One of the most unpleasant consequences of swimming in water bodies can be an encounter with leeches. But what if you come across a half-meter leech with a 15-centimeter proboscis? Such leeches can be found on the banks of the Amazon, in Venezuela, and in French Guiana. And yes, it can attack a human.
Several such leeches are capable of killing a cow.
This happens thanks to a proboscis that is 15 cm long. With it, the leech penetrates deep into the body and damages large blood vessels. In comparison, a common leech pierces the skin to a depth of only 1.5 – 2 millimeters and extracts about 5-10 milliliters of blood. The Amazonian leech, however, can drink a whole liter.
The length of the largest leech in the world reaches 46 cm, and its width is 10 cm. Due to its size, the Amazonian leech, or scientifically known as Haementeria ghilianii, has been listed in the Guinness World Records.
It was believed that these leeches were extinct, as they had not been encountered since 1893. However, in the 1970s, several specimens were caught. Despite its fearsome appearance, the leech also provides benefits. Firstly, scientists actively use it for research, as its neurons are larger, and useful proteins have been isolated from its saliva that help in the fight against cancer by slowing the formation of metastases.
Does the leech bite hurt?
As for common leeches found in freshwater bodies, their bite is hardly felt while swimming. This is despite the fact that they have three jaws for piercing the skin. The bite can be compared to that of a mosquito or a slight burn from nettles.
Together with the leech's saliva, enzymes enter the body that disrupt blood clotting and have an analgesic effect. Thanks to this, the leech can drink blood as much as it needs without causing pain to its victim. However, after its 'meal', the bite site may bleed for a long time.
Nevertheless, many resort to hirudotherapy, which helps treat a number of nervous system disorders and cardiovascular diseases. Leeches contribute to the improvement of blood microcirculation and prevent the formation of blood clots.
Before starting hirudotherapy, be sure to consult a specialist.
