Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Marine leech Ozobranchus margoi parasitizing loggerhead turtle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

First-record paper published in Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Parasitology (2012)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Seguridad y control de infeccionesRodenbusch CR et al. · Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria, 2012

Abstract

This paper reports the finding of several Ozobranchus margoi (Annelida: Hirudinea) parasitizing a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) that was found in the municipality of Tavares, state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Since this parasite is considered to be a vector of chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV-5), the leeches collected were tested for the presence of this virus. All the specimens were negative on PCR analysis. Although O. margoi is considered to be a common sea turtle parasite, this is the first official record describing collection of this parasite from a loggerhead turtle in southern Brazil, within the country's subtropical zone. This finding draws attention to the presence of this parasite and to the risk of leech-borne infectious diseases among turtles found along the coast of southern Brazil.

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

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsBrazilLeechesTurtles

Resumen

First record of Ozobranchus margoi on loggerhead Caretta caretta in southern Brazil — extends known South American distribution of FP-vector leech.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This paper reports collection of Ozobranchus margoi from a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in southern Brazil, the first official record of this parasite from a loggerhead in Brazil's subtropical zone. Because O. margoi is considered a potential vector of chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV-5), collected leeches were PCR-tested for the virus; all were negative. The authors note the finding draws attention to leech-borne infectious disease risk among turtles along Brazil's southern coast. This is a geographic/parasitological record. It has no relevance to medicinal hirudotherapy or the therapeutic leech secretome.

Citación

Marine leech Ozobranchus margoi parasitizing loggerhead turtle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Rodenbusch CR et al. · Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria, 2012

DOI

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