American Society of Hirudotherapy

Barcoding, types and the Hirudo files: using information content to critically evaluate the identity of DNA barcodes

Methodology study published in Mitochondrial DNA (2010)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Safety & Infection ControlGenomics & ProteomicsKvist S et al. · Mitochondrial DNA, 2010

Abstract

Species identifications based on DNA barcoding rely on the correct identity of previously barcoded specimens, but little attention has been given to whether deposited barcodes include correspondence to the species' name-bearing type. The information content associated with COX1 sequences in the two most commonly used repositories of barcodes, GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), is often insufficient for subsequent evaluation of the robustness of the identification procedure. We argue that DNA barcoding and taxonomy alike will benefit from more information content in the annotations of barcoded specimens as this will allow for validation and re-evaluation of the initial specimen identification. The aim should be to closely connect specimens from which reference barcodes are generated with the holotype through straight-forward taxonomy, and geographical and genetic correlations. Annotated information should also include voucher specimens and collector/identifier information. We examine two case studies based on empirical data, in which barcoding and taxonomy benefit from increased information content. On the basis of data from the first case study, we designate a barcoded neotype of the European medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, on morphological and geographical grounds.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsDNA Barcoding, TaxonomicDatabases, GeneticHirudo medicinalisPhylogenyReference Standards

Summary

Critical examination of GenBank/BOLD DNA-barcode quality, including designation of a barcoded neotype for Hirudo medicinalis to resolve species confusion.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study examined the information content and reliability of DNA barcodes deposited in GenBank and BOLD, using the European medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis as one of two empirical case studies. The authors argue that barcode annotations should include voucher specimen details, collector/identifier information, and connections to name-bearing types, and they designate a barcoded neotype of H. medicinalis on morphological and geographical grounds to improve reference standards. The study is primarily a methodological and taxonomic contribution rather than a clinical one; it does not address therapy outcomes, secretome composition, or any therapeutic application of leeches. Its connection to ASH's domain is limited to the fact that one case study involves Hirudo medicinalis, a species associated with medicinal leech use, but the abstract itself draws no link to hirudotherapy or any applied use of this species.

Citation

Barcoding, types and the Hirudo files: using information content to critically evaluate the identity of DNA barcodes.

Kvist S et al. · Mitochondrial DNA, 2010

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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