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25 December 2025, Volume 37 Issue 6

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Expert consensus on the ultrasound diagnostic pathway for schistosomiasis japonica⁃induced hepatic fibrosis

LI Bo, LI Shizhu, XU Jing, GUO Zhaoyu, WU Zhongdao, WU Haiwei, RICHTER Joachim, NING An, WEN Liyong, ZHANG Shiqing, LIN Dandan, YANG Kun, HUA Haiyong, SUN Xi, YUAN Yi, LI Huazhong, YANG Miyang, HE Dehui, CAO Chengbin, WU Bin, ZHU Longqiang, YAN Feixiong, ZHENG Mao, WANG Hongbo, PAN Ge, TIAN Ying, LI Jun, LI Weixiang, DUAN Juan, GONG Chun, REN Guanghui, SHI Yingrui, ZHOU Xiaonong

2025, 37(6):  569-579. 

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Due to non⁃invasive and repeatable characteristics, ultrasound, which may clearly display hepatic fibrosis and related pathologies caused by Schistosoma infections, is a vital tool for schistosomiasis screening and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in endemic areas. With the progress towards elimination of schistosomiasis, there is an increasing reduction in new infections in China, and intensified management of previous infections and a delayed progress of hepatic fibrosis are therefore critical to the target of schistosomiasis elimination in the country. On May 2025, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention convened an international seminar on ultrasound diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica⁃induced hepatic fibrosis, which included over 30 experts from China, Switzerland and the United States, and achieved on expert consensus on the ultrasound diagnostic pathway for schistosomiasis japonica⁃induced hepatic fibrosis, based on a review of the historical development of standardization of ultrasound diagnosis, aiming to provide insights into the application of ultrasound technology in guiding the formulation of screening of schistosomiasis⁃induced hepatic fibrosis and interventions.  

Assessment of suitability for Oncomelania hupensis snail habitats in China under climate changes from 1990 to 2020

LI Qin, GUO Suying, XIANG Jiangling, LI Yinlong, CHEN Xianfa, ZHANG Lijuan, LI Shizhu, ZHOU Xiaonong, XU Jing

2025, 37(6):  580-590, 600. 

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

Epidemiological analysis of schistosomiasis in surveillance sites in hilly endemic areas of Sichuan Province from 2020 to 2024

PU Chen, WU Zisong, XU Liang, LU Ding, CHEN Ling, ZHONG Bo, LIU Yang

2025, 37(6):  591-600. 

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Objective　To investigate the trends in the prevalence of schistosomiasis in surveillance sites of Sichuan Province from 2020 to 2024, so as to provide insights into facilitating the elimination of schistosomiasis in hilly endemic areas. Methods　  A total 63 schistosomiasis⁃endemic counties (cities, districts) were selected in Sichuan Province as national schistosomiasis surveillance sites from 2020 to 2024, and transmission⁃interrupted and eliminated counties (cities, districts) with and without Oncomelania hupensis snails were classified into classⅡand Ⅲ surveillance counties (cities, districts), respectively. Two to three administrative villages were randomly sampled from each surveillance county (city, district) each year from 2020 to 2024 to investigate the prevalence of schistosomiasis. Mobile populations were screened for Schistosoma japonicum infections using indirect hemagglutination test (IHA), and sero⁃positives were subjected to parasitological tests using egg hatching test with nylon gauze and modified Kato⁃Katz thick smear method, with at least 200 populations investigated in each surveillance county (city, district). At least 100 livestock were tested for S. japonicum infections using miracidial hatching test across classⅡsurveillance counties (cities, districts). O. hupensis snail survey was performed in 3 administrative villages from classⅡsurveillance counties (cities, districts) with high⁃abundance snails, and 3 administrative villages randomly sampled from class Ⅲ surveillance counties (cities, districts) with a history of high⁃abundance snails, a high risk of introduction of snails or many settings suitable for snail breeding. At least 20% of class Ⅱ surveillance counties (cities, districts) were selected, and two administrative villages with a history of high⁃abundance snails, a high risk of introduction of snails, or many settings suitable for snail breeding were randomly selected from each county (city, district), followed by sampling of at least five settings from each village for snails and wild feces survey to monitor schistosomiasis transmission risk. All snails captured were examined for their viability using microscopy and tested for S. japonicum nucleic acid using loop⁃mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. Wild feces were tested for S. japonicum miracidia using miracidial hatching test. The mean density of living snails was subjected to clustering analysis using the software ArcGIS 10.4.1, spatial distribution maps of mean density of living snails were generated, and local spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed with hotspot analysis. Results　A total of 73 241 mobile populations were serologically screened for antibodies against S. japonicum in Sichuan Province from 2020 to 2024, and there were 355 cases tested positive for the anti⁃S. japonicum antibody, with a cumulative sero⁃prevalence rate of 0.48% (355/73 241). The sero⁃prevalence rates of anti⁃S. japonicum antibody were 0.69% (97/14 009), 0.68% (101/14 845), 0.46% (67/14 607), 0.34% (51/14 923), and 0.26% (39/14 857) from 2020 to 2024, with a reduction of 62.32% in 2024 relative to in 2020, and there was a significant difference in the sero⁃prevalence of S. japonicum among years ([χ2] = 43.530, P < 0.001). Nevertheless, all sero⁃positives were tested negative for S. japonicum infections by parasitological assays. In 2023, the highest sero⁃prevalence of S. japonicum was detected among mobile populations in Ziyang City (1.09%), and in other four years, the highest sero⁃prevalence was seen in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, ranging from 1.43% to 3.18%, with significant differences seen in the sero⁃prevalence among regions from 2020 to 2024 ([χ2] = 4.913 to 129.440, all P values < 0.05). The sero⁃prevalence of anti⁃S. japonicum antibody was higher among male mobile populations than among females in Sichuan Province in 2024 ([χ2] = 5.663, P < 0.05), and there was no gender⁃specific sero⁃prevalence in other four years ([χ2] = 0.028 to 1.207, all P values > 0.05). There were occupation⁃specific sero⁃prevalence rates of anti⁃S. japonicum antibody in four years ([χ2] = 11.711 to 45.920, all P values < 0.05), except in 2023 ([χ2] = 2.044, P > 0.05), with higher sero⁃prevalence among government staff, construction workers, fishermen and boatmen, and students (all P values < 0.05). There were age group⁃specific sero⁃prevalence rates of anti⁃S. japonicum antibody among mobile populations each year from 2020 to 2024 ([χ2] = 16.523 to 35.616, all P values < 0.05), with the highest sero⁃prevalence among mobile populations at ages of 46 to 55 years in 2023 and at ages of 6 to 15 years in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024 (all P values < 0.05). A total of 8 316 livestock were tested for S. japonicum infections in national schistosomiasis surveillance sites in Sichuan Province from 2020 to 2024, and no infections were identified in livestock. O. hupensis snail survey was conducted covering an area of 14 703.90 hm2 in national schistosomiasis surveillance sites in Sichuan Province from 2020 to 2024, with 1 815.92 hm2 areas detected with snails, accounting for 12.35%            (1 815.92/14 703.90) of total survey areas. A total of 502 854 snails were captured, and no S. japonicum infection was identified in snails. The mean occurrence rate of frames with snails was 6.91% (247 844/3 587 122), and there was a significant difference in the occurrence of frames with snails among years ([χ2] = 289 707.440, P < 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.284). The mean density of living snails appeared a spatial autocorrelation and a spatial cluster pattern in Sichuan Province from 2021 to 2023 (Moran's I = 0.078 to 0.128, Z = 2.378 to 3.642, all P values < 0.05) and showed a random distribution pattern in 2024 (Moran's I = 0.049, Z = 1.622, P > 0.05). There were high⁃high clusters in the mean density of living snails in Yucheng District, Lushan County and Yingjing County of Ya'an City, Hongya County and Renshou County of Meishan City, Shizhong District of Leshan City, and Dayi County and Chongzhou City of Chengdu City (Z = 1.982 to 3.223, all P values < 0.05). A total of 2 599.89 hm2 areas of settings were surveyed for O. hupensis snails during the surveillance of schistosomiasis transmission risk in Sichuan Province from 2020 to 2024, with 409.27 hm2 areas found with snails, and a total of 97 877 snails were captured, with no S. japonicum infection identified in snails using microscopy. Conclusions　From 2020 to 2024, the epidemic situation of schistosomiasis in Sichuan Province showed an overall downward trend, the schistosomiasis control achievements were continuously consolidated; however, the sensitive and highly efficient schistosomiasis surveillance and early warning system requires to be improved in the future.

Effects of herbaceous communities on Oncomelania snail dynamics in marshlands in Dongting Lake

DAI Renlong, JIANG Jie, ZHOU Jinxing, GUO Mingjia, LI Yimiao, SHI Zixuan, LI Shengming

2025, 37(6):  601-610. 

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Objective　To examine the effects of plant communities on Oncomelania hupensis distribution and survival, and the regulatory effects of the microenvironment under plant communities on the morphology and population structure of O. hupensis in marshlands in Dongting Lake. Methods　Seven typical herbaceous plant communities were sampled from marshlands in Dongting Lake in Junshan District, Yueyang City, Hunan Province on June 2024, including Carex scabrifolia, Phragmites australis, Artemisia selengensis, Polygonum viviparum, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Erigeron annuus and Athyrium multidentatum. Sixty plant community quadrats, each measuring 1 m × 1 m, were selected to investigate the plant density, coverage and height in plant communities, and soil physiochemical properties, including soil pH, water content, bulk density, total soil porosity and heavy metal content, and snail population indicators, including total snail counts, count of living snails, snail gender, snail whorl count, snail length, snail width, aspect ratio of snails. The differences in snail population characteristics were compared under different types of plant communities, and the associations of living snail density, aspect ratio and whorl counts with plant population characteristics and soil physiochemical properties were examined. Results　A total of 9 quadrats of C. scabrifolia communities, 12 quadrats of P. australis communities, 9 quadrats of A. selengensis communities, 9 quadrats of P. viviparum communities, 9 quadrats of A. philoxeroides communities, 6 quadrats of E. annuus communities and 6 quadrats of A. multidentatum communities were investigated in June 2024. There were significant differences in the plant height across plant communities (F = 15.06, P < 0.001), with the highest height seen in P. australis communities (129.29 cm ± 26.56 cm) (all P values < 0.01), and there were significant differences in the plant community coverage (F = 4.45, P < 0.001) and density (F = 9.18, P < 0.001). There were significant differences in soil available potassium, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, total carbon, total phosphorus, total potassium, pH, soil water content, total soil porosity, soil bulk density and Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn contents across plant communities (F = 1.15 to 30.69, all P values < 0.05). A total of 836 snails were captured in 60 quadrats, including 546 living snails, with a living snail density of 1.01 snails/0.1 m2. There were significant differences in the living snail density (F = 2.83, P < 0.05) and snail length (F = 6.72, P < 0.05) across plant communities; however, no significant difference was seen in the snail width (F = 4.02, P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in the snail whorl count across plant communities (F = 1.68, P < 0.05), and high proportions of 6⁃, 7⁃ and 8⁃whorl snails were seen in P. australis communities (36.84%, 28/76), C. scabrifolia communities (53.70%, 29/54) and P. viviparum communities(52.03%, 77/148), respectively. The density of living snails positively correlated with herbaceous community density (rs = 0.485, P < 0.05), herbaceous community coverage (rs = 0.417, P < 0.05), total carbon (rs = 0.337, P < 0.05) and soil water content (rs = 0.409, P < 0.05), and the available potassium content negatively correlated with the density of living snails (rs = -0.370, P < 0.05). The aspect ratio of snails positively correlated with total potassium (r = 0.392, P < 0.05), available potassium (r = 0.462, P < 0.05) and total soil porosity (r = 0.424, P < 0.05), and the average snail whorl counts positively correlated with herbaceous community coverage (r = 0.369, P < 0.05) and soil water content (r = 0.423, P < 0.05). Smooth curve fitting revealed that the living snail density gradually increased with an increase in the herbaceous community coverage, with a smooth curve of y = 0.05x2 - 6.65x + 218.81 (t = 43.01, P < 0.05), and the aspect ratio of snails appeared a tendency towards a rise with the increase in total potassium (y = 0.05x + 2.19; t = 1.67, P < 0.05) and available potassium in soil (y = 0.02x + 2.03;  t = 1.20, P < 0.05), and total soil porosity (y = 0.44x + 2.07;  t = 2.13, P < 0.05). In addition, the average snail whorl counts appeared a tendency towards a rise with the increase in the herbaceous community coverage (y = 1.56x + 5.61;  t = 8.48, P < 0.05) and soil water content (y = 0.35x + 5.21; t = 3.01, P < 0.05). Conclusions　Plant communities may affect O. hupensis snail population characteristics by regulating the microenvironment. High coverage, high density and high soil water content are associated with the density and morphology of O. hupensis.

Surveillance on soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis and foodborne parasitic diseases in Jiangsu Province from 2022 to 2024

NI Bixian, ZHANG Qiang, TANG Feng, ZHANG Jiayao, GONG Xinyi, MAO Fanzhen, LIU Yaobao

2025, 37(6):  611-617. 

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Objective　To investigate the prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis and foodborne parasitic diseases in Jiangsu Province from 2022 to 2024, so as to provide insights into formulation of targeted control strategies for soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis and foodborne parasitic diseases in the province.  Methods　A total of 32 counties (districts) were sampled from Jiangsu Province from 2022 to 2024 for surveillance of human soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis and foodborne parasitic diseases. Each county (district) was classified into eastern, western, southern, northern and central regions according to geographical locations, and one administrative village from a township was sampled from each region. Permanent residents at age of more than 3 years in each administrative village were sampled using a cluster sampling method, and at least 200 residents were recruited in each village, with more than 1 000 residents included. Subjects' demographic features were collected, and their stool samples were collected for detection of soil⁃transmitted nematode and foodborne parasitic infections using the modified Kato⁃Katz thick smear method (two sides for each stool sample), while pinworm infection was additionally detected among children at ages of 3 to 9 years with a cellophane tape test. From 2022 to 2024, a total of 31 specific surveillance sites were allocated for surveillance of the risk of parasitic infections in Jiangsu Province. Soil and aquatic products (including freshwater fish, crayfish, freshwater crabs, and marine fish) were collected from surveillance sites for detection of hookworm larvae, Ascaris lumbricoides eggs, Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae, Paragonimus metacercariae, and Anisakis larvae using the hookworm larval separation technique, flotation solutions with saturated sodium nitrate, smears microscopy, homogeneous precipitation method and microscopy after dissection. The prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematode and foodborne parasitic infections was compared among population subgroups, soil environments, and intermediate hosts. Results　A total of 98 152 individuals received surveillance of soil⁃transmitted nematode and foodborne parasitic infections in Jiangsu Province from 2022 to 2024, and the overall prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematode and foodborne parasitic infections was 0.058% (57/98 152), which was primarily attributed to hookworm (0.015%, 15/98 152) and C. sinensis infections (0.018%, 18/98 152). As of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections, there were significant differences in the prevalence of hookworm infections in terms of survey year ([χ2] = 6.513, P < 0.05), age group (P < 0.05) and education level (P < 0.05), and the highest prevalence was seen among subjects at ages of over 70 years (0.060%, 15/24 846) and illiterate participants (0.067%, 7/10 445) (all P values < 0.05). There was a significant difference among the prevalence rates of pinworm infection among different age groups (P < 0.05), with the highest prevalence seen among children at ages of 3 to 9 years (0.087%, 6/6 897) (all P values < 0.05). There were significant differences in the prevalence of hookworm and pinworm infections (both P values < 0.05) across 13 cities in Jiangsu Province from 2022 to 2024, with the highest prevalence of hookworm infections in Huai'an City (0.056%, 4/7 087), and the highest prevalence of pinworm infections in Suqian City (0.056%, 4/7 187) (all P values < 0.05). As of foodborne parasitic infections, there was an ethnic group⁃specific prevalence rate of C. sinensis infections (P < 0.05), with the highest prevalence among Zhuang ethnic populations (22.222%, 2/9) (all P values < 0.05), and there was an educational level⁃specific prevalence rate of Fasciolopsis buski infections (P < 0.05), with the highest prevalence seen among illiterate subjects (0.038%, 4/10 445) (all P values < 0.05). There were significant differences across years in terms of the prevalence of C. sinensis ([χ2] = 7.003, P < 0.05) and F. buski infections ([χ2] = 8.791, P < 0.05), and inter⁃city variation in the prevalence of F. buski infection was also significant (P < 0.05), with the highest prevalence recorded in Lianyungang City (0.042%, 3/7 066) (all P values < 0.05). Findings from surveillance of the risk of parasitic infections showed no hookworm larvae or A. lumbricoides eggs in soil samples in Jiangsu Province from 2022 to 2024, and the detection of C. sinensis metacercariae was 2.365% (21/888) in freshwater fish. In addition, no Paragonimus metacercariae were found in crayfish or freshwater crabs, while the detection of Anisakis larvae or cysts was 33.888% (285/841) in marine fish. Conclusions　The prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis and foodborne parasitic diseases was low in Jiangsu Province from 2022 to 2024, with hookworm and C. sinensis as the dominant parasite species. It is recommended to enhance the management of soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis and foodborne parasitic diseases among the elderly, children, and ethnic minority populations and strengthen food safety supervision and health education to improve the comprehensive capacity for prevention of human soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis and foodborne parasitic diseases.

Effect of Penicillium aurantiocandidum Z12 strain on the immune functions of lymphocytes in Oncomelania hupensis

YUAN Jiacong, LIN Lei, ZHU Liyun, LONG Ping, ZHOU Yibiao

2025, 37(6):  618-625. 

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Objective　To investigate the effect of the fungus strain Penicillium aurantiocandidum Z12 with a molluscicidal activity on the immune function of lymphocytes in Oncomelania hupensis, so as to provide insights into elucidating the mechanism of its molluscicidal actions. Methods　The fermentation broth of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain at a concentration of 1% was prepared. A total of 390 O. hupensis snails without Schistosoma japonicum infections were acclimated in dechlorinated water in the laboratory for 3 days. For the molluscicidal assay, 180 snails were randomly assigned into six groups, of 10 O. hupensis snails in each group. O. hupensis snails in three experimental groups were exposed to 10 mL fermentation broth of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain for 24, 48, 72 hours, and snails in three control groups were immersed in 10 mL dechlorinated water for the same time points. Each test was repeated in triplicate. All snails were transferred to dechlorinated water for recovery for one hour following immersion, and snail activity was assessed. Inactive snails were identified for survival with the shell tapping method, and snail mortality was estimated to assess the molluscicidal activity of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain against snails. In addition, 210 snails were randomly divided into seven groups, of 10 snails in each group. Snails in six experimental groups were immersed in the fermentation broth of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain for 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48 hours, and snails in six control groups were immersed in the same volume of dechlorinated water for one hour. Each test was repeated in triplicate. All snails were transferred to dechlorinated water for recovery for one hour following immersion. Then, snails were crushed, and the head⁃foot soft tissues were collected, washed in phosphate⁃buffered saline (PBS), pieced, filtered, and centrifuged to yield concentrated lymphocyte solutions. Cells were mounted on glass slides, fixed in methanol and stained with 10% Giemsa solutions for 30 minutes, and the counts and proportions of small acidophilic hyalinocytes, large acidophilic hyalinocytes, basophilic hyalinocytes, small basophilic granulocytes, and large basophilic granulocytes were recorded under a microscope. The major axis length and nuclear major axis length of lymphocytes were measured with the software BEION 4.20. Results　The mortality rates of O. hupensis snails were 20.0% (6/30), 40.0% (12/30) and 63.3% (19/30) following immersion in 1% fermentation broth of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain for 24, 48, 72 hours, respectively ([χ2] = 11.657, P < 0.01), and were 6.7% (2/30), 16.7% (5/30) and 30.0% (9/30) following immersion in dechlorinated water for 24, 48, 72 hours, respectively. There was no significant difference in the snail mortality between the experimental and control groups at 24 hours ([χ2] = 2.308, P = 0.129); however, significant differences were observed at 48 hours ([χ2] = 4.022, P = 0.045) and 72 hours ([χ2] = 6.696, P = 0.010). Following immersion in 1% fermentation broth of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain for 8 to 48 hours, the proportions of small acidophilic hyalinocytes (S = -21.000, Z = -3.160, P < 0.05) and large acidophilic hyalinocytes (S = -4.000, Z = -1.980, P < 0.05) appeared a tendency towards a remarkable decline in O. hupensis snails, and the proportion of small basophilic granulocytes gradually increased (S = 3.000, Z = 2.120, P = 0.034). During the whole exposure period, the proportions of large basophilic granulocytes (S = 2.000, Z = 0.150, P = 0.880) and basophilic hyalinocytes (S = 9.000, Z = 1.500, P = 0.134) showed no apparent linear trend in O. hupensis snails, and no significant changes were seen in the major axis length (F = 1.530, P = 0.170) or the nuclear major axis length of small acidophilic hyalinocytes (F = 1.395, P = 0.232), or in the major axis length (F = 0.543, P = 0.774) or the nuclear major axis length of large acidophilic hyalinocytes (F = 0.611, P = 0.721). Similarly, the major axis length and nuclear major axis length of basophilic hyalinocytes (F = 2.490 and 0.508, both P values > 0.05), small basophilic granulocytes (F = 1.851 and 1.167, both P values > 0.05), and large basophilic granulocytes (F = 0.195 and 0.609, both P values > 0.05) fluctuated over time during the exposure period; however, no significant differences were seen at different time points. Conclusion　The fermentation broth of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain may pose an immunosuppressive effect on acidophilic hyalinocytes in O. hupensis snails.

Molecular identification and population genetics of the invasive Pomacea spp. in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

JIANG Ling, LI Tianmei, LIU Yuhua, CHEN Shaorong, FANG Wen, ZHAO Shenhua, JIANG Yingrui

2025, 37(6):  626-636. 

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Objective　To conduct molecular identification and population genetic analysis of Pomacea based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit Ⅰ (COI) gene sequence in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, so as to provide the theoretical evidence for the scientific management of the invasive Pomacea.  Methods　Pomacea samples were collected during field surveys of Pomace spp. in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture from March 2023 to December 2024. Genomic DNA was extracted from the foot muscle tissue of Pomacea samples for PCR amplification and sequencing. The sequences were subjected to haplotype analysis, sequence similarity, and phylogenetic analysis using the software MEGA 11, DnaSP 5.1, and Geneious Prime 2024, respectively. The haplotype network relationship diagram was plotted with the software PopART to unravel the population genetic structure of Pomacea spp., and genetic diversity parameters and molecular variance analyses were conducted using the software DnaSP 5.1 and Arlequin 3.5. The population genetic differentiation index (Fst) and inter⁃population gene flow (Nm) were calculated, and the historical population dynamics of the Pomacea spp. were inferred in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture based on neutrality tests and mismatch analysis.  Results　A total of 379 gene sequences from nine geographical populations of Pomacea spp. were obtained in this study. Haplotype analysis revealed nine haplotypes, including hap1, hap4, hap11, hap18, hap20, hap21, hap22, hap 23 and hap24, and both sequence similarity and phylogenetic analyses indicated that these nine haplotypes were clustered into three distinct groups, and were identified as P. canaliculate (hap1, hap4 and hap11), P. occulta (hap18, hap20, hap21, hap22, and hap23), and P. maculata (hap24). P. canaliculata was detected across all nine geographical populations in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, with a high overall genetic diversity, and the inter⁃population genetic variation (71.20%) was much higher than intra⁃population genetic variation (19.50%), with Fst of 0.712, and Nm of 0.351. P. occulta had unique haplotypes (hap20 to hap23), which contained few gene sequences and had a relatively low overall genetic diversity, and the intra⁃population genetic variation (80.50%) was much higher than inter⁃population genetic variation (16.45%), with Fst of 0.165, and Nm of 1.515. Neutrality tests and mismatch analysis showed that the overall Tajima's D value (4.564), Fu and Li's F* value (3.866), and Fu and Li's D* value (2.163) of P. canaliculata populations were all positive and exhibited significant differences in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (all P values < 0.05), with two distinct peaks generated by mismatch distributions. In contrast, the overall Tajima's D value (-1.574), Fu and Li's F* value (-0.889), and Fu and Li's D* value (-0.328) of P. occulta populations were all negative, with no significant differences detected (all P values > 0.05), and the mismatch distribution produced only a single main peak. Conclusions　This is the first report to unravel P. canaliculata, P. occulta, and P. maculata in Pomacea spp. populations in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and P. canaliculata is the dominant species in the majority of geographical Pomacea spp. populations, with a high genetic diversity and high inter⁃population genetic differentiations. The P. canaliculata population conforms to the neutral evolution theory and the population size may be in an equilibrium or contraction state. In contrast, P. occulta has a relatively low genetic diversity and a low inter⁃population genetic differentiation, which may have recently experienced a population expansion event.  

Role of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 in inflammatory response and migration of Toxoplasma gondii⁃infected macrophages

SHAO Chenlu, LIU Yuning, WANG Guifang, ZHANG Rong, LIU Xinjian, WANG Yong, QIU Jingfan

2025, 37(6):  637-645. 

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Objective　To investigate the regulatory role of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) in inflammatory response and migration of macrophages post⁃infection with Toxoplasma gondii, so as to provide a theoretical evidence for unraveling the immune mechanism of T. gondii infection. Methods　The transcriptional and translational levels of TRPM8 were quantified in macrophages from mice infected with T. gondii using real⁃time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT⁃qPCR) and Western blotting assays. TRPM8 knockout (TRPM8-/- and TRPM8+/-) mice at ages of 8 to 10 weeks and wild⁃type (WT) mice at age of 8 to 10 weeks were intraperitoneally injected with tachyzoites of the T. gondii RH strain, and the survival rate of mice and levels of cytokines in mice sera were compared between TRPM8 knockout and WT mice. TRPM8-/- and WT mice were infected with tachyzoites of the T. gondii RH strain expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP⁃RH). The effect of TRPM8 deficiency on the migration of T. gondii in mice was examined with a small animal in vivo optical imaging system, and the abundance of T. gondii internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) gene was quantified in mouse brain tissues using qPCR assay. RAW264.7 cells overexpressing TRPM8 gene (RAW264.7⁃TRPM8 cells) and control cells (RAW264.7⁃Vector cells) were generated. The T. gondii ITS1 gene abundance was quantified in cells using qPCR assay, and the secretion of cytokines was detected in cell culture supernatants using enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, cell migration was examined using a scratch assay. Results　The transcriptional level of TRPM8 gene was lower in peritoneal macrophages from T. gondii⁃infected mice than from uninfected mice [(0.133 ± 0.143) vs. (1.125 ± 0.562); t = 2.962, P < 0.05]. The survival rates of WT mice, TRPM8+/-mice, and TRPM8-/- mice were 8.3%, 50.0%, and 66.7% on day 7 post⁃infection with T. gondii, respectively. Significant differences were observed among the survival curves of the three groups ([χ2] = 8.493, P = 0.014), with TRPM8-/- mice showing longer survival. The serum level of tumor necrosis factor⁃alpha (TNF⁃α) was higher in TRPM8-/- mice infected with T. gondii than in uninfected TRPM8-/- mice [(120.456 ± 15.561) pg/mL vs. (57.582 ± 3.952) pg/mL; P = 0.003], and the mean fluorescence intensity was higher in the brain of TRPM8-/- mice infected with tachyzoites of GFP⁃RH than in WT mice [(1.810 ± 0.106) × 107 (p/s/cm2/sr)/(μW/cm2) vs. (0.831 ± 0.192) × 107 (p/s/cm2/sr)/(μW/cm2); t = 8.916, P < 0.001]. The fold change of abundance of T. gondii ITS1 gene was 1.000 ± 0.004 in RAW264.7⁃Vector cells and 1.043 ± 0.009 in RAW264.7⁃TRPM8 cells following T. gondii infection; and the fold change of abundance of total (in cells and cell supernatants) T. gondii ITS1 gene in RAW264.7⁃Vector group and RAW264.7⁃TRPM8 group was 1.000 ± 0.003 and 1.018 ± 0.005, respectively. The relative abundance of TOXO ITS1 in RAW264.7⁃TRPM8 was significantly higher than that in RAW264.7⁃Vector (t = 7.515, 6.496, both P < 0.01). ELISA measured lower interleukin (IL)⁃10 secretion in RAW264.7⁃Vector cells infected with T. gondii than in RAW264.7⁃TRPM8 cells infected with T. gondii [(94.104 ± 11.277) pg/mL vs. (145.479 ± 29.156) pg/mL; t = 2.847, P < 0.05], and scratch assay measured higher migration rates of RAW264.7⁃Vector cells than those of RAW264.7⁃TRPM8 cells at 48 h [(29.2 ± 11.6)% vs. (5.5 ± 4.7)%; P < 0.01] and 72 h post⁃infection with T. gondii [(32.1 ± 10.5)% vs. (8.2 ± 4.1)%; P < 0.01]. Conclusions　T. gondii infection may downregulate TRPM8 expression in mouse macrophages. TRPM8 knockout may reduce the host susceptibility to T. gondii and promote parasite migration to brain through upregulating TNF⁃α secretion. TRPM8 overexpression may inhibit the anti⁃parasitic and migration functions of macrophages. 

Prevalence of parasite infections in murines in Dali City of Yunnan Province in 2023#br#

SHEN Meifen, WANG Lifang, SONG Jing, LIU Yuhua, YANG Xun, LI Guizhen, YANG Ruowen, ZHANG Yun, SUN Jiayu, ZHANG Zongya, JIANG Hua, ZHOU Jihua, DU Chunhong, DONG Yi

2025, 37(6):  646-649. 

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Objective　To investigate the current prevalence of parasitic infections in murines captured from Dali City, so as to provide insights into improvements in the surveillance and control measures of human parasitic diseases in the city. Methods　 Seven natural villages were sampled from 4 townships in Dali City on November 2023, and murines were captured using murine traps in farmlands, grasslands and ditches neighboring the survey villages and characterized for species. Murines were sacrificed and dissected, and liver specimens were collected for detection of parasite eggs using microscopy. In addition, murine rectal feces were collected, and parasite eggs were identified in fecal samples using Kato⁃Katz technique, and Schistosoma japoninicum infection was detected using miracidial hateching test with nylon gauzes. Results　A total of 126 murines belonging to 12 species were captured, and Crocidura attenuata was the dominant species (34.92%, 44/126), followed by Eothenomys miletus (13.49%, 17/126) and Apodemus chevrier (13.49%, 17/126). A total of 17 murines representing 8 species were detected with parasitic infections, with an overall prevalence rate of 13.49% (17/126). Murine with parasitic infections were distributed in 4 natural villages, with the highest number of infections in C. attenuata (5), followed by in E. miletus (4). A total of 7 species of parasite eggs were detected in captured murines, and the highest prevalence of parasitic infections was seen in Schistosoma sinensium (5.56%, 7/126), followed by in Capillaria hepatica (3.17%, 4/126), S. japonicum (2.38%, 3/126), Strongyloides stercoralis (2.38%, 3/126), hookworm (2.38%, 3/126), Trichuris trichiura (1.59%, 2/126) and Hymenolepis nana (1.59%, 2/126). Mixed infections of S. japonicum, S. sinensium and C. hepatica were detected in one C. attenuata, one Rattus tanezumi and one R. norvegicus captured from the same natural village, with S. japonicum miracidia hatched from R. tanezumi fecal samples, and S. stercoralis and H. nana mixed infections were detected in one C. attenuata. Conclusions　The prevalence of parasitic infections was high in murines in Dali City in 2023, and the murine host animals are diverse and the species of parasites infecting murines are multiple, with a high risk of zoonotic transmission. Early warning and monitoring of parasitic infections, environmental improvements and murine control are recommended for integrated control of parasitic infections in murines.

Surveillance of schistosomiasis among floating populations in sentinel hospitals in Hubei Province from 2020 to 2024

SHAN Xiaowei, XIAO Ying, CHEN Yanyan, LIU Si, YUAN Yi

2025, 37(6):  650-654, 662. 

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Objective　To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of schistosomiasis cases in sentinel hospitals in Hubei Province from 2020 to 2024, so as to provide insights into schistosomiasis surveillance during the post⁃elimination stage.  Methods　Sentinel hospitals were assigned in 63 schistosomiasis⁃endemic counties (cities, districts) and 2 potential endemic counties at the Three Gorges Reservoir Area in Hubei Province according to the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Scheme (2020 Edition). Floating populations were screened for schistosomiasis using immunological and parasitological tests, and the differences in the seroprevalence and prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections were compared among floating populations with different characteristics. The Sankey map of the monitored populations flow was created online using dycharts.  Results　　　The number of sentinel hospitals increased from 166 in 2020 to 288 in 2024 in Hubei Province, and sentinel hospitals were mainly distributed in Shashi District (27), Xiantao City (32), Zhongxiang City (32), and Hanchuan City (37), and relatively fewer in Jingzhou District (22), Honghu City (22), Jiangling County (21), and Shishou City (17). A total of 74 009 floating populations were monitored for schistosomiasis in sentinel hospitals in Hubei Province from 2020 to 2024, with 222 clinically diagnosis cases found; however, no cases with confirmed diagnosis were recorded. The cumulative seroprevalence of human schistosomiasis was 0.30%, and the seroprevalence varied greatly among floating populations in terms of monitoring methods ([χ2] = 74.112, P < 0.001), occupations ([χ2] = 74.588, P < 0.001), and age groups ([χ2] = 42.237, P < 0.001). The number of populations monitored in sentinel hospitals peaked during the period from October to December, accounting for 94.26% (69 759/74 009) of total populations monitored during the 5⁃year period. In schistosomiasis transmission interrupted counties (districts), high seroprevalence of human schistosomiasis was detected in Jingzhou Development District, Gong'an County, Shashi District, Yangxin County and Qujialing Administration District, while in schistosomiasis⁃eliminated counties (districts), high prevalence was seen in Tongshan County and Yiling District. There were 66.86% (49 485/74 009) of the monitored populations that migrated within schistosomiasis⁃endemic counties (cities, districts) in Hubei Province from 2020 to 2024, and 19.25% (14 244/74 009) migrated into Hubei Province from other provinces, including 49.44% (7 042/14 244) from schistosomiasis⁃endemic provinces, with Hunan Province, Sichuan Province, Anhui Province, Jiangxi Province and Jiangsu Province as predominant provinces of origin, while 13.89% (10 280/74 009) moved out of Hubei Province to other provinces, including 81.60% (8 388/10 280) into schistosomiasis⁃endemic provinces, with Guangdong Province, Zhejiang Province, Jiangxi Province, Jiangsu Province and Hunan Province as predominant destination provinces. Among the 222 clinically diagnosed schistosomiasis cases, there were 8 cases introduced to Hubei Province from other provinces and 75 cases moved out of Hubei Province to other provinces. Conclusions　The prevalence of schistosomiasis was extremely low among floating populations in Hubei Province from 2020 to 2024, and sentinel hospitals played a vital role in surveillance of human schistosomiasis among floating populations. Improved health education is recommended among migrant labors from schistosomiasis non⁃endemic provinces, and intensified management and improved sensitivity of schistosomiasis surveillance are required among floating populations in Hubei Province.

Analysis of the structure and function of the vaginal microbiota among patients with trichomonal vaginitis

YANG Tao, XUE Zhiqiang, YUAN Dongbo

2025, 37(6):  655-662. 

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Objective　To analyze the characteristics and functions of the vaginal microbiota in patients with trichomonal vaginitis (TV) and to explore the association between vaginal microbiota structure and the pathogenesis of TV. Methods　 TV patients admitted to the Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient Department of Yixing People's Hospital from October 2024 to January 2025 were selected as the TV group, and non⁃TV patients among female health examination participants at the same hospital during the same period were selected and served as controls. Vaginal secretion samples were collected from both groups. The pH value of vaginal secretions, as well as hydrogen peroxide and leukocyte esterase, were detected using a vaginitis combined detection kit. Total genomic DNA was extracted from the vaginal secretion samples of both groups, and the full⁃length bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR. Purified PCR products were mixed proportionally to construct an amplicon library for single⁃molecule real⁃time sequencing. High⁃quality sequences were clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and chimeric sequences were simultaneously removed. Representative sequences of OTUs were taxonomically classified, and the microbial composition of each sample was statistically analyzed at different taxonomic levels. Results　A total of 21 TV patients were included in the TV group, and 22 non⁃TV patients among female health examination participants were included in the control group. The pH values of vaginal secretions in the TV group and the control group were 4.593 ± 0.087 and 4.431 ± 0.093, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (t = 6.537, P < 0.01). The positive rates of H2O2 in the two groups were 80.95% (17/21) and 22.72% (5/22), and the positive rates of leukocyte esterase were 80.95% (17/21) and 27.27% (6/22), respectively, with statistically significant differences([χ2] = 14.576、12.445, P < 0.01). Alpha diversity analysis results showed that the median and interquartile range [M（QR）] of the Shannon index for the vaginal microbiota in the TV group was 1.40 (1.41), which was higher than that of the control group (Z = 3.716, P < 0.001); the Simpson index [M（QR）] of the TV group was 0.34 (0.39), which was lower than that of the control group (Z = -3.602, P < 0.001). At the OTU level, the distribution of sample data points in the coordinate space was distant between the TV group and the control group, showing spatial separation. The microbiota health index value of the control group was higher than that of the TV group [1.40 (1.66) vs. -2.36 (2.29); Z = -5.467, P < 0.001], while the microbiota dysbiosis index value was lower than that of the TV group [-1.17 (1.40) vs. 2.06 (2.27); Z = -5.224, P < 0.001]. A total of 281 OTUs were identified. The vaginal microbiota of the TV group contained 62 unique OTUs (accounting for 22.06%), while the control group contained 82 unique OTUs (accounting for 29.18%). The highest relative abundance of Leptotrichia was detected in the TV group, and Lactobacillus was the dominant genus in the control group, with higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus detected in the control group than in the TV group (t = 3.646, P = 0.003). Functional analysis of the vaginal microbiota in both groups showed statistically significant differences in the relative abundances of metabolic pathways such as ABC transporters (t = 3.282, P = 0.002), purine metabolism (t = 2.517, P = 0.014), biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (t = 2.704, P = 0.010), and aminoacyl⁃tRNA biosynthesis (t = 2.201, P = 0.030). Conclusion　The abundance and function of vaginal flora in TV patients undergo changes, which may be closely related to the occurrence and development of TV. This provides assistance for further understanding the microbial mechanism of TV in clinical practice.

Effectiveness of a novel medical care and prevention integration mode for clonorchiasis control 

ZENG Qingsheng, LI Laide, FANG Yueyi, HUANG Siyue, LI Yinfeng, CHEN Jingdiao

2025, 37(6):  663-667. 

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Objective　To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel medical care and prevention integration mode for clonorchiasis control in Xinhui District, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, so as to provide insights into optimization of clonorchiasis control strategies in hyper⁃endemic areas.  Methods　A novel medical care and prevention integration mode was developed for clonorchiasis control in Xinhui District from 2019 to 2023 through a package of integrated interventions, including clonorchiasis clinics building, deworming, health education, improvements in water supply and sanitation facilities, and capacity building for professional personnels, and the proportion of clonorchiasis clinics building, coverage of deworming and health education, proportions of access to safe water and sanitary toilets, rate of qualified inspectors and percentage of trained professional personnels were collected in Xinghui District. Clonorchis sinensis human infections were detected using stratified cluster random sampling in Xinhui District in 2018 and 2023, and the awareness of clonorchiasis control knowledge was investigated among residents using questionnaire surveys. Results　Clonorchiasis clinics were built in all 15 healthcare facilities in Xinhui District in 2023, with the proportion of clinics building from 13.33% (2/15) in 2019 to 100.00% (15/15) in 2023, and a total of 1 575 clonorchiasis patients were treated, with a treatment coverage rate of 78.75% (1 575/2 000). Deworming was performed among high⁃risk residents consuming raw freshwater fish in Xinhui District in 2020, with a coverage rate of 75.00% (13 111/17 481), and the coverage rates of access to safe water and sanitary toilets were both 100.00% in the district. The rates of qualified inspectors were all 100.00% (15/15) in all healthcare facilities, and the rate of trained professional personnels increased from 52.94% (90/170) in 2019 to 98.05% (201/205) in 2023. The prevalence of C. sinensis human infections reduced from 34.18% (499/1 460) in 2018 to 10.20% (102/1 000) in 2023 ([χ2] = 172.10, P < 0.05), with a reduction from 44.68% (344/770) and 22.46% (155/690) in 2018 to 12.97% (62/478) and 7.66% (40/522) in 2023 among men ([χ2] = 135.06, P < 0.05) and women ([χ2] = 48.22, P < 0.05), respectively. In addition, the coverage rates of health education and awareness of clonorchiasis control knowledge increased from 50.00% (112/224) and 70.30% (142/202) to 98.21% (220/224) and 98.08% (204/208), respectively.  Conclusion　The novel medical care and prevention integration mode achieves remarkable effectiveness for clonorchiasis control in Xinhui District, which deserves wide applications in endemic areas.

Epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in Jiangmen City from 2014 to 2024

FENG Qiwen, WEI Zhinan, LUO Xiaomin, XIAN Yihong, LAI Yanmei, HUANG Huanying, YANG Lifeng

2025, 37(6):  668-672, 680. 

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Objective　To analyze the spatiotemporal and population distribution characteristics of dengue fever in Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province from 2014 to 2024, so as to provide insights into optimization of the dengue fever control strategy. Methods　Data pertaining to dengue fever cases in Jiangmen City from 2014 to 2024 were retrieved from China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, including time of disease onset and current address. The temporal, regional and population distribution characteristics of dengue fever cases, as well as the interval from onset to definitive diagnosis and source of imported cases acquiring infections were analyzed. Results　A total of 1 910 dengue fever cases were reported in Jiangmen City from 2014 to 2024, with an annual mean incidence rate of 5.16/105, and including 1 862 local cases (97.49%) and 48 imported cases (2.51%). Dengue fever outbreaks occurred in 2014, from 2018 to 2019 and in 2024, appearing a periodical outbreak, and 97.12% of dengue fever cases were reported in the year of the outbreak. Dengue fever cases were primarily concentrated in Pengjiang District (649 cases), Jianghai District (511 cases) and Heshan City (348 cases), which accounted for 78.95% of totally reported cases, and 50.47% of dengue fever cases were found at ages of 35 to 65 years, with housework/unemployment (28.70%), retirees (18.40%), and laborers (12.36%) as predominant occupations. There was a significant difference in the occupational distribution between local and imported dengue fever cases ([χ2] = 23.68, P < 0.05). The median interval from disease onset to definitive diagnosis was 5 (interquartile range, 5) days among dengue fever cases in Jiangmen City from 2014 to 2024, and 77.08% (37/48) of imported dengue fever cases acquired infections in Southeast Asia. Conclusions　The epidemiological features of dengue fever are characterized by periodical outbreaks, regional clusters and high incidence among middle⁃aged and elderly populations. It is recommended to intensify vector control measures, precision interventions in high⁃risk areas, and early warning mechanisms at points of entry, and improve the early diagnostic capability among dengue fever cases.

Progress of researches on the habitat adaptability and control measures of Biomphalaria straminea

MIN Fengyang, LI Wei, WANG Jiasheng, YUAN Yi, GUO Yunhai, YANG Kun, ZHANG Jianfeng, XIONG Chunrong

2025, 37(6):  673-680. 

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Biomphalaria straminea is an important intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, and control of B. straminea is critical to schistosomiasis mansoni control. Recently, great strides have been achieved in the habitat adaptability and control measures of B. straminea. This review summarizes advances in the adaptation of B. straminea to habitat elements and chemical, biological, and physical control measures of B. straminea, analyzes current research gaps and challenges and proposes future research priorities, so as to provide insights into effective control of B. straminea.

Transfusion⁃transmitted Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a case report

WANG Junling, PANG Zhifeng, WU Xiaohong, ZHANG Guangming, XU Ting

2025, 37(6):  681-684. 

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This article reports the diagnosis and treatment of a case with transfusion⁃transmitted Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The patient had no history of travel to malaria⁃endemic regions or previous history of infections; however, the case had a history of multiple blood transfusions prior to disease onset. The patient was admitted due to fever of unknown causes. Metagenomic next⁃generation sequencing revealed Plasmodium infection, and P. falciparum malaria was definitively diagnosed following blood smear microscopy and real⁃time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT⁃qPCR) assay. Epidemiological investigations showed an Ethiopian blood donor with weakly positive rapid diagnostic test (RDT) results. The patient was cured following a 7⁃day treatment with artesunate injection and no recurrence or relapse occurred during the 3⁃month follow⁃up.