Infections following medical leech therapy for rhizarthrosis: a case series

Medical leech therapy is used as an alternative treatment for chronic pain conditions, including rhizarthrosis. During leech therapy, the leech releases a variety of bioactive substances that are intended to alleviate symptoms and relieve pain. The procedure is often described as a ‘natural’ and risk-free form of naturopathic treatment. However, medical leech therapy is associated with risks and potential complications, among which infection is one of the most common. According to the literature, these infections may be caused by Aeromonas spp. as well as other pathogens. Treatment typically consists of intravenous antibiotic therapy combined with surgical intervention. We report a case series of five patients who presented to the Department of Hand Surgery at Waldfriede Hospital with infections following medical leech therapy for rhizarthrosis. No consistent microbiological pattern of causative pathogens was observed. Several strategies for preventing infections associated with medical leech therapy have been described in the literature. Nevertheless, serious infectious complications cannot be entirely excluded.