Classification and host specificity of Metagonimus spp. from Korean freshwater fish.

Taxonomic problems of Metagonimus spp. in Korea were investigated. Metacercariae of various freshwater fish species -- Plecoglossus altivelis, Carassius auratus, Zacco platypus, Zacco temmincki, Opsariichthys bidens -- were collected from different localities in Korea and experimentally fed to golden hamsters. Observation of recovered adult worms showed that Plecoglossus altivelis was infected with metacercariae of both M. yokogawai and M. takahashii. C. auratus was infected with metacercariae of M. takahashii and Z. platypus, Z. temmincki, O. bidens were infected only with metacercariae of Metagonimus Miyata type. From the inferences about the morphological characteristics, host specificities and occurrence patterns in infected animals, Metagonimus Miyata type is considered to be an independent group.