Rediscovery of a name-bearing type of Echinococcus multilocularis (Leuckart, 1863) by museum forensics: a cold case revisited

Abstract

We report on the rediscovery of a presumably lost type specimen of Echinococcus multilocularis (Leuckart, 1863). The study establishes the mitochondrial genome of E. multilocularis from a historical syntype specimen and explores modern genomic techniques to clarify its identity in European populations. Despite initial failure in nested PCR, high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) successfully assembled the mitochondrial genome from post-capture reads, revealing a 13,738 bp sequence. This genome contained 12 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis placed E. multilocularis in a clade with E. shiquicus. Comparison of mitochondrial sequences confirmed a 100% identity with modern isolates from western-central Europe, demonstrating the persistence of this lineage over 200 years. The study emphasises the value of museum specimens and advanced genomic techniques in historical taxonomy, showcasing the synergy of forensic museum research and modern DNA technologies. This research stabilises the nomenclature of E. multilocularis and therefore contributes to better understanding its epidemiological role in human disease.