Molecular characterization of isolates across the USA.

is a genus of zoonotic cestodes with an ambiguous species-level taxonomic history. Previously, was considered the only species present in North America. However, recent molecular data revealed the presence of at least three distinct species in the USA: sp. 2 and 3, and . This study aimed to elucidate the diversity and potential host associations of species among companion animals in the USA. Samples ( = 302) were examined from at least 13 host species, including mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Sample types included eggs isolated from faeces ( = 222), adult specimens ( = 71) and plerocercoids ( = 9) from 18 different states and 2 territories across the USA. Extracted genomic DNA was subjected to PCR targeting a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. Generated sequences ( = 136) were included in a phylogenetic analysis. was detected in domestic cats ( = 76), dogs ( = 12), a White's tree frog ( = 1), a Cuban knight anole ( = 1), a green iguana ( = 1) and a serval ( = 1) across 15 states and Puerto Rico. sp. 2 was found only in dogs ( = 3) from Florida and sp. 3 was found only in cats ( = 41) from 17 states. All plerocercoid samples were consistent with . The results confirm that at least three distinct species are present and established in companion animals, such as dogs and cats, and likely are using various native and exotic species as paratenic hosts within the USA.