Table of Content

25 August 2026, Volume 38 Issue 4

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Echinococcosis control in China from the One Health perspective 

YANG Shijie, ZHOU Xiaonong, LI Shizhu, XIAO Ning, HAN Shuai, WANG Liying, WANG Ying

2026, 38(4):  337-347, 360. 

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Echinococcosis is a neglected zoonotic parasitic disease across the world, which imposes a substantial burden on human health and socioeconomic development in endemic areas. From a One Health perspective, this review systematically summarizes the legal framework, scheme, integrated interventions, control achievements, and challenges in the national echinococcosis control programme of China. An integrated strategy centered on control of the source of Echinococcus infections has been implemented for echinococcosis control in China, and cross⁃sectoral and cross⁃regional multidisciplinary coordination mechanisms have been progressively established, resulting in remarkable achievements gained in human health, animal health, and integrated environmental management. The endemicity of echinococcosis remarkably reduced in China in 2023 as compared to results from the national echinococcosis epidemiological survey in China between 2012 and 2016 (baseline), with an 82.14% reduction in human prevalence, an 80.00% reduction in detection of echinococcosis among children, a reduction of prevalent echinococcosis patients to 25 400 cases, a 36.96% reduction in the number of dogs, an 88.24% reduction in the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in dogs, a 67.00% reduction in the number of stray dogs, an 80.77% reduction in the prevalence of echinococcosis in livestock, and a 69.23% reduction in the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in rodents. Nevertheless, an estimated 14 600 canines were found to have Echinococcus infections in endemic areas across China in 2023, and the prevalence of Echinococcus infections increased by 241.03% in wild canines in 2023 relative to in 2021, which underscores the persistent threat to echinococcosis transmission. Future efforts are required to strengthen the One Health governance system, increase the financial investment, foster innovations in integrated control technologies, enhance cross⁃sectoral collaboration, and improve the capacity building at the grassroots level to advance the achievement of the national target of basically controlling echinococcosis in all endemic counties in China by 2030, thereby facilitating the process towards echinococcosis control and elimination.

One Health in action: China's fight against schistosomiasis

HUANG Shiyi, LÜ Chao, GUO Suying, XU Jing, LI Shizhu

2026, 38(4):  347-353. 

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Schistosomiasis, a zoonotic infectious disease, remains one of the major public health concerns in the world. As a country endemic for schistosomiasis with a long history and substantial disease burdens, China has sustained successive control efforts for over seven decades in the context of the One Health concept, establishing a cross⁃sectoral collaboration mechanism encompassing health, agriculture, water development resources, and forestry and grassland sectors. A package of interventions have been employed tailored to management of the source of Schistosoma japonicum infections, Oncomelania hupensis snail control, improved water supply and sanitation, environmental modification, and risk surveillance, and a "human⁃animal⁃environment" collaborative prevention and control model has been gradually generated. As a consequence, the transmission of schistosomiasis was interrupted across China in 2023. To achieve the goal of schistosomiasis elimination and sustainably consolidate the achievements of elimination in China, it is still necessary to enhance the long⁃term cross⁃sectoral coordination mechanism, promote interdisciplinary collaboration for innovating control technologies and strategies, establish an intelligent surveillance network covering the entire region, and strengthen the response and emergency management capabilities. In addition, distilling China's schistosomiasis control and elimination experiences will provide a "One Health" model for the prevention and control of other parasitic and tropical diseases, thereby contributing to global disease control and sustainable development.

Progress of researches on toxoplasmosis control strategies based on the One Health concept

GAO Huijun, LI Jing, LI Pengyao, ZHUO Rui, NI Ze, ZHENG Bin, LU Shaohong

2026, 38(4):  354-360. 

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Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is widely prevalent across the world. The life cycle of T. gondii involves definitive hosts (cats and felines), intermediate hosts (humans, livestock, and wild animals), and the environment (such as soil and water). The One Health concept brings together the health of humans, animals, and the environment, with aims to pursue the optimal health outcomes through coordinated management. Management of toxoplasmosis from a One Health perspective may provide key insights into formulation of interventions for toxoplasmosis control. This article reviews the complex biological characteristics and life cycle of T. gondii, as well as the importance of felines as definitive hosts in the transmission of toxoplasmosis, analyzes the epidemiology, ecological impact and economic burden of toxoplasmosis, and discusses the bottlenecks in diagnostic and monitoring systems, environmental management technologies, and One Health interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition, toxoplasmosis control strategies are proposed based on the One Health concept, covering public health interventions, management of animal sources, multi⁃sector collaboration, and development of novel vaccines. These strategies provide insights into interruption of toxoplasmosis transmission and maintenance of the global public health security.

Practice and optimization pathways of the surveillance⁃response system for schistosomiasis during the elimination stage in China: a One Health perspective

WAN Jiajia, SHANG Jingye, XU Jing, PU Chen, WANG Nannan, LI Rongzhi, ZHANG Yu, XU Liang, MENG Xianhong, LU Ding, CHEN Lin, WU Zisong, ZHONG Bo, ZHOU Xiaonong, LIU Yang

2026, 38(4):  361-368. 

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This paper systematically analyzes schistosomiasis transmission risks during the elimination stage and reviews the evolution of the schistosomiasis surveillance system in China from a One Health perspective, with a special emphasis on schistosomiasis surveillance and response practices during the elimination stage from a One Health perspective. These practices include precise screening of human schistosomiasis under low⁃endemicity conditions, systematic monitoring of schistosomiasis in domestic and wild animals, ecological management of Oncomelania snails, and information⁃coordinated responses. Nevertheless, the current surveillance and response system for schistosomiasis suffers from challenges of insufficient cross⁃sectoral coordination and complex external environments, which constrain precise schistosomiasis surveillance and response in China. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to integrate coordination mechanisms, empower the surveillance system with technological innovation, improve capacity building, and actively promote diverse social participation in the One Health framework, so as to consolidate current schistosomiasis control achievements and achieve the target for schistosomiasis elimination across China, which may provide a replicable technical model for global zoonoses control.

Current status of brucellosis control programmes and Chinese path based on the One Health concept: a review

ZHANG Kaihui, LUO Fang, XIU Lei, WANG Yongzhi, WANG Jia, LI Jingjing, LI Jian, HU Wei

2026, 38(4):  369-378, 398. 

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Brucellosis is one of the most widespread zoonoses globally, which poses serious threats to both global public health and development of animal husbandry. Conventional brucellosis control measures suffer problems of surveillance coordination, regional joint prevention, and policy implementation, which are insufficient to address the challenges of ecological risks and cross⁃host transmission. The One Health approach allocates interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaborations to achieve systemic health of humans, animals, and environments, which provides new insights into brucellosis control programmes. This review describes the pathogenic biological characteristics, global epidemiological landscape, and transmission ecology of brucellosis, evaluates the main limitations of current control strategies, summarizes the experiences from successful One Health practices across countries at different stages of development, and proposes the brucellosis control strategy based on the One Health concept with adaptations to the current epidemiology of brucellosis in China, so as to provide the theoretical evidence and practical framework for the national brucellosis control programmes in China, thereby facilitating the effective control and the ultimate elimination of brucellosis.

Epidemiological characteristics of clonorchiasis and factors affecting the social network of clonorchiasis in Congjiang County of  Guizhou Province from a One Health perspective

LIU Lu, SHE Danya, CAI Shan, ZHANG Chensheng, LI Songping, LU Lidan, ZHOU Xiaonong

2026, 38(4):  379-388. 

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To investigate the epidemiological characteristics, influencing factors, and community dietary network drivers of clonorchiasis in Longjiang Village, Congjiang County, Guizhou Province using social network analysis from a One Health perspective, so as to provide insights into implementation of precision control measures. Methods　Longjiang Village, Congjiang County, Guizhou Province was selected as a survey point. A total of 128 permanent residents at ages of over 6 years were sampled using a random sampling method, and subjects' stool samples were collected. In addition, at least 10 fecal samples were collected from domestic cats and dogs, reservoir hosts of Clonorchis sinensis, and at least 80 freshwater snails and at least 200 freshwater fish, intermediate hosts of C. sinensis, were sampled in Longjiang Village. C. sinensis eggs were detected in human, domestic cat and domestic dog fecal samples using a modified Kato⁃Katz thick smear method (two slides for one stool sample) . The C. sinensis metacercariae were detected in freshwater fish with a compression method and the C. sinensis cercariae were detected in freshwater snails with a cercarial shedding method, respectively. Participants' demographic characteristics, dietary and drinking hygiene behaviors and food⁃sharing relationships were collected with structured questionnaires and semi⁃structured in⁃depth interviews, and factors affecting C. sinensis infection were identified using regression analysis. Based on the north⁃south orientation delineated by the village river, participants were divided into groups a and b. Subjects' food⁃sharing network was analyzed using social network analysis, and the Louvain algorithm was employed to investigate the community structure and key nodes of the network. Results　The overall prevalence of C. sinensis infection was 33.59% (43/128) among participants in Longjiang Village, Congjiang County, Guizhou Province. The detection of C. sinensis metacercariae was 7.63% (22/288) in freshwater fish, and no C. sinensis cercariae were detected in freshwater snails. The prevalence of C. sinensis infection was 7.69% (1/13) in domestic cats, and no infection was detected in domestic dogs. Regression analysis identified age groups of 25 to 45 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 23.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.85, 490.29)], Dong ethnicity [AOR = 26.80, 95% CI: (1.54, 1 105.09)], frequent consumption of raw water [AOR = 9.39, 95% CI: (1.58, 99.79)], and consumption of raw fish [AOR = 3.49, 95% CI: (1.52, 34.69)] as independent risk factors for C. sinensis infection among villagers in Longjiang Village (all P values < 0.05). Social network analysis showed a significantly higher global clustering coefficient (0.52 vs. 0.16; t = 2.41, P = 0.02) and average local clustering coefficient (0.52 vs. 0.16; t = 2.41, P = 0.02) in Group b than in Group a, and a significantly higher degree centrality was found among C. sinensis⁃infected individuals than among uninfected individuals in Group b (17.54 vs. 4.26; t = 2.33, P = 0.02). There was a high⁃risk community S11 with a 45.83% prevalence rate of C. sinensis infection in Group b, and C. sinensis⁃infected individuals with high betweenness centrality in Group b might serve as critical "bridges" in the food⁃sharing network, which facilitated the aggregation and diffusion of the risk of C. sinensis infection in the community. Conclusions　Individual dietary behaviors, such as drinking raw water and consuming raw or undercooked fish, and sociocultural factors of household⁃neighborhood food⁃sharing networks, may contribute to the clustering transmission of clonorchiasis in Longjiang Village. The clonorchiasis control strategy is recommended to shift from individual⁃centered health education towards integrated interventions under a One Health framework in this region, which focus on key individuals within social networks, strengthen coordinated water and environmental management, and enhance community participation to improve the acceptability and sustainability of interventions.

Epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2017 to 2024

LIN Kangming, WEI Shujiao, LI Jun, ZHANG Weiwei, YAN Hui, MENG Jun

2026, 38(4):  389-398. 

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Objective　To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2017 to 2024, so as to formulate the targeted control strategies for imported malaria. Methods　The demographic and epidemiological data of malaria cases reported in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2017 to 2024 were collected through the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The source of malaria cases acquiring infections, composition of malaria parasite species, regional distribution of malaria cases, population characteristics of malaria cases, temporal distribution of malaria cases, time of diagnosis, deaths and institutions reporting malaria cases were statistically analyzed with a descriptive statistical method.  Results　A total of 1 308 malaria cases were reported in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from 2017 to 2024, and all cases were overseas imported cases, with no secondary cases identified. Plasmodium falciparum malaria (57.11%, 747/1 308) and P. ovale malaria (27.68%, 362/1 308) were two most common forms of malaria, and three deaths occurred among P. falciparum malaria cases. The number of malaria cases appeared an overall tendency towards a decline from 2017 to 2022, followed by a rise after 2023. The malaria cases predominantly acquired infections from Africa (1 284 cases, accounting for 98.17%), with Ghana (432 cases, accounting for 33.03%) and Cameroon (145 cases, accounting for 11.09%) as two most frequent origin countries, and P. falciparum malaria (58.02%, 745/1 284) was the predominant form of malaria among African imported malaria cases; however, P. vivax malaria cases comprised 89.58% (86/96) of all malaria cases derived from Ethiopia. In terms of regional distribution, malaria cases were highly concentrated in Nanning City (1 075 cases, accounting for 82.19%), with the most prominent situated in Shanglin County (903 cases, accounting for 69.04%), and these cases were predominantly found among individuals at ages of 20 to 59 years (1 280 cases, accounting for 97.86%), males (1 265 cases, accounting for 96.71%), and gold/coal mining workers (1 042 cases, accounting for 79.66%). In terms of temporal distribution, malaria cases were reported throughout the year, with the peak incidence in April (146 cases, accounting for 11.16%). The median duration from onset of disease to initial diagnosis was 1 (interquartile range, 2) day, and the median duration from initial diagnosis to definitive diagnosis was 1 (interquartile range, 1) day. Malaria cases were predominantly reported by medical institutions (1 075 cases, accounting for 82.19%), and the proportion of malaria cases reported by medical institutions increased from 75.92% in 2017 to 96.27% in 2024, while the proportion of malaria cases reported by disease control and prevention institutions reduced from 24.08% in 2017 to 3.73% in 2024. There was a significant difference in the proportion of malaria cases reported by medical institutions and disease control and prevention institutions from 2017 to 2024 (both P  < 0.001). The 3 dead imported P. falciparum malaria cases predominantly received initial diagnosis at township⁃ and lower⁃level institutions (66.67%, 2/3), with 1 (interquartile range, 2) day median duration from onset of disease to initial diagnosis, 2 (interquartile range, 4) days median duration from initial diagnosis to definitive diagnosis, and 1 (interquartile range, 19) day median duration from definitive diagnosis to death. Conclusions　Imported P. falciparum malaria from Africa is predominant among malaria cases in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and malaria cases are highly concentrated in specific regions and among specific occupational groups. It is recommended to strengthen inter⁃departmental collaboration, implement refined management among labors going to Africa, improve the integration of medical treatment and disease prevention, and enhance the diagnosis and treatment of severe malaria cases. 


Prevalence of Paragonimus infection and molecular characterization of Paragonimus in freshwater crabs from selected areas of Yunnan Province

ZHANG Juan, XIANG Yibin, ZENG Yu, LU Xijin, HU Ding, YANG Maomei, MEI Xuejun, CHEN Yishan

2026, 38(4):  399-406, 449. 

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Objective　To investigate the prevalence of Paragonimus infection in freshwater crabs from selected areas of Yunnan Province, and to perform molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the isolated parasites based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. Methods　Freshwater crabs were collected from both local markets and natural streams in Zhaotong City, Pu'er City, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Baoshan City, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture and Lincang City of Yunnan Province from May to August 2025. Paragonimus metacercariae were isolated using a sieve and sedimentation method. After morphological identification of the metacercariae, the infection rate and infection intensity of Paragonimus in freshwater crabs were calculated. Then genomic DNA was extracted from an individual metacercaria, and ITS2 and COI gene fragments were amplified using a PCR assay and sequenced. The obtained sequences were aligned with those available in the GenBank database. Genetic distances were calculated with the software MEGA 11.0 based on the Kimura 2⁃parameter model, and phylogenetic trees were built using the neighbour⁃joining method. Results　A total of 600 freshwater crabs were collected, with 18 positive for Paragonimus metacercariae. The prevalence of Paragonimus infection was 12.00% (18/150) in freshwater crabs from Zhaotong City, while no Paragonimus infection was detected in crabs from other five prefectures (cities). Twenty metacercariae were recovered, with an overall infection intensity of 1.11 metacercariae per crab. Morphological observation revealed two types of Paragonimus metacercariae, including 19 resembling P. skrjabini, and 1 resembling P. paishuihoensis. Ten metacercariae of distinct morphotypes were randomly selected for molecular identification, and sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of ITS2 and COI genes identified 9 as P. skrjabini and 1 as P. paishuihoensis. The nine ITS2 gene sequences shared 98.34% to 100.00% homology with the reference sequence of P. skrjabini (GenBank accession number: KX129924.1), and the single ITS2 gene sequence showed 100.00% homology with the reference sequence of P. paishuihoensis (GenBank accession number: OM401939.1), while its COI sequence showed 98.80% homology with the reference sequence of P. paishuihoensis (GenBank accession number: AB679288.1). Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that the 10 sequences were clustered separately into the clades of P. skrjabini and P. paishuihoensis. Conclusions　       This study reports the first detection of P. paishuihoensis in freshwater crabs from Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, and confirms P. skrjabini as the dominant Paragonimus species in this region. Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS2 and COI genes are effective to distinguish Paragonimus species, which provides the scientific evidence for precise control of paragonimiasis in Yunan Province.

Characterization of Class F G protein⁃coupled receptors and functional analysis of Smoothened receptor in Schistosoma japonicum

WANG Xinran, LU Zhenxiao, CAI Mingqi, WANG Xiaoling, HU Wei

2026, 38(4):  407-416, 454. 

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Objective　To characterize Schistosoma japonicum Class F G protein⁃coupled receptors (GPCRs), and to decipher the biological function of S. japonicum Smoothened receptor (SjSMO), so as to provide insights into screening of novel anti⁃schistosomal drug targets. Methods　Six Class F GPCRs were identified from the S. japonicum GPCR library using a hidden Markov model (HMM) and genome annotation filese, including five frizzled (FZD) receptors (SjFZD4, SjFZD5, SjFZD7, SjFZD8, SjFZD10) and one Smoothened receptor (SjSMO). Protein domain analysis was performed at the SMART website, and a phylogenetic tree was built with the software MEGA 11 and refined with the Interactive Tree Of Life (iTOL) tool. The expression profile and tissue localization of S. japonicum class F GPCRs were analyzed using the real⁃time fluorescence⁃based quantitative PCR (RT⁃qPCR) assay and in situ hybridization, and the effects of SjSMO on parasite growth, development, reproduction, and oviposition were examined using in vivo and in vitro RNA interference (RNAi). S. japonicum adult worms were selected for double⁃stranded RNAi (dsRNA) in in⁃vitro experiments, and a green fluorescent protein (GFP) negative control group and SjFZD4, SjFZD5, SjFZD7, SjFZD8, SjFZD10, and SjSMO dsRNAi groups were assigned to observe the parasite vitality and state and calculate the female and male rating rate. For in⁃vivo animal experiments, 6⁃week⁃old SPF female mice of the Kunming strain were randomly divided into a GFP dsRNA negative control group and SjFZD4, SjFZD5, SjFZD7, SjFZD8, SjFZD10, and SjSMO dsRNAi groups. Worms and liver tissues were collected for measurement of the worm length and estimation of the worm burdens, and changes in the parasite reproductive organs were observed using alum carmine staining. In addition, the number of S. japonicum eggs in mouse livers was counted and the pathological damages of mouse livers were recorded. Results　The five FZD receptors and one Smoothened receptor all contained a conserved Frizzled domain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SjSMO formed an independent evolutionary clade, which exhibited a far genetic distance from the FZD family. RT⁃qPCR assay quantified stable SjSMO expression in male worms but gradually decreased in female worms with worm development, and in situ hybridization revealed high systemic expression of SjSMO. In vitro RNAi results revealed a significant difference in pairing rates among all groups ([χ2] = 130.530, P < 0.000 1). Only the SjSMO interference group exhibited a markedly reduced worm pairing rate of 20.00%, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (94.74%) (P < 0.000 1), accompanied by decreased worm vitality. In contrast, no statistically significant differences in pairing rates were observed between each FZD family gene interference group and the control group (all P > 0.05). In vivo RNAi assay revealed that SjSMO dsRNAi 1 to 26 days post⁃infection resulted in a significant reduction in worm length, with reductions in the male worm length by 32.27% and female worm length by 36.77% as compared to controls [male worms: (6.51 ± 1.77) mm vs. (9.62 ± 1.44) mm, t = 7.196, P < 0.000 1; female worms: (5.49 ± 1.36) mm vs. (8.68 ± 2.60) mm, t = 5.953, P < 0.000 1], as well as arrest of testicular development in male worms and ovarian development in females. In addition, SjSMO dsRNAi 26 to 42 days post⁃infection was found to significantly reduce hepatic egg burdens in mice, with a 49.10% reduction in the count of liver eggs in the SjSMO dsRNAi group relative to the GFP dsRNA negative control group      [(2 824 ± 844) eggs per gram vs. (5 548 ± 797) eggs per gram; t = 4.064, P < 0.05], and to alleviate granuloma formation and severity of hepatic fibrosis. Conclusion　SjSMO is a key receptor that regulates the growth, development, reproduction, and oviposition of S. japonicum, which provides a new potential target for development of anti⁃schistosomal drugs.

Epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases in Shanghai Municipality from 2020 to 2024

ZHANG Chengang, ZHU Min, WANG Zhenyu, ZHANG Yaoguang, YU Qing, CHEN Jian

2026, 38(4):  417-423. 

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Objective　To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases in Shanghai Municipality from 2020 to 2024, so as to provide insights into dynamic adjustment of imported malaria control strategies. Methods　All data pertaining to malaria cases reported in Shanghai Municipality from 2020 to 2024 were collected from Infectious Diseases Reporting Information Management System and Parasitic Diseases Prevention and Control Information Management System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and epidemiological investigation reports of malaria cases. The type of malaria cases, source of acquiring infections, temporal, spatial and population distributions of malaria cases, type of initial diagnosis institutions, accuracy of initial diagnosis, time interval from disease onset to initial diagnosis, and the time interval from initial diagnosis to diagnosis were statistically analyzed. The monthly distribution of malaria cases was analyzed using a circular distribution method. Results　A total of 124 malaria cases were reported in Shanghai Municipality from 2020 to 2024, with 14, 52, 22, 8 and 28 cases annually, respectively, and all cases were overseas imported cases. Plasmodium falciparum malaria was the predominant type, accounting for 82.26% (102/124) of all malaria cases, while P. ovale, P. vivax and P. malariae malaria accounted for 8.06% (10/124), 7.26% (9/124) and 2.42% (3/124) of reported cases, respectively. Malaria cases acquired infections from 28 countries in 4 continents, with African countries as a major source of acquiring infections (96.77%, 120/124). Malaria cases were reported across all 16 districts in Shanghai Municipality. There were peaks in numbers of reported malaria cases in May 2021 (9 cases) and November 2021 (9 cases); however, there was no concentration trend in the reporting time of malaria cases from 2020 to 2024 (Z = 2.45，P > 0.05). The reported malaria cases included 116 males and 8 females, with a male⁃to⁃female ratio of 14.5 ∶ 1.0, and had a median age of 39 (17) years. Worker was the primary occupation of reported malaria cases, accounting for 48.39% (60/124) of all reported cases. City⁃level medical institutions were the predominant initial diagnosis institutions (75.81%, 94/124). The overall accuracy of initial diagnosis was 74.19% (92/124), and the median time interval from disease onset to initial diagnosis was 0 (2) day (healthcare seeking on the day of disease onset), with 72.58% (90/124) of malaria cases seeking healthcare services within one day. The median time interval from initial diagnosis to diagnosis was 2 (3) days, with 41.94% (52/124) of malaria cases that were definitively diagnosed within one day following initial diagnosis. There were significant differences in the accuracy of initial malaria diagnosis ([χ2] = 15.01，P < 0.05), the time interval from disease onset to initial diagnosis (H = 29.30, P < 0.001), and the time interval from initial diagnosis to diagnosis (H = 22.92, P < 0.001) among years from 2020 to 2024, and the time interval from disease onset to initial diagnosis (Z = -5.09, P < 0.001) and the time interval from initial diagnosis to diagnosis (Z = -4.14, P < 0.001) were both shorter during the period from 2020 to 2022 than those recorded from 2023 to 2024. In addition, a total of 2 malaria deaths were reported in Shanghai Municipality during the period from 2020 to 2024, both caused by P. falciparum malaria. Conclusions　The numbers of malaria cases fluctuated continuously in Shanghai Municipality from 2020 to 2024. It is recommended to continuously strengthen surveillance and response measures, improve malaria diagnosis and treatment capabilities, and conduct targeted health education activities among high⁃risk populations, such as labors going to overseas malaria hyper⁃endemic areas, so as to prevent re⁃establishment of imported malaria.

Prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae infections in ticks and among high⁃risk populations in the southern margin of the Gurbantunggut Desert in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

XU Keying, YANG Li, HAN Xiaoshuang, LI Xinting, WANG Yuanzhi, ZHENG Rongjiong, LU Xiaobo

2026, 38(4):  424-431. 

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Objective　To investigate the prevalence of spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) infections in free⁃living ticks and among high⁃risk populations in the southern margin of the Gurbantunggut Desert, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, so as to provide insights into tick⁃borne diseases prevention and control in this region. Methods　Free⁃living ticks were collected from five counties (cities) in the southern margin of the Gurbantunggut Desert, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Tick species were identified by morphology combined with mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit Ⅰ (COI) gene analysis. Four target gene fragments of Rickettsia were amplified using a nested PCR assay, including outer membrane protein B (ompB), 17⁃kDa common surface antigen protein (17kDa), surface cell antigen 1 (sca1), and surface cell antigen 4 (sca4) genes, to detect the prevalence of SFGR infections in tick samples. Positive PCR amplification products were purified, sequenced, and subjected to sequence alignment, and phylogenetic trees were created using the neighbor⁃joining (NJ) method. Serum samples were collected from individuals at a high risk of tick exposure from six counties (cities, districts) in the southern margin of the Gurbantunggut Desert, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and serum levels of anti⁃R. sibirica IgG antibodies were detected among these individuals using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and statistically analyzed. Results　A total of 287 free⁃living ticks were collected, and all were identified as Hyalomma asiaticum. The overall prevalence of SFGR infection was 78.40% (225/287) in tick samples, and five Rickettsia species were characterized, including R. sibirica, which shared 99.81% (515/516) sequence homology with the strain detected in Dermacentor sinicus from China; R. massiliae, which shared 99.80% (509/510) sequence homology with the strain detected in Rhipicephalus sanguineus from Ethiopia; R. raoultii, which shared 100.00% (516/516) sequence homology with the strain detected in Hyalomma asiaticum from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China; R. africae, which shared 100.00% (524/524) sequence homology with the strain detected in Amblyomma splendidum from Ethiopia; and Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, which shared 99.80% (499/500) sequence homology with the strain detected in steppe polecats from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China, with R. sibirica (33.80% detection rate, 97/287) and R. raoultii (33.10%, 95/287) as dominant species. A total of 1 489 serum samples were collected from individuals at a high risk of tick exposure, and the seroprevalence of anti⁃R. sibirica IgG antibodies was 30.83% (459/1 489). There were no significant differences in the seroprevalence in terms of genders ([χ2] = 2.23, P > 0.05) or age groups ([χ2] = 6.45, P > 0.05); however, there was a region⁃specific seroprevalence rate of anti⁃R. sibirica IgG antibodies ([χ2] = 16.05, P < 0.05). Pairwise comparisons showed lower seroprevalence rate of anti⁃R. sibirica IgG antibodies among high⁃risk individuals in Midong District of Urumqi City (22.27%, 53/238) than in Wujiaqu City (34.70%, 93/268) and Manas County(37.55%, 98/261) (both P values < 0.05); however, they were not significantly different from those in the other regions (all P values > 0.05). Conclusions　Multiple SFGR species are detected in H. asiaticum ticks sampled from the southern margin of the Gurbantunggut Desert, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where there is a potential risk of local transmission of spotted fever rickettsiosis.

Schistosomiasis control in Jiangxi Province based on the One Health concept: practices and prospects

HE Tingting, LIN Dandan, LI Yifeng

2026, 38(4):  432-438. 

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Schistosomiasis was once highly prevalent in Jiangxi Province, and currently, the schistosomiasis control program is moving from transmission interruption to elimination in this province. As a zoonotic parasitic disease, schistosomiasis transmission is closely linked to human activities, animal hosts, Oncomelania snail distribution, and ecological environmental changes, which highly aligns with the One Health concept. Based on the One Health concept, this paper systematically reviews the evolution and major strategies of schistosomiasis control programs in Jiangxi Province, summarizes practical experiences including the Communist Party of China and government leadership, multi⁃sectoral collaboration, case screening, treatment and health management, prevention and control of animal hosts, management of Oncomelania snail⁃infested environments, and health education and promotion, and analyzes the challenges after achieving the target of transmission interruption, such as climate change, population mobility, resurgence of livestock breading, potential transmission risks from wildlife, and insufficient capacity of surveillance and early warning. It is recommended to further improve the collaborative prevention and control mechanism based on the One Health concept, establish a multi⁃channel surveillance and early warning system covering humans, animals, Oncomelania snails, and environments, implement a strategy for management of sources of Schistosoma japonicum infections with an emphasis on livestock management and wild animals monitoring, and facilitate the shift of schistosomiasis control programs from morbidity control to "human⁃animal⁃environment" coordinated governance, with aims to provide insights into achieving the target of schistosomiasis elimination in Jiangxi Province and China in 2030.

Epidemiology and influencing factors of babesiosis: a review

ZHONG Xinyang, CHEN Yan, YIN Jiaxiang

2026, 38(4):  439-445. 

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Babesiosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by tick⁃borne Babesia species. Currently, more than 100 species of Babesia have been characterized, including at least 4 species that may infect humans. Babesiosis is prevalent across the world, and humans are commonly susceptible to babesiosis. The incidence of babesiosis appears an obvious seasonal distribution, and peaks in summer and autumn. Recently, the number of reported babesiosis cases has increased year by year with the improvement of diagnostic and monitoring capabilities, and the range of animal hosts has continued to expand. However, effective prevention and control of babesiosis remain challenging because of the lack of highly effective specific drugs and available vaccines. This review summarizes the pathogenic characteristics, epidemiological characteristics, epidemic process of babesiosis, and influencing factors of its epidemic, with an emphasis on natural and social factors, so as to provide the scientific evidence for risk assessment of babesiosis and formulation of babesiosis control strategy.

Imported alveolar echinococcosis in Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County of Gansu Province: a case report

ZHANG Shurong, YANG Shijie, FENG Yu, LI Yuhua, SHEN Zonglin, ZHONG Baolin, YANG Yuancheng

2026, 38(4):  446-449. 

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This report presented the first imported case of alveolar echinococcosis in Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Gansu Province. The patient was a local resident who had worked in Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2019 to 2023, an area co⁃endemic for cystic and alveolar echinococcosis. He presented with hepatic discomfort in June 2023. Imaging examinations revealed an 8 cm × 6 cm mass in the left liver lobe, and serological testing showed positive IgG antibodies against Echinococcus. Post⁃surgical pathology confirmed the diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis. Given that Tianzhu County has historically been endemic only for cystic echinococcosis and has not reported local cases of alveolar echinococcosis, this case was identified as an imported case based on epidemiological history. The case underwent left lateral hepatic lobectomy and no recurrence was seen at 2⁃year follow⁃up post⁃surgery. It is recommended to enhance the identification of different types of echinococcosis among clinicians, improve health education among migrant laborers, reinforce active screening among returning labors, and advance a One Health concept⁃based, cross⁃regional "human⁃animal⁃environment" joint prevention and control mechanism to prevent the risk of imported echinococcosis. 

Imported familial clustering of clonorchiasis in Shanghai Municipality: a report of three cases

HAN Yawen, ZHENG Yuchao, ZHANG Yuejuan, XIANG Lunhui, CHU Wenda

2026, 38(4):  450-454. 

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This article presented the diagnosis and treatment of three patients from the first imported familial clustering of clonorchiasis in Shanghai Municipality, and evaluated the value of different stool examination methods in non⁃endemic areas of clonorchiasis. In February 2026, the first case of clonorchiasis in this family was confirmed, and subsequent epidemiological surveys revealed that four family members all had a history of traveling to Guangdong Province and consuming raw freshwater fish. Stool samples were collected from all four individuals and detected for Clonorchis sinensis eggs using both machine smear method and the modified Kato⁃Katz thick smear method. C. sinensis infection was detected among three individuals using the Kato⁃Katz method, with severe [20 448 eggs per gram (EPG)], moderate (2 376 EPG), and mild infections (960 EPG) identified, respectively, and no C. sinensis eggs were identified in the remaining one stool sample. In contrast, only one infection was detected with the machine smear method, resulting in a underdiagnosis rate of 66.67% (2/3). All three confirmed cases were cured following standardized therapy. This article indicates that imported familial clustering clonorchiasis cases are highly occult in non⁃endemic areas, and the machine smear method has a high risk of underdiagnosis during initial screening. A two⁃tier diagnostic model combining "machine smear method for initial screening + Kato⁃Katz method for confirmation" is recommended.