title: The importance of recognising parasite cryptic diversity for research programmes on foodborne trematodiases.
abstract: The development of molecular tools in the last two decades enhanced our capacity to accurately describe biodiversity on Earth. Analysis of molecular data may lead to the discovery of cryptic species (morphologically indistinguishable, genetically distinct species lineages). As cryptic species are discovered with increasing frequency among parasites, we must consider their potential implications, especially for the epidemiology, diagnostics and control of parasitic diseases that affect humans. Investigators that conduct research on different aspects of infectious diseases, for example, on foodborne trematodiases, must remain aware of the possibility for undiscovered cryptic species and how this could impact their conclusions.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ap. Postal 70-153, C.P. 04510, México D.F ppdleon@ib.unam.mx.
authors.forename: Gerardo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pérez-Ponce de León
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, California, 95616, USA.
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Nadler
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000469:parasitology*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D014200:Trematoda / Q000235:genetics*; D014201:Trematode Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords: Cryptic species; Epidemiology; Foodborne trematodes; Molecular prospecting