Medical Leeches-Hirudo Medicinals

[Kirk]

If I recall I think I read somewhere they medical leeches also like to eat frogs, so one could try putting in a native water frog and see what the leeches do.

I also doubt you can spread HIV via leeches, the virus would be destroyed in the leeches digestive system, and aids can only live in mammals.

Young specimens start out feeding on insects, then move up to using frogs as a host, and when larger, mammals.

There have been research studies showing that pathogens, including HIV can survive in ingested blood for months, with the length of time dependent on the temperature at which the leech is kept.

 

[Snipes]

I found the site too. I don't like the idea of changing the water a lot. Has anyone had success keeping them in a small aquarium and using a filter?

 

[Finntroll86]

Acquiring leeches would be fascinating, I have always admired parasites, but cringe at the thought of being a host to them. My thoughts make me wonder, are leeches prone to carry malicious(possibly fatal) protozoans? That would be my biggest fear about these guys. Do leeches release an anticoagulant? if so does it affect the entirety of the circulatory system or just the area of the wound?

 

[Kirk]

Acquiring leeches would be fascinating, I have always admired parasites, but cringe at the thought of being a host to them. My thoughts make me wonder, are leeches prone to carry malicious(possibly fatal) protozoans? That would be my biggest fear about these guys. Do leeches release an anticoagulant? if so does it affect the entirety of the circulatory system or just the area of the wound?

I ordered seven medicinal leeches this week for our annual Halloween event next weekend. My arm will be the host for a couple of them for the evening.

Medicinal leeches can harbor one species of bacterium that might lead to infection in those with compromised immune systems, but I believe this is rare. Otherwise, I've never heard of any problems. Their saliva contains an anticoagulant, which enables them to store their blood meal for months. They have three tiny razor-sharp jaws that make a shallow incision, in the shape of a Mercedes-Benz emblem (see photo here). The incision will hemorrhage for about 12 hours.

 

[Snipes]

I ordered seven medicinal leeches this week for our annual Halloween event next weekend. My arm will be the host for a couple of them for the evening.

Medicinal leeches can harbor one species of bacterium that might lead to infection in those with compromised immune systems, but I believe this is rare. Otherwise, I've never heard of any problems. Their saliva contains an anticoagulant, which enables them to store their blood meal for months. They have three tiny razor-sharp jaws that make a shallow incision, in the shape of a Mercedes-Benz emblem (see photo here). The incision will hemorrhage for about 12 hours.
View attachment 81082

Is it feasible to keep these as pets? Do you risk anything by using them multiple times on yourself? I have only read to change the water every few days, is there a way to install a filter and have it done automatically? If being kept as pets, can you do a terrarium/aquarium aspect and still have the leeches be sterile to feed on you if you have soil? As far as the 12 hr hemorrhaging, can you just put a large gauze over it with tape and that will take care of the blood or does it really really flow a lot? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to get as much info as possible if I'm to get these guys

 

[Kirk]

Is it feasible to keep these as pets? Do you risk anything by using them multiple times on yourself? I have only read to change the water every few days, is there a way to install a filter and have it done automatically? If being kept as pets, can you do a terrarium/aquarium aspect and still have the leeches be sterile to feed on you if you have soil? As far as the 12 hr hemorrhaging, can you just put a large gauze over it with tape and that will take care of the blood or does it really really flow a lot? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to get as much info as possible if I'm to get these guys

My guess is that if you can keep the water filtered, and somewhat cool, they'd thrive. These are a semi-terrestrial species, so a terrarium/aquarium combo would probably work. But, be sure there are no openings from which they can escape! I've been fed upon by leeches while doing field work in Vietnam. No problem at all. Like I said earlier, there's only one bacterial species known to cause infection. I'd be more cautious about ensuring that you use the same person as host, rather than multiple, just to minimize the spread of blood-borne pathogens.

The best item to block hemorrhaging are panty liners. Tape it across the incision area.

 

[BrianWI]

try feeding raw beef liver

 

[Scythemantis]

I would love to own a leech...I've seriously never even seen one in person, and I've hunted inverts in freshwater environments between five states up the East Coast, ever since childhood. I don't know why I've never seen a leech...I've seen everything else, but no leech of ANY size.

Carnivorous leeches would be easier to feed, I think, but at least the bloodsuckers are long-lived between feedings.