Hirudinea (leeches)

From Aaushi
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Introduction

A class of worms with flat, segmented bodies, a sucker at the posterior end & often a smaller sucker at the anterior end.

Epidemiology

Pathology

Clinical manifestations

  • attachment is generally painless
  • bleeding from mucosally attached leeches may be intense

Management

  • leeches are removed by steady, gentle traction
  • removal is hastened by application of alcohol, salt, vinegar or a flame to the leech
  • internal (mucosal) attachments

More general terms

More specific terms

References

  1. Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999
  2. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 13th ed. Isselbacher et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1994, pg 936-37