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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 （1196）      PDF（pc） （1146KB）（1967）       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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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 （201）      PDF（pc） （1150KB）（1574）       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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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 （268）      PDF（pc） （1718KB）（1564）       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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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 （220）      PDF（pc） （1112KB）（1512）       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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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 （800）      PDF（pc） （1564KB）（1472）       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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Sequencing and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Bulinus globosus QIAN Peijun, Masceline Jenipher Mutsaka⁃Makuvaza, LÜ Chao, QIAN Yingjun, WANG Wenya, CHEN Shenglin, XU Andong, XUE Jingbo, XU Jing, ZHOU Xiaonong, Nicholas Midzi, LI Shizhu Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (2): 116-126, 135.   Abstract （363）      PDF（pc） （3009KB）（1272）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To analyze the structural and phylogenetic characteristics of the mitochondrial genome from Bulinus globosus, so as to provide a theoretical basis for classification and identification of species within the Bulinus genus, and to provide insights into understanding of Bulinus⁃schistosomes interactions and the mechanisms of parasite transmission.  Methods　       B. globosus samples were collected from the Ruya River basin in Zimbabwe. Mitochondrial DNA was extracted from B. globosus samples and the corresponding libraries were constructed for high⁃throughput sequencing on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. After raw sequencing data were subjected to quality control using the fastp software, genome assembly was performed using the A5⁃miseq and SPAdes tools, and genome annotation was conducted using the MITOS online server. Circular maps and sequence plots of the mitochondrial genome were generated using the CGView and OGDRAW software, and the protein conservation motifs and structures were analyzed using the TBtools software. Base composition and codon usage bias were analyzed and visualized using the software MEGA X and the ggplot2 package in the R software. In addition, a phylogenetic tree was created in the software MEGA X after sequence alignment with the software MAFFT 7, and visualized using the software iTOL.  Results　         The mitochondrial genome of B. globosus was a 13 730 bp double⁃stranded circular molecule, containing 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 13 protein⁃coding genes, with a marked AT preference. The mitochondrial genome composition of B. globosus was similar to that of other species within the Bulinus genus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of B. globosus was clustered with B. truncatus, B. nasutus, and B. ugandae into the same evolutionary clade, and gene superfamily analysis showed that the metabolism⁃related proteins of B. globosus were highly conserved, notably the cytochrome c oxidase family, which showed a significant consistency.  Conclusions　This is the first whole mitochondrial genome sequencing to decode the compositional features of the mitochondrial genome of B. globosus from Zimbabwe and its evolutionary relationship within the Bulinus genus, which provides important insights for further understanding of the phylogeny and mitochondrial genome characteristics of the Bulinus genus. 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 （159）      PDF（pc） （1729KB）（1202）       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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Strategic thinking on management of cross⁃boundary imported schistosomiasis XU Jing, LI Shizhen, LI Qin, GUO Suying, LI Shizhu, ZHOU Xiaonong Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (2): 107-111.   Abstract （359）      PDF（pc） （1187KB）（1177）       Knowledge map    Save Schistosomiasis is prevalent in 78 countries and territories worldwide, while the eastern and western parts of sub⁃Sahara Africa bear the highest disease burden due to schistosomiasis. Recently, climate change, international trade and travel, urbanization and war have increased the risk of cross⁃boundary importation and transmission of schistosomiasis, and schistosomiasis has increasingly become a public health concern in non⁃endemic countries and territories. Biomphalaria straminea, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, has colonized in southern China and its habitats continue to move northward. In addition, cross⁃boundary imported cases of schistosomiasis have been reported occasionally in China. However, the real number of cases may be underestimated greatly due to insufficient diagnostic capacity and weak awareness of case reporting for overseas imported schistosomiasis in healthcare facilities. It is necessary to establish a multi⁃party collaborative mechanism, improve corresponding systems and technical specifications, reinforce surveillance and early warning, and border management, enhance technical reserves and capability building, and improve the awareness of schistosomiasis prevention and healthcare⁃seeking among entry⁃exit personnel, in order to effectively address the threat of cross⁃boundary imported schistosomiasis. 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 （214）      PDF（pc） （1631KB）（1171）       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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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 （212）      PDF（pc） （1122KB）（1136）       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 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 （245）      PDF（pc） （1106KB）（1129）       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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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 （178）      PDF（pc） （1359KB）（1106）       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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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 （323）      PDF（pc） （1586KB）（1074）       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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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 （149）      PDF（pc） （986KB）（980）       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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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 （233）      PDF（pc） （2761KB）（971）       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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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 （270）      PDF（pc） （1041KB）（963）       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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The future is already here and the wave is coming: progress and challenges in the research and application of artificial intelligence-empowered malaria control programmes ZHU Guoding, CAO Jun Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (2): 112-115.   Abstract （282）      PDF（pc） （1090KB）（938）       Knowledge map    Save The rapid rise and fast development of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges to all sectors, including disease prevention control. Malaria is one of the world's most devastating infectious diseases. This article summarizes the advances in the research and application of AI⁃empowered malaria control programmes, analyzes key challenges during the implementation of malaria control programmes, and proposes future development directions and research proprieties, so as to provide insights into facilitating the translation of AI⁃driven strategies in global infectious disease control efforts. 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 （176）      PDF（pc） （1026KB）（937）       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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The modern Silk Road spirit leads the "Belt and Road" Initiative to facilitate global tropical disease control programmes ZHOU Liying, LI Xiangjie, CHEN Ziyi Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (3): 316-320.   Abstract （134）      PDF（pc） （1203KB）（888）       Knowledge map    Save The modern Silk Road spirit advocating for win⁃win cooperative partnerships, aligns with the target of the "Belt and Road" Initiative, which provides new opportunities for collaboration on tropical disease control among countries along the "Belt and Road". The  modern Silk Road spirit may effectively facilitate tropical disease control programmes and improve disease control concepts and approaches through collaborative research, information sharing, infrastructure development, and joint efforts in pharmaceuticals and vaccine development; however, there are still multiple challenges that require to be overcome, including political and cultural differences, and data sharing. Therefore, countries participating in the "Belt and Road" Initiative need to work together with mutual respects, build effective collaborative mechanisms and improve communications to jointly facilitate the sustainable development of global tropical disease control programmes and cultural exchange, so as to contribute to global health and prosperities. This article discusses the contribution of the modern Silk Road spirit to facilitating global tropical disease control programmes in the context of the "Belt and Road" Initiative. 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 （187）      PDF（pc） （1077KB）（856）       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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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 （378）      PDF（pc） （3556KB）（795）       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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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 （370）      PDF（pc） （1382KB）（762）       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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Research progress on techniques for detection of tick⁃borne encephalitis virus infections LIU Zhuofan, XIE Hao, SUN Xiaoliang, XIA Tao, GUO Junhui Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (2): 209-216.   Abstract （389）      PDF（pc） （1150KB）（734）       Knowledge map    Save Tick⁃borne encephalitis is a central nervous system disease caused by infections with tick⁃borne pathogens, which is characterized by severe clinical symptoms, multiple sequelae, and a high fatality rate. Currently, there is no cure for tick⁃borne encephalitis. Tick⁃borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the most common pathogen of tick⁃borne encephalitis. Therefore, rapid and accurate detection of TBEV contributes to reducing the mortality of tick⁃borne encephalitis, improving patients' prognosis, and reducing the risk of TBEV transmission. The currently available serological tests for detection of TBEV infections mainly include neutralization test, enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence assay, and nucleic acid tests mainly include polymerase chain reaction (PCR), loop⁃mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), reverse transcription polymerase spiral reaction, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR⁃associated proteins (Cas)⁃based assays. This review summarizes the progress of researches on serological and nucleic acid tests for detection of TBEV infections, so as to provide insights into prevention and control of tick⁃borne encephalitis. 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 （195）      PDF（pc） （1246KB）（673）       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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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 （145）      PDF（pc） （1069KB）（668）       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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Proportions of memory T cells and expression of their associated cytokines in lymph nodes of mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis LI Yinshi, ADILAI Duolikun, DENG Bingqing, ABIDAN Ainiwaer, SUN Sheng, XIAO Wenying, GE Conghui, TANG Na, LI Jing, WANG Hui, JIANG Tao, ZHANG Chuanshan Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (2): 136-143,189.   Abstract （306）      PDF（pc） （3134KB）（603）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the effects of Echinococcus multilocularis infection on levels of memory T (Tm) cells and their subsets in lymph nodes of mice at different stages of infection, so as to provide new insights into immunotherapy for alveolar echinococcosis.  Methods　Twenty⁃four C57BL/6J mice aged 6 to 9 weeks were randomly divided into the infection group and the control group, of 12 mice in each group. Mice in the infection group were administered with 3 000 E. multilocularis protoscoleces via portal venous injection, while animals in the control group were administered with an equal volume of physiological saline. Three mice from each group were sacrificed 4, 12 weeks and 24 weeks post⁃infection, and lymph nodes were sampled and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to investigate the histopathological changes of mouse lymph nodes in the infection group. The expression and localization of T lymphocyte surface markers CD3, CD4, and CD8 were observed in mouse lymph nodes using immunohistochemical staining. In addition, lymphocyte suspensions were prepared from mouse lymph nodes in both groups at different time points post⁃infection, and the levels of Tm cell subsets and their secreted cytokines were detected using flow cytometry.  Results　HE staining showed diffuse structural alterations in the subcapsular cortical and paracortical regions of mouse lymph nodes in the infection group 4 weeks post⁃infection with E. multilocularis. Immunohistochemical staining detected CD3, CD4 and CD8 expression in mouse lymph nodes in both groups. Flow cytometry revealed higher proportions of CD4+ Tm cells [(55.3 ± 4.8)% vs. (38.8 ± 6.1)%; t = -4.259, P < 0.05] and CD4+ tissue⁃resident Tm (Trm) cells [(57.7 ± 3.7)% vs. (34.1 ± 11.2)%; t = -3.990, P < 0.05] in mouse lymph nodes in the infection group than in the control group 4 weeks post⁃infection, and higher proportions of CD4+ Tm cells [(34.6 ± 3.2)% vs. (23.3 ± 7.5)%; t = -2.764，P < 0.05] and CD4+ Trm cells [(44.0 ± 1.9)% vs. (31.2 ± 1.5)%; t = -4.039，P < 0.05] in mouse lymph nodes in the infection group than in the control group 24 weeks post⁃infection. The proportions of CD8+ Tm cells were higher in the infection group than in the control group 4 weeks [(56.8 ± 2.7)% vs. (43.9 ± 5.2)%; t = -4.416, P < 0.01] and 12 weeks post⁃infection [(25.4 ± 2.7)% vs. (12.0 ± 2.6)%; t = -2.552, P < 0.05], while the proportions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)⁃α+ CD4+ T cells [(15.7 ± 5.0)% vs. (49.4 ± 6.4)%; t = 7.150, P < 0.01], TNF⁃α+ CD8+ T cells [(20.7 ± 5.5)% vs. (57.5 ± 8.4)%; t = -6.694, P < 0.01], and TNF⁃α+ CD8+ Tm cells [7.0% (1.0%)  vs. 31.0% (11.0%); Z = -2.236, P < 0.05] were lower in the infection group than in the control group 24 weeks post⁃infection. Conclusions　Tm cells levels are consistently increased in lymph nodes of mice at different stages of E. multilocularis infection, with Trm cells as the predominantly elevated subset. The impaired capacity of CD8+ Tm cells to secrete the effector molecule TNF⁃α in mouse lymph nodes at the late⁃stage infection may facilitate chronic parasitism of E. multilocularis. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Population genetic structure of sandflies in China based on mitochondrial DNA LI Zhongqiu, WEI Zixin, ZHOU Zhengbin, ZHANG Yi Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (2): 144-151.   Abstract （322）      PDF（pc） （1427KB）（602）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the genetic diversity of sandfly populations in endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis in China, so as to provide references insights into management of visceral leishmaniasis and the vector sandflies. Methods　Sixteen sampling sites were selected from main endemic foci of visceral leishmaniasis in China from June to September 2024, including Shanxi Province, Shaanxi Province, Henan Province, Gansu Province, Sichuan Province, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Sandflies were captured using light traps and manual aspirators from sheep pens, chicken coops, cave dwellings, bovine sheds, and pig pens at each sampling site. A single sandfly sample was washed in phosphate⁃buffered saline (PBS), and genomic DNA was extracted from sandfly samples. Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene was amplified using PCR assay with universal primers, and analyzed and retrieved with the nucleotide sequence analysis tool (BLAST) software, and the sequence of COI gene was aligned with the ClustalX 1.83 and MEGA 7.0 software. The base composition and variation site of the COI gene sequence were analyzed using the software MEGA 7.0, and the number of haplotypes, total number of segregating sites, haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, and average nucleotide differences were calculated in the COI gene sequence using the software DnaSP 5.10, followed by Tajima's D test for neutrality. Haplotypes were screened using the software DnaSP 5.10, and the haplotype network map of sandfly samples was plotted using the software Network 5.0. MEGA 7.0 software was employed for gene sequence editing and alignment, and calculation of genetic distances among sandfly species sampled from different regions, and a phylogenetic tree was built with a neighbor⁃joining method. Results　A total of 466 sandflies were captured from 16 sampling sites in China from June to September 2024, and 430 gene sequences were yielded following PCR amplification and sequencing of the COI gene, with 652 to 688 bp in the length of amplification fragments. The captured sandfly samples were characterized as Phlebotomus chinensis, Sergentomyia squamirostris, Se. koloshanensis, Ph. sichuanensis, and Ph. longiductus following the COI gene sequence alignment in BLAST. A total of 251 haplotypes were identified in the 430 gene sequences from sandfly samples (50.5%), and the average haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity and average number of nucleotide difference were 0.885, 0.257 and 160.761, respectively. The Tajima's D values were -0.92 for sandfly populations from Yangquan City,  Shanxi Province and -1.73 for sandfly populations from Sanmenxia City, Henan Province, and were all more than 0 for sandfly populations from other sampling sites. Haplotype analysis identified 50 haplotypes, which were classified into two haplogroups. Heplogroup 1 included 29 haplotypes, which had a high homology, and heplogroup 2 included 21 haplotypes. The average genetic distance was 0.000 to 0.604 among sandfly samples from different sampling sites, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the five sandfly species were clustered into distinct clades, all with 100% clade confidence. Conclusions　There is a high genetic polymorphism in the COI gene from five sandfly populations in main endemic foci of visceral leishmaniasis in China, and COI gene may serve as a marker gene for analysis of the genetic structure of sandfly populations. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Effects of Toxoplasma gondii type Ⅰ/Ⅱ rhoptry protein 16 on the polarization and inflammatory response of mouse alveolar macrophages LI Jiaming, DANG Tiantian, ZHAO Zhijun Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (2): 127-135.   Abstract （311）      PDF（pc） （2432KB）（601）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the effects of Toxoplasma gondii typeⅠand Ⅱrhoptry protein 16 (ROP16) on the polarization and inflammatory response of mouse alveolar macrophages, so as to provide the scientific evidence for unveiling the immunoregulatory mechanisms following T. gondii infection in host cells and the clinical diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary toxoplasmosis. Methods　Mouse alveolar macrophages served as blank controls, and mouse alveolar macrophages transfected with the empty lentiviral expression vector served as negative controls, and mouse alveolar macrophages transfected with lentiviral vectors overexpressing T. gondii typeⅠand Ⅱ ROP16 served as the typeⅠand ⅡROP16 overexpression groups. Following puromycin selection, stably transfected cells that overexpressed typeⅠand ⅡROP16 were generated, observed for green fluorescence expression under a fluorescence microscope and verified using PCR, Western blotting and real⁃time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT⁃qPCR) assays. The expression of ROP16, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase (Arg)⁃1, mannose receptor (CD206), cluster of differentiation 86 (CD86), NOD⁃like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase⁃1, apoptosis⁃associated speck⁃like protein containing a CARD (ASC), and interleukin (IL)⁃1β proteins was determined in mouse alveolar macrophages using Western blotting assay, and the mRNA levels of ROP16, iNOS, IL⁃1β, IL⁃4, IL⁃12, IL⁃18, Arg⁃1, IL⁃10, IL⁃6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)⁃α and transforming growth factor (TGF)⁃β were detected in mouse alveolar macrophages using RT⁃qPCR assay. Results　Fluorescence microscopy showed 90% of mouse alveolar macrophages producing green fluorescent signals in the typeⅠand Ⅱ ROP16 overexpression groups and the negative control group. The relative ROP16 protein expression was  1.000 ± 0.000, 1.003 ± 0.020, 1.349 ± 0.055, and 1.376 ± 0.080 in mouse alveolar macrophages in the blank control group, negative control group, and typeⅠand ⅡROP16 overexpression groups (F = 35.30, P < 0.01), and the relative ROP16 mRNA expression was 1.007 ± 0.172, 2.030 ± 0.356, 1 409.579 ± 75.960, and 1 413.581 ± 27.712 in the blank control group, negative control group, and typeⅠand Ⅱ ROP16 overexpression groups (F = 811.00, P < 0.01). The ROP16 expression was significantly higher in the typeⅠand ⅡROP16 overexpression groups than in the blank control group at both protein and mRNA levels (all P value < 0.01). Western blotting assay detected significant differences among the four groups in terms of iNOS, Arg⁃1, CD86, CD206, NLRP3, caspase⁃1, ASC, and IL⁃1β protein expression (F = 124.70, 82.40, 79.82, 919.40, 84.74, 39.85, 2 354.00 and 65.96, all P values < 0.05), and the expression of Arg⁃1, CD206, NLRP3, caspase⁃1, ASC, and IL⁃1β proteins was significantly higher in the typeⅠROP16 overexpression group than in the blank control group (all P values < 0.001), while the expression of iNOS, CD86, NLRP3, caspase⁃1, ASC, and IL⁃1β proteins was significantly higher in the type ⅡROP16 overexpression group than in the blank control group (all P values < 0.01). RT⁃qPCR assay detected significant differences among the four groups in terms of iNOS, IL⁃1β, IL⁃4, IL⁃12, IL⁃18, Arg⁃1, IL⁃10, IL⁃6, TNF⁃α, and TGF⁃β mRNA expression (F = 407.00, 1 528.00, 833.10, 267.90, 989.80, 161.80, 461.10, 5 529.00, 849.60 and 8 836.00, all P values < 0.05), and the Arg⁃1, IL⁃4, IL⁃10, and TGF⁃β mRNA expression was significantly higher in the typeⅠROP16 overexpression group than in the blank control group (all P values < 0.001), while the iNOS, IL⁃1β, IL⁃12, IL⁃18, IL⁃6, and TNF⁃α mRNA expression was significantly higher in the typeⅡROP16 overexpression group than in the blank control group (all P values < 0.001). Conclusions　T. gondii typeⅠROP16 may induce M2⁃dominant phenotypes of mouse alveolar macrophages, and typeⅡROP16 may induce M1⁃dominant phenotypes of mouse alveolar macrophages. Both T. gondii typeⅠand ⅡROP16 may activate NLRP3, and mediate the activation of ASC, caspase⁃1 and IL⁃1β to promote inflammatory responses. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Investigation of tick species in Suizhou City, Hubei Province from 2023 to 2024 LU Huiya, GUO Fang, PAN Yibin, PENG Meng, WU Libang, LIN Ye, LIU Xiaohui, YU Xuejie Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (2): 184-189.   Abstract （284）      PDF（pc） （1408KB）（538）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To investigate the species of ticks in Suizhou City, Hubei Province, so as to provide insights into management of ticks and tick⁃borne diseases. Methods　During the period between May 2023 and June 2024, livestock breeding farms and vegetation neighboring the place of residence of confirmed and suspected patients with tick⁃borne disease were selected as sampling points in rural areas from Yindian Township, Gaocheng Township, Wanhe Township, Wushan Township, Xiaolin Township, Xihe Township, Hedian Township and Beijiao Street in Suizhou City, Hubei Province, where confirmed and suspected cases with tick⁃borne diseases had been reported. The parasitic ticks on the body surface of free⁃range livestock were captured with tweezers in livestock breeding farms, and free ticks on the vegetation surface were captured with the flagging method. Morphological identification of tick samples was performed under a microscope, and the gender and developmental stage of ticks were determined. One engorged adult tick, 2 to 3 blood⁃feeding but non⁃engorged adult ticks, 10 to 15 unfed female ticks, 15 to 20 unfed male ticks, and 30 to 40 tick nymphs or larvae were assigned into a group, respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted from tick samples in each group, and mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene was amplified. Sequence analysis was performed with the DNASTAR software, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using the software MEGA 7.0. In addition, the phylogenetic tree was generated using the maximum likelihood method based on the Kimura 2 parameter model. Results　A total of 2 438 ticks were captured from Suizhou City, Hubei Province during the period between May 2023 and June 2024, including 595 free ticks and 1 483 parasitic ticks. Three developmental stages of ticks were captured, including larvae, nymphs, and adults, and 75.18% (1 899/2 438) of captured ticks were adult, in which 79.04% (1 501/1 899) were female. Morphological and molecular biological assays identified one family, three genera and four species of captured ticks, including 2 425 Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks (99.47%) and one H. flava tick (0.04%) of the genus Haemaphysalis, 11 Rhipicephalus microplus ticks (0.45%) of the genus Rhipicephalus, and one Ixodes sinensis tick (0.04%) of the genus Ixodes in the family Ixodidae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the H. longicornis sequence (SZ49) in this study was clustered with sequences from Yunnan Province (GenBank accession number: MH024510.1), Hebei Province (GenBank accession number: MK450606.1) and Henan Province (GenBank accession number: MZ230645.1) into a clade, and the H. flava sequence (SZ19) in this study was clustered with sequences from Japan (GenBank accession number: MW064044.1), South Korea (GenBank accession number: ON629585.1), and Jiangsu Province (GenBank accession number: PP494741.1) and Hebei Province of China (GenBank accession number: MH520685.1) into a clade, while the R. microplus sequence (SZ8) in this study was clustered with the sequences from India (GenBank accession number: MK621328.1), and Henan Province (GenBank accession number: MT555307.1) and Guizhou Province of China (GenBank accession number: PP446801.1) into a clade. The sequence of I. sinensis (SZ23) in this study had 99.51% homology with that (GenBank accession number: OM368265.1) of ticks sampled from Wuhan City, Hubei Province. Conclusion　There are four tick species of H. longicornis, H. flava, R. microplus and I. sinensis in Suizhou City, Hubei Province, and H. longicornis is the dominant species. H. flava is firstly recorded in Suizhou City.  Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

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Toxicity and sublethal effects of calcium cyanamide against susceptible strains of Aedes albopictus ZHENG Luyang, XU Huiyi, WEN Qingqiu, ZHOU Ning, ZHENG Xueli Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control    2025, 37 (2): 196-200,222.   Abstract （306）      PDF（pc） （1455KB）（535）       Knowledge map    Save Objective　To examine the toxicity and sublethal effects of calcium cyanamide against susceptible isolates of Aedes albopictus, so as to provide insights into rational use of calcium cyanamide for integrated management of Ae. albopictus. Methods　The sublethal concentrations ［30% lethal concentration (LC30) and median lethal concentration (LC50)］of calcium cyanamide against susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus were determined using the larval immersion test. With 100 mL of dechlorinated water as the control group, after the larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus were immersed in calcium cyanamide for 24 hours, the pupation rate, pupation duration, emergence rate, number of eggs laid, percentage of eggs hatched, and lifespan of Ae. albopictus were calculated and compared post⁃treatment with calcium cyanamide at different sublethal concentrations. The midgut tissues of larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus treated with 100 mg/L calcium cyanamide were sampled for pathological sectioning to observe midgut tissue damages. To evaluate the residual activity, 100 larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus were treated with 200 mg/L and 500 mg/L calcium cyanamide, and the mortality of larvae was calculated every 24 hour, with dead larvae replaced until no larval death. Results　The regression equation for the toxicity of calcium cyanamide against larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus was y = -9.441 + 4.657x, with an LC50 of 106.42 mg/L［95% confidence interval (CI): (94.64, 118.36) mg/L］and an LC30 of 82.17 mg/L［95% CI: (94.64, 118.36) mg/L］, respectively. After larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus were treated with sublethal concentrations (LC30 and LC50) of calcium cyanamide for 24 hours, there were reduced pupation and emergence rates of larvae (all P values < 0.000 1), prolonged pupal stage (both P values < 0.000 1), reduced numbers of eggs laid by survival female Ae. albopictus (both P values < 0.000 1), reduced percentages of eggs hatched by Ae. albopictus eggs (both P values < 0.000 1), and reduced median survival period of survival female Ae. albopictus ([χ2] = 9.36 and 20.33, both P values < 0.01) in the LC30 and LC50 groups relative to the control group. There was a numerical decline in the median survival period of survival female Ae. albopictus in the LC30 groups relative to the control group ([χ2] = 2.42, P > 0.05), and there was a significant decline in the median survival period of survival female Ae. albopictus in the LC50 group relative to the control group ([χ2] = 11.42, P < 0.01). Histopathological examinations showed severe damages to the midgut tissues of larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus, and residual activity assay revealed that the mortality of larvae of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus was both 0 on day 32 post⁃treatment with calcium cyanamide at a concentration of 200 mg/L and on day 70 post⁃treatment with calcium cyanamide at a concentration of 500 mg/L, showing complete loss of the larvicidal activity of calcium cyanamide.  Conclusions　Calcium cyanamide is highly toxic against susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus, and calcium cyanamide at sublethal concentrations (LC30 and LC50) may inhibit growth, development, and reproductive capability of susceptible strains of Ae. albopictus, and shorten the lifespan of adult mosquitoes. Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）