The effect of some antibiotics on segmentation and vomiting in Eastern leech (Hirudo orientalis)

Document Type : scientific research article

Authors

1 Agricultural sciences and natural resources of Gorgan University

2 Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

3 Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Abstract

Abstract

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a mixture of the antibiotics amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin on reducing the incidence of deformities, regurgitation, and mortality in the eastern leech from larval-needle size to cosmetic-medical size.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 360 eastern leeches were divided into 12 ten-liter containers, each containing four liters of water. Four experimental treatments with three replicates each were compared: the control group, Treatment 1 receiving a mixture of ceftriaxone, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin at a concentration of 21.69 mg/L; Treatment 2 receiving 31.98 mg/L; and Treatment 3 receiving 41.86 mg/L of the antibiotic mixture.

Results:Observation of blood regurgitation in leeches showed no regurgitation in any of the treatments during the first feeding phase. In the second feeding phase, the control group exhibited significantly more regurgitation events (18 times, p<0.05). In the third feeding phase, Treatments 1 and 3 had equal regurgitation frequencies with no significant difference observed between them (p>0.05).

Conclusion:These findings clearly indicate the effectiveness of the antibiotic mixture (ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and amoxicillin) in reducing deformities, regurgitation, and mortality after blood feeding in eastern leeches at various developmental stages (larval, needle, matchstick, cosmetic, and medical sizes).

Keywords: Hirudo orientalis; eastern leech; antibiotic; deformity; regurgitation; ciprofloxacin; amoxicillin; ceftriaxone

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Journal of Utilization and Cultivation of Aquatics
Volume 15, Issue 1
April 2026
Pages 155-172

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