Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Augustusplatz 2, 55131, Mainz, Germany

    Friederike von Loewenich

Authors
  1. Benjamin Beger
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  2. Friederike von Loewenich
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  3. Elisabeth Goetze
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  4. Maximilian Moergel
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  5. Christian Walter
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Benjamin Beger.

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For this type of study (retrospective case report) formal consent is not required. All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed.

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Beger, B., von Loewenich, F., Goetze, E. et al. Leech related Aeromonas veronii complex infection after reconstruction with a microvascular forearm flap. J. Maxillofac. Oral Surg. 17, 68–70 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-016-0961-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-016-0961-z

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