title: Leeches--the good, the bad and the wiggly.
abstract: Leeches have been making a remarkable come-back in medical practice in recent years, particularly in reconstructive surgery. This paper opens with a brief review of the historical aspects of the medicinal use of leeches and their recent renaissance in modern medical practice. We then  embark on a journey through the murky waters of leech infestation and the potentially life-threatening complications arising from close encounters with these extraordinary creatures. Finally, we get to grips with the tricky issue of safely apprehending and removing uninvited hangers-on.
authors: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK. tjdod@liv.ac.uk
authors: Tim
authors: T
authors: O'Dempsey
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology; D047709:Hirudo medicinalis / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D024763:Leeching / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods