Internal and External Morphological Characteristics of the Medicinal Leech Species Hirudo sulukii and Hirudo verbana
Taxonomic study published in Turkiye Parazitol Derg (2019)
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the internal and external morphological structures of two species of medicinal leeches (Hirudo sulukii and Hirudo verbana). METHODS: Leech specimens were collected from various regions of Turkey between the years of 1995-2016. The leeches were first examined alive and later were stunned with 10% ethyl alcohol and fixed in 70% ethyl alcohol or 4% formaldehyde. After fixation, the internal morphology of leeches was examined by dissecting them under a stereo microscope. RESULTS: Both species of leeches are dorso-ventrally flattened. H. verbana is larger and broader than H. sulukii. H. sulukii has black, segmentally-arranged united ellipsoid and elongated spots, and a pair of zigzagged black longitudinal stripes in the dorso-lateral area of its body. The ventral surface of H. sulukii is greenish to brown in colour and has a small number of irregular black spots. H. verbana has broad and diffuse, paramedian, orange stripes on the dorsal surface. Ventrally, H. verbana has a greenish to yellow colour, and it is characterized by a pair of black ventro-lateral stripes. CONCLUSION: Two of the six leech species (Hirudo sulukii and Hirudo verbana) belonging to the genus Hirudo found in the world are found in Turkey. These two leech species show significant differences from each other, morphologically.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Zusammenfassung
Compares morphology of H. sulukii and H. verbana medicinal leeches in Turkey using internal/external structures, dorsal/ventral colouration and pattern morphology.
Warum dies für die Hirudotherapie relevant ist
This article details the internal and external morphological characteristics of two medicinal leech species, Hirudo sulukii and Hirudo verbana, collected in Turkey. The study is relevant to the American Society of Hirudotherapy as accurate taxonomic identification is crucial for ensuring the correct species are used in clinical practice and research. The findings describe distinct morphological variations, such as differences in size, coloration, and spot patterns, which aid in distinguishing between the species. However, the study's scope is strictly taxonomic and morphological; it provides no data on the therapeutic efficacy, anticoagulant properties, or clinical outcomes of these leeches.
Zitation
Internal and External Morphological Characteristics of the Medicinal Leech Species Hirudo sulukii and Hirudo verbana.
Saglam N · Turkiye parazitolojii dergisi, 2019
Verwandter klinischer Kontext
Erfahren Sie, wie diese Forschung mit der klinischen Praxis verknüpft ist
Zur ASH-Bibliothek hinzugefügt: May 27, 2026 · Letzte Aktualisierung der Website: June 18, 2026