The Genetic Diversity of Spirometra Tapeworm Isolates From Snakes in The Hunan Province of Central China

Background: Sparganosis, caused by the larval plerocercoid of Spirometra tapeworms, still poses a potential public health hazard in China. Snakes are an important source of infection for human sparganosis; however, insufficient studies on the population genetics of Spirometra isolates from snakes have occurred to date. This study collected 67 Spirometra isolates from snakes, and several definitive hosts ( Panthera tigris , Prionailurus bengalensis , Felis silvestris ), in 15 geographical locations in Hunan Province of central China. They were identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay. Next, these isolates’ population genetic diversity and phylogenetic pattern were explored based on mitochondrial cyt b and cox 1 genes. Results: : All Spirometra isolates collected in the Hunan Province belonged to the genotype of the Korean “ Spirometra decipiens ” (KJ599679). The genetic diversity analysis based on concatenated sequences revealed no distinct genetic structure among Spirometra populations. Conclusions: : The phylogenetic analysis supported the distinction between Polish and Chinese Spirometra isolates. The taxonomy of Spirometra spp. remains ambiguous; more morphological and molecular studies are necessary to clarify the systematics of the genus of Spirometra .