Some recent advances in the molecular characterization of Echinococcus and Taenia solium

Some recently obtained data from our laboratory on the molecular characterization of Echinococcus and Taenia solium are described and are complimented by relevant new information obtained by other groups. Progress made in the development of satisfactory immunodiagnostic assays and in the production of recombinant molecules, suitable for application in serology of hydatid disease and cysticercosis, is highlighted. Results arising from the application of polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing, using primers homologous to evolutionarily conserved sequences, in phylogenetic studies and for distinguishing individual taeniid species are also discussed.