Molecular systematics of a new form of Paragonimus westermani discovered in Thailand. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health

Abstract

Abstract. This study aimed to clarify evolutionary relationships of P. westermani-like with other members of Paragonimus in Asia. The parsimony method was employed in molecular analyses of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA and the partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region of mitochondrial DNA. A single most parsimonious tree obtained from the ITS2 region revealed two important groups within P. westermani complex that is based on geographical origins. From this study, it is evident that P. westermani-like is either placed well within the P. westermani complex or is located close to the complex. Since a significant genetic variation was observed between Thai P. westermani and P. westermani-like, further investigation on the specificity of first intermediate hosts should be carried out to determine a proper taxonomic status of P. westermani-like