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Tapeworms of the species complex of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s. l.) are the cause of a severe zoonotic disease – cystic echinococcosis, which is listed among the most severe parasitic diseases in humans and is prioritized by the World Health Organization. A stable taxonomy of E. granulosus s. l. is essential to the medical and veterinary communities for accurate and effective communication of the role of different species in this complex on human and animal health. E. granulosus s. l. displays high genetic diversity and has been divided into different species and genotypes. Despite several decades of research, the taxonomy of E. granulosus s. l. has remained controversial, especially the species status of genotypes G6–G10. Here the Bayesian phylogeny based on six nuclear loci (7387 bp in total) demonstrated, with very high support, the clustering of G6/G7 and G8/G10 into two separate clades. According to the evolutionary species concept, G6/G7 and G8/G10 can be regarded as two distinct species. Species differentiation can be attributed to the association with distinct host species, largely separate geographical distribution and low level of cross-fertilization. These factors have limited the gene flow between genotypic groups G6/G7 and G8/G10, resulting in the formation of distinct species. We discuss ecological and epidemiological differences that support the validity of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinococcus granulosus is the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis. The disease is a significant global public health concern and human infections are most commonly associated with E. granulosus sensu stricto (s. s.) genotype G1. The objectives of this study were to: (i) analyse the genetic variation and phylogeography of E. granulosus s. s. G1 in part of its main distribution range in Europe using 8274 bp of mtDNA; (ii) compare the results with those derived from previously used shorter mtDNA sequences and highlight the major differences. We sequenced a total of 91 E. granulosus s. s. G1 isolates from six different intermediate host species, including humans. The isolates originated from seven countries representing primarily Turkey, Italy and Spain. Few samples were also from Albania, Greece, Romania and from a patient originating from Algeria, but diagnosed in Finland. The analysed 91 sequences were divided into 83 haplotypes, revealing complex phylogeography and high genetic variation of E. granulosus s. s. G1 in Europe, particularly in the high-diversity domestication centre of western Asia. Comparisons with shorter mtDNA datasets revealed that 8274 bp sequences provided significantly higher phylogenetic resolution and thus more power to reveal the genetic relations between different haplotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduced sambar ( Rusa unicolor) occur at high density within the Upper Yarra Catchment, an important watershed for the supply of water to Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Contamination by zoonotic pathogens in sambar fecal pellets poses a serious risk to water quality. We describe spatial and temporal patterns in distribution and density of sambar in the Upper Yarra Catchment between 2003 and 2012, and assess ground-based culling as a technique to reduce the risk of fecal contamination of the water supply. Sambar density, as indexed by fecal pellet deposition, was inversely related to distance from the reservoir, and aggregations of up to 70 sambar occurred on open flats adjacent to the reservoir, where they foraged mostly at dusk. Culling by ground-shooting halved fecal pellet density on these flats, primarily through short-term deterrence rather than a significant reduction of the population. As culling continued, fecal pellet deposition declined further, reducing the likely risk to water supplies. We conclude that localized deterrence through targeted culling of sambar at this site is an effective management technique for decreasing deer fecal deposition and the risk of contamination by zoonotic pathogens of Melbourne's water supply. © 2015 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]