Abstract: 　Objective To study differences among Paragonimus skrjabini populations from five provinces (Guangdong, Fujian, Yunnan, Hubei, Sichuan) and Paragonimus szechuanensis and to analyze the taxonomic status of P. heterotremus and P. veocularis in the Genus Paragonimus Braun, 1899. Methods DNA sequences were obtained from the ITS2 and CO1 genes and phylogenetic trees were built. Results Difference of the DNA sequences among P. skrjabini populations from five provinces were minor. P. veocularis and P. skrjabini were similar in DNA sequences. There were also some resemblances between P. miyazakii from Japan and the Fujian isolates of P. skrjabini. In addition, P. heterotremus was found to be closer to P. skrjabini and quite a distance from P. westermani in the phylogenetic tree. Conclusion All studied populations can be regarded as different strains of P. skrjabini; P. szechuanensis is not a separate species, but possibly a geographical strain of P. skrjabini. Also found was that P. veocularis and P. miyazakii may be the synonyms of P. skrjabini. As a separate species, P. heterotremus was found to be closer to P. skrjabini and quite a distance from P. westermani in the genetic relationship.

Key words: Paragonimus skrjabini, Paragonimus szechuanensis, geographical strain, taxonomy, DMA sequences