[Biological Features of a New Echinococcus Species (Echinococcus Shiquicus) in the East of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau]

In the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region, a variety of domestic and wild mammals are involved in the transmission cycles of Echinococcus species. E. granulosus and E. multilocularis are known being sympatrically distributed in the plateau region. Recently, an unknown Echinococcus species was isolated from infected plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) and Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrilata). The species shows quite distinct characteristics on morphology, genetics, host specificity and geographical distribution from others. It was therefore identified as a new Echinococcus species, Echinococcus shiquicus. This paper discussed the biological genetics and epidemiological features of the species, and proposed hypotheses and considerations for further exploration.