Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Medicinal Leech Workshop, Isparta, Türkiye, 14 - 16 Nisan 2025, ss.1, (Özet Bildiri)
Medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) are hematophagous organisms extensively used in therapeutic applications and notable for hosting complex microbial communities. Although medicinal leeches are commonly employed in alternative medicine, the molecular characterization of their microbial composition (microbiome) remains incomplete. In this context, the present study addresses fundamental and advanced microbiological techniques applied to medicinal leeches, focusing on sampling methodologies targeting the external surface, gut contents, and internal organs. Emphasis is placed on critical steps required to prevent contamination during sampling and subsequent microbiological analyses. Following initial sampling or culture-based isolation, protocols for DNA extraction from microbial biomass are evaluated in terms of optimization for sample type and analytical goals. The extracted genetic material is subjected to both conventional PCR-based assays and high-throughput sequencing approaches, including 16S rRNA gene-based amplicon metagenomics and shotgun metagenomic analysis. While amplicon metagenomics facilitates taxonomic profiling and assessment of bacterial diversity, shotgun metagenomics enables a broader functional characterization of bacterial, viral, fungal, and archaeal genomes present in the samples. Through these integrated methodologies, insights are gained into the leech microbiome, microbial translocation from host tissues, microbial persistence within the digestive tract, and shifts in microbial diversity following different feeding regimens. These findings are expected to enhance the understanding of the microbial ecology associated with medicinal leeches and contribute to their safe and effective use in therapeutic contexts.