What lies behind the curtain: Cryptic diversity in helminth parasites of human and veterinary importance

Abstract

Parasite cryptic species are morphologically indistinguishable but genetically distinct organisms, leading to taxa with unclear species boundaries. Speciation mechanisms such as cospeciation, host colonization, taxon pulse, and oscillation may lead to the emergence of cryptic species, influencing host-parasite interactions, parasite ecology, distribution, and biodiversity. The study of cryptic species diversity in helminth parasites of human and veterinary importance has gained relevance, since their distribution may affect clinical and epidemiological features such as pathogenicity, virulence, drug resistance and susceptibility, mortality, and morbidity, ultimately affecting patient management, course, and outcome of treatment. At the same time, the need for recognition of cryptic species diversity has implied a transition from morphological to molecular diagnostic methods, which are becoming more available and accessible in parasitology. Here, we discuss the general approaches for cryptic species delineation and summarize some examples found in nematodes, trematodes and cestodes of medical and veterinary importance, along with the clinical implications of their taxonomic status. Lastly, we highlight the need for the correct interpretation of molecular information, and the correct use of definitions when reporting or describing new cryptic species in parasitology, since molecular and morphological data should be integrated whenever possible.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

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  Cryptic diversity has been described in helminths of human and animal importance.

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  Cryptic species are morphologically indistinguishable but genetically distinct organisms.

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  These entities emerge by different evolutionary and speciation mechanisms.

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  Analysis of molecular and morphological data is needed for cryptic species delimitation.

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  Cryptic diversity may affect pathogenicity, virulence and drug resistance of helminths.