First description study on molecular characterization of Hemiclepsis khankiana (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae) in China
Research article published in BMC Vet Res (2023)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Leeches are an integral component of aquatic biocenosis and can be found in a wide range of ecosystems such as freshwater, saltwater, flowing, and still-water ecosystems. It especially plays an important role in the freshwater benthic community and is an important part of the food web. In this study, a leech species was found in the mantle cavity of wild freshwater mussels in Zigong City, Sichuan Province, China, and its identity was determined through morphological analysis and molecular biological analysis. RESULTS: The leech is Hemiclepsis khankiana, a new species of Hemiclepsis that has been discovered in Russia in recent years. Through morphological analysis, the current survey observed that the morphological characteristics of Hemiclepsis khankiana eyespots were significantly different from the first reported description. The first pair of eyespots on the leech were separated and clear, while it had been reduced to unclear shadows in the previous report. The phylogenetic tree based on the COI gene showed that the COI gene sequence obtained in this study was in the same evolutionary branch as Hemiclepsis khankiana (MN295420, MN295421). Genetically, it was most closely related to Hemiclepsis kasmiana (mean COI p-distance = 3.98%). CONCLUSIONS: The current study reported on the new distribution range of Hemiclepsis khankiana, which was initially discovered in China. This study indicates that the distribution range of the leech species has expanded, laying a foundation for further studies in China.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Leeches are an integral component of aquatic biocenosis and can be found in a wide range of ecosystems such as freshwater, saltwater, flowing, and still-water ecosystems.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio describe el hallazgo de la sanguijuela Hemiclepsis khankiana en la cavidad del manto de mejillones silvestres de agua dulce en la ciudad de Zigong, provincia de Sichuan, China, con la identidad determinada mediante análisis morfológico y análisis filogenético del gen COI. La especie había sido descrita previamente en Rusia; el muestreo actual observó una morfología de manchas oculares diferente de la descripción original y confirmó que el espécimen se agrupa con H. khankiana y está más estrechamente relacionado con H. kasmiana (distancia p media en COI = 3,98%). Los autores concluyen que el trabajo documenta una ampliación del área de distribución de esta sanguijuela y sienta las bases para futuros estudios en China. Advertencia: Se trata de un estudio taxonómico y ecológico de una sanguijula de agua dulce, sin examen de compuestos bioactivos, propiedades anticoagulantes ni ninguna aplicación terapéutica; no tiene relevancia directa para la hirudoterapia ni para el secretoma de la sanguijuela.
Citación
First description study on molecular characterization of Hemiclepsis khankiana (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae) in China.
He Y et al. · BMC Vet Res, 2023
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026