Integrating Molecular Tools into Parasite Taxonomy and Systematics

Protozoan, cnidarian, helminth parasites (encompassing nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, and acanthocephalans), and arthropods, represent a diverse group of organisms with profound impacts on human and animal health, agriculture, and ecosystems. Traditional taxonomy based on morphological characteristics has often faced limitations in resolving complex evolutionary relationships and host-specific variations. In recent years, molecular and genomic tools, ranging from DNA barcoding and phylogenomics to transcriptomics and mitogenomics, have revolutionized the classification and systematics of parasitic organisms, offering more robust and reproducible frameworks. Cryptic species, organisms that are morphologically similar but genetically divergent, have gained increasing importance in taxonomy, evolutionary biology, ecology, and conservation science. This Research Topic explicitly welcomes work focused on exploring the occurrence, identification, and implications of cryptic species across diverse parasitic taxa.

We call manuscripts that address topics comprising, but not restricted to, the following:

• Diversity and biogeography of parasites;
• Host–parasite coevolution, specificity and ecology;
• Morphology combined with molecular studies of parasitic species;
• Parasite taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships;
• Systematics of parasites and their biogeographical studies;
• Cryptic species: molecular identification, taxonomic revision, phylogenetic insights, and ecological and epidemiological relevance including conservation implications

We invite the submission of original research articles, reviews, and short communications that advance understanding in this area. This Research Topic aims to be a valuable reference for researchers, conservationists, and legislators focused on parasite research and their associations, encouraging collaboration and stimulating future research.

We look forward to your valuable contributions to this enthralling collection.

Aims:
• To showcase innovative molecular approaches used in the taxonomy and systematics of parasitic species and their biodiversity.
• To promote the discovery and accurate identification of cryptic and novel parasitic species.
• To improve understanding of evolutionary relationships and phylogenetic placement of parasites using integrative data.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: helminths, parasites, helminth parasites, nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, acanthocephalans, arthropod parasites, parasite taxonomy, parasite systematics, molecular tools, cryptic species

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.