Severe anemia due to pharyngeal leech infestation; a case report from Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Leeches are rare blood-sucking endoparasites. Swimming in streams and ponds as well as drinking contaminated water are the major ways to acquire leeches. CASE PRESENTATION: A 6 year old boy who came with a history of hematemesis, frequent spitting of blood stained saliva, fatigue and anorexia to a rural hospital in Ethiopia. This was a rare case of severe anemia caused by a single leech infestation of laryngopharynx that required blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: Leech infestation should be considered as a source of unexplained hematemesis, spitting of blood and severe anemia in rural areas.