Naming no names: Comments on the taxonomy of small piroplasmids in canids

D James Harris

doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1567-5

Abstract

Based on phylogenetic analyses, various taxonomic changes have recently been proposed for tick-transmitted small piroplasmids, including descriptions of new species. It is however essential that any such changes comply with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Unfortunately, this has not been the case, and some recently proposed names are therefore invalid. The use of informal clade names is necessary until formal valid descriptions are available.

Highlights

Based on phylogenetic analyses, various taxonomic changes have recently been proposed for tick-transmitted small piroplasmids, including descriptions of new species
Baneth et al [3] carried out a phylogenetic analysis that clearly showed that a tick-transmitted small piroplasmid that infects dogs and foxes and named Theileria annae by Zahler et al [4], is not related to other Theileria Bettencourt, Franca & Borges, 1907, but rather is allied with Babesia spp. from carnivores, in turn sister taxa to Babesia microti (Franca, 1910)
Other molecular assessments have led to similar conclusions, e.g. [5]

Summary

Introduction

Various taxonomic changes have recently been proposed for tick-transmitted small piroplasmids, including descriptions of new species. All such taxonomic changes must follow the Code to be valid scientific names. Baneth et al [3] carried out a phylogenetic analysis that clearly showed that a tick-transmitted small piroplasmid that infects dogs and foxes and named Theileria annae by Zahler et al [4], is not related to other Theileria Bettencourt, Franca & Borges, 1907, but rather is allied with Babesia spp. from carnivores (sometimes referred to as “B. microti-related”), in turn sister taxa to Babesia microti (Franca, 1910).

Results

Conclusion