Table of Content

25 June 2026, Volume 38 Issue 3

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Progress of schistosomiasis control in the People's Republic of China in 2025

HE Junyi, ZHANG Lijuan, GUO Suying, LI Shizhen, LI Yinlong, YANG Fan, CAO Chunli, XU Jing, LI Shizhu

2026, 38(3):  223-231. 

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To understand the progress of, summarize experiences from, and analyze problems in the national schistosomiasis elimination programme, this article presented the national schistosomiasis epidemiology and surveillance in the People's Republic of China in 2025. By the end of 2025, Shanghai Municipality, Zhejiang Province, Fujian Province, Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region maintained the achievement of schistosomiasis elimination, and 7 provinces of Jiangsu, Sichuan, Yunnan, Hubei, Hunan, Anhui and Jiangxi remained at the criteria of schistosomiasis transmission interruption. In 2025, there were 450 counties (cities, districts), 3 203 townships and 26 029 villages endemic for schistosomiasis in China, with a total population of 73.598 million in endemic villages. Among the 450 endemic counties (cities, districts), 421 (93.56%) achieved thecriteria of schistosomiasis elimination and 29 (6.44%) reached the criteria of transmission interruption. In 2025, a total of 3 630 874 residents received immunological tests for schistosomiasis across endemic areas in China, with 31 588 seropositives identified (seroprevalence, 0.87%), and a total of 154 293 individuals received parasitological examinations, with 5 egg⁃positives detected. A total of 26 688 advanced schistosomiasis cases were recorded in China by the end of 2025. Of 529 683 bovines raised in schistosomiasis⁃endemic villages in China in 2025, 101 637 bovines received immunological tests for schistosomiasis, with 183 seropositives detected (seroprevalence, 0.18%), and 165 654 bovines received parasitological examinations, with no egg⁃positives identified. In 2025, Oncomelania hupensis snail survey was performed covering an area of 667 524.82 hm2 in China, and 176 378.64 hm2 O. hupensis snail habitats were identified, including 123.77 hm2 emerging O. hupensis snail habitats and 953.71 hm2 re⁃emerging O. hupensis snail habitats. A total of 19 283 schistosomiasis cases received chemotherapy with praziquantel in China in 2025, and 477 450 person⁃times and 304 279 herd⁃times received expanded chemotherapy, respectively. In addition, O. hupensis snail control with chemical treatment covered 116 475.10 hm2 snail habitats across China in 2025, with an actual area with chemical control covering 68 510.93 hm2 and an area with environmental improvements covering 1 101.84 hm2. The national schistosomiasis surveillance results indicated that the mean prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections was both 0 among humans and bovines in 2025, and no S. japonicum infection was detected in O. hupensis snails. These data showed that the prevalence of schistosomiasis remained low in China in 2025; however, the area of O. hupensis snail habitats stayed high, with an increase in emerging and re⁃emerging O. hupensis snail habitats. It is recommended to improve the surveillance and forecast mechanism for schistosomiasis and precisely implement the O. hupensis snail control programme in high⁃risk areas. 

From transmission to elimination: progress of schistosomiasis control in Sichuan Province

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

2026, 38(3):  232-239. 

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Sichuan Province is a hilly schistosomiasis⁃endemic province in China with the highest endemicity and largest coverage. During the period of more than 70 years of integrated control, there are five distinct phases of schistosomiasis control in Sichuan Province, including baseline investigation, Oncomelania hupensis snail control, chemotherapy for both humans and livestock, management of source of Schistosoma japonicum infections, and sustained control and intensified surveillance and early warning, and a package of key interventions are implemented, including environmental modification, snail control with chemical treatment, large⁃scale chemotherapy for humans and livestock, management of source of S. japonicum infections, intensified integrated control, establishment of an early warning and surveillance system. As a result, schistosomiasis has been eliminated across all 63 disease⁃endemic counties (cities, districts) in Sichuan Province by June 2025. Government⁃led multi⁃sectoral collaborations, science and technology⁃supported precision control strategies, and a sustainable control model tailored to the ecological and socio⁃economic conditions in endemic regions are essential to achieving the target of schistosomiasis elimination in Sichuan Province.

Construction of a One Health⁃based performance evaluation indicator system for integrated interventions for schistosomiasis control during the elimination phase

ZHANG Yanyan, LIU Jingshu, LI Xinchen, ZHANG Qiyu, ZHANG Xiaoxi, ZHOU Xiaonong

2026, 38(3):  240-249. 

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Objective　To construct a One Health⁃based performance evaluation indicator system for integrated interventions for schistosomiasis in the elimination phase, clarify the dimensions and connotations of intervention performance evaluation, and provide methodological reference for subsequent real⁃world performance evaluation in schistosomiasis control. Methods　On the basis of literature analysis, a preliminary indicator system was developed through group discussion and expert consultation. Nineteen experts in schistosomiasis control were invited to participate in two rounds of Delphi consultation. Expert response rate, degree of consensus, coordination of opinions, and authority were assessed. The indicators were optimized and refined according to the scoring results and expert feedback, and the analytic hierarchy process was used to determine the normalized weights of indicators at each level. Results　Through literature analysis, group discussion, and expert consultation, a preliminary performance evaluation indicator system for integrated interventions for schistosomiasis was developed, consisting of 4 first⁃level indicators, 8 second⁃level indicators, and 20 third⁃level indicators. The response rates of the two rounds of expert consultation were both 100.00%. In the first round, the ranges of the experts' judgment coefficient, familiarity coefficient, and authority coefficient were 0.88 ~ 1.00, 0.74 ~ 0.99, and 0.82 ~ 0.99, respectively; in the second round, the corresponding ranges were 0.88 ~ 0.98, 0.73 ~ 0.98, and 0.81 ~ 0.98, respectively. In the first round, Kendall's coefficients of concordance for the rationality, importance, and operability of the indicators were 0.201, 0.252, and 0.221, respectively; in the second round, the corresponding values were 0.267, 0.319, and 0.296, respectively. The Kendall's coefficients of concordance in both rounds were statistically significant ([χ2] = 112.063, 140.415, 123.386, 121.939, 145.393, and 135.072, all P < 0.05). After optimization and revision, the final indicator system consisted of 4 first⁃level indicators, 7 second⁃level indicators, and 14 third⁃level indicators. Among the first⁃level indicators, the normalized weights of "health performance", "economic performance", "ecological performance", and "social performance" were 40.44%, 13.88%, 11.67%, and 34.01%, respectively. Among the second⁃level indicators, the normalized weights of "disease burden level" and "promotion of health equity" were both 100.00%; those of "resource consumption" and "production capacity" were both 50.00%; and those of "water and soil regulation", "atmospheric environmental regulation", and "species conservation" were all 33.33%. Conclusions　A One Health⁃based performance evaluation indicator system was constructed for integrated interventions for schistosomiasis in the elimination phase. The system incorporates performance evaluation indicators across multiple dimensions, including health, economic, ecological, and social domains, and provides a tool for evaluating the performance of cross⁃sector collaborative governance in integrated schistosomiasis interventions.

Evolution of schistosomiasis epidemics in China during the past seventy⁃five years: reconstruction and implications based on historical literature

ZHOU Ligang, HE Qiling, ZHANG Lijuan, XU Jing, LÜ Shan, LI Shizhu

2026, 38(3):  250-259. 

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Objective　To systematically reconstruct the evolution of schistosomiasis prevalence in China from 1950 to 2024, so as to fill the gap of national data on schistosomiasis prevalence in China before 1986. Methods　Schistosomiasis control data were collected from schistosomiasis⁃endemic areas of China before 1986, which mainly included statistical data on schistosomiasis, compilations of control records, annual work reports, and academic papers. Data pertaining to the prevalence of schistosomiasis from each province (autonomous region, municipality) were collected and summarized annually, and integrated into national annual work reports for schistosomiasis control in China from 1986 to 2024 to build a national schistosomiasis epidemic database covering schistosomiasis patients, cattle with schistosomiasis, and Oncomelania hupensis snails. The provincial⁃level epidemic data of schistosomiasis were summarized annually from 1986 to 2024 with pivot tables, and then the national epidemic data of schistosomiasis were summarized. The temporal trends in key epidemic indicators of schistosomiasis were analyzed in China from 1950 to 2024.  Results　A complete time⁃series dataset of schistosomiasis was established in China from 1950 to 2024 through systematic reconstruction of multi⁃source historical documents and materials. A total of 1.97 million newly detected schistosomiasis cases were recorded in China from 1950 to 2024, and the actual number of schistosomiasis patients was all more than 1 million each year from 1955 to 1978. There were only more than 20 000 advanced schistosomiasis patients in China by the end of 2024, and the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum human infections reduced from 34.6% in 1950 to below 1.0% after 1996. A total of 2.47 million cattle were tested positive for schistosomiasis, and the prevalence of S. japonicum infections reduced from 21.4% in bovines since 1950. The area of emerging O. hupensis snail habitats was concentrated during the period between 1956 and 1958, accounting for 49.8% of total areas, while the area of emerging O. hupensis snail habitats significantly decreased since 1992, indicating a stable distribution pattern of O. hupensis snails. Data validation results showed that the cumulative variation in areas of O. hupensis snail habitats was 1.6%, and the cumulative variation in the number of schistosomiasis cases was 1.4%. Joinpoint regression analysis revealed four turning points in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in humans and seven turning points in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in livestock across China from 1955 to 2024. Conclusions　Through the joint efforts of the Communist Party of China and government leadership, interdepartmental collaboration, professional teams, scientific and technological innovation, and public participation, the schistosomiasis epidemic has been effectively controlled in China following active control for more than 70 years. This study builds, for the first time, a complete time⁃series dataset on schistosomiasis in China, which provides insights into assessment of the effectiveness of schistosomiasis control programmes and refinement of the experience from schistosomiasis control programmes in China.

Integrated effects of climate, land use, and their interactive driving mechanisms on the spatiotemporal dynamics of Oncomelania hupensis density: a case study of Yunnan Province

XIANG Jiangling, GUO Suying, WANG Qiang, ZHANG Lijuan, SUN Jiayu, DONG Yi, XU Jing

2026, 38(3):  260-267. 

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Objective　To examine the impact of climate, land use and their interaction effect on the population density of Oncomelania hupensis. Methods　O. hupensis snail surveillance data in Yunnan Province from 2013 to 2022 were obtained from the National Information System for Parasitic Diseases Prevention and Control of Chinese Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, and the density of living snails was calculated in each county⁃level administrative district. Climate data were obtained from the China Meteorological Forcing Dataset version 2.0, and land use data were captured from the China Land Cover Dataset. The raster climate data and land use data were clipped to the administrative border of Yunnan Province in the R package version 4.5, and the climate data were resampled to a spatial resolution of 30 m × 30 m consistent with the land use data using bilinear interpolation. Annual meteorological indicators were extracted from each county⁃level schistosomiasis surveillance administrative area in Yunnan Province from 2013 to 2022, including average temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, temperature difference, average precipitation rate, maximum precipitation rate, minimum precipitation rate, downward shortwave radiation flux, downward longwave radiation flux, air pressure, wind speed, specific humidity and relative humidity. Annual land use structure and landscape pattern index in each county⁃level schistosomiasis surveillance administrative area in Yunnan Province from 2013 to 2022 were extracted and calculated, including the proportion of areas occupied by each type of land use, patch density, largest patch index, landscape separation index, landscape fragmentation index, landscape segmentation index, contagion index, patch cohesion index, edge density, and shape index. Land use entropy index was introduced to represent the degree of habitat fragmentation and ecological niche breadth. The density of living snails and environmental factors were subjected to rank correlation analysis, and variables with no statistically significant correlation (P > 0.1) were excluded. Then, a correlation coefficient matrix was constructed, and ∣rs∣ of 0.85 and greater was defined as the threshold of high collinearity. For highly correlated variables in each group, indicators with a more biological explanatory power or a better statistical efficiency were retained. A generalized additive model (GAM) was constructed with O. hupensis snail density as a response variable and screened environmental variables as independent variables, and the model performance was evaluated using the variance explained. Results　The area occupied by O. hupensis snail habitats was 1 056 to 1 680 hm2 in Yunnan Province from 2013 to 2022, appearing an overall tendency towards a decline; however, the density of living snails appeared a tendency towards a slight rise. Based on the correlation coefficient matrix, 14 core explanatory variables were retained, including farmland, water bodies, bare land, impervious surface, landscape separation index, landscape fragmentation index, edge density, shape index, land use entropy index, downward longwave radiation flux, downward shortwave radiation flux, maximum temperature, minimum precipitation rate and specific humidity. Two types of GAM were constructed, including the main⁃effects model without interaction terms and the interaction model with interaction terms. The corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc) of the optimal main⁃ effects model was -285.223, and the core variables included bare land, impervious surface, landscape separation index, edge density, shape index, land use entropy index and downward shortwave radiation flux. Following introduction of second⁃order interaction terms, the AICc value of the optimal interaction model was -345.526, and the significant interaction combinations included: farmland × impervious surface, farmland × landscape separation index, farmland × shape index, farmland × land use entropy index, impervious surface × landscape separation index, impervious surface × edge density, and shape index × downward shortwave radiation flux. The proportion of the main⁃effects model explaining the variation of O. hupensis snail density was 39.8%, and the explanatory power of GAM increased to 79.0% following introduction of interaction terms. Conclusion　Landscape separation index, edge density, shape index and other landscape pattern indicators pose significant impacts on the intensity and direction of changes in O. hupensis snail density in Yunnan Province.

Epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2020 to 2023

ZIWEIDIKEZI Shataer, ADELIETI Tuoliuhan, SAIMILA Ababaikere, ADILI Simayi, ZHAO Jiangshan, LIAO Peihua

2026, 38(3):  268-273; 292. 

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Objective　To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, so as to provide insights into formulation of human brucellosis control measures. Methods　The epidemiological data of human brucellosis cases in Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (excluding the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps) from 2020 to 2023 were retrieved from the National Notifiable Infectious Diseases Reporting Information System, and population data in Tacheng Prefecture from 2020 to 2023 were collected from 2020 China Population Census by County. A hexagonal grid map was created at a township level using the R 4.5.0 software to examine the spatial distribution and spatial autocorrelation of human brucellosis cases, so as to identify statistically significant spatial clustering patterns and clusters. Results　A total of 1 798 human brucellosis cases were reported in Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2020 to 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 40.54/105. Human brucellosis cases were predominantly detected during the period between March and August (1 291 cases, 71.80% of totally reported cases), and these cases were predominantly male (70.19%), individuals at ages of 30 to 60 years (73.14%), and farmers and herdsmen (86.32%). The highest annual average incidence of human brucellosis was found in Hoboksar Mongol Autonomous County (71.21/105), and a high number of human brucellosis cases was reported in Shawan City and Wusu City (1 160 cases, 64.52% of total cases), which were epidemic⁃concentrated regions for human brucellosis. Spatial analysis of human brucellosis at a township scale revealed that human brucellosis cases exhibited spatial clustering patterns in Tacheng Prefecture each year from 2020 to 2023 (Moran's I = 0.27 to 0.44, all P values < 0.05). Hotspot townships were primarily concentrated in Shawan City and Wusu City and remained relatively stable, while cold⁃spot areas gradually expanded. Conclusions　Human brucellosis remained highly prevalent in Tacheng Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2020 to 2023. Targeted management of sources of infection and high⁃risk individuals is recommended for human brucellosis control.

Mechanistic study on alleviation of Schistosoma japonicum infection⁃induced hepatic damages by macrophage efferocytosis 

ZHANG Yuxin, SHEN Junyao, XUE Weijie, MAO Chenxu, WANG Ziling, LEI Zhigang, ZHOU Sha, SU Chuan

2026, 38(3):  274-286. 

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Objective　To investigate the development, role, and regulatory mechanism of macrophage efferocytosis in the liver of hosts infected with Schistosoma japonicum. Methods　The expression of efferocytosis⁃related gene like efferocytosis receptors, efferocytosis⁃related bridging molecules,"eat me" signal and "don't eat me" signal was detected in the livers of patients and mice infected with S. japonicum in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Ten wild⁃type (WT) male mice (6 ~ 8 weeks old, weighing 20 ~ 25 g) were randomly divided into a Schistosoma japonicum infection (SJ) group and a normal control (NC) group, with 5 mice in each group. The efferocytosis of neutrophils and T cells by liver macrophages was detected in mice from SJ group and NC group using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. The expression of efferocytosis⁃related Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MerTK) and Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (Axl) proteins was determined in mouse liver tissues using Western blotting assay, and the proportion of MerTK＋ macrophages and the average fluorescence intensity of macrophage MerTK were detected in mouse livers using flow cytometry. Changes in liver granulomas and fibrosis were observed in mice infected with S. japonicum following injection of efferocytosis inhibitors, and S. japonicum⁃infected mice without injection of efferocytosis inhibitors served as controls. Bone marrow⁃derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated from macrophage scavenger receptor class A (SR⁃A) conditional knockout (CKO) and wild⁃type (WT) mice, and changes in apoptotic neutrophils were detected in SR⁃A CKO mouse macrophages in vitro using flow cytometry. Then, BMDMs was divided into the WT mono⁃culture group, the WT and apoptotic neutrophils co⁃culture group, the SR⁃A CKO mono⁃culture group, and the SR⁃A CKO and neutrophils co⁃culture group, and the expression of MerTK and Axl was quantified in vitro using Western blotting and real⁃time quantitative PCR (RT⁃qPCR) assays during neutrophil efferocytosis. The efferocytosis of neutrophils and T cells by mouse liver macrophages was detected in the SR⁃A CKO SJ group and the WT SJ group using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assay, and the expression of MerTK and Axl proteins was determined in mouse liver tissues in both groups using Western blotting. In addition, the proportion of MerTK＋ macrophages and the average fluorescence intensity of macrophage MerTK were detected in mouse livers in both groups using flow cytometry. Results　Data from the GEO database showed that the expression of some efferocytosis receptors and efferocytosis⁃related bridging molecules, and "eat me" and "don't eat me" signals all appeared a tendency towards a rise in livers of patients and mice in the SJ group relative to the NC group, suggesting that S. japonicum infection⁃induced liver diseases may be associated with efferocytosis. Flow cytometry detected higher proportions of Ly6G＋cells [(13.13 ± 0.45)% vs. (6.48 ± 0.25)%; t = 22.30, P < 0.05] and CD3＋ cells [(7.60 ± 0.33)% vs. (3.30 ± 0.42)%; t = 13.98, P < 0.05] in mouse liver macrophages in the SJ group than in the NJ group, and the expression of MerTK protein [(2.30 ± 0.14) vs. (1.14 ± 0.46); t = 4.19, P < 0.05], the mean fluorescence intensity of macrophages [(160.67 ± 15.28) vs. (94.50 ± 19.61); t = 4.81, P < 0.05], and the proportion of MerTK＋ macrophages [(20.78 ± 4.17)% vs. (6.85 ± 0.39)%; t = 6.57, P < 0.05] were significantly higher in mouse liver tissues in the SJ group than in the NC group. The Axl expression was lower in mouse liver tissues in the SJ group than in the NC group [(1.25 ± 0.08) vs. (1.93 ± 0.37); t = 2.79, P < 0.05], and the area of granulomas around single eggs [(9.18 ± 1.81) × 104 μm2  vs.  (5.24 ± 1.35) × 104 μm2; t = 3.03, P < 0.05] and proportion of collagen fibers [(25.27 ± 3.99)% vs. (15.14 ± 4.02)%; t = 3.10, P < 0.05] were significantly greater in livers of S. japonicum⁃infected mice with injection of efferocytosis inhibitors than in mice without injection of efferocytosis inhibitors. The in vitro efferocytosis efficiency of BMDMs [(32.83 ± 3.17)% vs. (45.43 ± 2.34)%; t = 5.54, P < 0.05], and the proportions of Ly6G＋ [(9.37 ± 0.48)% vs. (13.13 ± 0.72)%; t = 7.50, P < 0.05] and CD3＋ cells [(4.95 ± 0.17)% vs. (7.64 ± 0.50)%; t = 8.87, P < 0.05] in liver macrophages post⁃infection with S. japonicum were significantly lower in SR⁃A CKO mice than in WT mice, and the expression of MerTK protein [(0.65 ± 0.25) vs. (1.96 ± 0.69); t = 3.10, P < 0.05], the average fluorescence intensity of macrophages [(138.33 ± 8.39) vs. (160.67 ± 15.28); t = 3.03, P < 0.05] and the proportion of MerTK＋ macrophages [(13.17 ± 5.01)% vs. (22.63 ± 2.06)%; t = 3.56, P < 0.05] were significantly lower in mouse liver tissues in the SR⁃A CKO SJ group than in the WT group. Western blotting detected no significant difference in the Axl protein expression in mouse liver tissues between the SR⁃A CKO SJ group and the WT SJ group [(0.48 ± 0.07) vs. (0.68 ± 0.30); t = 1.09, P > 0.05]. There were significant differences in the relative MerTK mRNA and protein expression during efferocytosis of BMDMs among the WT mono⁃culture group, the WT and apoptotic neutrophils co⁃culture group, the SR⁃A CKO mono⁃culture group, and the SR⁃A CKO and neutrophils co⁃culture group (F = 9.41 and 40.68, both P values < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the relative Axl mRNA expression during efferocytosis of BMDMs among the four groups (F = 13.62, P < 0.05); however, no significant difference was seen in the relative Axl protein expression (F = 1.27, P > 0.05). Conclusions　Efferocytosis of liver macrophages is seen in mice infected with S. japonicum and inhibits liver fibrosis. SR⁃A may up⁃regulate the efficiency of macrophage efferocytosis through regulating the expression of efferocytosis receptors.

Surveillance of soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023

ZHANG Juan, LIN Wen, ZHU Hong, WAN Lun, YI Jia, WU Dongni, XIA Jing, TANG Li

2026, 38(3):  287-292. 

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Objective　To investigate the prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematode human infections in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023, so as to provide insights into formulation of soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis control strategies and evaluation of soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis control effectiveness. Methods　There were 10 surveillance points established in Hubei Province for soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis each year from 2016 to 2023. The surveillance points were divided into eastern, western, southern, northern and central regions according to geographical locations, and one administrative village was sampled from a township in each region as a surveillance point. Then, at least 200 permanent residents at ages of over 3 years were randomly sampled at each point, with at least 1 000 individuals sampled. Soil⁃transmitted nematode infection was detected using a modified Kato⁃Katz thick smear method (two slides for one stool sample), and Enterobius vermicularis infection was additionally detected with a cellophane tape test among children at ages of 3 to 9 years. The prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematode human infections was descriptively analyzed. Results　A total of 80 547 individuals underwent surveillance for soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023, and a total of 262 individuals were detected with soil⁃transmitted nematode infections, including two cases with mixed infections, yielding an overall prevalence rate of 0.33% (262/80 547). The prevalence rates of hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and E. vermicularis infections were 0.02% (20/80 547), 0.07% (55/80 547), 0.02% (15/80 547) and 0.22% (174/80 547), respectively, appearing a parasite species⁃specific prevalence rate ([χ2] = 250.235, P < 0.05), and the prevalence rates of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections were 0.50% (51/10 271), 0.37% (34/9 120), 0.39% (39/10 099), 0.40% (41/10 168), 0.36% (37/10 234), 0.45% (46/10 211), 0.03% (3/10 238) and 0.11% (11/10 206) in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023, respectively, showing a year⁃specific prevalence rate ([χ2] = 60.589, P < 0.05). Soil⁃transmitted nematode infections were detected across 36 surveillance points, and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections among surveillance points (0.02% to 3.30%, P < 0.001). In addition, the differences in prevalence rates of human soil⁃transmitted nematode infection among different age groups ([χ2] = 531.091, P < 0.05), occupations (P < 0.001), and education levels (P < 0.001) were all statistically significant. Among these, the children at ages of 3 to 9 years old (1.40%, 174/12 461), nursery⁃school children (1.69%, 90/5 312) and preschool⁃aged children (1.56%, 93/5 969) were relatively high. Conclusions　The overall prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis was low in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023; however, the prevalence varied across regions and among populations, with E. vermicularis as the predominant species of soil⁃transmitted nematode. Soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis control should be given a high priority in key areas in Hubei Province, and preschool children, primary school students, and individuals with a low educational level are recommended as key target populations for health education and interventions. 

Comorbid chronic diseases among advanced schistosomiasis patients in Suzhou City

SHI Qianwen, HU Yihe, WU Jingzhi, DAI Ningbin

2026, 38(3):  293-298. 

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Objective　To investigate the prevalence of comorbid chronic diseases among advanced schistosomiasis patients in Suzhou City, so as to provide insights into formulation of the scheme for medical assistance management of advanced schistosomiasis patients.  Methods　All data pertaining to survival advanced schistosomiasis patients in Suzhou City were retrieved from the Information Management Platform of Schistosomiasis (Parasitic Diseases) in Jiangsu Province as of August 19, 2024. These patients' outpatient and inpatient records from January 1, 2017, to August 19, 2024, were collected through Suzhou Municipal Health Statistics Information Center. The prevalence of comorbid chronic diseases was analyzed, and the comorbid patterns of chronic diseases were identified using cluster analysis.  Results　A total of 1 868 advanced schistosomiasis patients were enrolled in Suzhou City, with a mean age of (79.20 ± 7.17) years, and the median types of prevalent comorbid chronic diseases was 5 (interquartile range, 5). The mean age [(80.13 ± 7.09) years vs. (77.49 ± 7.02) years; t = 7.70, P < 0.001] and median types of prevalent comorbid chronic diseases [5 (interquartile range, 4) vs. 4 (interquartile range, 5); Z = 436 745, P < 0.001] were both higher among female advanced schistosomiasis patients than among male cases. The prevalence of comorbid chronic diseases was 84.96% (1 587/1 868) among advanced schistosomiasis patients in Suzhou City, and the prevalence was higher among female cases than among male cases [86.58%, (1 052/1 215) vs. 81.93% (535/653); [χ2] = 7.20, P = 0.007]. The prevalence of comorbid chronic diseases appeared a tendency towards a rise with age among male advanced schistosomiasis patients ([χ2] trend = 7.63, P = 0.006) and a decline among female patients ([χ2] trend = 10.59, P = 0.001). The prevalence of comorbid chronic diseases was higher among female advanced schistosomiasis patients at ages of 70 to 80 years than among male cases at the same age group [90.18% (459/509) vs. 80.61% (266/330); [χ2] = 14.81, P < 0.001]. The three most common comorbid chronic diseases included hypertension (67.83%), chronic gastric disorders (57.28%) and heart disease (44.00%) among advanced schistosomiasis patients in Suzhou City. The comorbidity rates of chronic gastric diseases ([χ2] = 5.33, P < 0.05), heart diseases ([χ2] = 4.15, P < 0.05), stroke ([χ2] = 10.68, P < 0.05), arthritis or rheumatic disease ([χ2] = 7.13, P < 0.05), osteoporosis ([χ2] = 39.51, P < 0.05), and memory⁃related diseases ([χ2] = 7.00, P < 0.05) were higher among female advanced schistosomiasis patients than among male cases, and the comorbidity rate of malignant tumors was higher among male cases than among female cases (10.26% vs. 7.41%; [χ2] = 4.13, P = 0.042). The cluster dendrogram showed that advanced schistosomiasis patients' comorbid chronic diseases in Suzhou City were mainly divided into three clusters: (1) hypertension, chronic gastric diseases; (2) chronic pulmonary diseases, arthritis or rheumatic diseases, osteoporosis, chronic liver diseases, heart diseases, and stroke; and (3) diabetes, sleep disorders, gallbladder diseases, overweight and obesity, atopic dermatitis, chronic kidney diseases, mental and psychological diseases, malignant tumors, asthma, and memory⁃related diseases. Conclusions　There are multiple types of comorbid chronic diseases among advanced schistosomiasis patients in Suzhou City, with high prevalence, which necessitates the implementation of effective preventive measures and interventions targeting comorbid chronic diseases among advanced schistosomiasis patients.

Surveillance of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild murines in Yunnan Province

SHEN Meifen, SONG Jing, WANG Lifang, ZHANG Yun, JIANG Hua, ZHOU Jihua, YAN Jiaqi, SUN Jiayu, CHEN Chunqiong, ZHANG Zongya, WANG Hongqiong, DU Chunhong, DONG Yi

2026, 38(3):  299-303. 

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Objective　To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild murines in schistosomiasis⁃endemic areas of Yunnan Province, so as to provide the evidence for improving the schistosomiasis surveillance and early warning capability and  implementing precise interventions in the province. Methods　A total of 56 natural villages were sampled from 14 schistosomiasis⁃endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province as surveillance sites from 2024 to 2025. Wild murines were captured using traps at night and characterized for species. Liver samples were collected from wild murines, S. japonicum eggs and miracidia were simultaneously detected using liver tissue compression microscopy, liver tissue homogenate microscopy, and liver tissue homogenate hatching. In addition, stool samples were collected from wild murine rectum, with S. japonicum eggs detected using a modified Kato⁃Katz thick smear technique and S. japonicum miracidia detected using the hatching test with nylon gauzes. Results　A total of 15 577 valid murine traps were recovered, and 891 wild murines belonging to 16 species were captured, with a capture rate of 5.72%(891/15 577). The captured wild murines were predominantly districted in paddy fields, dry lands, ditches, ponds and marshlands, with Apodemus chevrieri, Rattus norvegicus, Crocidura attenuata, R. rattus sladeni, R. flavipectus, and Eothenomys miletus as dominant species. No S. japonicum eggs or miradicia were in laboratory; however, other parasites were identified in 25 wild murines. The prevalence rates of Schistosoma sinensis, Capillaria hepatica and Hymenolepis nana were 2.24% (20/891), 0.90% (8/891) and 0.56% (5/891), and the prevalence of S. sinensis and C. hepatica co⁃infection was 0.90% (8/891), respectively. Conclusions　S. sinensis, C. hepatica and H. nana are predominant parasite species in wild murines in schistosomiasis⁃endemic areas of Yunan Province. No S. japonicum infection was detected during the study period; however, there is still a  risk of wild murines as a potential source of infection for schistosomiasis transmission. Continuous intensified surveillance of S. japonicum infections in wild murines is a critical programme in schistosomiasis surveillance and early warning in Yunnan Province.

Stability of the molluscicidal activity of the fermentation broth of Bacillus indicus F19

ZHU Liyun, LIN Lei, XU Ning, LONG Ping, YANG Xinran, ZHOU Yu, GONG Yanfeng, JIANG Qingwu, ZHOU Yibiao

2026, 38(3):  304-308, 336. 

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Objective　To assess the stability of the molluscicidal activity of the fermentation broth supernatant of Bacillus indicus F19, so as to provide insights into development of novel molluscicides derived from this isolate. Methods　Healthy Oncomelania hupensis snails free from Schistosoma japonicum infections and acclimated in the laboratory for 7 days were selected. The fermentation broth supernatant of B. indicus F19 was prepared. For each treatment condition, four experimental groups and one control group were established, with 10 mL of the fermentation broth supernatant each group. O. hupensis snails were exposed to different pH values (3, 6, 9 and 12), temperatures (40, 60, 80 ℃ and 100 ℃), and ultraviolet (UV) exposure durations (1, 2, 3 h and 4 h). Then, the supernatant was diluted with dechlorinated water to concentrations of 50%, 10%, and 5% (v/v), and 10 mL of each dilution solution was added to three separate tubes, with an equal volume of dechlorinated water as a blank control. Twenty O. hupensis snails were transferred to each tube, immersed for 48 h and 72 h, and collected for viability assessment using the shell⁃tapping method. The mortality of O. hupensis snails was calculated and compared among dilution groups and the blank control group to evaluate the molluscicidal activity of the fermentation broth supernatant of B. indicus F19.  Results　There was a significant difference in the mortality of O. hupensis snails immersed in 5% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 for 48 h at various pH levels ([χ2] = 11.556, P < 0.05), and the mortality reduced to 13.33% (8/60) in the experimental groups at a pH value of 12, which was significantly lower than in the blank control group [33.33% (20/60)] ([χ2] = 6.708, P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the mortality of O. hupensis snails immersed in 10% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 for 72 h at various pH levels ([χ2] = 31.691, P < 0.001), and the mortality reduced to 71.67% (43/60) and 65.00% (39/60) in the experimental group at pH values of 9 and 12, which was significantly lower than in the blank control group [100.00% (60/60)] ([χ2] = 8.571 and 12.110, both P values < 0.01). The mortality of O. hupensis snails both reduced to 23.33% (14/60) following immersion in 5% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 heated in a water bath at 80 ℃ and 100 ℃ for 48 h, which was lower than that of unheated O. hupensis snails [33.33% (20/60)] and snails heated in a water bath at 40 ℃[35.00% (21/60)] and 60 ℃ [33.33% (20/60)], and there was no significant difference in the mortality of O. hupensis snails among groups ([χ2] = 3.898, P > 0.05). The mortality of O. hupensis snails was 68.33% (41/60), 66.67% (40/60), 65.00% (39/60), and 68.33% (41/60) following immersion in fermentation broth supernatants heated in a water bath at 40, 60, 80 ℃ and 100 ℃ for 72 h, which was all lower than that of snails in the control group [71.70% (43/60)]; however, there was no significant difference seen in the snail mortality among groups ([χ2] = 0.674, P > 0.05). The mortality of O. hupensis snails was 73.33% (44/60), 71.67% (43/60), 71.67% (43/60), and 75.00% (45/60) following 48 h immersion in 10% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 irradiated by UV for 1, 2, 3 h and 4 h, 33.33% (20/60), 31.67% (19/60), 35.00% (21/60), and 33.33% (20/60) following 48 h immersion in 10% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 irradiated by UV for 1, 2, 3 h and 4 h, and 71.67% (43/60) and 33.33% (20/60) following 48 h immersion in 10% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 without UV irradiation, and no significant differences were found among groups ([χ2] = 0.229 and 0.150, both P values > 0.05). In addition, the mortality of O. hupensis snails was 76.67% (46/60), 71.67% (43/60), 70.00% (42/60), and 76.67% (46/60) following 72 h immersion in 5% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 irradiated by UV for 1, 2, 3 h and 4 h, and 71.67% (43/60) in the control group, and there was no significant difference in the snail mortality among groups ([χ2] = 1.193, P > 0.05). Conclusion　 The molluscicidal action of the fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 is tolerant to high temperature and UV irradiation; however, the activity is attenuated under alkaline conditions.

Investigation on prevalence of pinworm infection among kindergarten children and knowledge of prevention and control among teachers and parents in Gaoyou City from 2023 to 2025

WANG Wei, XU Yuhui, TIAN Fang, GAO Jinbin, WAN Zhong, HE Yong

2026, 38(3):  309-313. 

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Objective　To investigate the prevalence of pinworm infections among kindergarten children and the effectiveness of health interventions among teachers and parents in Gaoyou City, so as to provide insights into optimization of enterobiasis control strategies.  Methods　From September to November each year from 2023 to 2025, Gaoyou City's 57 kindergartens were divided into five zones based on the five cardinal directions: east, west, south, north, and center. At least one kindergarten was randomly selected as a survey site in each zone, with a minimum of 200 children surveyed per site. The transparent adhesive tape anal swab method was used to detect pinworm infection in the surveyed children, while the transparent adhesive tape sticking method was employed to assess pinworm egg contamination in the children's home and classroom environments. Concurrently, health education interventions were conducted for kindergarten teachers and parents. Additionally, self⁃administered questionnaires were administered to teachers and parents to evaluate children's hygiene behaviors and the awareness rates of pinworm prevention knowledge among teachers and parents before and after the health education interventions.  Results　From 2023 to 2025, a total of 1 939 children from nine kindergartens in Gaoyou City were tested for pinworm infection, with two cases detected, resulting in an overall infection rate of 0.10% (2/1 939). No pinworm eggs were found in the samples from the children's families or classroom environments. In public kindergartens, the proportions of children practicing the four hygiene habits, namely "handwashing after defecation" [96.10% (1 305/1 358) vs. 74.65% (212/284); [χ2] = 153.646, P < 0.05], "regular nail trimming" [92.93%(1 262/1 358) vs. 77.82% (221/284); [χ2] = 61.349, P < 0.05], "not biting toys or pencils" [88.14% (1 197/1 358) vs. 76.76% (218/284); [χ2] = 25.549, P < 0.05], and "showering twice or more per week" [89.03% (1 209/1 358) vs. 74.65% (212/284); [χ2] = 41.699, P < 0.05], were all higher than those in private kindergartens. Before health education intervention, the awareness rates of pinworm prevention knowledge among teachers in public and private kindergartens were 86.89% (53/61) and 75.00% (21/28), respectively, with no statistically significant difference ([χ2] = 1.935, P > 0.05). The awareness rates among parents of children in public and private kindergartens were 64.73% (879/1 358) and 57.39% (163/284), respectively, showing a statistically significant difference ([χ2] = 5.447, P < 0.05). After the intervention, the awareness rates among teachers in public and private kindergartens increased to 96.72% (59/61) and 82.14% (23/28), respectively, while those among parents rose to 88.95% (1 208/1 358) and 77.81% (221/284), both with statistically significant differences ([χ2] = 5.628 and 25.808, both P < 0.05). Among the questionnaire items, teachers [32.58% (29/89)] and parents [26.00% (427/1 642)] had the lowest overall awareness rate regarding the "main reasons for the difficulty in preventing and controlling pinworm disease". After the intervention, these rates increased to 77.53% (69/89) and 70.77% (1 162/1 642), respectively. Conclusions　The prevalence of pinworm infection in kindergarten children in Gaoyou City is at a low level. Health intervention can effectively improve the knowledge level of teachers and parents on the prevention and treatment of pinworm disease, but further efforts are needed to strengthen the health education and management of pinworm disease in private kindergartens.


Diagnosis of bovine piroplasmosis: a review

SHEN Lin, SUN Yingying, WANG Wei, DU Cheng, WANG Xiaojun

2026, 38(3):  314-322. 

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Bovine piroplasmosis, caused by infections with genus of Babesia and Theileria, is a tick⁃borne hemoparasitic disease. Recovered cattle often become asymptomatic persistent carriers, which represent potential sources of infection, and the pathogens of some forms of bovine piroplasmosis have zoonotic potential, which greatly threatens the public health security. Currently, the etiological diagnostic approaches of bovine piroplasmosis mainly include microscopy of blood smears, PCR assay, fluorescent quantitative real⁃time PCR assay, and loop⁃mediated isothermal amplification, and serological assay mainly includes indirect fluorescent antibody assay, enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assay and immunochromatographic assay. This article systematically reviews the advances in the application of etiological approaches and serological assay for diagnosis of bovine piroplasmosis, and proposes future directions in the development of bovine piroplasmosis diagnosis, so as to provide insights into effective surveillance and precision control of bovine piroplasmosis in China. 


Progress of researches on techniques for molecular detection of Clonorchis sinensis infections

XIE Binbin, GUO Yunhai, WU Xiaonen, HOU Zhiying, HONG Yang, TIAN Tian, ZHOU Xiaonong, CHEN Junhu

2026, 38(3):  323-329. 

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Clonorchis sinensis primarily lives in the host liver and biliary system, leading to serious health issues, such as hepatobiliary lesions and cholangiocarcinoma. Establishment of rapid, sensitive and specific tools is of great significance for early diagnosis and management of clonorchiasis. Recently, molecular biological techniques have been widely used for detection of C. sinensis infections. This review summarizes the advances in the major molecular assays for detection of C. sinensis infections in intermediate and definite hosts, including PCR, loop⁃mediated isothermal amplification, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR⁃associated proteins system, and high⁃throughput sequencing, and summarizes the characteristics and application prospects of these assays, so as to provide precision detection and management of C. sinensis infection.

Hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to visceral leishmaniasis: a case report

LIU Siqi, LUO Xuan

2026, 38(3):  330-332. 

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This article presents the diagnosis and treatment of a case with hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to visceral leishmaniasis. The patient had been misdiagnosed for a long period of time, and was finally definitively diagnosed as hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to visceral leishmaniasis through laboratory tests, bone marrow smear microscopy, and metagenomics next⁃generation sequencing. Due to unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy, the patient's family members decided to abandon treatment, and the patient subsequently died following discharge from hospital.

Severe anemia caused by hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides co⁃infections: a case report

LI Yifan, MENG Pin, TIAN Zibin, QI Xingsi, MIN Congcong, GUO Jing, LI Xiaoyu, LIU Yi

2026, 38(3):  333-336. 

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This paper reports the diagnosis and treatment process of a patient with severe anemia caused by hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides co⁃infections, so as to provide insights into clinical diagnosis and treatment and avoid misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of parasitic infections. Living parasites were found by endoscopy, which were morphologically identified as hookworm and A. lumbricoides, and routine stool examinations detected hookworm and A. lumbricoides eggs. The patient was diagnosed with severe anemia caused by hookworm and A. lumbricoides co⁃infections by means of clinical symptoms, epidemiological history, endoscopic findings, and laboratory tests. Following blood transfusion, hemostasis, oral administration with albendazole, and symptomatic treatments, the patient showed remarkable symptomatic improvement and had a good prognosis.