Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Tag: Leech therapy

  • The leech makes a comeback

    Meryl SigatonCity of Silay, Philippines Leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) are invertebrates of the phylum Annelida whose main diet is blood. They are hermaphrodites and carnivorous, having 700 species that thrive in a variety of environments. Most of them are small, weighing less than 1–1.5 g before feeding, but some may reach a length of twelve centimeters.…