The Trypanosomatid family are a diverse and widespread group of protozoan parasites that belong to the higher order class Kinetoplastida. Containing predominantly monoxenous species (i.e. those having only a single host) that are confined to invertebrate hosts, this class is primarily known for its pathogenic dixenous species (i.e. those that have two hosts), serving as the aetiological agents of the important neglected tropical diseases including leishmaniasis, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) and human African trypanosomiasis. Over the past few decades, a multitude of studies have investigated the diversity, classification and evolutionary history of the trypanosomatid family using different approaches and molecular targets. The mitochondrial-like DNA of the trypanosomatid parasites, also known as the kinetoplast, has emerged as a unique taxonomic and diagnostic target for exploring the evolution of this diverse group of parasitic eukaryotes. This review discusses recent advancements and important developments that have made a significant impact in the field of trypanosomatid systematics and diagnostics in recent years.

锥虫科是一类分布广泛的原生动物寄生虫，属于高阶动质体纲。主要包含仅限于无脊椎动物宿主的单雄物种（即只有一个宿主的物种），该类别主要以其致病性双雄物种（即具有两个宿主的物种）而闻名，是被忽视的重要热带疾病的病原体包括利什曼病、美洲锥虫病（南美锥虫病）和非洲人类锥虫病。在过去的几十年里，大量研究使用不同的方法和分子靶标调查了锥虫科的多样性、分类和进化史。锥虫寄生虫的线粒体样 DNA，也称为动质体，已成为探索这一多样化寄生真核生物进化的独特分类学和诊断目标。这篇综述讨论了近年来在锥虫系统学和诊断学领域产生重大影响的最新进展和重要发展。