Table of Content

25 February 2025, Volume 37 Issue 1

Previous Issue   

China's participation in schistosomiasis control in Africa: value and practice of the trinity model

HE Jian, WANG Xinyao, HUANG Yuzheng, Saleh JUMA, Mayassa ALLY, ZHOU Xiaonong, YANG Kun

2025, 37(1):  1-7,13. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (1407KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

As a neglected tropical disease, schistosomiasis remains a major public health challenge in underdeveloped areas, notably Africa. Currently, the national schistosomiasis control programmes in Africa mainly depend on foreign aids; however, conventional international aid models have multiple limitations. To enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of global schistosomiasis control programmes, this article proposes a trinity collaboration model based on international rules, China's experiences and local needs, which is explained with China aid project of schistosomiasis control in Zanzibar as an example. Based on the successful experiences from the national schistosomiasis control programme in China, this model emphasizes the compliance with World Health Organization guidelines and fully considers local actual needs to promote the effectiveness and sustainability of the schistosomiasis control programme through integrating international resources and promoting China's experience to meet local needs. The successful practice of the China aid project of schistosomiasis control in Zanzibar provides strong evidence that the model is of great theoretical significance and practical value to improve the efficiency of multilateral collaboration and promote global health governance.

Cross⁃border joint prevention and control of tropical diseases in countries along the "Belt and Road" Initiative: a framework and roadmap

QIAN Yingjun, DING Wei, LI Hongmei, WANG Duoquan, LÜ Shan, LI Shizhu, ZHOU Xiaonong

2025, 37(1):  8-13. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (1292KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Recently, there has been an increasing risk of importation of tropical diseases into China and the resultant retransmission in the country with the in⁃depth implementation of the "Belt and Road" Initiative, which poses a serious threat to the national public health security. To effectively respond to the cross⁃border transmission risk of tropical diseases and facilitate the process towards tropical disease control and elimination in China and the countries along the "Belt and Road" Initiative, this article analyzes the current status and governance risks of major imported tropical diseases, cross⁃border joint prevention and control polices implemented for tropical diseases and challenges in the establishment of the joint prevention and control system for tropical diseases in China, and discusses the establishment and implementation path of the joint prevention and control system for tropical diseases in countries along the "Belt and Road" Initiative. This path covers the establishment of cross⁃border cooperation mechanisms, research and development and pilot production of Chinese public health products, and implementation of key cross⁃border tropical disease prevention and control projects. The establishment of this system will further improve Chinese prevention and control capabilities for key cross⁃border tropical diseases, build a demonstrative prevention and control model for tropical diseases, and promote international technical exchanges and cooperation of tropical diseases. 

Risk of and response to cross⁃border importation and secondary transmission of malaria

ZHOU Yaowu, ZHANG Li, XIA Zhigui

2025, 37(1):  14-18. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (1058KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Currently, the global malaria epidemic is still severe. China was certified malaria⁃free by WHO in 2021; however, there is a risk of cross⁃border importation and secondary transmission of malaria via aircrafts and through land bordering countries in China because of the complex environments in border areas between China and neighboring malaria⁃endemic countries, notably the explosive growth in the malaria epidemic in Myanmar in China⁃Myanmar border areas. This article summarizes typical cases of secondary transmission caused by imported malaria across the world, and proposes responses to cross⁃border importation and secondary transmission of malaria in non⁃border and border areas of China, in order to effectively reduce the risk of malaria importation and secondary transmission and consolidate the hard earned malaria elimination achievements.

Malaria elimination strategy and joint prevention and control of malaria across China⁃Myanmar border areas: an overview

WEI Chun, LIN Zurui, YANG Zhonghua, ZHOU Hongning, ZHOU Xingwu, YANG Rui

2025, 37(1):  19-23,54. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (1100KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Yunnan Province borders with Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos, the China⁃Myanmar border area is the key area for prevention of re⁃establishment from imported malaria after the disease was eliminated in China. Since the malaria elimination action plan was launched in Yunnan Province in 2011, 129 counties (cities, districts) were classified into three categories according to malaria incidence and transmission risk, and different technical strategies and measures were implemented with adaptations to local circumstances. A total of 68 malaria consultation service stations were established on the Chinese side of the China⁃Myanmar border and 80 malaria prevention and control stations were established on the Myanmar side by Yunnan Province in 2014. Then, the ''Three Lines of Defense'' strategy was implemented for malaria elimination in the China⁃Myanmar border area in Yunnan Province during the period from 2015 to 2018, and this strategy was further refined and adjusted to the ''3 + 1'' strategy for prevention of re⁃establishment from imported malaria in 2019. Through decades of multifaceted efforts, the malaria elimination goal was achieved in Yunnan Province in June 2021. However, the number of imported malaria cases appeared a tendency towards a rise in Yunnan Province in 2023 and 2024, due to changes in the situation in Myanmar and the gradual resumption of international travel and border crossings following the adjustment of the COVID⁃19 prevention and control policy in China. The joint malaria prevention and control cooperation between China and Myanmar was initiated with the pilot project for joint malaria prevention and control in the China⁃Myanmar border area in 2005, and this project was progressed into the joint malaria and dengue fever prevention and control project in parts of the Greater Mekong Subregion border areas in 2010. The threat of overseas malaria epidemics to border areas in Yunnan Province was effectively reduced through implementation of coordination meetings with Myanmar health departments, establishment of efficient information exchange mechanisms, establishment of overseas surveillance sentinel sites, technical training, provision of material supports, joint propagation activities and joint responses to malaria epidemics. This project was incorporated into the Five⁃Year Plan of Action on Lancang⁃Mekong Cooperation (2018—2022) in China in 2018, with 5 liaison offices and 20 liaison workstations established in Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, and 21 cross⁃border malaria surveillance sites assigned in border areas of Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, and a long⁃term malaria prevention and control cooperation mechanisms was established through meetings, training, propagation, and joint investigations. Currently, Yunnan Province is poised to engage in more extensive and in⁃depth cooperation with neighboring countries, including malaria diagnosis and treatment techniques, drug and vaccine research and development, talent cultivation, information sharing, cross⁃border human health services, and health promotion, under the guidance of the Five⁃Year Plan of Action on Lancang⁃Mekong Cooperation (2023—2027).

Analysis and forecast of the disease burden of schistosomiasis in China from 1992 to 2030

LIN Kai, ZHANG Chenhuan, XU Zhendong, LI Xuemei, HUANG Renzhan, LIU Yawen, YU Haihang, GU Lisi

2025, 37(1):  24-34. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (2297KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Objective　To analyze the trends in the disease burden of schistosomiasis in China from 1992 to 2021, and to project the disease burden of schistosomiasis in China from 2022 to 2030, so as to provide insights into the elimination of schistosomiasis in China.  Methods　The prevalence, age⁃standardized prevalence, disability⁃adjusted life year (DALYs) rate and age⁃standardized DALYs rate of schistosomiasis, as well as the years lost due to disability (YLDs) rate and age⁃standardized YLDs rate of anemia attributable to Schistosoma infections in China, the world and different socio⁃demographic index (SDI) regions were captured from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) data resources, and the trends in the disease burden due to schistosomiasis were evaluated with estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). In addition, the age, period and cohort effects on the prevalence of schistosomiasis were examined in China using an age⁃period⁃cohort (APC) model, and the disease burden of schistosomiasis was predicted in China from 2022 to 2030 using a Bayesian age⁃period⁃cohort (BAPC) model.  Results　The age⁃standardized prevalence and DALYs rate of schistosomiasis, and the age⁃standardized YLDs rate of anemia attributable to Schistosoma infections were 761.32/105, 5.55/105 and 0.38/105 in China in 2021. These rates were all lower than the global levels (1 914.30/105, 21.90/105 and 3.36/105, respectively), as well as those in the medium SDI regions (1 413.61/105, 12.10/105 and 1.93/105, respectively), low⁃medium SDI regions (2 461.03/105, 26.81/105 and 4.48/105, respectively), and low SDI regions (5 832.77/105, 94.48/105 and 10.65/105, respectively), but higher than those in the high SDI regions (59.47/105, 0.49/105 and 0.05/105, respectively) and high⁃medium SDI regions (123.11/105, 1.20/105 and 0.12/105, respectively). The prevalence and DALYs rate of schistosomiasis were higher among men (820.79/105 and 5.86/105, respectively) than among women (697.96/105 and 5.23/105, respectively) in China in 2021, while the YLDs rate of anemia attributable to Schistosoma infections was higher among women (0.66/105) than among men (0.12/105). The prevalence of schistosomiasis peaked at ages of 30 to 34 years among both men and women, while the DALYs rate of schistosomiasis peaked among men at ages of 15 to 19 years and among women at ages of 20 to 24 years. The age⁃standardized prevalence of schistosomiasis showed a moderate decline in China from 1992 to 2021 relative to different SDI regions [EAPC = -1.51%, 95% CI: (-1.65%, -1.38%)], while the age⁃standardized DALYs rate [EAPC = -3.61%, 95% CI: (-3.90%, -3.33%)] and age⁃standardized YLDs rate of anemia attributable to Schistosoma infections [EAPC = -4.16%, 95% CI: (-4.38%, -3.94%)] appeared the fastest decline in China from1992 to 2021 relative to different SDI regions. APC modeling showed age, period, and cohort effects on the trends in the prevalence of schistosomiasis in China from 1992 to 2021, and the prevalence of schistosomiasis appeared a rise followed by decline with age, and reduced with period and cohort. BAPC modeling revealed that the age⁃standardized prevalence and age⁃standardized DALYs rate of schistosomiasis, and age⁃standardized YLDs rate of anemia attributable to Schistosoma infections all appeared a tendency towards a decline in China from 2022 to 2030, which reduced to 722.72/105 [95% CI: (538.74/105, 906.68/105)], 5.19/105 [95% CI: (3.54/105, 6.84/105)] and 0.30/105 [95% CI: (0.21/105, 0.39/105)] in 2030, respectively. Conclusions　The disease burden of schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a decline in China from 1992 to 2021, and is projected to appear a tendency towards a decline from 2022 to 2030. There are age, period and cohort effects on the prevalence of schistosomiasis in China. Precision schistosomiasis control is required with adaptations to current prevalence and elimination needs.  

Global burden of visceral leishmaniasis from 1990 to 2021 and projections up to 2035

YANG Guobing, HE Aiwei, LI Yongjun, LÜ Shan, CHEN Muxin, TIAN Liguang, LIU Qin, DUAN Lei, LU Yan, YANG Jian, LI Shizhu, ZHOU Xiaonong, WANG Jichun, ZHANG Shunxian

2025, 37(1):  35-43. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (1659KB) ( )  

References | Related Articles | Metrics

Objective　To investigate the global burden of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) from 1990 to 2021 and predict the trends in the burden of VL from 2022 to 2035, so as to provide insights into global VL prevention and control. Methods　 The global age⁃standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality and disability⁃adjusted life years (DALYs) rates of VL and their 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) were captured from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) data resources. The trends in the global burden of VL were evaluated with average annual percent change (AAPC) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from 1990 to 2021, and gender⁃, age⁃, country⁃, geographical area⁃ and socio⁃demographic index (SDI)⁃stratified burdens of VL were analyzed. The trends in the global burden of VL were projected with a Bayesian age⁃period⁃cohort (BAPC) model from 2022 to 2035, and the associations of age⁃standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs rates of VL with SDI levels were examined with a smoothing spline model. Results　The global age⁃standardized incidence [AAPC = -0.25%, 95% CI: (-0.25%, -0.24%)], prevalence [AAPC = -0.06%, 95% CI: (-0.06%, -0.06%)], mortality [AAPC = -0.25%, 95% CI: (-0.25%, -0.24%)] and DALYs rates of VL [AAPC = -2.38%, 95% CI: (-2.44%, -2.33%)] all appeared a tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2021, and the highest age⁃standardized incidence [2.55/105, 95% UI: (1.49/105, 4.07/105)], prevalence [0.64/105, 95% UI: (0.37/105, 1.02/105)], mortality [0.51/105, 95% UI: (0, 1.80/105)] and DALYs rates of VL [33.81/105, 95% UI: (0.06/105, 124.09/105)] were seen in tropical Latin America in 2021. The global age⁃standardized incidence and prevalence of VL were both higher among men [0.57/105, 95% UI: (0.45/105, 0.72/105); 0.14/105, 95% UI: (0.11/105, 0.18/105)] than among women [0.27/105, 95% UI: (0.21/105, 0.33/105); 0.06/105, 95% UI: (0.05/105, 0.08/105)], and the highest mortality of VL was found among children under 5 years of age [0.24/105, 95% UI: (0.08/105, 0.66/105)]. The age⁃standardized incidence (r = -0.483, P < 0.001), prevalence (r = -0.483, P < 0.001), mortality (r = -0.511, P < 0.001) and DALYs rates of VL (r = -0.514, P < 0.001) correlated negatively with SDI levels from 1990 to 2021. In addition, the global burden of VL was projected with the BAPC model to appear a tendency towards a decline from 2022 to 2035, and the age⁃standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality and DALYs rates were projected to be reduced to 0.11/105, 0.03/105, 0.02/105 and 1.44/105 in 2035, respectively. Conclusions　Although the global burden of VL appeared an overall tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2021, the burden of VL showed a tendency towards a rise in Central Asia and western sub⁃Saharan African areas. The age⁃standardized incidence and prevalence rates of VL were relatively higher among men, and the age⁃standardized mortality of VL was relatively higher among children under 5 years of age. The global burden of VL was projected to continue to decline from 2022 to 2035.


Impact of Toxoplasma gondii type I rhoptry protein 16 on programmed cell death ligand 1 expression and its binding to programmed cell death 1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells

LI Guangqi, ZHOU Yuning, MA Shaohan, TIAN Mei, DANG Tiantian, ZHAO Zhijun

2025, 37(1):  44-54. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (2105KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Objective　To investigate the impact of Toxoplasma gondii type I, II and II rhoptry protein 16 (ROP16) on programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD⁃L1) expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells, and to examine the effects of T. gondii type IROP16 protein on the relative PD⁃L1 expression, the relative PD⁃L1 distribution on the cell membrane surface, and the binding of programmed cell death 1 (PD⁃1) to PD⁃L1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Methods　Lentiviral vectors overexpressing T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 proteins were generated, and transfected into the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line. A549 cells were used as a blank control group, and A549 cells transfected with an empty lentiviral expression vector were used as a negative control group, while A549 cells transfected with lentiviral vectors overexpressing T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 proteins served as experimental groups. Stably transfected cells were selected with puromycin and verified using Western blotting, quantitative real⁃time PCR (RT⁃qPCR), and immunofluorescence assays. The PD⁃L1 expression was quantified at translational and transcriptional levels using Western blotting and RT⁃qPCR assays in A549 cells in the five groups, and the relative PD⁃L1 distribution was detected on the A549 cell membrane surface using flow cytometry. In addition, the effect of T. gondii type I ROP16 protein on the PD⁃1/PD⁃L1 binding was measured in A549 cells enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).   Results　The relative ROP16 protein expression was 0, 0, (1.546 ± 0.091), (1.822 ± 0.047) and (2.334 ± 0.089) in the blank control group, negative control group, and the T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 protein overexpression groups (F = 1 339.00, P < 0.001), and the relative ROP16 mRNA expression was (2.153 ± 0.949), (2.436 ± 1.614), (14.343 ± 0.020), (12.577 ± 0.285) and (15.090 ± 0.420) in the blank control group, negative control group and the T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 protein overexpression groups, respectively (F = 483.50, P < 0.001). The ROP16 expression was higher in the T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 protein overexpression groups than in the blank control group at both translational and transcriptional levels (all P  values < 0.001). Immunofluorescence assay revealed that T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 proteins were predominantly localized in A549 cell nuclei. Western blotting showed that the relative PD⁃L1 protein expression was (0.685 ± 0.109), (0.589 ± 0.114), (1.007 ± 0.117), (0.572 ± 0.151), and (0.426 ± 0.116) in the blank control group, negative control group, and the T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 protein overexpression groups (F = 9.46, P < 0.05), and RT⁃qPCR assay quantified that the relative PD⁃L1 mRNA expression was (1.012 ± 0.190), (1.281 ± 0.465), (1.950 ± 0.175), (0.889 ± 0.251), and (0.230 ± 0.192) in the blank control group, negative control group, and the T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 protein overexpression groups (F = 14.18, P < 0.05). The PD⁃L1 expression was higher in the T. gondii type I ROP16 protein overexpression group than in the blank control group at both translational and transcriptional levels (both P values < 0.05). Flow cytometry detected that the relative distributions of PD⁃L1 protein were (10.83 ± 0.60)%, (11.23 ± 0.20)%, and (14.61 ± 0.50)% on the A549 cell membrane surface (F = 28.31, P < 0.05), and the relative distribution of PD⁃L1 protein was higher in the T. gondii type I ROP16 protein overexpression group than in the blank control group and negative control group (both P values < 0.001). ELISA measured significant differences in the absorbance (A value) among the T. gondii type I ROP16 protein overexpression group, the blank control group and the negative control group if the concentrations of the recombinant PD⁃1 protein were 0.04 (F = 10.45, P < 0.05), 0.08 μg/mL (F = 11.68, P < 0.05) and 0.12 μg/mL (F = 52.68, P < 0.05), and the A value was higher in the T. gondii type I ROP16 protein overexpression group than in the blank control group and the negative control group (both P values < 0.05), indicating that T. gondii type I ROP16 protein promoted the PD⁃L1/PD⁃1 binding in A549 cells in a concentration⁃dose manner.   Conclusions　T. gondii type I ROP16 protein overexpression may up⁃regulate PD⁃L1 expression in A549 cells at both transcriptional and translational levels and the relative PD⁃L1 distribution on the A549 cell membrane surface, and affect the PD⁃1/PD⁃L1 binding in a concentration⁃dependent manner.  

Evaluation of the performance of the artificial intelligence⁃enabled snail identification system for recognition of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni and Tricula

ZHOU Jihua, BAI Shaowen, SHI Liang, ZHANG Jianfeng, DU Chunhong, SONG Jing, ZHANG Zongya, YAN Jiaqi, WU Andong, DONG Yi, YANG Kun

2025, 37(1):  55-60,68. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (2014KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Objective　To evaluate the performance of the artificial intelligence (AI)⁃enabled snail identification system for recognition of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni and Tricula in schistosomiasis⁃endemic areas of Yunnan Province. Methods　Fifty O. hupensis robertsoni and 50 Tricula samples were collected from Yongbei Township, Yongsheng County, Lijiang City, a schistosomiasis⁃endemic area in Yunnan Province in May 2024. A total of 100 snail sample images were captured with smartphones, including front⁃view images of 25 O. hupensis robertsoni and 25 Tricula samples (upward shell opening) and back⁃view images of 25 O. hupensis robertsoni and 25 Tricula samples (downward shell opening). Snail samples were identified as O. hupensis robertsoni or Tricula by schistosomiasis control experts with a deputy senior professional title and above according to image quality and morphological characteristics. A standard dataset for snail image classification was created, and served as a gold standard for recognition of snail samples. A total of 100 snail sample images were recognized with the AI⁃enabled intelligent snail identification system based on a WeChat mini program in smartphones. Schistosomiasis control professionals were randomly sampled from stations of schistosomisis prevention and control and centers for disease control and prevention in 18 schistosomiasis⁃endemic counties (districts, cities) of Yunnan Province, for artificial identification of 100 snail sample images. All professionals are assigned to two groups according the median years of snail survey experiences, and the effect of years of snail survey experiences on O. hupensis robertsoni sample image recognition was evaluated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Youden's index and the area under the curve (AUC) of the AI⁃enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification were calculated for recognition of snail sample images. The snail sample image recognition results of AI⁃enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification were compared with the gold standard, and the internal consistency of artificial identification results was evaluated with the Cronbach's coefficient alpha. Results　A total of 54 schistosomiasis control professionals were sampled for artificial identification of snail sample image recognition, with a response rate of 100% (54/54), and the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Youden's index, and AUC of artificial identification were 90%, 86%, 94%, 0.80 and 0.90 for recognition of snail sample images, respectively. The overall Cronbach's coefficient alpha of artificial identification was 0.768 for recognition of snail sample images, and the Cronbach's coefficient alpha was 0.916 for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni snail sample images and 0.925 for recognition of Tricula snail sample images. The overall accuracy of artificial identification was 90% for recognition of snail sample images, and there was no significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni (86%) and Tricula snail sample images (94%) ([χ2] = 1.778, P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images with upward (88%) and downward shell openings (92%) ([χ2] = 0.444, P > 0.05), and there was a significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images between schistosomiasis control professionals with snail survey experiences of 6 years and less (75%) and more than 6 years (90%) ([χ2] = 7.792, P < 0.05). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and AUC of the AI⁃enabled intelligent snail identification system were 88%, 100%, 76% and 0.88 for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni snail sample images, and there was no significant difference in the accuracy of recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni snail sample images between the AI⁃enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification ([χ2] = 0.204, P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images with upward (90%) and downward shell openings (86%) ([χ2] = 0.379, P > 0.05), and there was a significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images between schistosomiasis control professionals with snail survey experiences of 6 years and less and more than 6 years ([χ2] = 5.604, P < 0.025). Conclusions　The accuracy of recognition of snail sample images is comparable between the AI⁃enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification by schistosomiasis control professionals, and the AI⁃enabled intelligent snail identification system is feasible for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni and Tricula in Yunnan Province.

Effects of intravenous and intraperitoneal routes on Babesia microti infections and splenic immune cells in BALB/c mice

YANG Hanyin, CAI Yuchun, YAN Shuning, XIN Yi, MO Ziran, XU Bin, ZHENG Bin

2025, 37(1):  61-68. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (1588KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Objective　To investigate the changes in the prevalence of Babesia microti infections, spleen morphology and proportions of splenic immune cells in BALB/c mice following intravenous and intraperitoneal injections, so as to provide insights into unraveling the immune regulatory mechanisms of Babesia infections.  Methods　Laboratory⁃maintained B. microti strains were prepared into whole blood samples with 10% prevalence of B. microti infection. A total of 75 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups, including the normal control group, intravenous injection group, and intraperitoneal injection group, of 25 mice in each group. Mice in the intravenous and intraperitoneal injection groups were administered 100 μL of whole blood samples with 10% prevalence of B. microti infection, with the day of injection recorded as d0, and animals in the normal control group were given no treatments. Blood was sampled from mice in each group via the tail tip on d7, d14, d21, d28 and d35, and prepared into thin⁃film blood smears, and B. microti infection was observed in red blood cells. Five mice were randomly sampled from each group and sacrificed on d7, d14, d21, d28 and d35, and spleen was collected for measurement of spleen size and weight. In addition, splenic cells were isolated, and the proportions of CD3e+ T cells, CD45R+ B cells, CD49b+ nature killer (NK) cells, and F4/80+ macrophages were detected in CD45+ lymphocytes using flow cytometry.  Results　 The prevalence of B. microti infection in the intravenous (22.80%) and intraperitoneal injection groups (44.82%) peaked on d7 ([χ2] = 8.141, P < 0.01) and then rapidly decreased, and no parasites were observed on d35. The longest mouse spleen length [(32.91 ± 2.20) mm] and width [(9.82 ± 0.43) mm], and the greatest weight [(0.78 ± 0.10) g] were found on d14 in the intravenous injection group, and the longest spleen length [(32.42 ± 3.21) mm] and width [(10.25 ± 0.73) mm], and the greatest weight [(0.73 ± 0.09) g] were seen in the intraperitoneal injection group on d21, d7 and d14, respectively. There were significant differences among the intravenous injection group, intraperitoneal injection group and the normal control group in terms of spleen length (F = 10.310, P < 0.05), width (F = 9.824, P < 0.05), and weight (F = 10.672, P < 0.05) on d21, and the mouse spleen length, width and weight were all significantly greater in the intraperitoneal injection group than in the intravenous injection group (all P values < 0.05). The proportions of splenic CD3e+ T cells [(60.60 ± 6.20)% and (39.68 ± 7.62)%], CD45R+ B cells [(43.32 ± 2.08)% and (49.53 ± 4.90)%], CD49b+ NK cells [(6.88 ± 1.34)% and (7.71 ± 1.59)%], and F4/80+ macrophages [(2.21 ± 0.29)% and (3.80 ± 0.35)%] peaked on d14, d21, d21 and d14 in the intravenous and intraperitoneal injection groups, respectively. There were significant differences in the proportions of CD3e+ T cells (F = 16.730, P  < 0.05) and F4/80+ macrophages (F = 15.941, P  < 0.05) among the intravenous injection group, intraperitoneal injection group and normal control group on d14, and a higher proportion of CD3e+ T cells and a lower proportion of F4/80+ macrophages were detected in the intravenous injection group than in the intraperitoneal injection group (both P values < 0.01). There were significant differences among the intravenous injection group, intraperitoneal injection group and normal control group on d21 in terms of proportions of splenic CD3e+ T cells (F = 9.252, P < 0.05), CD45R+ B cells (F = 14.349, P  < 0.05), CD49b+ NK cells (F = 13.436, P  < 0.05), and F4/80+ macrophages (F = 8.180, P  < 0.05), and a higher proportion of CD3e+ T cells and lower proportions of CD45R+ B cells and F4/80+ macrophages were detected in the intravenous injection group than in the intraperitoneal injection group (all P values < 0.01). In addition, there was a significant difference in the proportion of CD3e+ T cells among the intravenous injection group, intraperitoneal injection group and normal control group on d28 (F = 9.772, P < 0.05), and a lower proportion of CD3e+ T cells was found in the intravenous injection group than in the intraperitoneal injection group (P < 0.01). Conclusions　Both intraperitoneal and intravenous routes are effective to induce B. microti infections in BALB/c mice, and the prevalence of B. microti infections is higher in BALB/c mice through the intraperitoneal route than through the intravenous route. Intraperitoneal and intravenous injections with B. microti cause diverse spleen morphologies and proportions of splenic immune cells in mice, indicating routes of B. microti infections cause different impacts on immune response mechanisms in mice. 

Factors affecting Pomacea distribution and prediction of suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province

LI Zhongqiu, LIU Yuhua, GUO Yunhai, WEI Zixin, CHEN Junhu, WANG Qiang, LI Tianmei, LI Shizhu

2025, 37(1):  69-75. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (2318KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Objective　To investigate the factors affecting the distribution of Pomacea and project the trends in the spread of suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in 2050 and 2070 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, so as to provide insights into Pomacea control in the prefecture. Methods　The longitudes and latitudes of Pomacea sampling sites were captured based on Pomacea field survey data in 12 cities (counties) of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture from 2023 to 2024. A total of 19 climatic factors (annual mean temperature, mean diurnal range, isothermality, temperature seasonality, maximum temperature of the warmest month, minimum temperature of the coldest month, temperature annual range, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, mean temperature of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest month, mean temperature of the coldest month, annual precipitation, precipitation of the wettest month, precipitation of the driest month, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of the wettest quarter, precipitation of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest quarter, and mean temperature of the coldest quarter) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs) were retrieved from the world climate database (www.worldclim.org). All climatic variables were employed to create a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. The predictive accuracy of the model was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and the contributions of these 19 climatic factors to the distribution of Pomacea were analyzed in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture using Jackknife test. In addition, the suitable distribution areas of Pomacea were predicted with the MaxEnt model in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in 2024 and in 2050 and 2070 under RCP4.5. Results　Data pertaining to 91 Pomacea sampling sites were captured. ROC analysis revealed the MaxEnt model had an AUC value of 0.885 ± 0.088 for predicting the suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Of the 19 climatic factors, the maximum temperature of the warmest month had the highest contribution to the distribution of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, followed by mean temperature of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the wettest quarter and minimum temperature of the coldest month. The suitable distribution area of Pomacea was predicted to be 14 555.69 m2 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in 2024, and would expand gradually to the southeastern part of the prefecture in the future due to climatic factors. The suitable distribution areas of Pomacea were projected to expand to 21 475.61 km² in 2050 and 25 782.52 km² in 2070 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, respectively. Conclusions　Temperature is an important contributor to the distribution of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and the suitable distribution area of Pomacea will gradually expand to the southeastern part of the prefecture in 2050 and 2070.

Surveillance for Aedes albopictus in Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023

ZHOU Jinhua, HE Shiyu, LIU Tong, CHEN Zhifei, LI Xiaoning, JIANG Yimin, LIANG Xueying, CHEN Zongqiu, QIN Pengzhe

2025, 37(1):  76-80. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (1306KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Objective　To investigate the population density and seasonal fluctuations of Aedes albopictus in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, from 2021 to 2023, so as to provide insights into A. albopictus control and management of dengue fever. Methods　The surveillance of A. albopictus density was performed in all surveillance sites assigned across all streets (townships) in Guangzhou City during the period from January to December from 2021 to 2023. The surveillance frequency was twice every half month from May to September, and once every month for the rest of a year. In each surveillance period, A. albopictus mosquito larvae were captured from indoor and outdoor small water containers in residential areas, parks, medical facilities, schools, other government sectors and social organizations, construction sites, special industries  and others for mosquito species identification. Adult mosquitoes were captured usinglectric mosquito suction apparatus for species identification and gender classification. Adult mosquitoes and mosquito eggs were collected with mosquito and egg traps at the breeding and dwelling places of Aedes mosquitoes for identification. The mosquito oviposition index (MOI), Breteau index (BI), adult mosquito density index (ADI) and standard space index (SSI) were calculated. The A. albopictus density was classified into grades 0, 1, 2 and 3 in each surveillance site, with Grade 0 density defined eligible, and the eligible rate of A. albopictus density was calculated at all surveillance sites each year from 2021 to 2023. In addition, the changing trends in MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus were analyzed in Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023. Results　The eligible rates of A. albopictus density were 61.69%, 68.75% and 55.15% in surveillance sites of Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023 ([χ2] = 297.712, P < 0.001), and appeared a tendency towards a reduction followed by a rise each year, which gradually reduced since January, maintained at a low level during the period between May and October, and gradually increased from November to December. The MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus all appeared a tendency towards a rise followed by a reduction in Guangzhou City during the period between January and December from 2021 to 2023. The BI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (4.03), the first half of July in 2022 (3.89) and the last half of August in 2023 (5.02), and the SSI of A. albopictus peaked in the last half of June in 2021 (0.93), the last half of May in 2022 (0.59), and the last half of June (0.94) and the first half of September in 2023 (1.12). In addition, the MOI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of May in 2021 (8.64), the first half of June in 2022 (8.96), and the last half of May (10.21) and the last half of June in 2023 (10.89), and the ADI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (3.41), the last half of June in 2022 (4.06), and the first half of July in 2023 (3.61).  Conclusions　The density of A. albopictus is high in Guangzhou City during the period from May to October, and the risk of local outbreak caused by imported dengue fever is high. Persistent intensified surveillance of the density and seasonal fluctuation of A. albopictus is recommended and timely mosquito prevention and control is required according to the fluctuation in the A. albopictus density.

Impact of industrial and job changes among fishermen on schistosomiasis control following fishing ban and withdrawal in Poyang Lake areas

WU Jun, YUAN Min, HU Fei

2025, 37(1):  81-84. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (1277KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Objective　To investigate the industrial and job changes among fishermen and their impact on economic incomes and schistosomiasis control following fishing ban and withdrawal in Poyang Lake areas, so as to provide insights into formulation of the schistosomiasis control strategy in these areas.  Methods　One township was selected as the study area from each of Duchang County, Poyang County and Yugan County around the Poyang Lake areas from May to June, 2023, and at least 500 fishermen at ages of 60 years and less were sampled from each township. Questionnaires were allocated to all subjects via the ''Questionnaire Star'' platform, including demographics, ratio of profits from different production activities before and after fishing ban and withdrawal, contact with infested water before and after fishing ban and withdrawal, and changes in household economic income before and after fishing ban and withdrawal. Subjects' schistosomiasis examination and treatment data, and development of schistosomiasis hepatic fibrosis and advanced schistosomiasis were collected from 2016 to 2023. The changes in economic incomes, contact with infested water, sero⁃prevalence of human schistosomiasis, and proportions of schistosomiasis examinations and treatments were compared among study subjects.  Results　A total of 2 449 fishermen with an average age of (49.55 ± 8.86) years were investigated, including 1 654 full⁃time fishermen (67.54%) and 795 part⁃time fishermen (32.46%). The ratios of profits from fishing activities reduced from 88.15% and 34.82% before fishing ban and withdrawal to < 0.01% and 0.03% after fishing ban and withdrawal among full⁃time and part⁃time fishermen, while the ratios of profits from other production activities increased. The proportion of full⁃time fishermen who thought a reduction or a large reduction in their economic incomes was 79.93% (1 322/1 654), which was higher than that (66.79%, 531/795) of part⁃time fishermen ([χ2] = 50. 307, P < 0.001), and the proportion of part⁃time fishermen who thought minor changes in their economic incomes was 15.60% (124/795), which was higher than that (4.11%, 68/1 654) of full⁃time fishermen ([χ2] = 96.274, P < 0.001). There was a reduction in the contact with infested water among fishermen following fishing ban and withdrawal, and the proportions of respondents that had no contact, a large reduction in contact and a reduction in contact with infested water were 14.74% (361/2 449), 57.78% (1 415/2 449) and 26.05% (638/2 449), respectively. In addition, the sero⁃prevalence of schistosomiasis, and proportions of schistosomiasis examinations and treatments decreased from 9.79%, 87.14%, and 97.80% in 2016 to 4.38%, 53.16%, and 71. 51% in 2023 among fishermen in Duchang County, Poyang County and Yugan County([χ2] = 6.944, 865.194, 238.953, all P values < 0.01), and the prevalence of schistosomiasis liver fibrosis and advanced schistosomiasis was 42.64% (826/1 937) and 6.08% (149/2 449) among study subjects, respectively. Conclusions　Industrial and job changes among fishermen are beneficial for schistosomiasis control after fishing ban and withdrawal in Poyang Lake areas; however, there is an increased difficulty for management of fishermen due to an increase in number of migrant labors and other factors. 

Etiological characteristics and molecular evolution of the first mpox case in Huai'an City of Jiangsu Province

YANG Pengfei, HE Fang, YAN Qingli, GENG Heyuan, GAO Tong, GAO Qiang, XIONG Chenglong, PENG Haiyan

2025, 37(1):  85-92,97. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (2576KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Objective　To analyze the virus subtypes, molecular evolutional and molecular transmission network features of the first confirmed mpox case in Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, so as to provide insights into understanding of the transmission and evolution dynamics of mpox virus and formulation of the mpox control strategy in the city.  Methods　Genomic DNA was extracted from swabs of the first confirmed mpox case's skin lesions in Huai'an City, and the amplicon sequencing library was constructed using the hypersensitive mpox virus whole⁃genome capture kit. High⁃throughput sequencing was performed using the GridION X5 nanopore sequencer on the Nanopore sequencing platform, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of mpox virus genome sequences was performed following sequence assembly. In addition, phylogenetic analysis, genetic genealogy and molecular traceability analysis were performed. Results　The virus whole genome sequence of the first confirmed mpox case was successfully obtained by high⁃throughput sequencing, with a full length of 197 182 bp, and was named hMpxV/China/JS⁃HA01/2023, which belonged to the clade IIb (West African clade) lineage B.1.3. Compared with the mpox virus reference sequence MPXV⁃M5312⁃HM12Rivers⁃001 (GenBank accession number: NC_063383), the genome sequence of the Huai'an virus isolate carried 86 SNPs, including 40 SNPs in the coding region as non⁃synonymous mutations and 73 SNPs as nucleotide mutations caused by APOBEC3 (APOBEC3). Of the 97 mpox virus gene sequences, 79 sequences were included in the molecular network (81.44%), and the threshold of the genetic distance accessed to the network was 0.35/105. There were two large molecular transmission clusters and one scattered cluster in the molecular transmission network of the mpox virus, and the hMpxV/China/JS⁃HA01/2023 sequence was located in the large cluster. The 97 gene sequences formed 92 haplotypes, including three shared haplotypes Hap_4, Hap_6 and Hap_38, and an exclusive haplotype Hap_1 of hMpxV/China/JS⁃HA01/2023 generated from mutation of the exclusive haplotype Hap_43, while the exclusive haplotype Hap_43 was generated from mutation of the shared haplotype Hap_38. Conclusions　The whole genome sequence of the mpox virus isolated from the first confirmed mpox case in Huai'an City has been successfully obtained, and the molecular evolutionary and molecular transmission network characteristics of the virus  have been preliminarily understood.

Seroprevalence of antibody against Toxoplasma gondii among patients with hematological malignancies

YANG Yujuan, WANG Qian, XIANG Lili, MENG Yanna, ZHANG Cixian, FU Jie

2025, 37(1):  93-97. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (1131KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Objective　To investigate the seroprevalence of antibody against Toxoplasma gondii among patients with hematological malignancies, and compare it with that among health individuals, so as to provide insights into unraveling the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies.  Methods　A total of 225 patients with hematological malignancies in Department of Hematology, Xuzhou Central Hospital and 300 healthy individuals in the same hospital were enrolled from 2017 to 2024. Blood samples were collected from all subjects, and the serum IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii were detected using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Demographic and clinical features were collected from patients with hematological malignancies, including gender, age, contact with cats, consumption of raw or undercooked meat, type of malignancy, clinical symptoms, blood transfusion and treatment, and the seroprevalence of ant⁃T. gondii antibody was compared among patients with different characteristics.  Results　The age (t = 0.72, P > 0.05) and gender ([χ2] = 0.93, P > 0.05) were comparable between patients with hematological malignancies and healthy individuals. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 20.89% among patients with hematological malignancies and 4.33% among healthy individuals ([χ2] = 34.81, P < 0.01), and the seroprevalence of ant⁃T. gondii IgG antibody was 20.89% among patients with hematological malignancies and 4.33% among healthy individuals ([χ2] = 34.81, P < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in the seroprevalence of ant⁃T. gondii IgM antibody between patients with hematological malignancies and healthy individuals (1.33% vs. 0; corrected [χ2] =  2.02，P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 23.08% among patients with leukemia, 16.67% among patients with lymphoma, 19.23% among patients with multiple myeloma, 24.00% among patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm, and 26.09% among patients with myelodysplastic syndrome ([χ2] = 1.44, P > 0.05), and was all higher than among healthy individuals (corrected [χ2] = 23.92, 10.74, 13.76, 12.84 and 14.54; all P values < 0.01). In addition, there were no significant differences in the detection of anti⁃T. gondii antibody among patients with hematological malignancies in terms of gender, age, contact with cats, consumption of raw or undercooked meat, chemotherapy or blood transfusion ([χ2] =  0.76, 1.97, 0, 2.81, 2.38 and 0.66; all P values > 0.05).  Conclusions　There is a high risk of T. gondii infection among patients with hematological malignancies, and intensified surveillance of T. gondii infection is recommended among patients with hematological malignancies.

Current status and challenges of zoonosis prevention and control: a One Health perspective

LI Cihuai, CHEN Feng, LÜ Shan

2025, 37(1):  98-103. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (1059KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Zoonosis prevention and control is a complex public health concern, which requires the collaboration of multiple regions, disciplines, and departments to enhance the effectiveness. The One Health concept aims to achieve the joint health security of humans, animals and environments through cross⁃disciplinary, cross⁃sector and cross⁃field collaborations. This review summarizes the development of One Health and the successful practices in the prevention and control of echinococcosis, rabies, COVID⁃19 and schistosomiasis, as well as explores the challenges faced in applying this concept to the prevention and control of zoonoses, so as to provide insights into formulation of the integrated zoonoses control strategy and implementation of zoonoses control interventions at the human⁃animal⁃environment interface.

Acute fascioliasis hepatica: a case report

WANG Pingbang, HUANG Zhuying, WANG Hong, LIU Nianmeng, ZHANG Keli, XIAO Huaizhong

2025, 37(1):  104-106. 

Asbtract ( )   PDF (1540KB) ( )  

Related Articles | Metrics

Fascioliasis hepatica, caused by Fasciola hepatica, is a serious zoonotic parasitic disease, and F. hepatica mainly infects ruminants and occasionally humans. This article presents the diagnosis and treatment of an acute fascioliasis hepatica case with complaints of "abdominal distension and yellowing of skin and sclera for one day", so as to provide insights into clinical diagnosis and treatment of fascioliasis hepatica and avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.