title: Towards a taxonomic revision of the genus Echinococcus.
abstract: Echinococcus remains a significant public health problem worldwide and, in several regions, the aetiological agents of cystic hydatid disease/echinococcosis are extending their range. The taxonomy of Echinococcus has been a controversial issue for decades, but the outcome of recent molecular epidemiological studies has served to reinforce proposals made ten years ago to revise the taxonomy of Echinococcus. A formal nomenclature is essential for effective communication, and provides the stability that underpins epidemiological investigations. It will also serve to recognize the contribution of early taxonomists.
authors.affiliation: WHO Collaborating Centre for the Molecular Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections, Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Western Australia 6150, Murdoch, Australia. andrew_t@central.murdoch.edu.au
authors.forename: R C Andrew
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Donald P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: McManus
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002162:Camelus; D002417:Cattle; D018509:DNA, Helminth / Q000235:genetics; D003670:Deer; D004285:Dogs; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000469:parasitology; D004446:Echinococcus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D010802:Phylogeny; D011634:Public Health; D012756:Sheep; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D018509:DNA, Helminth