American Society of Hirudotherapy

Draft mitochondrial genomes of

Research article published in Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources (2016)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportGenomics & ProteomicsNikitina A et al. · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources, 2016

Abstract

Here we present two incomplete mitochondrial genome sequences of Hirudo medicinalis and Hirudo verbana (Annelida, Hirudinea). The corresponding sequences are 14,729 and 14,604 base pairs in length. They contain all mitochondrial genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs and two rRNAs) but lack the non-coding region. Nevertheless, the robust reconstruction of their phylogenetic relationships presented here reveals distinct separation of both leeches from other annelids and at the same time relatively high dissimilarity between each other.

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

Publication typeJournal Article

Summary

Here we present two incomplete mitochondrial genome sequences of

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study reports incomplete mitochondrial genome sequences for Hirudo medicinalis and Hirudo verbana (14,729 and 14,604 bp, respectively), containing all 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and two rRNAs but lacking the non-coding control region. Phylogenetic reconstruction placed both leech species distinctly apart from other annelids and revealed relatively high genetic divergence between them. These reference sequences provide molecular data useful for species identification and taxonomic discrimination within the genus Hirudo, which is relevant to leech systematics and the accurate classification of Hirudo species. However, the study is purely taxonomic and phylogenetic in scope; it provides no information on salivary secretome composition, therapeutic mechanisms, or clinical application, and the genomes remain incomplete, so its direct relevance to hirudotherapy practice is limited.

Citation

Draft mitochondrial genomes of

Nikitina A et al. · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources, 2016

DOI

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

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