Spirometra species from Asia: Genetic diversity and taxonomic challenges

• Published in: Parasitology international Vol. 80; p. 102181
• Main Authors: Yamasaki, Hiroshi, Sanpool, Oranuch, Rodpai, Rutchanee, Sadaow, Lakkhana, Laummaunwai, Porntip, Un, Mesa, Thanchomnang, Tongjit, Laymanivong, Sakhone, Aung, Win Pa Pa, Intapan, Pewpan M., Maleewong, Wanchai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.02.2021
• Subjects: Asia; Genetic diversity; Human sparganosis; Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene; Spirometra mansoni; Spirometra species; Spirometra mansoni; Human sparganosis; Genetic diversity; Asia; Spirometra species; Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene
• ISSN: 1383-5769; 1873-0329
• DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102181

Despite considerable controversy concerning the taxonomy of species within the genus Spirometra, human sparganosis and spirometrosis mainly in Asia and Europe has long been confidently ascribed to Spirometra erinaceieuropaei. Recently, the mitochondrial genomes of purported “S. erinaceieuropaei”, “Spirometra decipiens” and “Spirometra ranarum” from Asia have been determined. However, it has been pointed out that the morphological criteria used for identifying these species are unsuitable and thus these identifications are questionable. In the present study, therefore, Spirometra samples from Asia were re-examined based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene sequences and the identification of these species was discussed. Haplotype network and phylogenetic analyses revealed that: i) two distinct Spirometra species, Type I and Type II, are present in Asia and neither of which is close to likely European “S. erinaceieuropaei”; ii) Type I is genetically diverse and widely distributed, however Type II is known so far from Japan and Korea; iii) “S. decipiens” and “S. ranarum” reported from Asia are conspecific with Type I; iv) Type I is probably conspecific with Spirometra mansoni, and Type II may represent an undescribed species. [Display omitted] •Two Spirometra species, Type I and Type II, are distributed in Asia.•Neither Type I nor Type II is close to likely “S. erinaceieuropaei” from Poland.•Type I is genetically diverse and widely distributed.•Type I is most probably Spirometra mansoni and Type II may represent an undescribed species.