This week's case is just a fun identification. (Hint, these objects were obtained at the local hospital pharmacy...)
Questions:
1. What are they used for in the health care setting?
2. Which bacteria is associated with them?
A parasitologist's view of the world
7 comments:
1. They are definitely very good at inducing blood flow! They can be used after reattachment of digits, as an example.
2. Aeromonas
Agree with the blood sucking ID as well as the micro.
Leeches! Typically used for reconstructive therapy and microsurgeries to help control venous congestion. Usually associated with Aeromonas pp. infection since they are prominent in the leech's gut flora.
I've had the pleasure (?) of applying leeches to a patient to reduce the size of a hematoma. The problem was, I couldn't get back to the patient before the leeches finished feeding, dropped off, and crawled away. They weren't hard to find, however, I just followed the trail of blood on the floor.
Hirudo medicinalis.
Aeromonas hydrophila is its symbiont.
Florida Fan
I agree with all the answers : Hirudo medicinalis, Aeromonas bacteria
I agree as well: Hirudo medicinalis, Aeromonas bacteria
Lee
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