Table of Content

15 February 2024, Volume 36 Issue 1

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High⁃quality acceleration of the Chinese national schistosomiasis elimination programme to advance the building of Healthy China

XU Jing, WANG Qiang, YANG Kun, WEN Liyong, WANG Tianping, LIN Dandan, LIU Jianbing, ZHOU Jie, LIU Yang, DONG Yi, CAO Chunli, LI Shizhu, ZHOU Xiaonong

2024, 36(1):  1-6. 

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The goal of achieving elimination of schistosomiasis across all endemic counties in China by 2030 was proposed in the Outline of the Healthy China 2030 Plan. On June 16, 2023, the Action Plan to Accelerate the Elimination of Schistosomiasis in China (2023—2030) was jointly issued by National Disease Control and Prevention Administration and other 10 ministries, which deployed the targets and key tasks of the national schistosomiasis elimination programme in China. This article describes the progress of the national schistosomiasis control programme, analyzes the opportunities to eliminate schistosomiasis, and proposes targeted recommendations to tackle the challenges of schistosomiasis elimination, so as to accelerate the process towards schistosomiasis elimination and facilitate the building of a healthy China.

Interpretation of the Action Plan to Accelerate the Elimination of Schistosomiasis in China (2023—2030)

ZHOU Xiaonong, ZHU Zelin, TU Hong, LIU Dexi, CAO Chunli, XU Jing, LI Shizhu

2024, 36(1):  7-12.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023161

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On June 16, 2023, National Disease Control and Prevention Administration of the People’s Republic of China, in collaboration with other ministries, formulated and issued the Action Plan for Accelerating Progress towards Elimination of Schistosomiasis in China (2023—2030). The implementation of this plan provides an important basis for achieving the targets set in the “Healthy China 2030” action plan and the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy. This paper describes the background, principles, targets, control strategies, safeguard measures and effectiveness evaluation of the plan, in order to guide the scientific and standardized implementation of actions for schistosomiasis elimination at the grassroots level, and facilitate the progress towards elimination of schistosomiasis in China with a high quality.

Promoting implementation research and One Health approach to respond the four global health challenges: an interpretation of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) Strategy 2024—2029

FANG Jing

2024, 36(1):  13-16,24.  DOI: 10.1625/j.32.1374.2023146

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Tropical diseases, notably neglected tropical diseases and infectious diseases of poverty, remain major health problems endangering the poorest and most⁃marginalized people in the world. The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), which is co⁃sponsored by the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank, is an important programme that helps facilitate, support, guide and coordinate global efforts to combat tropical diseases. On July 2023, TDR formally issued its 2024—2029 Strategy, which proposed the direction and proprieties of global tropical disease prevention and control in the next six years. Based on its original focus on supporting researchers and research institutions from low⁃ and middle⁃income countries to conduct research on tropical diseases and building their research capabilities, this strategy proposed some new developments, which mainly included incorporating tropical disease prevention and control into the overall framework of addressing major global health challenges and achieving the health goals set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to combat tropical diseases and contribute to achieving health goals of SDGs in a collaborative and integrated manner; supporting implementation research and encouraging practitioners and social innovators to participate in research to enable generation of solutions that may be used to solve local health problems; promoting and encouraging the One Health concept and interdisciplinary and cross⁃departmental collaboration; shifting gradually its focus from disease prevention and control to addressing the health needs of the poorest and most⁃marginalized populations. These new developments deserve the attention of personnel and institutions in China dedicated to the prevention and control of tropical diseases in order to help their future researches and activities.

Resistance to deltamethrin and its association with mutation sites in the sodium iron channel domain III gene in Rhipicephalus microplus in Huaihua City of Hunan Province

LI Zhongbo, YANG Tian, SHU Ming, HU Hui, HUANG Cuiqin

2024, 36(1):  17-24.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023113

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Objective　To investigate the level of deltamethrin resistance and mutation sites in the sodium iron channel gene in Rhipicephalus microplus in Huaihua City, Hunan Province, and to examine the correlation between deltamethrin resistance and mutation sites in the sodium iron channel gene in Rh. microplus. Methods　Rh. microplus was sampled from multiple yellow cattle farms in Huaihua City, Hunan Province from June to September 2022, and the level of resistance to deltamethrin was determined in ticks using the adult immersion test. The sodium iron channel domain III gene was amplified in deltamethrin⁃resistant and wild⁃type Rh. microplus using PCR assay. Following sequencing and sequence alignment, mutation sites were detected in bases. The sodium iron channel domain III gene in Rh. microplus was translated, and the signal peptide, transmembrane domain, and phosphorylation and glycosylation sites were detected in amino acid sequences. The tertiary structures of the sodium iron channel domain III protein of deltamethrin⁃resistant and wild⁃type Rh. microplus were deduced and compared, and the association between mutation sites in bases and resistance to deltamethrin was examined in Rh. microplus according the level of deltamethrin resistance, sequence alignment and protein tertiary structure. Results　The median (LC50) and 95% lethal concentrations (LC95) of deltamethrin were 121.39 mg/L and 952.61 mg/L against Rh. microplus, with a resistance factor of 9.24 and level II resistance. The sequence of the sodium ion channel domain III gene was 1 010 bp in size, and mutation sites were detected in two neighboring bases in the sequence of the sodium ion channel domain III gene in deltamethrin⁃resistant Rh. microplus. Although no signal peptides were found in the sodium iron channel domain III protein of deltamethrin⁃resistant or wild⁃type Rh. microplus, 6 transmembrane domains, 42 phosphorylation sites and 8 glycosylation sites were identified, with a significant difference in the tertiary structure of the sodium iron channel domain III protein between deltamethrin⁃resistant and wild⁃type Rh. microplus. Conclusions　Level II resistance to deltamethrin is detected in Rh. microplus in Huaihua City, Hunan Province, and two mutation sites that correlate with the emergence of deltamethrin resistance are identified in the sequence of the sodium iron channel domain III gene in deltamethrin⁃resistant Rh. microplus.

Expression of neutrophil extracellular traps and phagocytic functions among patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis

RENZENGZHUOGA, FAN Haining, YANG Kangjie, WANG Zhixin, ZHANG Yaogang, LU Yongliang, WANG Haijiu

2024, 36(1):  25-33.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023172

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Objective　To investigate the expression of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and phagocytic function in the peripheral blood of patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE), and to examine their correlations with clinical inflammatory indicators and liver functions. Methods　A total of 50 patients with HAE admitted to Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University from August 2022 to June 2023 were enrolled, while 50 age⁃ and gender⁃matched healthy individuals from the Centre for Healthy Examinations of the hospital during the same period served as controls. The levels of NETs markers neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE) were measured using enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated using density gradient centrifugation, stimulated in vitro using phorbol 12⁃myristate 13 acetate (PMA), and the levels of MPO and citrullination histone H3 (CitH3) released by neutrophils were quantified using flow cytometry. The phagocytic functions of neutrophils were examined using flow cytometry. In addition, the correlations of MPO and NE levels with clinical inflammatory indicators and liver biochemical indicators were examined using Spearman correlation analysis among HAE patients. Results　The peripheral blood plasma MPO ［(417.15 ± 76.08) ng/mL vs. (255.70 ± 80.84) ng/mL; t = 10.28, P < 0.05］, NE ［(23.16 ± 6.75) ng/mL vs. (11.92 ± 3.17) ng/mL; t = 10.65, P < 0.05］ and Cit H3 levels［(33.93 ± 18.93) ng/mL vs. (19.52 ± 13.89) ng/mL; t = 4.34, P < 0.05］ were all significantly higher among HAE patients than among healthy controls, and a lower phagocytosis rate of neutrophils was detected among HAE patients than among healthy controls ［(70.85 ± 7.32)% vs. (94.04 ± 3.90)%; t = 20.18, P < 0.05］, and the ability to produce NETs by neutrophils was higher among HAE patients than among healthy controls following in vitro PMA stimulation. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the phagocytosis rate of neutrophils correlated negatively with platelet⁃to⁃lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil⁃to⁃lymphocyte ratio (NLR), interleukin⁃6 (IL⁃6) level and C⁃reactive protein (CRP) level (rs = −0.515 to −0.392 , all P values < 0.05), and the MPO and NE levels positively correlated with inflammatory markers NLR, PLR, CRP and IL⁃6 (rs = 0.333 to 0.445, all P values < 0.05) and clinical liver biochemical indicators aspartic transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, direct bilirubin and total bilirubin among HAE patients (rs = 0.290 to 0.628, all P values < 0.001). Conclusions　Excessive formation of NETs is found among HAE patients, which affects the phagocytic ability of neutrophils and results in elevated levels of inflammatory indicators. NETs markers may be promising novel biomarkers for early diagnosis, monitoring, and severity assessment of liver disease.

Dynamic observation on capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells induced by Echinococcus multilocularis infection

ZHANG Renjie, XIE Jun, WEI Fanna, MO Xiaojin, SONG Peng, CAI Yuchun, LU Yan, SUN Jiahui, ZHOU Yan, LIN Lin, ZHANG Ting, CHEN Muxin

2024, 36(1):  34-43.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023243

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Objective　To investigate the capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and its association with hepatic fibrosis during the development of alveolar echinococcosis, so as to provide the basis for unraveling the mechanisms underlying the role of LSEC in the development and prognosis of hepatic injuries and hepatic fibrosis caused by alveolar echinococcosis. Methods　Forty C57BL/6 mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into a control group and 1⁃, 2⁃ and 4⁃week infection groups, of 10 mice in each group. Each mouse in the infection groups was intraperitoneally injected with 2 000 Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces, while each mouse in the control group was given an equal volume of phosphate⁃buffered saline using the same method. All mice were sacrificed 1, 2 and 4 weeks post⁃infection and mouse livers were collected. The pathological changes of livers were observed using hematoxylin⁃eosin (HE) staining, and hepatic fibrosis was evaluated through semi⁃quantitative analysis of Masson’s trichrome staining⁃positive areas. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition were examined using immunohistochemical staining of α⁃smooth muscle actin (α⁃SMA) and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), and the fenestrations on the surface of LSECs were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Primary LSECs were isolated from mouse livers, and the mRNA expression of LSEC marker genes Stabilin⁃1, Stabilin⁃2, Ehd3, CD209b, GATA4 and Maf was quantified using real⁃time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. Results　Destruction of local liver lobular structure was observed in mice 2 weeks post⁃infection with E. multilocularis protoscoleces, and hydatid cysts, which were surrounded by granulomatous tissues, were found in mouse livers 4 weeks post⁃infection. Semi⁃quantitative analysis of Masson’s trichrome staining showed a significant difference in the proportion of collagen fiber contents in mouse livers among the four groups (F = 26.060, P < 0.001), and a higher proportion of collagen fiber contents was detected in mouse livers in the 4⁃week infection group [(11.29 ± 2.58)%] than in the control group (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining revealed activation of a few HSCs and ECM deposition in mouse livers 1 and 2 weeks post⁃infection, and abundant brown⁃yellow stained α⁃SMA and COL1A1 were deposited in the lesion areas in mouse livers 4 weeks post⁃infection, which spread to surrounding tissues. Semi⁃quantitative analysis revealed significant differences in α⁃SMA (F = 7.667, P < 0.05) and COL1A1 expression (F = 6.530, P < 0.05) in mouse levers among the four groups, with higher α⁃SMA [(7.13 ± 3.68)%] and COL1A1 expression [(13.18 ± 7.20)%] quantified in mouse livers in the 4⁃week infection group than in the control group (both P values < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant differences in the fenestration frequency (F = 37.730, P < 0.001) and porosity (F = 16.010, P < 0.001) on the surface of mouse LSECs among the four groups, and reduced fenestration frequency and porosity were observed in the 1⁃ [(1.22 ± 0.48) /μm2 and [(3.05 ± 0.91)%] and 2⁃week infection groups [(3.47 ± 0.10)/μm2 and (7.57 ± 0.23)%] groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the average fenestration diameter on the surface of mouse LSECs among the four groups (F = 15.330, P < 0.001), and larger average fenestration diameters were measured in the 1⁃ [(180.80 ± 16.42) nm] and 2⁃week infection groups [(161.70 ± 3.85) nm] than in the control group (both P values < 0.05). In addition, there were significant differences among the four groups in terms of Stabilin⁃1 (F = 153.100, P < 0.001), Stabilin⁃2 (F = 57.010, P < 0.001), Ehd3 (F = 31.700, P < 0.001), CD209b (F = 177.400, P < 0.001), GATA4 (F = 17.740, P < 0.001), and Maf mRNA expression (F = 72.710, P < 0.001), and reduced mRNA expression of Stabilin⁃1, Stabilin⁃2, Ehd3, CD209b, GATA4 and Maf genes was quantified in three infection groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.001). Conclusions　E. multilocularis infections may induce capillarization of LSECs in mice, and result in a reduction in the expression of functional and phenotypic marker genes of LSECs, and capillarization of LSECs occurs earlier than activation of HSC and development of hepatic fibrosis.

Investigation of the population diversity of intermediate host snails and crabs of Paragonimus along Jiulong River, Zhangjiang River and Dongxi River basins in southern Fujian Province

WU Wenyong, LUO Jun, HUANG Mingsong, CAI Maorong, CHENG Youzhu

2024, 36(1):  44-51.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023144

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Objective　To investigate the population distribution of intermediate host snails and crabs of Paragonimus  along the Jiulongjiang River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Bopingling Mountain, southern Fujian Province, so as to provide baseline data for researches on parasitic disease prevention and control and enlargement of samples in the parasitic resource bank. Methods　A total of 23 villages in 8 counties (districts) along the Jiulong River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province were selected as survey sites during the period from November 2020 through March 2023, and snail and freshwater crabs were sampled from 1 to 3 streams and ditches neighboring residential areas in each village. Morphological identification of snails was performed according to the external morphological characteristics of collected snail shells, and the unidentified snail species sampled from the natural foci of paragonimiasis in Yunxiao County were subjected to sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene. The crab species was identified by observing the morphological characteristics of the terminal segment of the first pleopod of male crabs, and Paragonimus cercariae and metacercariae were detected in collected snails. Results　The shells of the unidentified snails sampled from the natural foci of paragonimiasis in Yunxiao County were approximately 50 mm in height and 18 mm in width, thick and solid, long tower cone⁃shaped, and had 8 to 10 whorls. CO1 gene sequence analysis identified the snail species as Sulcospira hainanensis. A total of 6 freshwater snail species belonging to 5 genera within 3 families, identified 23 survey sites, including Semisulcospira libertina, Paludomus zhangchouensis and S. hainanensis that belonged to the Family Pleurceridae, Tricula fujianensis and T. huaanensis that belonged to the subfamily Triculinae, Family Pomatiopsidae, and Melanoides tuberculata (Family Thiaridae), and 11 species of freshwater crabs belonging to 5 genera within 2 families were identified, including Sinopotamon  genus of S. jianglense, S. pinheense, and  S. zhangzhouense, Huananpotamon genus of H. planopodum and H. zhangzhouense, Nanhaipotamon genus of N. huaanense and  N. longhaiense, and Minpotamon genus of M. nasicum and M. auritum that belonged to the Family Potamidae, and Somanniathelphusa genus of S. huaanensis and S. zhangpuensis (Family Parathelphusidae). In addition, the prevalence of P. westermani cercariae infections was 0.08% (2/2 317) in P. zhangchouensis from Danyan Village in Changtai District and 0.09% (1/1 039) in S. hainanensis from Jinkeng Village in Yunxiao County, and the prevalence of P. westermani metacercariae infections was 25.81% (8/31) in S. jianglense from Danyan Village in Changtai District, and 26.31% (5/19) in S. zhangzhouense from Jinkeng Village in Yunxiao County, respectively.  Conclusions　There is a population diversity in the intermediate host snails and crabs along the Jiulongjiang River, Zhangjiang River, and Dongxi River basins in Bopingling Mountain, southern Fujian Province, and P. zhangzhouensis and S. hainanensis are, for the first time, confirmed as the first intermediate hosts of P. westermani.

Comparison of the microbiota diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Culex pipiens pallens

LEI Jingjing, LÜ Wenxiang, WANG Wenqian, WANG Haifang, GUO Xiuxia, CHENG Peng, GONG Maoqing, LIU Lijuan

2024, 36(1):  52-58,73.  DOI: 10.1620/j.32.1374.2023204

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Objective　To investigate the microbiota composition and diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Culex pipiens pallens, so as to provide insights into unraveling the pathogenesis of autogeny in Cx. pipiens pallens. Methods　Autogenous and anautogenous adult Cx. pipiens pallens samples were collected at 25 ℃, and the hypervariable regions of the microbial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene was sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing platform. The microbiota abundance and diversity were evaluated using the alpha diversity index, and the difference in the microbiota structure was examined using the beta diversity index. The microbiota with significant differences in the abundance between autogenous and anautogenous adult Cx. pipiens pallens samples was identified using the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe). Results　The microbiota in autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples belonged to 18 phyla, 28 classes, 70 orders, 113 families, and 170 genera, and the dominant phyla included Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and so on. At the genus level, Wolbachia was a common dominant genus, and the relative abundance was (77.62 ± 11.35)% in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples and (47.52 ± 8.54)% in anautogenous mosquito samples, while Faecalibaculum (0.42% ± 0.11%), Dubosiella (0.54% ± 0.00%) and Massilia (0.52% ± 0.07%) were specific species in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples. Alpha diversity analysis showed that higher Chao1 index and ACE index in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples than in anautogenous samples (both P values > 0.05), and lower Shannon index (P > 0.05) and Simpson index (P < 0.05) in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples than in anautogenous samples. LEfSe analysis showed a total of 48 significantly different taxa between autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples (all P values < 0.05). Conclusion　There is a significant difference in the microbiota diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens.

Effect of LAG3 deficiency on natural killer cell function and hepatic fibrosis in mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis

ZIBIGU Rousu, ABIDAN Ainiwaer, ADILAI Duolikun, LI Yinshi, KANG Xuejiao, YU Qian, DENG Bingqing, ZHENG Xuran, WANG Maolin, LI Jing, WANG Hui, ZHANG Chuanshan

2024, 36(1):  59-66.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2024013

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Objective　To investigate the effect of LAG⁃3 deficiency (LAG3⁃/⁃) on natural killer (NK) cell function and hepatic fibrosis in mice infected with Echinococcus multilocularis. Methods　C57BL/6 mice, each weighing (20 ± 2) g, were divided into the LAG3⁃/⁃ and wild type (WT) groups, and each mouse in both groups was inoculated with 3 000 E. multilocularis protoscoleces via the hepatic portal vein. Mouse liver and spleen specimens were collected 12 weeks post⁃infection, sectioned and stained with sirius red, and the hepatic lesions and fibrosis were observed. Mouse hepatic and splenic lymphocytes were isolated, and flow cytometry was performed to detect the proportions of hepatic and splenic NK cells, the expression of CD44, CD25 and CD69 molecules on NK cell surface, and the secretion of interferon γ (IFN⁃γ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF⁃α), interleukin (IL)⁃4, IL⁃10 and IL⁃17A.  Results　Sirius red staining showed widening of inflammatory cell bands and hyperplasia of fibrotic connective tissues around mouse hepatic lesions, as well as increased deposition of collagen fibers in the LAG3⁃/⁃ group relative to the WT group. Flow cytometry revealed lower proportions of mouse hepatic (6.29% ± 1.06% vs. 11.91% ± 1.85%, P < 0.000 1) and splenic NK cells (4.44% ± 1.22% vs. 5.85% ± 1.10%, P > 0.05) in the LAG3⁃/⁃ group than in the WT group, and the mean fluorescence intensity of CD44 was higher on the surface of mouse hepatic NK cells in the LAG3⁃/⁃ group than in the WT group (t = −3.234, P < 0.01), while no significant differences were found in the mean fluorescence intensity of CD25 or CD69 on the surface of mouse hepatic NK cells between the LAG3⁃/⁃ and WT groups (both P values > 0.05). There were significant differences between the LAG3⁃/⁃ and WT groups in terms of the percentages of IFN⁃γ (t = −0.723, P > 0.05), TNF⁃α (t = −0.659, P > 0.05), IL⁃4 (t = −0.263, P > 0.05), IL⁃10 (t = −0.455, P > 0.05) or IL⁃17A secreted by mouse hepatic NK cells (t = 0.091, P > 0.05), and the percentage of IFN⁃γ secreted by mouse splenic NK cells was higher in the LAG3⁃/⁃ group than in the WT group (58.40% ± 1.64% vs. 50.40% ± 4.13%; t = −4.042, P < 0.01); however, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the proportions of TNF⁃α (t = −1.902, P > 0.05), IL⁃4 (t = −1.333, P > 0.05), IL⁃10 (t = −1.356, P > 0.05) or IL⁃17A secreted by mouse splenic NK cells (t = 0.529, P > 0.05). Conclusions　During the course of E. multilocularis infections, LAG3⁃/⁃ promotes high⁃level secretion of IFN⁃γ by splenic NK cells, which may participate in the reversal the immune function of NK cells, resulting in aggravation of hepatic fibrosis.



Capacity building in schistosomiasis control institutions in China: a cross⁃sectional study

HE Junyi, LI Shizhen, DENG Wangping, CAO Chunli, LI Shizhu, XU Jing

2024, 36(1):  67-73.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023208

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[Abstract]　Objective　To understand the current status of capacity building in schistosomiasis control institutes in schistosomiasis⁃endemic provinces (municipality, autonomous region) of China. Methods　The responsibilities and construction requirements of various schistosomiasis control institutions were surveyed by expert discussions, and field interviews and visits during the period between May and June, 2023, and the questionnaire for capacity maintenance and consolidation in schistosomiasis control institutions was designed. An online questionnaire survey was conducted in county⁃, municipal⁃, and provincial⁃level institutions that undertook schistosomiasis control and surveillance activities through the Wenjuanxing program. The distribution of schistosomiasis control institutions, the status of institutions, departments and staff undertaking schistosomiasis control activities and the translation of scientific researches on schistosomiasis control in China were analyzed. The laboratories accredited by China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) were considered to be capable for testing associated with schistosomiasis control, and the testing capability of schistosomiasis control institutions was analyzed. Results　A total of 486 valid questionnaires were recovered from 486 schistosomiasis control institutions in 12 endemic provinces (municipality, autonomous region) of China, including 12 provincial⁃level institutions (2.5%), 77 municipal⁃level institutions (15.8%) and 397 county⁃level institutions (81.7%). Of all schistosomiasis control institutions, 376 (77.4%) were centers for disease control and prevention or public health centers, 102 (21.0%) were institutions for schistosomiasis, endemic disease and parasitic disease control, and 8 (1.6%) were hospitals, healthcare centers or others. There were 37 713 active employees in the 486 schistosomiasis control institutions, including 5 675 employees related to schistosomiasis control, and the proportions of employees associated with schistosomiasis control among all active employees were 5.9% (231/3 897), 5.5% (566/10 134), and 20.6% (4 878/23 682) in provincial⁃, municipal⁃, and county⁃level institutions, respectively. There were 3 826 full⁃time employees working in schistosomiasis control activities, with 30.5% (1 166/3 826), 34.6% (1 324) and 34.9% (1 336/3 826) at ages of 40 years and below, 41 to 50 years and over 50 years, and there were 1 571 (41.0%) full⁃time schistosomiasis control employees with duration of schistosomiasis control activities for over 25 years, and 1 358 (35.5%) employees with junior professional titles and 1 290 with intermediate professional titles (35.5%), while 712 (18.6%) full⁃time employees working in schistosomiasis control activities had no professional titles. The three core schistosomiasis control activities included snail control (26.3%, 374/1 420), epidemics surveillance and management (25.4%, 361/1 420) and health education (18.8%, 267/1 420) in schistosomiasis control institutions. The Kato⁃Katz method, miracidium hatching test with nylon gauzes, and indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA) were the most commonly used techniques for detection of schistosomiasis, and there were less than 50% laboratories that had capabilities or experimental conditions for performing enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), dipstick dye immunoassay (DDIA), dot immunogold filtration assay (DIGFA), loop⁃mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. During the period from 2018 to 2022, schistosomiasis control institutions had undertaken a total of 211 research projects for schistosomiasis control, with a total funding of 18.596 million RMB, published 619 articles, participated in formulation of 13 schistosomiasis control⁃related criteria, and applied for 113 schistosomiasis control⁃related patents, including 101 that were granted, and commercialized 4 scientific research outcomes. Conclusions　The proportion of independent specialized schistosomiasis control institutions is low in schistosomiasis control institutions in China, which suffers from problems of unsatisfactory laboratory testing capabilities, aging of staff and a high proportion of low⁃level professional titles. More investment into and intensified schistosomiasis control activities and improved capability building and talent cultivation in schistosomiasis control institutions are recommended to provide a powerful support for high⁃quality elimination of schistosomiasis in China.

Investigation of Anisakis infections in coastal marine fishes and awareness of anisakiasis control knowledge among residents in Yantai City in 2021

CHEN Yao, LI Dan, WANG Longjiang, BU Cancan, LI Yuejin, WANG Yongbin, XU Yan, YAN Ge, ZHANG Benguang

2024, 36(1):  74-78,110. 

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Objective　To investigate the prevalence of Anisakis infections in coastal marine fishes and awareness of anisakiasis control knowledge among local residents in Yantai City, Shandong Province in 2021, so as to provide insights into formulation of anisakiasis control interventions. Methods　Marine fishes were purchased from Shunxin Port, Yantai City, Shandong Province in November 2021, and the presence of Anisakis was detected in different species of fishes and different fish sites. The correlations between body length and weight of marine fish and intensity of Anisakis infections were examined using Spearman’s rank correlation analysis, and the dietary habits and anisakiasis control knowledge were investigated using questionnaire surveys among local residents. Results　A total of 201 marine fishes belonging to 20 species were dissected, and Anisakis was detected in 77 marine fishes (38.31%) belonging to 11 species (55.00%), with a mean infection intensity of 45.04 parasites per fish (3 468/77). Spearman’s rank correlation analysis revealed that the body length (r = 0.74, P < 0.05) and weight (r = 0.79, P < 0.01) of the monkfish correlated positively with the intensity of Anisakis infections, and the body length (r = 0.68, P < 0.05) of the flatfish correlated positively with the intensity of Anisakis infections, while no correlations were examined between the body length or weight of other marine fishes and the intensity of Anisakis infections. Of all respondents, 53.38% men and 56.67% women did not know anisakiasis control knowledge at all, and there was a significant difference in the proportion of respondents using separate chopping boards for raw and cooked food from different villages ([χ2] = 17.89, P < 0.01), while there was an age⁃specific proportion of respondents with habitats of eating raw or semi⁃raw seafood ([χ2] = 28.27, P < 0.01). Conclusions　The prevalence and intensity of Anisakis infections were high in coastal marine fishes in Yantai City in 2021, and the awareness of anisakiasis control knowledge was low among local residents. Intensified health education pertaining to anisakiasis control knowledge is recommended to reduce the risk of Anisakis infections.

Surveillance of echinococcosis in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2017 to 2022

ZHANG Yue, WU Jun, ADILI Simayi, WANG Shuo, ZHANG Haiting, SHI Guangzhong, ZHAO Jiangshan

2024, 36(1):  79-82.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023169

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Objective　To analyze the echinococcosis surveillance results in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2017 to 2022, so as to provide insights into formulation of echinococcosis control measures in the prefecture. Methods　Villagers were randomly sampled using a multistage sampling method from class I and II echinococcosis endemic counties in Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture from 2017 to 2022 for detection of human echinococcosis, while all patients undergoing ultrasound examinations in medical institutions in class Ⅲ endemic counties received active echinococcosis screening. In addition, livestock in centralized slaughterhouses or slaughtering sites were screened for echinococcosis using the palpation and necropsy method, and fresh domestic dog feces samples were collected from randomly selected dog owners in each administrative village for detection of Echinococcus copro⁃antigen in domestic dogs. The trends in detection of human and livestock echinococcosis, detection of newly diagnosed human echinococcosis cases and detection of Echinococcus copro⁃antigen in domestic dogs were analyzed in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture from 2017 to 2022. Results　The mean detection rate of human echinococcosis was 0.13% (540/407 803) in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture from 2017 to 2022, which appeared a tendency towards a decline over years ([χ2]trend = 1 217.21, P < 0.001), and the highest detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases was seen in Hejing County (0.28%, 191/67 865). The detection of livestock echinococcosis appeared a tendency towards a decline over years from 2017 to 2022 ([χ2]trend = 147.02, P < 0.001), with the highest detection rate seen in Hejing County (3.44%, 86/2 500), and the detection of Echinococcus copro⁃antigen in domestic dogs appeared a tendency towards a decline over years from 2017 to 2022 ([χ2]trend = 302.46, P < 0.001), with the highest detection rate in Qiemo County (2.74%, 118/4 313). Conclusions　The detection of human and livestock echinococcosis and dog feces antigens Echinococcus copro⁃antigen in domestic dogs all appeared a tendency towards a decline in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2017 to 2022; however, there is still a high echinococcosis transmission risk in local areas. Sustainable integrated echinococcosis control is required in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture.

Seroprevalence of the specific antibody against Toxoplasma gondii among patients with hematological diseases

GAN Donghui, FAN Jinqing, ZENG Jinfang, LIN Jun, CHEN Xiaojun

2024, 36(1):  83-86.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023197

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Objective　To investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infections among patients with hematological diseases, so as to provide insights into improving the prognosis and quality of life among patients with hematological diseases. Methods　A total of 240 patients with hematological diseases (including 170 patients with hematological tumors and 70 patients with non⁃tumor hematological diseases) admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University during the period from January 1, 2021 through October 10, 2023 and 500 healthy volunteers in the hospital during the same period were enrolled. Subjects’ demographics and serum samples were collected, and serum specific IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii were detected using the chemiluminescence assay, with any of a positive IgG or IgM antibody defined as a positive T. gondii infection. The seroprevalence of specific IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii was compared between patients with hematological diseases and healthy volunteers. Results　The mean age (F = 2.034, P > 0.05) and gender distribution ([χ2] = 0.462, P > 0.05) were comparable among patients with hematological tumors, patients with non⁃tumor hematological diseases and healthy volunteers, and there was no significant difference in the proportion of history of cat or dog contacts between patients with hematological diseases and healthy volunteers ([χ2] = 0, P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of anti⁃T. gondii antibody was significantly higher among patients with hematological diseases than among healthy volunteers (15.8% vs. 0.6%; [χ2] = 71.902, P < 0.01), and there was a significant difference in the seroprevalence of anti⁃T. gondii antibody among patients with hematological tumors (18.2%), patients with non⁃tumor hematological diseases (10.0%) and healthy volunteers ([χ2] = 78.327, P < 0.01). The seroprevalence of anti⁃T. gondii antibody was significantly higher among patients with hematological tumors and non⁃tumor hematological diseases than among healthy volunteers (both P values < 0.05), while no significant difference was seen in the seroprevalence of anti⁃T. gondii antibody between patients with hematological tumors and non⁃tumor hematological diseases (P > 0.05). In addition, the proportion of history of cat or dog contacts was significantly higher among patients with hematological diseases that were positive for serum anti⁃T. gondii antibody than among those negative for serum anti⁃T. gondii antibody (21.1% vs. 5.4%; [χ2] = 8.653, P < 0.05). Conclusions　There is a high seroprevalene rate of T. gondii infections among hematological diseases, which is significantly greater than that among healthy volunteers.

Thinking on ideological and political education in Medical Parasitology teaching

ZHANG Xi, LONG Shaorong, LIU Ruodan, JIANG Peng, CUI Jing, WANG Zhongquan

2024, 36(1):  87-90.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023206

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With the deepening reform of ideological and political education, Medical Parasitology teaching needs to update the teaching concept, change the teaching ideas, as well as keep trying to combine ideological and political education with the curriculum content closely. In addition to teaching students’ basic knowledge and practical skills, teachers are needed to cultivate their moral literacy and political awareness through course teaching, so as to provide the basis for students’ subsequent adaptations to social environments and jobs. Currently, the study of ideological and political education in Medical Parasitology teaching is still in the exploratory stage. Therefore, colleges and universities need to carry out effective construction of ideological and political education in Medical Parasitology teaching, in order to achieve good teaching outcomes and provide insights into ideological and political education in teaching.

Anticancer effects of parasites and its underlying mechanisms: a review

ZHANG Yingshu, DING Xin, DAI Yang

2024, 36(1):  91-97.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023074

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Both parasitic diseases and cancers are disorders that seriously threaten human health. A strong correlation has been recently found between parasitic infections and cancers, and multiple species of parasites and their derived products have shown effective to suppress cancer development, progression and metastasis. Therefore, deciphering the interaction among parasites, cancers and hosts not only provides new insights into the development of cancer therapy, but also provides the basis for screening of parasites⁃derived active anticancer molecules. This review summarizes the latest advances in the anticancer activity of parasites and underlying mechanisms.

Progress of researches on the antiparasitic activity of antimicrobial peptide LL⁃37

LOU Junchao, HE Xiaoqin

2024, 36(1):  98-104.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023157

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Parasitic diseases caused by protozoan and helminth infections are still widespread across the world, notably in tropical and subtropical areas, which threaten the children and adult health. Long⁃term use of anti⁃parasitic drugs may result in reduced drug susceptibility and even drug resistance. Antimicrobial peptides have been demonstrated to inhibit parasite growth and development, which has potential antiparasitic values. LL⁃37, the only human antimicrobial peptide in the cathelicidin family, has been widely investigated. This paper reviews the progress of researches on the antiparasitic activity of LL⁃37, and discusses the prospects of LL⁃37 in the research of parasites.

Prevalence and molecular detection of human Cryptosporidium infections: a review 

LIU Yufeng, LIU Hua, LI Kerong, LIU Yuhua

2024, 36(1):  105-110.  DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2023159

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Cryptosporidium is an important intestinal parasite that is mainly transmitted through the fecal⁃oral route. Human infection may occur following ingestion of water and food contaminated by Cryptosporidium oocysts, and children and immunocompromised individuals are at a high risk of infections. The main symptoms of Cryptosporidium infections include diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition, and even death. Because of high sensitivity and rapid procedures, molecular tests are helpful for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis and may reduce the public health risk of cryptosporidiosis. This review summarizes the advances in the latest prevalence and molecular detection of human Cryptosporidium infections during recent years.