Molecular Characterization of Spirometra decipiens Complex (Eucestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) from Uruguay

This study used a partial sequence of the mitochondrial cox1 gene for reconstruction interrelationship adult and larval stages Spirometra obtained from Cerdocyon thous, Leopardus munoai, Canis familiaris, Didelphis albiventris Philodryas patagoniensis in Uruguay. The phylogenetic analysis showed that they were grouped with decipiens Americas high bootstrap support. According to recent studies, American species split into two S. complexes. Our findings strongly suggest complex 1 is widely distributed South America, wild domestic canids are definitive hosts. Most samples (n = 10) adults plerocercoids retrieved mammals reptiles seem be same taxon found Lycalopex gymnocercus Argentina. A second clade was formed sp. L. munoai as well other felids such Puma concolor pardalis (both Argentina). On hand, 2 present America North America. parasitizes (and possibly domestic) intermediate hosts, respectively, whereas snakes captive meerkats (acting either or paratenic hosts) has unconfirmed