Neglected rare human parasitic infections: Part IV: Hirudiniasis

Abstract

Among all species of leeches, only true leeches especially jawed leeches are known to attack humans. Thesespecies are either freshwater or land dwellers. Freshwater leeches of medical importance may be dividedinto two groups: leeches which attack the mucous membranes (endoparasites), and those that attackthe skin (ectoparasites). Some species of the former group have been incriminated in causing halazoun,while many species of the latter group were used in bloodletting. Leeches may be potential transmitters ofhuman pathogens. The land leeches are much less fearsome than the aquatic leeches. However, the harmwhich land leeches cause to man and his domestic animals may be such that some infested foci becomealmost uninhabitable. This review summarizes current knowledge on the public health significance oftrue leeches as human parasites and their medical uses, and the recommended methods of preventionand control.