Work

Characterization of the Digestive-Tract Microbiota of Hirudo orientalis , a European Medicinal Leech

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: FDA-approved, postoperative use of leeches can lead to bacterial infections. In this study, we used culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches to characterize the digestive-tract microbiota of Hirudo orientalis. Surprisingly, two Aeromonas species, A. veronii and A. jandaei, were cultured. Uncultured Rikenella-like bacteria were most similar to isolates from Hirudo verbana.

Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology

DOI: 10.1128/aem.00795-08

Authors: Alison S. Laufer, Mark E. Siddall, Joerg Graf

Institutions: American Museum of Natural History, University of Connecticut

Language: English

Topic: Leech Biology and Applications

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Science Foundation, University of Connecticut