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Progress of schistosomiasis control in the People's Republic of China in 2024 HE Junyi, ZHANG Lijuan, YANG Fan, DANG Hui, LI Yinlong, GUO Suying, LI Shizhen, CAO Chunli, XU Jing, LI Shizhu Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 223-231.   Abstract （1574）      PDF（pc） （1146KB）（2155）       Knowledge map    Save To understand the progress of, summarize the lessons learned from and analyze the challenges in the national schistosomiasis elimination program of China in 2024, this article presented the endemic situation of schistosomiasis and national schistosomiasis surveillance results in the People's Republic of China in 2024. By the end of 2024, Shanghai Municipality, Zhejiang Province, Fujian Province, Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region continued to consolidate schistosomiasis elimination achievements, and 7 provinces of Jiangsu, Sichuan, Yunnan, Hubei, Hunan, Anhui and Jiangxi maintained the criteria of schistosomiasis transmission interruption. A total of 450 counties (cites, districts) were found to be endemic for schistosomiasis in China in 2024, including 26 061 endemic villages covering 73 630 500 residents at risk of infections. Among the 450 counties (cities, districts) endemic for schistosomiasis, 388 (86.22%) achieved the criteria of schistosomiasis elimination and 62 (13.78%) achieved the criteria of transmission interruption. In 2024, a total of 4 102 624 individuals received immunological tests for schistosomiasis in China, with 44 823 sero⁃positives identified (1.09% seroprevalence), and a total of 169 722 individuals received parasitological examinations, with 1 egg⁃positives detected. A total of 27 321 cases with advanced schistosomiasis were documented in China by the end of 2024. In 2024, a total of 575 686 bovines were raised in schistosomiasis⁃endemic villages of China, and 113 842 bovines received immunological tests, with 235 sero⁃positives detected (0.21% seroprevalence), while no egg⁃positives were identified among the 167 475 bovines receiving parasitological examinations. In 2024, snail survey was performed covering an area of 680 498.27 hm2 in China, and 190 778.66 hm2 snail habitats were identified, including 59.09 hm2 emerging snail habitats and 704.23 hm2 reemerging snail habitats. In 2024, a total of 19 665 schistosomiasis patients receiving chemotherapy with praziquantel in China, and expanded chemotherapy was given to humans at 571 722 person⁃times and to bovines at 306 740 herd⁃times. In addition, snail control with chemical treatment covered 117 111.37 hm2 snail habitats across China in 2024, and the actual area of chemical treatment was 66 562.95 hm2, while environmental improvements were performed in snail habitats covering an area of 1 374.26 hm2. The national schistosomiasis surveillance results showed that the mean prevalence rates of Schistosoma japonicum infections were both 0 among humans and bovines in China in 2024, and no S. japonicum infection was detected in snails. These data demonstrated that the prevalence of schistosomiasis remained at a low level in China in 2024; however, the areas of snail habitats remained high and the number of fenced cattle showed a slight increase. To address these risks, it is imperative to maintain the integrated strategy with an emphasis on management of the source of S. japonicum infection and intensified snail control in high⁃risk areas, and to reinforce schistosomiasis surveillance and forecast and snail control in high⁃risk areas.   Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Spatiotemporal distribution of Aedes albopictus and its influencing factors in China from 2000 to 2019 JIAO Zerui, QU Lei, WANG Duoquan, ZHANG Yi, LÜ Shan Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 268-275.   Abstract （904）      PDF（pc） （1564KB）（1769）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the spatial distribution of Aedes albopictus in China at different time periods from 2000 to 2019, so as to provide insights into precise management of Ae. albopictus in China. Methods  Data pertaining to the distribution of Ae. albopictus in China from 2000 to 2019 were collected through literature retrieval with terms of "Aedes albopictus", "monitoring", "survey", "density", "distribution", and "outbreak" in national and international databases. The title and time of the publication, sampling sites, sampling time, mosquito capture methods, and mosquito species and density were extracted, and the longitude and latitude of sampling sites were obtained through Baidu Map. Meteorological element data at meteorological observation stations within China were obtained from the National Climatic Data Center of the United States, and the annual maximum temperature, annual minimum temperature, average temperature in January, average temperature in July, annual temperature range, daily temperature range and relative humidity were calculated and subjected to Kriging interpolation. Monthly cumulative precipitation grid data and monthly average temperature grid data with a resolution of 1 km for China from 2000 to 2019 were obtained from the National Tibetan Plateau Scientific Data Center, and the annual precipitation and annual average temperature were calculated cumulatively. Population density data in China from 2000 to 2019 were obtained from the WorldPop Hub, and the gross domestic product (GDP) in China was obtained from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The above data were divided into 5⁃year intervals to calculate data during the periods from 2000 to 2004, from 2005 to 2009, from 2010 to 2014, and from 2015 to 2019. Ae. albopictus distribution data were modeled in China from 2000 to 2019 and during each period with the classification random forest (RF) model, to predict the distribution of Ae. albopictus across the country and analyze the distribution of Ae. albopictus based on the seven major climate zones in China. The performance of RF models was evaluated by accuracy, precision, recall, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and the importance of each feature in the RF model was evaluated with mean decrease accuracy (MDA). Results  A total of 1 191 Chinese publictions and 391 English publications were retrieved, among which 580 articles provided detailed data on the sampling sites of Ae. albopictus and specific sampling years, meeting the inclusion criteria. A total of 2 234 Ae. albopictus sampling sites were included in China from 2000 to 2019, and RF modeling results showed that the overall Ae. albopictus distribution area was mainly found in southeastern and southwestern provinces of China from 2000 to 2019, with scattered distribution in coastal areas of northeastern provinces, such as Liaoning Province. The accuracy, precision, recall and AUC of the RF model were 0.915 to 0.947, 0.933 to 0.975, 0.898 to 0.978, and 0.902 to 0.932 for the distribution of Ae. albopictus at different time periods from 2000 to 2019. Among all features in the RF models, population density was the most contributing factor to the distribution of Ae. albopictus in China, followed by GDP, and all meteorological variables contributed relatively less to the predictive power of the RF model. In China's seven major climate zones, Ae. albopictus was almost entirely distributed in the marginal tropical humid region, the north subtropical humid region, and the warm temperate semi⁃humid region. The combined distribution area of these three zones accounted for 100.0% of the national distribution area from 2000 to 2004, from 2005 to 2009, and from 2010 to 2014, and 99.9% from 2015 to 2019, and the proportion of Ae. albopictus distribution area in the warm temperate semi⁃humid region increased gradually from 20.2% to 30.2%. Conclusions Ae. albopictus is mainly distributed in the southeastern and southwestern provinces of China and is greatly influenced by population and economic factors. The warm temperate semi⁃humid region in China is gradually becoming a hot spot for the distribution of Ae. albopictus. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in China from 2010 to 2023 DU Shanshan, SHI Yue, CHEN Xi, LIU Huihui, ZHANG Lijie, HUANG Xiaoxia Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 371-379.   Abstract （587）      PDF（pc） （3556KB）（1255）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and to identify factors affecting deaths among SFTS patients in China from 2010 to 2023, so as to provide insights into scientific prevention and control of SFTS. Methods　Demographic and epidemiological characteristics of reported, definitively diagnosed SFTS cases in China from 2010 to 2023 were captured from National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System of China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, including current residence address, age, gender, occupation, time of incidence and date of death, and the temporal, spatial and population distributions of SFTS cases were analyzed. The county⁃level incidence of reported SFTS cases in China from 2010 to 2023 was subjected to spatial autocorrelation analysis, and the global Moran's I index was calculated. The high⁃incidence clusters for SFTS were identified using space⁃time scan analysis based on a Poisson distribution model, and the relative risk (RR) and log⁃likelihood ratio (LLR) were estimated. In addition, factors affecting the death and their risk levels were identified among SFTS cases using chi⁃square test and logistic regression models, and the risk of death was evaluated with odds ratio (OR).  Results　A total of 27 457 SFTS cases were reported in China from 2010 to 2023, and the number of SFTS cases increased from 71 in 2010 to 5 062 in 2023, appearing a tendency towards a rise (b = 5.567, t = 51.35, P < 0.05). A total of 1 326 deaths occurred during the 14⁃year study period, with a case fatality rate of 4.82%, and the annual incidence and fatality of SFTS were 0.005/105 to 0.359/105, and 2.70% to 12.70%. SFTS cases were reported across 27 provinces in China, which were predominantly reported in 7 provinces of Shandong (7 890 cases, 28.74%), Henan (6 286 cases, 22.89%), Anhui (5 718 cases, 20.83%), Hubei (3 938 cases, 14.34%), Liaoning (1 418 cases, 5.16%), Zhejiang (990 cases, 3.61%), and Jiangsu (957 cases, 3.49%), accounting for 99.05% (27 197/27 457) of totally reported cases in China. The time of SFTS incidence appeared a seasonal distribution, and the incidence of SFTS peaked during the period from May to July, with a significant difference in the time of SFTS incidence among provinces (P < 0.01). Among all SFTS cases, there were 12 894 men (46.96%) and 14 563 women (53.04%), and there were 61.27% (16 823/27 457) of SFTS cases at ages of 61 years and older, with farmers as the predominant occupation (84.74%, 23 266/27 457). The annual Moran's I index for SFTS incidence ranged from 0.326 2 to 0.607 5 from 2010 to 2023, and there were significant differences in the Moran's I index for SFTS incidence each year from 2011 to 2023 (z = 10.207 to 18.101, all P values < 0.001), presenting spatial clusters. Local spatial autocorrelation analysis identified "high⁃high", "low⁃high", "high⁃low", and "low⁃low" clusters of reported SFTS cases in China, with "high⁃high" clusters predominantly distributed in 5 provinces of Shandong, Anhui, Hubei, Henan, and Liaoning, covering 63 counties (cities, districts) in 2011 to 134 counties (cities, districts) in 2023. Monthly space⁃time scans identified three high⁃incidence clusters for SFTS in 4 provinces of Henan, Shandong, Jiangsu and Anhui. Univariate analysis revealed the risk of death of reported SFTS cases was associated with province ([χ2] = 605.48, P < 0.01), gender ([χ2] = 23.421, P < 0.01), age ([χ2] = 254.18, P < 0.01), duration from disease onset to diagnosis ([χ2] = 49.895, P < 0.01), and occupation ([χ2] = 30.685, P < 0.01), and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a higher risk of death among SFTS cases reported in three provinces of Shandong [OR = 3.081, 95% confidence interval (CI): (2.605, 3.643)], Zhejiang [OR = 4.280, 95% CI: (3.367, 5.441)], and Jiangsu [OR = 2.733, 95% CI: (2.059, 3.628)]; among SFTS cases at ages of 70 years and older [> 70 to 80 years: OR = 4.511, 95% CI: (1.626, 12.511); > 80 years and older: OR = 3.632, 95% CI: (1.241, 10.631)]; among male SFTS cases males than among female cases [OR = 1.243, 95% CI: (1.114, 1.387)]; and among SFTS cases 31 days and longer duration from disease onset to diagnosis [OR = 1.660, 95% CI: (1.254, 2.197)]. Conclusions　The number of reported SFTS cases has remarkably risen in China in recent years, with expanded geographic distributions, seasonal distribution and spatial clusters. Targeted preventive and control measures for SFTS are urgently needed. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Analysis and prediction of global burden due to cystic echinococcosis from 1990 to 2035 LAI Zhen, LIU Gang, ZHAO Haili, QIU Miaomiao, CHEN Jian, LUO En, XIN Junguo, YANG Xiaohong Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 255-267, 283.   Abstract （502）      PDF（pc） （2761KB）（1102）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the trends in the global burden due to cystic echinococcosis from 1990 to 2021, and to predict the global burden of cystic echinococcosis from 2022 to 2035, so as to provide insights into formulation of the cystic echinococcosis control strategy. Methods　The global age⁃standardized prevalence, mortality, disability⁃adjusted life years (DALYs) rates and their 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) of cystic echinococcosis from 1990 to 2021 were captured from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) database, and the trends in the global burden of cystic echinococcosis from 1990 to 2021 were analyzed using the Joinpoint regression model. The associations between the global burden of cystic echinococcosis and socio⁃demographic index (SDI) were examined using a smoothing spline model and frontier analysis, and the global burden of cystic echinococcosis was projected from 2022 to 2035 using the Bayesian age⁃period⁃cohort (BAPC) model.  Results　The global age⁃standardized prevalence, mortality and DALYs rates of cystic echinococcosis were 7.69/105 [95% UI: (6.27/105, 9.51/105)], 0.02/105 [95% UI: (0.01/105, 0.02/105)], and 1.32/105 [95% UI: (0.99/105, 1.69/105)] in 2021. The global age⁃standardized prevalence of cystic echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a rise by 0.14% per year from 1990 to 2021, and the global age⁃standardized mortality and DALYs rates of cystic echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a decline by 4.68% and 4.01% per year from 1990 to 2021, respectively. Joinpoint regression analysis showed that global age⁃standardized prevalence of cystic echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2000 [annual percent change (APC) = -0.66%, 95% confidence interval (CI): (-0.70%, -0.61%)] and from 2005 to 2015 [APC = -0.88%, 95% CI: (-0.93%, -0.82%)], and towards a rise from 2000 to 2005 [APC = 3.68%, 95% CI: (3.49%, 3.87%)] and from 2015 to 2021 [APC = 0.30%, 95% CI: (0.19%, 0.40%)]. The age⁃standardized prevalence (r = -0.17, P < 0.05), mortality (r = -0.67, P < 0.05) and DALYs rates of cystic echinococcosis (r = -0.60, P < 0.05) all correlated negatively with SDI across 21 geographical regions from 1990 to 2021, and the age⁃standardized mortality (r = -0.61, P < 0.05) and DALYs rates (r = -0.44, P < 0.05) both correlated negatively with SDI across 204 countries and territories in 2021. Frontier analysis revealed that the age⁃standardized DALYs rate of cystic echinococcosis was still not in line with the frontier in some high⁃SDI countries or territories. In addition, the global age⁃standardized prevalence was projected with the BAPC model to appear a tendency towards a rise among both men [estimated annual percent change (EAPC) = 0.18%, 95% CI: (0.13%, 0.23%)] and women [EAPC = 0.29%, 95% CI: (0.24%, 0.34%)] from 2022 to 2035, and the global age⁃standardized mortality [men: EAPC = -4.71%, 95% CI: (-4.37%, -4.71%); women: EAPC = -4.74%, 95% CI: (-4.74%, -4.74%)] and DALYs rates [men: EAPC = -3.35%, 95% CI: (-3.36%, -3.34%); women: EAPC = -3.17%, 95% CI: (-3.18%, -3.16%)] were projected to appear a tendency towards a decline among both men and women.  Conclusions　The global burden of cystic echinococcosis appeared an overall tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2021; however, the global prevalence of cystic echinococcosis is projected to appear a tendency towards a rise from 2022 to 2035. Intensified cystic echinococcosis control programmes are recommended.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Epidemiology and management of echinococcosis in China and Mongolia and the risk of cross⁃border transmission LIU Jing, DANZENG Quzhen, MO Xiaojin, MIAO Yurun, SU Xuan, HU Wei, ZHANG Ting Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 337-343.   Abstract （417）      PDF（pc） （1382KB）（1028）       Knowledge map    Save Currently, echinococcosis is highly prevalent in both China and Mongolia, and the risk of cross⁃border echinococcosis transmission raises growing concerns. This article describes the epidemiology of echinococcosis in China and Mongolia, compares echinococcosis control measures between the countries, and discusses the potential risk of cross⁃border echinococcosis transmission due to human and animal mobility, transboundary movement of animal hosts, and disparities in control capacity between the two countries. In addition, the article proposes the promising cooperation areas for joint prevention and control of echinococcosis between the two countries, including the joint development of guidelines and standards, technical and financial assistance, and cross⁃border pathogen monitoring and tracing, so as to provide insights into cross⁃boundary health cooperation between China and Mongolia, effective management of echinococcosis transmission, and improvements in the regional public health security.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Prediction of suitable habitats of Phlebotomus chinensis in Gansu Province based on the Biomod2 ensemble model YU Dawei, HOU Yandong, HE Aiwei, FENG Yu, YANG Guobing, YANG Chengming, LIANG Hong, ZHANG Hailiang, LI Fan Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 276-283.   Abstract （393）      PDF（pc） （1586KB）（1432）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the suitable habitats of Phlebotomus chinensis in Gansu Province, so as provide insights into effective management of mountain⁃type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (MT⁃ZVL).  Methods　The geographical coordinates of locations where MT⁃ZVL cases were reported were retrieved in Gansu Province from 2015 to 2023, and data pertaining to 26 environmental variables were captured, including 19 climatic variables (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 quarter, mean temperature of the coldest quarter, annual precipitation, precipitation of the wettest month, precipitation of the driest month, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of the wettest quarter, precipitation of the driest quarter, precipitation of the warmest quarter, and precipitation of the coldest quarter), five geographical variables (elevation, annual normalized difference vegetation index, vegetation type, landform type and land use type), and two population and economic variables (population distribution and gross domestic product). Twelve species distribution models were built using the biomod2 package in R project, including surface range envelope (SRE) model, generalized linear model (GLM), generalized additive model (GAM), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) model, generalized boosted model (GBM), classification tree analysis (CTA) model, flexible discriminant analysis (FDA) model, maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model, optimized maximum entropy (MAXNET) model, artificial neural network (ANN) model, random forest (RF) model, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBOOST) model. The performance of 12 models was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), true skill statistics (TSS), and Kappa coefficient, and single models with high performance was selected to build the optimal ensemble models. Factors affecting the survival of Ph. chinensis were identified based on climatic, geographical, population and economic variables. In addition, the suitable distribution areas of Ph. chinensis were predicted in Gansu Province under shared socioeconomic pathway 126 (SSP126), SSP370 and SSP585 scenarios based on climatic data during the period from 1991 to 2020, from 2041 to 2060 (2050s), and from 2081 to 2100 (2090s) . Results　A total of 11 species distribution models were successfully built for prediction of potential distribution areas of Ph. chinensis in Gansu Province, and the RF model had the highest predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.998). The ensemble model built based on the RF model, XGBOOST model, GLM, and MARS model had an increased predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.999) relative to single models. Among the 26 environmental factors, precipitation of the wettest quarter (12.00%), maximum temperature of the warmest month (11.58%), and annual normalized difference vegetation index (11.29%) had the greatest contributions to suitable habitats distribution of Ph. sinensis. Under the climatic conditions from 1991 to 2020, the potential suitable habitat area for Ph. chinensis in Gansu Province was approximately 5.80 × 104 km2, of which the highly suitable area was 1.42 × 104 km2, and primarily concentrated in the southernmost region of Gansu Province. By the 2050s, the unsuitable and lowly suitable areas for Ph. chinensis in Gansu Province had decreased by varying degrees compared to that of 1991 to 2020 period, while the moderately and highly suitable areas exhibited expansion and migration. By the 2090s, under the SSP126 scenario, the suitable habitat area for Ph. chinensis increased significantly, and under the SSP585 scenario, the highly suitable areas transformed into extremely suitable areas, also showing substantial growth. Future global warming is conducive to the survival and reproduction of Ph. chinensis. From the 2050s to the 2090s, the highly suitable areas for Ph. chinensis in Gansu Province will be projected to expand northward. Under the SSP126 scenario, the suitable habitat area for Ph. chinensis in Gansu Province is expected to increase by 194.75% and 204.79% in the 2050s and 2090s, respectively, compared to that of the 1991 to 2020 period. Under the SSP370 scenario, the moderately and highly suitable areas will be projected to increase by 164.40% and 209.03% in the 2050s and 2090s, respectively, while under the SSP585 scenario, they are expected to increase by 195.98% and 211.66%, respectively. Conclusions　The distribution of potential suitable habitats of Ph. sinensis gradually shifts with climatic changes. Intensified surveillance and management of Ph. sinensis is recommended in central and eastern parts of Gansu Province to support early warning of MT⁃ZVL. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Progress of researches on mechanisms underlying immune escape of Plasmodium WU Yuhuang, HE Jing, CAO Xinghang, LI Juntong, SHEN Shuchu, DU Youqin, TAN Chao Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 325-331.   Abstract （314）      PDF（pc） （1041KB）（1226）       Knowledge map    Save Malaria, a parasitic disease caused by infection with the species of Plasmodium and transmitted by Anopheles mosquito bites, is one of the major public health challenges that seriously threaten human health. Malaria parasites present diverse immune escape strategies to escape from the recognition and clearance of the host immune system, which poses a great challenge to the malaria control programme. This review presents the advances in the mechanisms underlying the immune escape of Plasmodium, including antigenic variation, epigenetic regulation, antagonism against IgM antibody, activation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate⁃adenosine monophosphate (GMP⁃AMP) synthase⁃stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS⁃STING) signaling, suppression of splenic immune functions, and molecular camouflage, so as to provide insights into development of malaria vaccines and antimalarial agents and formulation of the malaria control strategy.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Feasibility of the spatiotemporal filtering model for analyzing the spatiotemporal distribution of reported schistosomiasis cases  XU Jiayao, WANG Zengliang, GAO Fenghua, ZHANG Zhijie Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 232-238, 275.   Abstract （304）      PDF（pc） （1718KB）（1660）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the feasibility of the spatiotemporal filtering model in analysis of reported schistosomiasis cases, so as to provide insights into analysis of complicated data pertaining to schistosomiasis control. Methods　Demographic and epidemiological data of reported schistosomiasis cases in Anhui Province from 1997 to 2010 were collected from Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the annual prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum human infections was calculated. The meteorological data were captured from meteorological stations in counties (cities, districts) of Anhui Province where schistosomiasis cases were reported from 1997 to 2010 at the National Meteorological Information Center, including monthly average air temperature and precipitation. Meteorological data were interpolated using the inverse⁃distance weighting method, and the annual average air temperature and annual precipitation were calculated in each county (city, district). The centroid of the county (city, district) where schistosomiasis cases were reported was extracted using the software ArcGIS 10.0, and the Euclidean distance from each centroid to the Yangtze River was calculated as the distance between that county (city, district) and the Yangtze River. The global Moran's I of the prevalence of S. japonicum human infections in Anhui Province for each year from 1997 to 2010 were calculated to analyze the spatial autocorrelation. A spatial weight matrix was constructed using Rook adjacency, and a first⁃order temporal weight matrix was built to quantify the relationship between disease changes over time. Subsequently, a spatiotemporal structure matrix was constructed. A negative binomial model was built based on the spatiotemporal structure matrix and data pertaining to reported schistosomiasis cases, and a linear model was created between the residual of the model and candidate set feature vectors to determine the optimal subset composition of the spatiotemporal filter through stepwise regression. Then, a spatio⁃temporal filtering model was constructed using the negative binomial model. Negative binomial models, Bayesian spatial models, and Bayesian spatiotemporal models were constructed and compared with the spatiotemporal filtering model to validate the performance of the spatiotemporal filtering model, and cross⁃validation was conducted for each model. The goodness of fit was evaluated using the deviance information criterion (DIC) and Watanabe⁃Akaike information criterion (WAIC), and the effectiveness of model validation was assessed using mean squared error (MSE), while the accuracy of assessment results was assessed using coefficients and their 95% confidence intervals (CI), and the computational efficiency was assessed based on the running time of the model. The four feature vectors with the largest Moran's I values were selected to identify regions with autocorrelation through their schematic diagrams to investigate the differences in spatiotemporal patterns of specific regions.       Results　Of all models created, the spatiotemporal filtering model exhibited the highest goodness of fit (DIC = 3 240.70, WAIC = 3 257.80), the best model validation effectiveness (MSE = 42 617.52), and the runtime was 3.18 s, exhibiting the optimal performance. Across all modeling results, the distance from the Yangtze River showed a negative correlation with the number of reported schistosomiasis cases (coefficient values = -4.93 to -3.78, none of the 95% CIs included 0), and annual average air temperature or average precipitation posed no significant effects on numbers of reported schistosomiasis cases (both of the 95% CIs included 0). Schematic diagrams of feature vectors showed that the transmission of schistosomiasis might be associated with water systems in Anhui Province, and localized clustering patterns were primarily concentrated in the northern and western parts of schistosomiasis⁃endemic areas in the province. Conclusion　The spatiotemporal filtering model is an effective spatiotemporal analysis characterized by simple modeling, user⁃friendly operation, accurate results and good flexibility, which may serve as an efficient alternative to conventional complex spatiotemporal models for data analysis in schistosomiasis researches. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Global epidemiology and control strategies of Chikungunya virus: a review RONG Heng, DING Yuhan, NING Shuo, GE Yiyue, CUI Lunbiao Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (5): 455-464.   Abstract （281）      PDF（pc） （1041KB）（536）       Knowledge map    Save Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, has recently rapidly spread across the world, which poses a huge threat to public health. Chikungunya fever (CHIKF), caused by CHIKV infection, typically manifests as acute febrile illness with severe polyarthralgia that may persist for months to years. A few severe CHIKF cases may be accompanied by serious neurological complications, even resulting in death. The accelerating global expansion of CHIKV is closely associated with genetic variations of the virus, and mutated genes in CHIKV may augment the virus adaptability to Aedes vectors and transmission efficiency. Currently, the diagnosis of the CHIKV infection primarily relies on molecular and serological assays; however, there are still multiple challenges for early and differential diagnosis of CHIKV infections due to co⁃infections with arboviruses and nonspecific early symptoms. The first prophylactic vaccine for CHIKF has been recently approved in the United States; however, the large⁃scale application still awaits further validations. More importantly, there are no licensed antiviral therapies against CHIKV until now. This review describes the structure and pathogenesis of CHIKV, summarizes the latest epidemiology and advances in the diagnosis of CHIKV infections, and depicts the current status and prospects of antiviral agents and vaccine development, so as to inform evidence⁃based prevention and control strategies.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Impact of the number of microsatellite markers on the analysis of population genetic diversity of Schistosoma japonicum LONG Juan, MA Lang, ZONG Hongying, ZHOU Zhipeng, YAN Hao, ZHAO Qinping Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 239-246.   Abstract （279）      PDF（pc） （1112KB）（1596）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To examine the impact of different numbers of microsatellite markers on the analysis of population genetic diversity of Schistosoma japonicum, so as to provide insights into studies on the population genetic diversity of S. japonicum. Methods　Oncomelania hupensis snails were collected from a wasteland in Gong'an County, Hubei Province, and 37 S. japonicum⁃infected O. hupensis snails were identified using the cercarial shedding method. A single cercaria released from each S. japonicum⁃infected O. hupensis snail was collected, and 10 cercariae were randomly collected from DNA extraction. Nine previously validated microsatellite loci and 15 additional microsatellite loci screened from literature review and the GenBank database and confirmed with stable amplification efficiency were selected as molecular markers. Genomic DNA from cercariae was subjected to three multiplex PCR amplifications of microsatellite markers with the Type⁃it Microsatellite PCR kit, and genotyped using capillary electrophoresis. The population genetic diversity of S. japonicum cercariae DNA was analyzed with observed number of alleles (Na), effective number of alleles (Ae), observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), and polymorphism information content (PIC), and tested for Hardy⁃Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and linkage disequilibrium (LD). To further investigate the impact of the number of microsatellite loci on the population genetic diversity of S. japonicum, the number of microsatellite markers was sequentially assigned from 1 to 24, and the mean and standard deviation of Na were calculated for S. japonicum populations at different locus numbers. In addition, the coefficient of variation (CV) of allelic number (defined as the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean) was determined, and the variation in Na with increasing microsatellite locus numbers was analyzed. Results　Genomic DNA from 345 S. japonicum cercariae was selected for genotyping of 24 microsatellite markers, and all 24 microsatellite loci met linkage equilibrium (standardized linkage disequilibrium coefficient D′ < 0.7, r2 < 0.3) and deviated from Hardy⁃Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.001). The mean Na, Ae, Ho and He were 27.46 ± 2.18, 12.46 ± 0.95, 0.46 ± 0.03, and 0.91 ± 0.01 for 24 microsatellite loci in S. japonicum cercarial populations, respectively, and PIC ranged from 0.85 to 0.96, indicating high genome⁃wide representativeness of 24 microsatellite loci. The mean value of Na-Ae was higher in genotyping with 9 previously validated microsatellite loci (19.88 ± 8.43) than with all 24 loci (14.99 ± 8.09). As the number of microsatellite loci increased, the mean Na showed no significant variation; however, the standard deviation gradually decreased. Notably, if the locus number reached 18 or more, the variation in the standard deviation of Na remarkably reduced. In addition, the standard deviation of Na at 18 loci was less than 5% of the mean Na at 24 loci, with a CV of 4.6%. Conclusions　The number of microsatellite loci significantly affects the population genetic diversity analysis of S. japonicum. Eighteen or more microsatellite loci are recommended for analysis of the population genetic diversity of S. japonicum under the current conditions of low⁃prevalence infection and unbalanced genetic distribution of S. japonicum. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control programme in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2023 PU Chen, ZHANG Yu, WAN Jiajia, WANG Nannan, SHANG Jingye, XU Liang, CHEN Ling, CHEN Lin, WU Zisong, ZHONG Bo, LIU Yang Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 284-288.   Abstract （276）      PDF（pc） （1106KB）（1153）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control programme in Sichuan Province during the stage moving from transmission interruption to elimination (2015—2023), so as to provide insights into formulation of the schistosomiasis control measures during the post⁃elimination stage. Methods　Schistosomiasis control data were retrospectively collected from departments of health, agriculture and rural affairs, forestry and grassland, water resources, and natural resources in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2023, and a database was created to document examinations and treatments of human and livestock schistosomiasis, and snail survey and control, conversion of paddy fields to dry fields, ditch hardening, rivers and lakes management and building of forests for snail control and schistosomiasis prevention. The completion of schistosomiasis control measures was investigated, and the effectiveness was evaluated. Results　A total of 20 545 155 person⁃times received human schistosomiasis examinations in Sichuan Province during the period from 2015 to 2023, and 232 157 person⁃times were seropositive, with a reduction in the seroprevalence from 2.10% (44 299/2 107 003) in 2015 to 1.12% (9 361/837 896) in 2023 ([χ2] = 7.68, P < 0.001). The seroprevalence of human schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a decline in Sichuan Province over years from 2015 to 2023 (b = -8.375，t = -10.052，P < 0.001); however, no egg positive individuals were identified during the period from 2018 to 2023, with the prevalence of human Schistosoma japonicum infections maintained at 0. Expanded chemotherapy was administered to 2 754 515 person⁃times, and medical assistance of advanced schistosomiasis was given to 6 436 person⁃times, with the treatment coverage increasing from 46.80% (827/1 767) in 2015 to 64.87% (868/1 338) in 2023. Parasitological tests for livestock schistosomiasis were performed in 35 113 herd⁃times, and expanded chemotherapy was administered to 513 043 herd⁃times, while the number of fenced livestock decreased from 121 631 in 2015 to 103 489 in 2023, with a reduction of 14.92%. Snail survey covered 433 621.80 hm2 in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2023, with 204 602.81 hm2 treated by chemical control and 4 637.74 hm2 by environmental modifications. The area of snail habitats decreased from the peak of 5 029.80 hm2 in 2016 to 3 709.72 hm2 in 2023, and the actual area of snail habitats decreased from the peak of 8 585.48 hm2 in 2016 to 473.09 hm2 in 2023. The mean density of living snails remained low across the study period except in 2017 (0.62 snails/0.1 m2). Schistosomiasis control efforts by departments of agriculture and rural affairs in Sichuan Province included conversion of paddy fields to dry fields covering 153 346.93 hm2, hardening of 6 110.31 km ditches, building of 70 356 biogas digesters, replacement of cattle with 227 161 sets of machines, and captive breeding of 21 161 070 livestock from 2015 to 2023, and the control efforts by departments of water resources included rivers and lakes management measuring 5 676.92 km and renovation of 2 331 irrigation areas, while the control efforts by departments of forestry and grassland included building of forests for snail control and schistosomiasis prevention covering 23 913.33 hm2, renovation of snail control forests covering 8 720 hm2 and newly building of shelterbelts covering 764 686.67 hm2. All 63 endemic counties (cities and districts) had achieved the criterion for schistosomiasis elimination criteria in Sichuan Province by the end of 2023. Conclusion　Following the integrated control efforts from 2015 to 2023, remarkable achievements have been obtained in the schistosomiasis control programme in Sichuan Province, with all endemic counties successfully attaining the schistosomiasis elimination target at the county level. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Application of eco⁃immunology in parasitology and parasitic diseases research: a review WANG Xu, YIN Jianhai, LIU Hua, HAN Shuai, HU Yuan, SHEN Yujuan, CAO Jianping Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 428-433, 446.   Abstract （269）      PDF（pc） （1122KB）（1559）       Knowledge map    Save As an emerging interdisciplinary field bridging ecology and immunology, eco⁃immunology focuses on the co⁃evolutionary dynamics between hosts and parasites within natural environments, and aims to unravel the ecological mechanisms underlying the formation of host immune strategies, so as to provide new insights into parasitology and parasitic diseases research. Based on case studies of diverse host⁃parasite systems, including insects⁃protozoans, fish⁃cestodes, amphibians⁃nematodes, reptiles⁃arthropods, birds⁃ectoparasites, and mammals⁃helminths, this review summarizes critical eco⁃immunological principles, including host tolerance trade⁃offs under resource constraints, transgenerational epigenetic adaptation, nutrition⁃immunity interactions, and immune conflicts triggered by multiparasite co⁃infections. In addition, the article discusses the feasibility and practical pathways of ecological management and interventions to achieve biodiversity conservation and disease control based on the eco⁃immunological theory, so as to provide innovative insights into responses to address ecological conservation and public health challenges in the context of global changes. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Effectiveness of an artificial intelligence⁃enabled microscopic imaging recognition system for detection of Schistosoma japonicum eggs CHEN Lu, LUO Hongwei, WU Chunjiang, WAN Junfang, WU Jiali, LIU Haobing, LI Bin, YANG Shunyi Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 415-419.   Abstract （264）      PDF（pc） （1398KB）（464）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To evaluate the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence (AI)⁃enabled microscopic imaging recognition system integrated in the modified Kato⁃Katz thick smear technique for detection of Schistosoma japonicum eggs, so as to provide insights into precise control and elimination of schistosomiasis. Methods　In October 2023, 20 fecal samples were collected from healthy residents negative for S. japonicum infection in Wuhan City, and each fecal sample was prepared into 4 Kato⁃Katz test slides, with 3 slides added S. japonicum egg suspensions with concentrations of approximately 25, 10, and 5 eggs per 10 μL, respectively, and one untreated. A total of 80 Kato⁃Katz test slides were prepared, and were divided into mild, moderate, and severe infection groups, and a negative control group, according to the number of eggs per gram of feces on each slide, with 20 slides in each group. S. japonicum eggs were detected on 80 Kato⁃Katz test slides with the AI⁃enabled microscopic imaging recognition system and manual microscopy, and the differences were compared between the two methods in terms of average detection time, accurate rate of qualitative detection, accurate rate of quantitative detection, percentage of missed detection, and percentage of false detection. Results　The average detection time of the imaging recognition system was longer than manual microscopy for detection of S. japonicum eggs on Kato⁃Katz test slides in all groups [(16.70 ± 0.01) min vs. (15.78 ± 2.11) min; t = 3.90, P < 0.05]. The detection time of the imaging recognition system was shorter than manual microscopy for detection of S. japonicum eggs on Kato⁃Katz test slides in the severe infection group (t = -3.91, P < 0.05), but was longer than manual microscopy in the the mild infection group (t = 5.03, P < 0.05) and the negative control group (t = 8.37, P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in the detection time between the two methods in the moderate infection group (t = -0.09, P > 0.05). In addition, the imaging recognition system [97.50% (78/80) and 91.67% (55/60)] had higher accurate rates of both qualitative and quantitative detections than manual microscopy [81.25% (65/80) and 31.67% (19/60)] ([χ2] = 11.08 and 34.11, both P values < 0.05), and the imaging recognition system had a lower percentage of missed detection in the infection groups [3.33% (2/60)] and a lower percentage of false detection in the negative control group (0) than manual microscopy [13.33% (8/60) and 35.00% (7/20)] ([χ2] = 6.07, 5.14, both P values < 0.05). Conclusions　The AI⁃enabled microscopic imaging recognition system is effective to improve the accuracy for detection of S. japonicum eggs with the Kato⁃Katz technique, and is accurate to quantify and simple to perform, which may provide technical support for diagnosis of schistosomiasis and other parasitic diseases. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Preliminary study on the biological characteristics of heat shock cognate protein 20 of Schistosoma japonicum YU Xingang, YUAN Kaijian, LI Yilong, MU Xuanru, XU Hui, LI Qiaoyu, ZENG Wenjing, FU Zhiqiang, HONG Yang Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 294-303.   Abstract （263）      PDF（pc） （1631KB）（1406）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To clone and express the heat shock cognate protein 20 (SjHsc20) of Schistosoma japonicum, and to preliminarily investigate its biological characteristics. Methods　The target fragment of the SjHsc20 gene was amplified using PCR assay and cloned into the pET⁃28a(+) expression plasmid to generate the recombinant expression vector pET⁃28a(+)⁃SjHsc20, which was then transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) competent cells. The recombinant SjHsc20 (rSjHsc20) protein was induced with isopropyl β⁃D⁃thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) and purified, and the expression of the rSjHsc20 protein was checked with sodium dodecyl sulfate⁃polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS⁃PAGE). The immunogenicity of the rSjHsc20 protein was detected using Western blotting, and the transcriptional levels of SjHsc20 were quantified in S. japonicum worms at different developmental stages and in male and female adult worms using real⁃time quantitative PCR (RT⁃qPCR) assay. Thirty female BALB/c mice at ages 6 to 8 weeks were divided into three groups, including the rSjHsc20 immunization group, the PBS control group, and the ISA 206 adjuvant group, of 10 mice in each group. Mice in the rSjHsc20 immunization group were subcutaneously immunized with 20 μg rSjHsc20 on days 1, 15 and 31, and animals in the PBS control group were subcutaneously injected with the same volume of PBS on days 1, 15 and 31, while mice in the ISA 206 adjuvant group were subcutaneously immunized with the same volume of ISA 206 adjuvant on days 1, 15 and 31, respectively. All mice in each group were infected with (40 ± 2) S. japonicum cercariae via the abdomen 14 day following the last immunization. Levels of serum specific IgG and its subtypes IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies against rSjHsc20, and the serum titers of anti⁃rSjHsc20 antibody were detected in mice using indirect enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All mice were sacrifice 42 days post⁃infection, and S. japonicum worms were collected from the hepatic portal vein and counted. The eggs per gram (EPG) , worm burden reductions and egg burden reductions were estimated to evaluate the protective efficacy of the rSjHsc20 protein. Results　The SjHsc20 gene had an open reading frame (ORF) with 756 bp in length and encoded 252 amino acids, and the rSjHsc20 protein had a relative molecular mass of approximately 29 kDa. The rSjHsc20 protein was recognized by the serum of mice infected with S. japonicum and the serum of mice immunized with the rSjHsc20 protein, indicating that rSjHsc20 had a good immunogenicity. There was a significant difference in the transcriptional levels of the SjHsc20 gene among the 7⁃day (1.001 4 ± 0.065 7), 12⁃day (2.268 3 ± 0.129 2), 21⁃day (1.378 5 ± 0.160 4), 28⁃day (1.196 4 ± 0.244 0), 35⁃day (1.646 3 ± 0.226 1), 42⁃day worms of S. japonicum (1.758 0 ± 0.611 1) (F = 38.45, P < 0.000 1), and the transcriptional level of the SjHsc20 gene was higher in the 12⁃day worms than in worms at other developmental stages (all P values < 0.000 1). The serum levels of anti⁃rSjHsc20 IgG antibody were 0.106 6 ± 0.010 7, 0.108 3 ± 0.010 4, and 0.553 2 ± 0.069 1 in the PBS control group, ISA 206 adjuvant group, and rSjHsc20 immunization group following the last immunization, respectively, and the serum levels of IgG1 antibody were 0.137 3 ± 0.054 0, 0.181 1 ± 0.096 8, and 1.765 8 ± 0.221 1, while the levels of IgG2a antibody were 0.280 3 ± 0.197 6, 0.274 0 ± 0.146 3, and 1.560 4 ± 0.106 0, respectively. There were significant differences in the serum levels of anti⁃rSjHsc20 IgG (F = 397.70, P < 0.000 1), IgG1 (F = 401.00, P < 0.000 1) and IgG2a antibodies (F = 229.70, P < 0.000 1) among the three groups, and the serum levels of anti⁃rSjHsc20 IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies were higher in the rSjHsc20 immunization group than in the PBS control group and the ISA 206 adjuvant group (all P values < 0.000 1). There was a significant difference in the IgG1/IgG2a ratio among the rSjHsc20 immunization group (1.177 2 ± 0.143 6), the PBS control group (0.428 4 ± 0.199 8) and the ISA 206 adjuvant group (0.559 9 ± 0.181 1) (F = 43.97, P < 0.000 1), and the IgG1/IgG2a ratio was > 1 in the rSjHsc20 immunization group, which was higher than in the PBS control group and the ISA 206 adjuvant group (both P values < 0.000 1). The titers of serum anti⁃rSjHsc20 antibody were all above 1∶16 384 in the rSjHsc20 immunization group following immunizations on days 1, 15 and 31, indicating that the rSjHsc20 protein had a strong immunogenicity. The mean worm burdens were (16.60 ± 5.75), (15.80 ± 5.58) worms per mouse and (14.40 ± 5.75) worms per mouse in the PBS control group, the ISA 206 adjuvant group and the rSjHsc20 immunization group 42 days post⁃infection with S. japonicum cercariae (F = 0.50, P > 0.05), and the EPG  were 68 370 ± 22 690, 67 972 ± 19 502, and 41 075 ± 13 251 in the PBS control group, the ISA 206 adjuvant group and the rSjHsc20 immunization group (F = 4.55, P < 0.05), with lower EPG in the PBS control group and the ISA 206 adjuvant group than in the rSjHsc20 immunization group (both P values < 0.05). Immunization with the rSjHsc20 protein resulted in a worm burden reduction of 13.25% and an egg burden reduction of 39.92% relative to the PBS control group.  Conclusions　SjHsc20 is successfully cloned and expressed, and the rSjHsc20 protein induces partial immunoprotective effects in mice, which provides a basis for deciphering the biological functions of SjHsc20 and assessing the potential of SjHsc20 as a vaccine candidate. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Strategies and practices for joint prevention and control of cross⁃border infectious diseases between Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China and Vietnam CAI Jianfeng, MENG Jun, HU Liping, JIANG Zhihua, LAN Guanghua Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (5): 451-454, 493.   Abstract （263）      PDF（pc） （1069KB）（700）       Knowledge map    Save This article discusses the important role and practical experience of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region as a bridgehead between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the joint prevention and control of cross⁃border infectious diseases between China and Vietnam. The cross⁃border transmission of infectious diseases has been effectively managed in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region through a package of strategies, including government leadership, construction of the joint prevention and control mechanism, establishment of dialogue platforms, collaboration of scientific researches, and personnel exchange and training; however, there are still challenges. Further deepening of collaboration is required to meet future needs for infectious disease prevention and control. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Balamuthia mandrillaris amebic encephalitis in children: a case report CHEN Tianyu, JIN Danqun, YE Huan Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 447-450.   Abstract （261）      PDF（pc） （1249KB）（397）       Knowledge map    Save Balamuthia mandrillaris amebic encephalitis is a rare but highly fatal parasitic disease in the central nervous system caused by amebae infections. This disease is characterized by complex, diverse and non⁃specific clinical manifestations and high difficulty in diagnosis, resulting in a high likelihood of missing diagnosis and misdiagnosis. This article presents the diagnosis and treatment of a child with definitive diagnosis B. mandrillaris amebic encephalitis as revealed by metagenomic next⁃generation sequencing of cerebrospinal fluids, so as to provide insights into clinical diagnosis and treatment of B. mandrillaris amebic encephalitis. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Characterization and phylogenetic evolution of tick⁃derived Rickettsiales and emerging viruses in northern Jiangsu Province CHEN Guoqing, MEI Wei, JIANG Shangde, TAO Luqiu, JI Yuxi, CUI Qian, ZHANG Hongjun, AN Ran, XU Bing, WANG Wei Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 380-386, 414.   Abstract （259）      PDF（pc） （4225KB）（247）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the tick species, and tick⁃derived Rickettsiales bacteria and recently emerging tick⁃derived viruses in hilly and costal mudflat wetland settings in northern Jiangsu Province, so as to provide insights into management of tick⁃borne tropical diseases in northern Jiangsu Province.  Methods　Ticks were sampled from hilly settings in Yuyi County, Huai'an City and coastal mudflat wetland settings in Jiangsu Yancheng Wetlands & Rare Birds National Nature Reserve in Tinghu District, Yancheng City on April, 2025. Following characterization of tick species, nucleic acid was isolated from ticks under a sterile condition, and tick⁃derived pathogens were detected using nested and semi⁃nested real⁃time PCR assays, including Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Yezo virus, Alongshan virus, Songling virus, Beiji nairovirus and Wetland virus. The PCR amplification products were sequenced for analysis of phylogenetic evolution and genetic characteristics.  Results　A total of 154 ticks were captured, including 114 from Huai'an City and 40 from Yancheng City, and 153 ticks were characterized as Haemaphysalis longicornis and one as H. flava. A total of 5 ticks were tested positive for Rickettsiales bacteria and viruses by semi⁃nested real⁃time PCR assay (3.25%), including 4 ticks from hilly settings in Xuyi County, Huai'an City, tested positive for Anaplasma, and one tick from coastal mudflat wetland settings in Tinghu District, Yancheng City, tested positive for Rickettsia; however, ticks were tested negative for Ehrlichia, or recently emerging Yezo virus, Alongshan virus, Songling virus, Beiji nairovirus or Wetland virus. Sequence alignment using BLASTn and phylogenetic analysis revealed that genetic differentiation occurred in four A. bovis isolates in one species of A. bovis, with two genetic clades generated, and one R. japonica variant was identified, with its nucleotide sequences highly homologous to Shandong isolates of R. japonica. Conclusions　Ticks are widely distributed in hilly and costal mudflat wetland settings in northern Jiangsu Province, and tick⁃derived pathogens have a genetic diversity. Tick⁃borne Anaplasma and Rickettsia pose a zoonotic potential.   Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in Shenzhen City in 2024 WAN Jia, NIU Cong, LIU Wei, LIN Liangqiang, YANG Fan, LÜ Ziquan, ZHANG Zhen, FENG Tiejian, LU Jianhua, KONG Dongfeng Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (5): 517-523.   Abstract （259）      PDF（pc） （1575KB）（654）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in Shenzhen City in 2024, so as to provide insights into formulation of the preventive and control measures for dengue fever.  Methods　The epidemiological data of dengue cases reported in Shenzhen City in 2024 were extracted from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System and field epidemiological survey data of dengue fever in Shenzhen City, and the temporal, regional and population distributions of dengue fever cases, source of acquire dengue virus infections, disease diagnosis and treatment and outbreaks were analyzed. The dengue virus nucleic acid was tested and the serotypes of dengue virus were characterized using real⁃time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT⁃qPCR) assay, and the dengue virus gene was sequenced using next⁃generation sequencing (NGS). In addition, the surveillance on the density of Aedes albopictus was performed using Breteau index (BI) and mosquito oviposition index (MOI).  Results　A total of 1 735 dengue fever cases were reported in Shenzhen City in 2024, including 952 local cases and 783 imported cases. Most imported dengue fever cases acquired infections from eight cities of Foshan, Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Dongguan, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, and Zhuhai in the Pearl River Delta region (664 cases, 84.8% of total imported cases) into Baoan, Longgang, and Nanshan districts. The epidemic exhibited an early onset and rapid progression, peaking during the period between September and November (1 632 cases, 94.1% of total cases), and dengue fever cases were distributed across 73 subdistricts in 10 districts, with most cases reported in densely populated central and western regions. The dengue fever cases had a male⁃to⁃female ratio of 1.9 ∶ 1, and a median age of 37 (21) years, with a higher median age among local cases than among imported cases [40 (20) years vs. 33(15) years; Z = -10.303, P < 0.05]. Housework, unemployment, workers, and business service were predominant occupations (1 405 cases, 81.0% of total cases), and there was a significant difference in the constituent ratio of occupations between local and imported cases ([χ2] = 92.3, P < 0.05). Among the 1 735 dengue fever cases, the median duration from onset to definitive diagnosis was 3.3 (2.9) days, and 1 686 cases (97.2%) were identified in healthcare facilities, with a low rate of hospitalization and isolation seen in 1 701 inpatients with available epidemiological data (485 cases, 28.5% of total inpatients). A total of 29 outbreaks of dengue fever occurred in Shenzhen City across 2024, which primarily in construction sites (27 outbreaks, 93.1% of total). Dengue virus typeⅠwas the dominant serotype causing dengue fever in Shenzhen City in 2024. Sequencing showed that the genomes of dengue virus from multiple dengue fever cases in Shenzhen City shared a high sequence homology with those from cities neighboring Shenzhen City, and there might be intra⁃city transmission of dengue virus among multiple construction sites in Shenzhen City. The Aedes albopictus density was significantly higher in Shenzhen City in 2024 than in 2023, peaking from May to September. The annual MOI values ranged from 0.9 to 14.0, and the BI values ranged from 0.6 to 6.0. Conclusions　The overall epidemic of dengue fever was severe in Shenzhen City in 2024, which was greatly affected by case importation from neighboring cities, construction sites⁃centered local transmission, and the effectives of routine mosquito vector control was not satisfactory. Integrated dengue fever control measures should be implemented, focusing on regional joint prevention and control mechanisms, capacity building for mosquito vector control, addressing challenges in epidemic containment at construction sites, and strengthening case detection and management systems. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Expert consensus on the ultrasound diagnostic pathway for schistosomiasis japonica⁃induced hepatic fibrosis LI Bo, LI Shizhu, XU Jing, GUO Zhaoyu, WU Zhongdao, WU Haiwei, RICHTER Joachim, NING An, WEN Liyong, ZHANG Shiqing, LIN Dandan, YANG Kun, HUA Haiyong, SUN Xi, YUAN Yi, LI Huazhong, YANG Miyang, HE Dehui, CAO Chengbin, WU Bin, ZHU Longqiang, YAN Feixiong, ZHENG Mao, WANG Hongbo, PAN Ge, TIAN Ying, LI Jun, LI Weixiang, DUAN Juan, GONG Chun, REN Guanghui, SHI Yingrui, ZHOU Xiaonong Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (6): 569-579.   Abstract （258）      PDF（pc） （3344KB）（241）       Knowledge map    Save Due to non⁃invasive and repeatable characteristics, ultrasound, which may clearly display hepatic fibrosis and related pathologies caused by Schistosoma infections, is a vital tool for schistosomiasis screening and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in endemic areas. With the progress towards elimination of schistosomiasis, there is an increasing reduction in new infections in China, and intensified management of previous infections and a delayed progress of hepatic fibrosis are therefore critical to the target of schistosomiasis elimination in the country. On May 2025, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention convened an international seminar on ultrasound diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica⁃induced hepatic fibrosis, which included over 30 experts from China, Switzerland and the United States, and achieved on expert consensus on the ultrasound diagnostic pathway for schistosomiasis japonica⁃induced hepatic fibrosis, based on a review of the historical development of standardization of ultrasound diagnosis, aiming to provide insights into the application of ultrasound technology in guiding the formulation of screening of schistosomiasis⁃induced hepatic fibrosis and interventions.   Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Metagenomic next⁃generation sequencing technology and its application in diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii infection: a review XUE Ting, DU Weiqin, ZHAO Yujing, XU Jia Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 434-446.   Abstract （257）      PDF（pc） （1246KB）（984）       Knowledge map    Save Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic fungal pathogen causing fatal Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) among immunocompromised patients. Conventional pathogen detection methods have limitations, which hinders early diagnosis and treatment of PJP, resulting in misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis, and high mortality rates. Metagenomic next⁃generation sequencing (mNGS), which is high in sensitivity and specificity for pathogen detection, enables accurate detection of P. jirovecii and P. jirovecii co⁃infection with other pathogens, which facilitates timely diagnosis and treatment of PJP. This review summarizes the advances in mNGS technology and its application in diagnosis of PJP, highlighting its critical clinical value in improving diagnostic effectiveness, guiding clinical therapy, and preventing nosocomial transmission of PJP. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Skin flora, odor and malaria transmission SONG Xiumei, WANG Jingwen Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 344-345, 379.   Abstract （257）      PDF（pc） （1144KB）（475）       Knowledge map    Save Malaria, which is transmitted primarily by bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes, is a mosquito⁃borne infectious disease that poses a serious threat to human health. Host body odor is a key factor to attract Anopheles mosquitoes. Upon Plasmodium infection, host body odors change, leading to increased attractiveness to female Anopheles mosquitoes; however, the underlying mechanisms remain clear. A recent study reported remarkable changes of skin flora and volatile substances in mice following Plasmodium infections, and ethylbenzene was found to increase host attractiveness to mosquitoes, which provides new insights into development of novel malaria control strategies. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Diagnostic value of the inquiry examination method for taeniasis based on the receiver operating characteristic curve  LIU Jianfeng, WANG Wenya, ZHANG Mizhen, ZHOU Changhai, LIU Liu, ZHAO Luyuan, LI Keron, ZHANG Dongqi, LIU Yuhua, LIU Hongkun, CHEN Shaorong, QIAN Menbao, LI Shizhu Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 346-354.   Abstract （248）      PDF（pc） （1503KB）（312）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To evaluate the value of inquiry examinations for diagnosis of taeniasis in field investigations, so as to provide insights into improving the efficiency and accuracy of taeniasis control programmes.  Methods　Four taeniasis⁃endemic villages were sampled in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province in October 2023 as survey sites, and at least 305 permanent residents at ages of over 3 years were randomly sampled from each site. Face⁃to⁃face inquiries were performed with structured questionnaires to investigate participants' history and frequency of proglottids release during the past year, consumption of raw or undercooked meat products or pork liver during the past six months, history and time of deworming. Participants' stool samples were collected, and Taenia eggs were detected in stool samples using Kato⁃Katz technique (two slides of one stool sample). Egg⁃positive individuals or participants with a history of proglottids release during the past year were given diagnostic deworming with areca nuts and pumpkin seeds. The detection of Taenia eggs using Kato⁃Katz technique and release of Taenia worms or proglottids following diagnostic deworming served as a gold standard to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of inquiry examinations for taeniasis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of inquiry examinations for diagnosis of taeniasis were plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. In addition, Taenia worms or proglottids released following diagnostic deworming were subjected to multiplex PCR assay and Sanger sequencing for species identification.  Results　A total of 1 842 participants were included, and 1 842 valid questionnaires were recovered. A total of 1 533 stool samples were collected, among which 25 egg⁃positives were identified. Questionnaire surveys showed that 1 305 respondents had consumed raw or undercooked meat products during the past six months, and 42 respondents had a history of proglottids release during the past year. Diagnostic deworming was given to on the aforementioned 25 egg⁃positive individuals and 42 participants who self⁃reported a history of proglottids release during the past year, and 33 participants had a release of complete worms. Following exclusion of records of individuals receiving deworming during the past 3 months, during the past year, and all participants with a history of deworming, the AUCs were 0.767 (Z = 4.71, P < 0.001), 0.762 (Z = 4.51, P < 0.001), and 0.762 (Z = 4.52, P < 0.001) for diagnosis of Taenia infections with "self⁃reported history of proglottids release during the past year", respectively, and pairwise comparisons showed no statistically significant differences (D values, -0.005 to 0.328; all P values > 0.05). Following exclusion of records of individuals receiving deworming during the past 3 months, during the past year, and all participants with a history of deworming, the AUCs were 0.797 (Z = 4.71, P < 0.001), 0.835 (Z = 4.17, P < 0.001), and 0.847 (Z = 3.98, P < 0.001) for diagnosis of Taenia infections with "self⁃reported history of twice proglottids releases", respectively, and pairwise comparisons showed no statistically significant differences (D values, -0.43 to -0.10; all P values > 0.05). Following exclusion of records of all individuals receiving deworming, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of "self⁃reported history of twice proglottids releases" were 87.50% and 81.82%, respectively. Following exclusion of records of individuals receiving deworming at different intervals, the AUCs were 0.529 to 0.532 for diagnosis of Taenia infections with "self⁃reported consumption of raw or undercooked meat products or pork liver during the past 6 months" (all P values > 0.05). Among 33 individuals with releases of complete Taenia worms, 31 individuals were identified with T. asiatica infections (93.94%), with a mean worm burden of (1.39 ± 0.72) worms/person, and 2 were identified with T. saginata infections (6.06%), with one worm in each participant. Conclusions　A history of Taenia proglottids release during the past year as revealed by inquiry examinations exhibit a diagnostic value for taeniasis and may serve as an initial screening tool for field taeniasis screening. Increasing the frequency of Taenia proglottids release during inquiry examinations and exclusion of records of individuals receiving deworming during the analysis may improve the value for diagnosis of taeniasis.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Establishment and preliminary evaluation of recombinase⁃aided isothermal nucleic acid amplification combined with nanopore sequencing for identification of Plasmodium species LIN Wen'ai, CHEN Liying, ZHANG Cheng, WEI Huagui, TANG Caiqun, WANG Rong, LIN Liyun, LIN Min Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 355-361.   Abstract （248）      PDF（pc） （1622KB）（560）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To develop a novel assay based on recombinase⁃aided isothermal nucleic acid amplification (RAA) and nanopore sequencing for species identification of Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and P. falciparum, and to preliminarily assess its detection performance. Methods　Dried blood spot samples were collected from 89 malaria patients. Genomic DNA of Plasmodium was extracted from dried blood spots using the Chelex⁃100 method, and the species of Plasmodium was identified using TaqMan real⁃time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription PCR, real⁃time quantitative reverse transcriptoin PCR(RT⁃qPCR) and nested PCR (nPCR) assays. Then, 8 sets of specific RAA primers were designed targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) genes of P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and P. falciparum. The optimal primer combination was selected for amplification of the extracted Plasmodium DNA samples, and the 49 samples with the best amplification effect were selected for nanopore sequencing. The species identification of 49 dried blood spot samples from malaria patients was compared by RT⁃qPCR assay, nPCR assay and RAA⁃nanopore sequencing, and the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of RT⁃qPCR assay and RAA⁃nanopore sequencing were evaluated with nPCR identification as the gold standard.  Results　RAA amplification showed that among the 8 primer combinations, only the F1R2 combination produced a single fragment, and the band of the amplification product was the brightest; therefore, this primer combination was selected for RAA amplification of 89 Plasmodium genomic DNA samples. RAA⁃nanopore sequencing successfully amplified the 18S rRNA gene of 4 Plasmodium species in dried blood spot samples from malaria patients. Among the blood spot samples positive for RAA amplification, 49 samples with a single, clear and bright target band were selected for nanopore sequencing. Of these 49 samples, nPCR identified P. falciparum infection in 22 samples, P. malariae infection in 6 samples, P. vivax infection in 6 samples, P. ovale infection in 14 samples and P. falciparum⁃P. malariae mixed infection in one sample, and RT⁃qPCR detected P. falciparum infection in 25 samples, P. malariae infection in 5 samples, P. vivax infection in 6 samples and P. ovale infection in 14 samples, while RAA⁃nanopore sequencing identified P. falciparum infection in 23 samples, P. malariae infection in 6 samples, P. vivax infection in 6 samples, P. ovale infection in 13 samples and P. falciparum⁃P. malariae mixed infection in one sample. If nPCR assay served as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of RAA⁃nanopore sequencing were 92.00%, 97.33% and 96.00% for species identification of malaria parasites, which were higher than those (88.24%, 97.32%, and 95.00%) of the RT⁃qPCR assay. Conclusions　The RAA⁃nanopore sequencing established in this study is sensitive, specific and accurate for identifying Plasmodium species, which may serve as a supplementary approach to conventional techniques for detection of malaria parasites. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Evaluation of surgical efficacy in patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis in Gansu Province from 2006 to 2023 CHENG Xixi, FENG Yu, WANG Xu, WANG Zhiyi, LEI Jiaxi, JIANG Mingzhe, YANG Guobing, ZHANG Xiaojuan, YANG Shijie, WANG Liying Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 247-254.   Abstract （237）      PDF（pc） （1150KB）（1623）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy for surgical treatments among patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis in Gansu Province, so as to provide insights into optimization of the diagnosis and treatment strategies against hepatic cystic echinococcosis. Methods　The demographic and clinical data of all echinococcosis cases included in central government fiscal transfer payment program for echinococcosis control and undergoing surgical treatments in Gansu Province from 2006 to 2023 were captured. Hepatic cystic echinococcosis patients with complete medical records and follow⁃up data were included in the study, and patients' characteristics, including hospital where patients received diagnosis and treatment, methods of case identification, year of surgery, classification of lesions, number of lesions, size of lesions, course of disease, surgical methods, and post⁃surgical follow⁃up data. The cure and recurrence of hepatic cystic echinococcosis were evaluated according to the Guidelines for Management of Echinococcosis Patients in the Central Government Fiscal Transfer Payment Program, and the cure and recurrent rates were calculated. Results　Data were collected from 1 686 surgical patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 1 222 hepatic cystic echinococcosis patients undergoing surgical treatments were included during the period from 2006 to 2022, including 1 166 cured patients (95.42%) and 88 patients with post⁃surgical recurrence (7.20%), and the cure rate of surgical treatments appeared a tendency towards a rise among patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis from 2008 to 2022 ([χ2]trend = 19.39, P < 0.05). The cure rates of hepatic cystic echinococcosis were 100% (177/177), 94.81% (128/135) and 94.62% (861/910) among patients detected through regular physical examinations, screened by the central government fiscal transfer payment program for echinococcosis control, and those who passively sought healthcare services, respectively ([χ2] = 9.95, P < 0.05). The cure rates of hepatic cystic echinococcosis were 95.96% (1 046/1 090) among patients with a disease course of 2 years and less and 90.90% (120/132) among patients with a disease course of over 2 years ([χ2] = 6.87, P < 0.05), and there were significant differences in the cure rates among patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis in terms of number of lesions ([χ2] = 24.44, P < 0.05) and surgical methods (P < 0.05). The cure rate of hepatic cystic echinococcosis patients was significantly higher following initiation of the central government fiscal transfer payment program for echinococcosis control (96.06%, 1 096/1 141) than before the program (86.42%, 70/81) ([χ2] = 16.06, P < 0.05), and the cure rate of hepatic cystic echinococcosis patients was significantly higher in designated hospitals (96.48%, 741/768) than in non⁃designated hospitals (93.37%, 366/392) ([χ2] = 5.78, P < 0.05). The median follow⁃up period was 4 (interquartile range, 7) years among 1 222 hepatic cystic echinococcosis patients undergoing surgical treatments. The recurrent rate of hepatic cystic echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a decline from 2008 to 2022 ([χ2]trend = 36.86, P < 0.05), with a reduction from 23.08% (9/39) in 2008 to 1.85% (1/54) in 2021, and the post⁃surgical recurrence rate of hepatic cystic echinococcosis was lower following initiation of the central government fiscal transfer payment program for echinococcosis control (5.87%, 67/1 141) than before the program (25.93%, 21/81) ([χ2] = 45.51, P < 0.05). In addition, the post⁃surgical recurrence rate of hepatic cystic echinococcosis was higher in non⁃designated hospitals (10.46%, 41/392) than in designated hospitals (5.60%, 43/768) ([χ2] = 9.12, P < 0.05), and there was a significant difference in the post⁃surgical recurrence rate among patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis in terms of surgical methods (P < 0.05), with the highest recurrence rate (11.54%) seen among patients undergoing percutaneous fine⁃needle aspiration of cyst fluids⁃based surgical procedures (P < 0.05). Conclusion　Since the initiation of the central government fiscal transfer payment program for echinococcosis control in Gansu Province in 2006, an increase in the surgical cure rate and a reduction in the recurrence of hepatic cystic echinococcosis had been found among patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis, indicating a high overall therapeutic efficacy. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases in Chengdu City from 2016 to 2023 FENG Lan, WANG Leyuan, JIANG Xiaojuan, TAN Kaike, LI Peng Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 403-408.   Abstract （236）      PDF（pc） （1180KB）（445）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province from 2016 to 2023, so to provide insights into formulation of the malaria control strategy in the city. ‌Methods　All data pertaining to imported malaria cases reported in Chengdu City during the period from 2016 to 2023 were retrieved from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and the epidemiological characteristics and diagnosis and treatment of imported malaria cases were analyzed. ‌ Results　A total of 463 imported malaria cases were reported in Chengdu City from 2016 to 2023, with Plasmodium falciparum malaria as the predominant type (71.27%, 330/463). Imported malaria cases returned from Africa (94.17%, 436/463), Asia (5.61%, 26/463), and South America (0.22%, 1/463), and were predominantly reported in May, June and December each year. Geographically, imported malaria cases were distributed across 20 counties (districts) in Chengdu City, with most cases (64.15%, 297/463) reported in Jinjiang District, and the male to female ratio of imported malaria cases was 21.05∶1, with most cases diagnosed among migrant labors at ages of 20 to 50 years. There were 35.85% (166/463) of imported malaria cases seeking healthcare services on the day of disease onset, and cases with over 3 days of healthcare⁃seeking following disease onset were primarily farmers and labors at ages of 30 to 50 years. There were 456 imported malaria cases seeking healthcare services for the first time in domestic medical institutions following disease onset, and there were 341 cases with definitive diagnosis at the initial diagnosis (74.78%, 341/456). The domestic institutions with the highest proportion of correct malaria diagnosis at the initial diagnosis were county⁃level medical and health institutions (91.43%, 128/140), followed by city⁃level medical and health institutions (82.45%, 155/188), provincial⁃level medical and health institutions (80.00%, 44/55), and a low proportion of correct malaria diagnosis was seen in township healthcare centers (11.11%, 3/27), village healthcare clinics (0, 0/4) and individual doctors (0, 0/28).  Conclusions　Imported malaria cases in Chengdu City were primarily originated from Africa from 2016 to 2023, with P. falciparum malaria as the predominant type, and the malaria diagnostic capacity was low in grassroots healthcare institutions in the city. Intensified health education for malaria prevention and control targeting labors going to work in Africa and continuous improvements in the malaria diagnostic and treatment capability in healthcare institutions are recommended, in order to reduce the risk of re⁃establishment from imported malaria in Chengdu City. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in Guangzhou City in 2024 DAI Bofeng, LIU Wenhui, ZHEN Ruonan, ZHANG Wei, LU Ying, LIU Yanhui Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (5): 549-554.   Abstract （232）      PDF（pc） （1110KB）（182）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and effectiveness of emergency responses to epidemic foci in Guangzhou City in 2024, so as to optimization of the dengue fever control strategy in Guangzhou City. Methods　All data pertaining to dengue fever cases in Guangzhou City in 2024 were collected from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance Information Reporting System. The temporal, spatial and population distributions of dengue fever cases and sources of infections were descriptively analyzed, and the effectiveness of emergency responses to epidemic foci of dengue fever was evaluated through standard space index (SSI), the interval from disease onset to case reporting and the percentage of isolation in hospital.  Results　A total of 3 656 dengue fever cases were reported in Guangzhou City in 2024, including 3 102 local cases and 554 imported cases. Of all cases, 67.86% (2 481 cases) occurred at ages of 20 to 59 years, and the three most common occupations included housework/unemployment (793 cases, 21.69%), business servants (744 cases, 20.35%) and retirees (669 cases, 18.30%). The peak of dengue fever epidemics was concentrated during the period from the 39th to the 45th weeks in 2024, when a total of 2 317 local cases were reported, accounting for 74.69% of all local cases in 2024. Dengue fever cases were reported across all 11 districts in Guangzhou City in 2024, with local cases concentrated in Baiyun District (754 cases, 24.31%), Liwan District (398 cases, 12.83%), Panyu District (365 cases, 11.77%), Haizhu District (332 cases, 10.70%) and Tianhe District (328 cases, 10.57%). Imported dengue fever cases were predominantly domestically imported (492 cases, 88.81%), with the majority imported from Foshan City (377 cases), and overseas imported cases were predominantly imported from southeastern Asian countries. The mean proportion of case isolation in hospital was 9.16% (284/3 102), and the mean interval from disease onset to case reporting was (3.99 ± 2.70) days, while the percentages of mosquito density meeting the required standard were 61.68% (462/749) and 66.32% (126/190) on the 4th and 7th day of emergency responses to epidemic foci, respectively. Conclusions　The prevention and control cycle of dengue fever in Guangzhou in 2024 took longer than in previous years, with a larger scale of the epidemic. Although some progress has been made in epidemic management, there are still problems such as unsustainable mosquito vector control and low hospitalization isolation rates for cases. Further optimization of control measures in mosquito vector control, case monitoring and management is required to improve the effectiveness of dengue fever control measures. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Practice and effectiveness of the optional parasitology curriculum Two Sides of the Same Coin in Parasitic Diseases among international students for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery program ZHANG Donghui, CHEN Lu, XU Zhipeng, JI Minjun, CHEN Lin Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 310-315.   Abstract （229）      PDF（pc） （1026KB）（1082）       Knowledge map    Save To promote convergence education among national and international students, Nanjing Medical University designed an optional curriculum Two Sides of the Same Coin in Parasitic Diseases among international students for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, and a research⁃based teaching method was employed to teach 31 international students. This curriculum contained three parts, including parasitology⁃related knowledge, basic knowledge and skills of scientific research, and frontier topics in scientific research advances, and the assessment contents included course sign⁃in, classroom activity participation and scientific research presentation. Curriculum evaluation showed 100.0% (8/8) of students in batch 2018—2021, 81.8% (9/11) in batch 2022, and 83.3% (10/12) in batch 2023 with a total score of 80 points and higher, with median scores (interquartile range) of 91.1 (7.0), 90.8 (5.7) points and 90.8 (5.7) points, respectively (H = 0.04, P > 0.05). In addition, a questionnaire survey was performed with a Likert scale to assess the interests in curriculum learning, and the curriculum practicality and importance among 31 international students, and a total of 27 valid questionnaires were recovered, with a recovery rate of 87.1%. Questionnaire survey showed that the median total scores (interquartile range) were 7.0 (0.8) points among batch 2018—2021 students, 6.4 (1.4) points among batch 2022 students and 6.0 (1.1) points among batch 2023 students (H = 2.64, P > 0.05). Collectively, these data demonstrate that this optional curriculum improves the interests in parasitology learning of the international students for MBBS program, as well as their capability of self⁃directed learning, teamwork and innovative.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Global research hotspots and trends of wildlife⁃associated zoonoses from 1990 to 2024 ZHANG Zhifang, DENG Yanqin, WU Shenggen Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 420-427.   Abstract （227）      PDF（pc） （2784KB）（765）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the global hotspot issues and future directions of wildlife⁃associated zoonoses, so as to provide insights into identification of future research proprieties of wildlife⁃associated zoonoses.  Methods　Research and review articles pertaining to wildlife⁃associated zoonoses were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection from 1990 to 2024, and the annual publication trends and visualization maps for research collaborations among authors, institutions and countries were analyzed using the software CiteSpace 6.3.R3. In addition, the keyword co⁃occurrence, burst and clustering maps and co⁃citation clustering maps were created to identify the research hotspots and frontier landscapes of wildlife⁃associated zoonoses.  Results　A total of 2 479 English publications were included in this bibliometric analysis. The annual publication output started to increase since 2001, and peaked in 2021 (336 publications). There were 12 authors with more than 10 publications from 1990 to 2024. The top 10 most productive institutions included 8 colleges or universities, with University of California, Davis ranking first (114 publications). The United States of America played a significant mediating role in international collaborations (betweenness centrality = 0.31) and produced the largest number of publications (1 004), and the collaboration network maps among authors, institutions, and countries all appeared localized clustering with overall fragmentation. Keyword co⁃occurrence analysis identified high⁃frequency terms including infection (489 occurrences), prevalence (398 occurrences), transmission (351 occurrences), wildlife (330 occurrences) and epidemiology (231 occurrences), and keyword burst analysis revealed the research focus of wildlife⁃associated zoonoses shifting from specific zoonotic diseases such as trichinellosis and tuberculosis to interdisciplinary domains including wildlife trade, virulence, One Health, and antimicrobial resistance. Keyword clustering analysis identified antimicrobial resistance and One Health as current research hotspots, and co⁃citation clustering analysis showed human health, agricultural intensification, and first case reports as theoretical basis for wildlife⁃associated zoonoses. Conclusions　The wildlife⁃associated zoonoses research has expanded exponentially across the world. Advocating for One health concept is an important task for management of emerging and re⁃emerging zoonoses currently and in future. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Effectiveness of integrated soil⁃borne nematodiasis and clonorchiasis control programmesin Guizhou Province from 2019 to 2023 LI Yang, ZHU Aiya, LI Anmei, XIANG Hong, DAI Jiarui, YUAN Maoyang, GENG Yan Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 398-402.   Abstract （226）      PDF（pc） （1104KB）（223）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated soil⁃borne nematodiasis and clonorchiasis control programmesin Guizhou Province from 2019 to 2023, so as to provide insights into formulation of appropriate parasitic disease control strategies in the province.  Methods　From 2019 to 2023, Shiqian County in Tongren City and Zhenfeng County in Qianxi'nan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture were selected as pilot counties in Guizhou Province for soil⁃borne nematodiasis prevention and control programmes, and Rongjiang County in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture was selected as a pilot county for clonorchiasis control programmes. Integrated control measures were implemented in these 3 pilot counties, including surveys on human parasitic infections, deworming, health education and improved water and sanitation. At least 1 000 individuals were sampled from each of three pilot counties using a stratified multi⁃stage random sampling method from 2019 to 2023 for detection of soil⁃borne nematodes and Clonorchis sinensis human infections, and the awareness of soil⁃borne nematodiasis and clonorchiasis control knowledge was investigated among residents in pilot counties using questionnaire surveys. In addition, the implementation of deworming and coverage of sanitary toilets and safe drinking water were collected in three pilot counties. Results　   The prevalence of soil⁃borne nematode human infections reduced from 7.78% (79/1 016), 2.80% (28/1 001) and 14.40% (144/1 000) in 2019 to 1.18% (12/1 014), 1.38% (14/1 001) and 2.73% (28/1 024) in 2023 in Shiqian County, Zhenfeng County, and Rongjiang County, respectively ([χ2] = 51.51, 4.91 and 88.54, all P values < 0.05). No C. sinensis human infections were detected Shiqian County or Zhenfeng County from 2019 to 2023, and the prevalence of C. sinensis human infections reduced from 1.80% (18/1 000) in 2019 to 0.29% (3/1 024) in 2023 in Rongjiang County ([χ2] = 11.19, P < 0.05). Free deworming was provided to 574 cases with soil⁃borne nematode infections and 47 cases with C. sinensis infections detected in three pilot counties from 2019 to 2023. The coverage of health education was 100% in both Zhenfeng County and Shiqian County during the period from 2019 to 2023, and the awareness of soil⁃borne nematodiasis control knowledge increased from 93.60% (234/250) in Zhenfeng County and 70.97% (577/813) in Shiqian County in 2019 to 99.20% (248/250) and 98.40% (492/500) in 2023, respectively. The coverage of health education increased from 60.07% (161/268) in 2019 to 100% (250/250) in 2023 in Rongjiang County, and the awareness of clonorchiasis control knowledge increased from 80.67% (121/150) in 2019 to 99.20% (248/250) in 2023. The coverage of sanitary toilets increased from 48.89% (61 078/124 935), 34.20% (40 381/118 085) and 70.55% (60 604/85 920) in 2019 to 65.87% (77 649/117 878), 56.00% (63 252/112 948) and 89.15% (72 737/81 590) in 2023 in Shiqian County, Zhenfeng County and Rongjiang County, respectively, and the coverage of safe drinking water was all 100% in both Shiqian County and Rongjiang County during the 5⁃year study period, and increased from 85.33% (100 765/118 085) in 2019 to 100% (112 948/112 948) in 2023 in Zhenfeng County. Conclusions　There were remarkable reductions in the prevalence of soil⁃borne nematodes human infections in Shiqian County, Zhenfeng County, and Rongjiang County and in the prevalence of C. sinensis human infections in Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province following the 5⁃year integrated control programmes from 2019 to 2023. The widespread application of the health education⁃led and human parasitic diseases examination and treatment⁃based integrated soil⁃borne nematodiasis and clonorchiasis control programmes seems justified.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections in Congjiang County of Guizhou Province in 2023 CAI Shan, SHE Danya, LI Songping, LIN Guangchu, HE Lan, SHI Zhangjing, LU Lidan Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 289-293, 315.   Abstract （219）      PDF（pc） （1077KB）（935）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the prevalence of human soil⁃transmitted nematode infections in Congjiang County, Guizhou Province in 2023, so as to provide insights into soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis prevention and control in the county. Methods　Congjiang County was divided into 5 areas according to geographical locations, and one township was randomly sampled from each area, followed by one administrative village randomly sampled from each township as the survey site. Two hundred permanent residents without deworming during the past three months were randomly sampled from each survey site using the random cluster sampling method. Participants' fecal samples were collected, soil⁃transmitted nematode eggs were detected using the Kato⁃Katz technique and the prevalence of human soil⁃transmitted nematode infections was compared among participants. Mild, moderate and severe soil⁃transmitted nematode infections were classified according to eggs per gram (EPG), and the proportions of mild, moderate and severe infections were estimated. In addition, participants' family status and household sanitary toilets construction were investigated using questionnaires. Results　A total of 1 001 participants were included at 5 survey sites in Congjiang County, and the overall prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections was 19.08% (191/1 001). The prevalence rates of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm infections were 2.30% (23/1 001) and 1.90% (19/1 001), with all egg⁃positives identified as mild infections, and the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infections was 0.10% (1/1 001). The prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infections was 15.78% (158/1 001) among participants, and there was a significant difference in the prevalence among survey villages ([χ2] = 123.345, P < 0.001), with the highest prevalence detected in Liujia Village (39.00%), followed by in Longjiang Village (18.00%). There was an age⁃specific prevalence rate of T. trichiura infections among participants ([χ2] = 166.050, P < 0.001), and the highest prevalence was detected among participants at ages of 10 to 19 years (48.19%), followed by at ages of over 70 years (14.53%) and 50 to 59 years (13.04%). There was an occupation⁃specific prevalence rate of T. trichiura infections among participants ([χ2] = 74.134, P < 0.001), and the highest prevalence was detected among students (32.32%), followed by among workers/migrant workers (10.34%) and farmers (10.12%). There was an educational level⁃specific prevalence rate of T. trichiura infections among participants ([χ2] = 28.761, P < 0.001), and the highest prevalence was detected among participants with an educational level of primary school (21.60%), followed by among illiterate participants (12.03%). There was an ethnicity⁃specific prevalence rate of T. trichiura infections among participants ([χ2] = 42.193, P < 0.001). The proportions of mild, moderate and severe T. trichiura infections were 76.58% (121/158), 14.56% (23/158) and 3.16% (5/158), and all severe infections were identified among primary school students. T. trichiura infections were detected in 123 families, and there were 27 families (21.95%) in which two and more family members were identified with T. trichiura infections. A total of 1 001 valid questionnaires were recovered, and the prevalence rates of T. trichiura infections were 14.69% (139/964) and 34.55% (19/55) in families with and without sanitary toilets ([χ2] = 15.410, P < 0.001). Conclusions　The prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections was relatively high in Congjiang County, Guizhou Province in 2023, and the T. trichiura infections was notably serious. Intensified soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis control measures are recommended targeting primary school students, middle⁃aged and elderly farmers and migrant workers. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Human infection with Gongylonema pulchrum: a case report and review of relevant literature during the recent 10 years TANG Feng, SUN Xiaofeng, XU Xiangzhen, MAO Fanzhen, LIU Yaobao Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 332-336.   Abstract （217）      PDF（pc） （1359KB）（1233）       Knowledge map    Save This article presents the diagnosis and treatment processes, and morphological and genetic testing of Gongylonema pulchrum in a case with G. pulchrum found in the oral mucosa. In addition, this article reviews publications pertaining to G. pulchrum human infections by Chinese scientists during the recent 10 years and summarizes the demographic and clinical characteristics, location and number of parasites, diagnosis and treatment processes, and epidemiological surveys of cases infected with G. pulchrum, so as to provide insights into improving the diagnostic capability among clinicians.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Cloning and bioinformatics analysis of surface antigen⁃related sequence protein SRS67 and SRS20A genes in Toxoplasma gondii CHEN Xiaoxiao, YIN Deqi, MA Wenyu, YI Tingting, LI Hongwei, LIU Lijun, LIU Zhijun, DU Mengze, ZHOU Shuanghai, LI Qiuming Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 387-397.   Abstract （215）      PDF（pc） （3240KB）（301）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To predict the structures and immunogenicity of surface antigen⁃related sequence protein SRS67 and SRS20A in Toxoplasma gondii using bioinformatics methods, and to generate prokaryotic expression vectors for protein expression, so as to identify the functions of recombinant SRS67 and SRS20A proteins and their potential as vaccine candidates against T. gondii. Methods　T. gondii SRS67 and SRS20A gene and amino acid sequences were downloaded from the ToxoDB database. The open reading frames (ORFs) of SRS67 and SRS20A genes were analyzed in the ORF Finder website. The relative molecular mass, isoelectric point, amino acid composition and lipophilicit index of SRS67 and SRS20A proteins were predicted using the ProtParam software. The protein hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of was predicted using the ProtScale tool, the transmembrane regions were predicted using the TMHMM software, the signal peptides were predicted in the SignalP⁃4.1 website, the secondary and tertiary structures of the proteins were predicted in the NPS@SPOMA and SWISS⁃MODEL websites. The phosphorylation sites of the proteins were predicted using the NetPhos⁃3.1 program, the antigenic epitopes of proteins were predicted using the Immuonmedicine Group program. B⁃cell epitopes, helper T⁃cell (Th) epitopes, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes were predicted using the IEDB and SYFPEITHI websites, and the antigenicity scores of epitopes were evaluated using the software VaxiJen 2.0 to select the dominant epitopes. Primer sequences were synthesized based on the SRS67 and SRS20A protein⁃coding gene sequences from the ToxoDB database, and SRS67 and SRS20A genes were amplified using PCR reactions with T. gondii cDNA as a template. The amplification products were subjected to double restriction⁃enzyme digestion, and the target fragments were recovered and ligated into DH5α competent cells with T4 ligase. Positive single colonies were selected and cultured, and the pET⁃32a⁃SRS67 and pET⁃32a⁃SRS20A recombinant plasmids were extracted, transformed into competent cells for induction of recombinant protein expression. The expression of recombinant proteins was determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate⁃polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS⁃PAGE) and Western blotting. Results　Bioinformatics analysis predicted that SRS67 and SRS20A genes were 633 bp and 987 bp in length, contained 7 and 15 ORFs, and encoded 210 and 328 amino acids, respectively. The SRS67 protein had a relative molecular mass of 23 135.65, a signal peptide (D = 0.590) and no transmembrane regions, contained 22 phosphorylation sites and 8 antigenic determinants, and was a hydrophilic protein. The SRS20A protein had a relative molecular mass of 34 944.91, a signal peptide (D = 0.697) and transmembrane regions, contained 39 phosphorylation sites and 15 antigenic determinants, and was a hydrophilic protein. The SRS67 and SRS20A proteins shared similar secondary structures, both containing α⁃helices, β⁃sheets, and random coils, and their tertiary structure models exhibited typical globular characteristics, with Global Model Quality Estimation scores of 0.74 and 0.77, respectively. The average antigenic propensity score was 1.046 4 for the SRS67 protein and 1.037 4 for the SRS20A protein, respectively. SRS67 and SRS20A proteins had 7 and 8 dominant B⁃cell epitopes, 10 and 20 dominant Th⁃cell epitopes, and 2 and 3 dominant CTL epitopes, respectively. As expected, the PCR amplification products of SRS67 and SRS20A genes were approximately 633 bp and 987 bp in size. The SRS67 recombinant protein exhibited the highest expression in the precipitate following induction with 0.1 mmol/L IPTG for 16 h, and the SRS20A recombinant protein showed the highest expression following induction with 0.5 mmol/L IPTG for 16 h. SDS⁃PAGE and Western blotting confirmed successful expression of the recombinant proteins. Conclusions　The SRS67 and SRS20A proteins possess multiple cellular epitopes and exhibit favorable immunogenicity. The recombinant SRS67 and SRS20A proteins have been successfully expressed, which provides the theoretical evidence for deciphering protein functions and screening effective vaccine antigens against toxoplasmosis. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Epidemiological characteristics of reported echinococcosis cases in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2023 NING Shaoqi, LIU Chenyue, NIAN Yunpeng, HU Danni, LI Xinxin, WANG Guan, ZHANG Luqian Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 409-414.   Abstract （211）      PDF（pc） （1448KB）（187）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of reported echinococcosis cases and their trends in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2023, so as to provide insights into optimization of echinococcosis control and surveillance strategies in the province. Methods　All data pertaining to echinococcosis cases in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2023 were captured from China's National Notifiable Disease Reporting System. All echinococcosis cases were subjected to duplicate checking and individual epidemiological surveys, and the temporal, population, and spatial distributions of reported echinococcosis cases were descriptively analyzed.  Results　A total of 94 echinococcosis cases were reported in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2023, and all cases were diagnosed with cystic echinococcosis, including 38 cases (40.43%) with definitive diagnosis of echinococcosis and 56 cases (59.57%) with clinically diagnosed echinococcosis, and 26 cases (27.66%) from echinococcosis⁃endemic foci, 33 imported cases (35.11%), and 35 suspected locally acquired cases (37.23%). Male cases were predominantly at ages of > 40 to 70 years (66.67%), and female cases were mainly at ages of > 55 to 70 years (43.24%). Farmer was the predominant occupation (68.09%), and junior high school was the predominant educational level (29.79%). Reported echinococcosis cases from endemic foci were mainly concentrated in Dingbian County (23 cases, 88.46%), and imported echinococcosis cases were primarily distributed in Xi'an City and Xianyang City in the central Guanzhong region (19 cases, 57.58%), while suspected locally acquired cases were mainly distributed in Tongchuan City, Xi'an City, and Weinan City in the central and eastern Guanzhong region (22 cases, 62.86%). Among the 33 imported echinococcosis cases, 31 cases (93.94%) had a history of long⁃term residence in, travel to, or visiting relatives or friends in endemic areas, and 11 (33.33%) had a history of contacts with dogs or foxes in endemic areas. Of the 35 suspected locally acquired echinococcosis cases, 18 cases (51.43%) had a history of breeding dogs or exposure to neighbors' dogs, and no history of other relevant exposure. Conclusions　The prevalence of echinococcosis was low in Shaanxi Province from 2016 to 2023; however, there was a risk of continuous importation of echinococcosis cases in the province. Intensified echinococcosis control measures are recommended among high⁃risk populations with adaptations to local circumstances.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Changes in murine skin odors following Plasmodium infections and their impact on mosquito attraction LI Jianyong, LI Meilin, HE Biao, LIU Taiping, ZHU Feng, ZHANG Jian, XU Wenyue Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (4): 362-370.   Abstract （209）      PDF（pc） （1330KB）（612）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the alterations in skin volatile odors in mice following Plasmodium infections and their effect on  mosquito attraction, and to analyze the changes in murine skin microbiota, so as to provide the scientific evidence for unraveling pathogen⁃host⁃vector interactions and management of vector⁃borne diseases. Methods　Twenty 6⁃week⁃old female mice of the C57BL/6 strain were randomly divided into the infection and control groups, of 10 mice in each group. Mice in the infection group were each injected with 1 × 106 Plasmodium yoelii via the tail vein, and mice in the control group received an equivalent volume of phosphate⁃buffered saline (PBS). Blood samples were collected from mouse tail vein daily on days 1 to 6 post⁃infection for preparation of blood smears for microscopic observation to dynamically monitor changes in parasitaemias. A triple⁃cage olfactometer was deployed to compare the numbers of Anopheles stephensi attraction to mice between the two groups. Mouse cutaneous volatile odors were collected with adsorbents and analyzed by gas⁃chromatography⁃mass⁃spectrometry (GC⁃MS) to identify odorous molecules, and the amounts of odorous molecules on mouse skin were compared between groups. In addition, mouse skin microbiota was collected with cottonswabs for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to compare the relative abundance of bacteria in mouse skin microbiota between the two groups. Results　The parasitaemias were  0, (2.30 ± 0.87)%, (8.00 ± 4.34)%, (31.30 ± 3.51)%, (42.00 ± 2.65)% and (51.00 ± 3.61)% in mice in the infection group on days 1 to 6 post⁃infection with Plasmodium (F = 165.60, P < 0.001), and the gametocytaemias were 0, (0.14 ± 0.06)%, (0.39 ± 0.10)%, (0.63 ± 0.15)%, (1.10 ± 0.10)% and (1.53 ± 0.31)%, respectively (F = 44.58, P < 0.001). Pairwise comparisons showed the highest parasitaemias and gametocytaemias in mice 6 days post⁃infection (both P values < 0.05), and linear regression analysis revealed that both the parasitaemias (b = 11.36, t = 14.43, P < 0.001) and gametocytaemias (b = 0.31, t = 12.80, P < 0.001) appeared a tendency towards a rise over days. The proportions of mosquito attraction to mice were 50.45% (106/210), 49.55% (119/240), 49.18% (112/227), 55.87% (132/236), 66.84% (159/237), 61.32% (138/226) and 54.65% (126/230) in the infection group on the day of infection and on days 1 to 6 post⁃infection, which appeared a tendency towards a rise over days ([χ2] = 9.536, P < 0.05). A total of 24 odors were identified in mouse skin surface, and Plasmodium⁃infected mice exhibited significantly higher enrichment of p⁃cresol (134 954.86 ± 40 485.75 vs. 34 700.13 ± 4 774.68; t = 4.260, P = 0.013), ethylbenzene (1 214 980.59 ± 111 546.49 vs. 355 445.01 ± 53 369.70; t = 12.04, P = 0.00) and nonanal (62 215.11 ± 11 348.82 vs 24 040.15 ± 8 557.10; t = 4.35, P = 0.02), and lower contents of toluene (61 833.23 ± 2 755.23 vs. 152 906.21 ± 10 199.69; t = 14.93, P = 0.00), benzaldehyde (583 921.81 ± 39 764.63 vs. 1 071 368.84 ± 254 069.28; t = 3.28, P = 0.00) and indole (10 991.89 ± 582.76 vs. 27 275.57 ± 3 995.59; t = 6.99, P = 0.00) relative to controls. In addition, higher relative abundance  of Streptococcus (0.29 ± 0.12 vs. 0.12 ± 0.09; t = 2.54, P = 0.03) and Rothia (0.16 ± 0.05 vs. 0.04 ± 0.06; t = 3.52, P = 0.01) and lower abundance  of Lactococcus (0.02 ± 0.04 vs. 0.27 ± 0.20; t = 2.73, P = 0.03) were found on mouse skin surface in the infection group than in the control group. Conclusion　 Upon infection with Plasmodium, the volatile odor profile emitted from the skin of mice undergoes alterations, resulting in increased attractiveness to mosquitoes. This phenomenon may be attributed to parasite⁃induced changes in the skin microbiota. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Generation of a dense granule protein 3 gene⁃deficient strain of Toxoplasma gondii and its virulence testing WANG Peihao, WU Minmin, DU Jian Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 304-309.   Abstract （207）      PDF（pc） （1729KB）（1342）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To generate a dense granule protein 3 (GRA3) gene⁃deficient mutant of the Toxoplasma gondii ME49 strain and to test the virulence of the mutant. Methods　Gene⁃deficient parasites were generated with the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR⁃associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system. Guide RNA (gRNA) was designed using the E⁃CRISPR software, and mutated on the pSAG1::Cas9⁃U6::sgUPRT plasmid using the Q5 site⁃directed mutagenesis kit to generate the pSAG1::Cas9⁃U6::sgGRA3 plasmid. A GRA3 donor plasmid containing GRA3 gene upstream sequences, pyrimethamine resistant gene dihydrofolate reductase⁃thymidylate synthase (DHFR⁃TS) and GRA3 gene downstream sequence was generated, and GRA3 donor DNA was amplified using PCR assay. The pSAG1::Cas9⁃U6::sgGRA3 plasmid and GRA3 donor DNA were electroporated into tachyzoites of the wild⁃type T. gondii ME49 strain. Then, parasite suspensions were inoculated into human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells and screened with pyrimethamine to yield pyrimethamine⁃resistant parasites for monoclonal screening. The GRA3 gene deficient monoclonal strain (ME49Δgra3) of T. gondii was identified using PCR and Western blotting assays, and the expression of GRA3 protein was determined in the T. gondii ME49Δgra3 strain using Western blotting. Subsequently, 1 000 freshly lysed tachyzoites of T. gondii ME49 and ME49Δgra3 strains were transferred to 12⁃well plates seeded with HFF cells, and incubated at 37 ℃ containing 5% CO2 for 7 days, and the number of plaques was counted by staining with crystal violet solutions. HFF cells infected with tachyzoites of T. gondii ME49 and ME49Δgra3 strains were stained using Giemsa solutions, and the numbers of cells containing 1, 2, 4, and > 4 T. gondii parasitophorous vacuoles were counted. In addition, the survival rates of C57BL/6 mice infected with T. gondii ME49 and ME49Δgra3 strains were compared 35 days post⁃infection. Results　PCR assay revealed successful amplification of both the upstream and downstream homologous arm bands of the DHFR⁃TS gene in the T. gondii ME49Δgra3 strain, and no corresponding bands were amplified in the ME49 strain. The GRA3 band was amplified in the ME49 strain, and the DHFR⁃TS band, rather than GRA3 band, was amplified in the ME49Δgra3 strain. Western blotting determined absence of GRA3 protein expression in the ME49Δgra3 strain. Crystal violet staining showed that the T. gondii ME49 strain produced more plaques than the ME49Δgra3 strain [(352.67 ± 26.39) plaques vs. (235.00 ± 26.29) plaques; t = 5.472, P < 0.01], and Giemsa staining revealed that the proportion of T. gondii parasitophorous vacuoles containing at least four T. gondii tachyzoites was higher in HFF cells infected with the ME49 strain than in those infected with the T. gondii ME49Δgra3 strain [(75.67 ± 2.52)% vs. (59.67 ± 2.31)%; t = 8.113, P < 0.01], and the proportion of T. gondii parasitophorous vacuoles containing at least 1 or 2 T. gondii tachyzoites was higher in HFF cells infected with the T. gondii ME49 strain than in those infected with the T. gondii ME49Δgra3 strain [(24.33 ± 2.52)% vs. (40.33 ± 2.31)%; t = -8.113, P < 0.01]. In addition, mice infected with the T. gondii ME49 and ME49Δgra3 strains started to die 8 and 9 days post⁃infection, and the 35⁃day mortality rates of mice infected with T. gondii ME49 and ME49Δgra3 strains were 10.00% and 70.00% post⁃infection ([χ2] = 6.762, P < 0.01). Conclusions　The T. gondii ME49Δgra3 strain has been successfully generated, and GRA3 protein may increase the virulence of the T. gondii ME49 strain. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Single⁃molecule, real⁃time sequencing of ceftazidime⁃avibactam⁃resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the mechanism of resistance to ceftazidime⁃avibactam WAN Li, LIU Weiqi, ZHOU Yangyang, WENG Hang, CAI Xingwang, MAO Chengye Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (5): 530-536, 548.   Abstract （189）      PDF（pc） （1931KB）（378）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To perform single⁃molecule, real⁃time sequencing of ceftazidime⁃avibactam (CAZ⁃AVI)⁃resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and to investigate the mechanism underlying ceftazidime⁃avibactam resistance in P. aeruginosa.  Methods    The susceptibility of 89 P. aeruginosa isolates randomly sampled from clinical specimens in Sanming First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University from November 2021 through July 2023 to common antimicrobial agents was tested, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CAZ⁃AVI was determined against P. aeruginosa with a broth microdilution assay, with CAZ⁃AVI MICs of 8 mg/L and lower defined as susceptible and 16 mg/L and higher as resistant. The expression of drug⁃resistant genes ampC, oxa⁃488, oprD, mexA, oxa⁃10, oxa⁃14, vim and tem was quantified in P. aeruginosa using a real⁃time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qPCR) assay. CAZ⁃AVI⁃susceptible and ⁃resistant P. aeruginosa isolates from the same case were selected for PacBio single⁃molecule, real⁃time sequencing, and sequencing results were subjected to genome structure and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional annotations.  Results　The 89 P. aeruginosa isolates showed a relatively high level of resistance to meropenem (75.28%) and imipenem (74.16%) and the highest susceptibility to amikacin (91.01%). There were 49 CAZ⁃AVI⁃resistant P. aeruginosa isolates and 40 susceptible isolates. qPCR assay detected lower oprD gene expression in CAZ⁃AVI⁃resistant P. aeruginosa isolates [0.104 (2.385)] than in susceptible isolates [0.551 (17.885)] (Z = -2.958, P < 0.01), and there were no significant differences between CAZ⁃AVI⁃susceptible and ⁃resistant P. aeruginosa isolates in terms of ampC, oxa⁃488, mexA or tem gene expression (all P values > 0.05), while oxa⁃10, oxa⁃14 and vim gene was expressed in few P. aeruginosa isolates. There were 1 729, 3 936, 3 737 and 3 955 genes in CAZ⁃AVI⁃resistant P. aeruginosa isolates PA⁃762 and PA⁃M174 and susceptible isolates PA⁃885 and PA⁃808 that were annotated to GO terms, with the highest numbers of genes enriched in the molecular function of catalytic activity, high numbers of genes enriched in biological processes of metabolic process, single⁃organism process and cellular process, and high numbers of genes enriched in cellular components of cell and cell membranes. There were 1 803, 4 084, 3 915 and 4 066 genes in the PA⁃762, PA⁃M174, PA⁃885 and PA⁃808 isolates enriched in the KEGG signaling pathway, and the majority of genes were enriched in four primary signaling pathways of metabolism, genetic information processing, environmental information processing and cellular process, with the highest number of genes associated with metabolic pathways. Both CAZ⁃AVI⁃resistant P. aeruginosa isolates PA⁃762 and PA⁃M174 carried multiple efflux pumps systems, including MexAB⁃OprM, MexCD⁃OprJ, MexEF⁃OprN and MexXY⁃OprM. Single nucleotide substitution was found at position 169 in the DNA sequence of the PA⁃762 isolate, leading to substitution of serine for glycine at position 57 in the protein sequence, and there are deletions of two bases at positions 307 and 308 in the DNA sequence of the PA⁃M174 isolate, leading to substitution of threonine for arginine at position 103 in the protein sequence.  Conclusion　Mutation or downregulation of oprD gene may lead to CAZ⁃AVI resistance in P. aeruginosa. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Assessment of suitability for Oncomelania hupensis snail habitats in China under climate changes from 1990 to 2020 LI Qin, GUO Suying, XIANG Jiangling, LI Yinlong, CHEN Xianfa, ZHANG Lijuan, LI Shizhu, ZHOU Xiaonong, XU Jing Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (6): 580-590, 600.   Abstract （187）      PDF（pc） （2909KB）（231）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To analyze the changes in the suitability of Oncomelania hupensis snail habitats in China and to identify climatic factors that significantly affect the suitability in China from 1990 to 2020, so as to provide insights into formulation of schistosomiasis control measures. Methods　All schistosomiasis⁃endemic villages recorded in the Information Management System for Parasitic Disease Control of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention were selected as study areas, and national O. hupensis snail data in China from 2011 to 2021 were collected, while national O. hupensis snail data in China from 1990 to 1993 were collected from the Annual Report of National Schistosomiasis Epidemiological Observation Points in China. The temperature and cumulative precipitation during the spring active period (between April and June), summer dormancy period (between July and August), autumn active period (between September and October), and hibernation period (between December and February of the next year), as well as the maximum temperature of the warmest month, minimum temperature of the coldest month, temperature annual range, annual precipitation, precipitation of the wettest month, precipitation of the driest month, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of the wettest quarter, precipitation of the driest quarter, precipitation of the warmest quarter, and precipitation of the coldest quarter were calculated using historical monthly meteorological data from the WorldClim database during the same period of O. hupensis snail surveys, and annual mean temperature, isothermality, mean diurnal temperature range, temperature seasonality, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, mean temperature of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest quarter, and mean temperature of the coldest quarter were calculated using daily mean surface air temperature (2 m height) data from the ECMWF Reanalysis version 5 (ERA5) hourly data database. Four topographic variables, namely elevation, slope, terrain and distance to water bodies, were obtained from the Resource and Environmental Science Data Platform of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was obtained from the Geographic Remote Sensing Ecological Network Platform. Soil characteristic data were obtained from the harmonized world soil database, and the long⁃term series population density variable was estimated by previous studies based on Global Human Settlement Layer⁃Population and WorldPop databases. Data were processed to a 1 km2 resolution via resampling. An ecological niche model for O. hupensis snails was constructed using machine learning models and O. hupensis snail breeding data in China from 2011 to 2021, and the suitability of O. hupensis snail habitats was estimated and compared during the study periods between 2018 and 2020 and between 1990 and 1993, to analyze the changes in the suitability of O. hupensis snail habitats. O. hupensis snail data from both periods were calculated separately and analyzed using five models, including neural networks, support vector machines (SVM), naive Bayes, classification and regression tree (CART), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models, and the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of models were calculated. The Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAPs) algorithm was employed to calculate the mean contribution of each variable to the predictions of models. Partial dependence plots (PDPs) were constructed using the pdp package to analyze the response of O. hupensis snail habitat suitability to individual variables. Based on historical climatic data and current non⁃climatic data, a counterfactual scenario map was generated using models trained with 2011—2015 datasets. The counterfactual simulated results were compared with the actual O. hupensis snail habitat suitability from 2018 to 2020 to quantitatively assess the effect of climate changes on the suitability of O. hupensis snail habitats from 1990 to 2020.  Results　The areas of O. hupensis snail habitats decreased from 3 726.641 km2 in 2011 to 3 562.876 km2 in 2015 in China, and then rebounded to 3 692.687 km2 in 2021. The XGBoost model exhibited an AUC of 0.983, a sensitivity of 0.993 and a specificity of 0.915, which was selected for subsequent analyses. Through SHAPs calculation combined with PDPs analysis, the four most significant climatic factors affecting the suitability of O. hupensis snail habitats in China included mean temperature of the coldest quarter [1.489 ℃, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.105 ℃, 1.875 ℃)], precipitation of the wettest quarter [0.706 mm, 95% CI: (0.275 mm, 1.138 mm)], mean diurnal temperature range [0.610 ℃, 95% CI: (0.423 ℃, 0.797 ℃)], and precipitation of the warmest quarter [0.388 mm, 95% CI: (0.199 mm, 0.577 mm)]. Modeling results indicated that the areas with a reduced suitability of O. hupensis snail habitats accounted for 12.201% [95% CI: (11.588%, 12.830%)] of total areas along the Yangtze River basin from 1990 to 2020, while the areas of expanded O. hupensis snail suitable habitats in eastern coastal and high⁃latitude regions accounted for 10.009% [95% CI: (9.380%, 10.637%)] of total areas of the Yangtze River basin. Substantial expansions of O. hupensis snail suitable habitats were found along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, with a 68.233% [95% CI: (67.463%, 69.002%)] increase in Zhejiang Province and 57.648% [95% CI: (56.878%, 58.417%)] increase in Jiangsu Province, respectively. The middle reaches of the Yangtze River experienced an overall reduction in the suitability of O. hupensis snail habitats, with a 45.784% [95% CI: (45.015%, 46.554%)] reduction in Anhui Province and 33.307% [95% CI: (32.538%, 34.077%)] reduction in Hubei Province, respectively. The areas with an increased suitability of O. hupensis snail habitats accounted for 2.461% to 6.166% of the total provincial areas in two provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, and in Guangdong Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Fujian Province, respectively, while the areas with a decreased suitability accounted for 0.890% to 11.891% of the total provincial areas, respectively. In addition, counterfactual analysis revealed the areas with an increased suitability of O. hupensis snail habitats due to climate changes along the Yangtze River basin accounted for 20.738% [95% CI: (19.968%, 21.507%)] of the total basin areas, and the area with a reduced suitability accounted for 4.678% [95% CI: (3.909%, 5.448%)]. Conclusions　The areas with a decreased and increased suitability for O. hupensis snail habitats were roughly equal in size in China from 1990 to 2020, with the areas with a decreased suitability mainly concentrated in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River region, and the areas with an increased suitability mainly located in the eastern coastal areas and high⁃latitude regions. Climate change is the primary factor driving the increased suitability of O. hupensis snail habitats in China. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Epidemiological characteristics of cross⁃county imported dengue fever cases within Yunnan Province in 2023 TANG Yerong, ZHOU Hongning, WU Chao, WEI Chun, ZHAO Xiaotao, WANG Xuefei, GUO Xiaolian, JIANG Jinyong Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (5): 524-529.   Abstract （179）      PDF（pc） （1972KB）（286）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of cross⁃county imported dengue fever cases within Yunnan province in 2023, so as to provide insights into formulation of preventive and control measures for intra⁃provincial spread of dengue fever.  Methods　All data pertaining cross⁃county imported dengue fever cases within Yunnan Province in 2023 were collected, and the temporal, regional and population distributions of the cases were descriptively analyzed.  Results　A total of  1 664 intra⁃provincial cross⁃county imported dengue fever cases were reported in 95 counties (cities, districts) cross 16 profectures (cities) in Yunnan Province in 2023, accounting for 12.34% of total cases in the province. Cross⁃county imported dengue fever cases were predominantly reported during the period between August and October (1 516 cases, 91.11% of total cases), and peaked in September (659 cases), with a single⁃day peak on October 8 (36 cases). During the period from September 4 to 10, five counties (cities) with local dengue fever epidemics, including Jinghong City of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County of Lincang City, Ruili City of Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Mengla County of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, and Zhenkang County of Lincang City, exported 165 cross⁃county imported dengue fever cases to the rest of the province. Among the 1 644 intra⁃provincial cross⁃county imported dengue fever cases, the male to female ratio was 1.40∶1, and 1 329 cases were at ages of 15 to 55 years (79.87%), with farmers as the predominant occupation (886 cases, 53.25%). The top 5 counties (cities/districts) reporting the highest number of intra⁃provincial cross⁃county imported dengue fever cases included Simao District (266 cases) and Lancang Lahu Autonomous County (118 cases) of Pu'er City, Mengla County (91 cases) and Menghai County (91 cases) of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, and Mangshi City (73 cases) of Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, which accounting for 38.40% of total imported cases. These intra⁃provincial cross⁃county imported dengue fever cases originated from 7 counties (cities/districts) in 4 prefectures (cities), including 1 261 cases (76.70%) from Jinghong City of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, 224 cases (13.63%) from Ruili City of Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, 103 cases (6.27%) from Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County of Lincang City, 31 cases (1.89%) from Mengla County of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, 30 cases (1.82%) from Zhenkang County of Lincang City, 10 cases (0.61%) from Cangyuan Wa Autonomous County of Lincang City, and 5 cases (0.30%) from Mohan⁃Boten Economic Cooperation Zone of Kunming City. In addition, local dengue fever epidemics following intra⁃provincial cross⁃county importation of dengue fevers cases in Simao District, Jinggu Dai and Yi Autonomous County, Mangshi City, Longchuan County, and Cangyuan Wa Autonomous County. Conclusions　Farmers and students are high⁃risk populations for intra⁃provincial cross⁃county imported dengue fever cases in Yunnan Province, and health education pertaining personal protection against dengue fever should be strengthened among these high⁃risk populations by governments at all levels. There is a high risk of local outbreak of dengue fever following continuous introduction of intra⁃provincial cross⁃county imported cases. Standardized management of intra⁃provincial cross⁃county imported dengue fever cases should be reinforced to reduce the risk of local epidemics. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Application of health education during the progress towards malaria elimination in China: a review ZHOU Meijin, LIN Kangming Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 321-324.   Abstract （179）      PDF（pc） （986KB）（1162）       Knowledge map    Save Elimination of malaria is one of important global public health targets. Malaria was once highly prevalent in China; however, China was certified malaria⁃free by WHO in 2021 following decades of integrated control efforts. As an effective intervention, health education plays a critical role during the progress towards elimination of malaria in China, which remarkably increases the public awareness and action capability of malaria prevention and control knowledge. In addition, health education is of great significance to reduce the risk of re⁃establishment of imported malaria following disease elimination in the country. This article reviews the application of community⁃based and school⁃based health education, health education activities targeting entry⁃exit personnel and healthcare workers, and diversified media propagation in the progress towards elimination of malaria in China, so as to provide insights into formulation of malaria control strategy during the post⁃elimination stage in the country.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 0-0.   Abstract （171）      PDF（pc） （7463KB）（395）       Knowledge map    Save Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）