Leech infestation in oro-pharynx

Abstract

Leech can infest human as ecto- and endoparasite. Endoparasitism occurs most commonly in respiratory passage usually by drinking contaminated water. The most likely manifestations of endoparasitism are haemoptysis, haematemesis, dyspnoea or blood stained saliva. We present a case of leech infestation in oropharynx in a young soldier resulting in haematemesis and blood stained saliva. High index of suspicion must be entertained if patient belong to some rural population where aquatic leeches are commonly found and presenting with such symptoms particularly unexplained bleeding from throat and or blood stained saliva.