Diversity and biology of Spirometra tapeworms (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea), zoonotic parasites of wildlife: A review.

ABSTRACT: Tapeworms of the genus Spirometra Faust, Campbell et Kellogg, 1929 have long been known as intestinal parasites of carnivores and their larvae (spargana) have been found in various vertebrates. Nevertheless, their species diversity, host associations and geographical distribution remain poorly understood. Molecular data clearly confirm the validity of the genus, which has been synonymised by several authors with Diphyllobothrium Cobbold, 1858. Despite morphological similarities between the species of the two genera, they are not closely related and also differ in their life cycle. The present review provides a list of the species recognised as valid and additional genotypes that may represent other species, with a basic characterisation of each taxon and comments on their val

SUBMITTER: Kuchta R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11261046 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature