For most, the leech conjures up images of bloodsucking parasites with menacing connotations. In addition, once a leech feeds, it can go a full year without additional feeding. Once the leech has completed feeding, it promptly falls off the host. Although the use of hirudotherapy has not been widespread for many years, there has been sustained interest in the leech's saliva. 1 Hirudotherapy shows promise, but some considerations must be made before use.
Infection is a primary cause for concern when using hirudotherapy.
The role of the leech in medical therapeutics. J Reconstr Microsurg.