Monday, April 15, 2013

Case of the Week 254

This week's case is just a fun identification.  (Hint, these objects were obtained at the local hospital pharmacy...)

 





Questions:
1.  What are they used for in the health care setting?
2.  Which bacteria is associated with them?

7 comments:

  1. 1. They are definitely very good at inducing blood flow! They can be used after reattachment of digits, as an example.

    2. Aeromonas

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  2. Agree with the blood sucking ID as well as the micro.

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  3. Leeches! Typically used for reconstructive therapy and microsurgeries to help control venous congestion. Usually associated with Aeromonas pp. infection since they are prominent in the leech's gut flora.

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  4. I've had the pleasure (?) of applying leeches to a patient to reduce the size of a hematoma. The problem was, I couldn't get back to the patient before the leeches finished feeding, dropped off, and crawled away. They weren't hard to find, however, I just followed the trail of blood on the floor.

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  5. Hirudo medicinalis.
    Aeromonas hydrophila is its symbiont.

    Florida Fan

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  6. I agree with all the answers : Hirudo medicinalis, Aeromonas bacteria

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  7. I agree as well: Hirudo medicinalis, Aeromonas bacteria

    Lee

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