Control Of Parasitic Diseases Research Articles

Towards global control of parasitic diseases in the Covid-19 era: One Health and the future of multisectoral global health governance.

Human parasitic infections—including malaria, and many neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)—have long represented a Gordian knot in global public health: ancient, persistent, and exceedingly difficult to control. With the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic substantially interrupting control programmes worldwide, there are now mounting fears that decades of progress in controlling global parasitic infections will be undone. With Covid-19 moreover exposing deep vulnerabilities in the global health system, the current moment presents a watershed opportunity to plan future efforts to reduce the global morbidity and mortality associated with human parasitic infections. In this chapter, we first provide a brief epidemiologic overview of the progress that has been made towards the control of parasitic diseases between 1990 and 2019, contrasting these fragile gains with the anticipated losses as a result of Covid-19. We then argue that the complementary aspirations of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the World Health Organization (WHO)’s 2030 targets for parasitic disease control may be achieved by aligning programme objectives within the One Health paradigm, recognizing the interdependence between humans, animals, and the environment. In so doing, we note that while the WHO remains the preeminent international institution to address some of these transdisciplinary concerns, its underlying challenges with funding, authority, and capacity are likely to reverberate if left unaddressed. To this end, we conclude by reimagining how models of multisectoral global health governance—combining the WHO's normative and technical leadership with greater support in allied policy-making areas—can help sustain future malaria and NTD elimination efforts.

Foodborne parasitic diseases in China: A scoping review on current situation, epidemiological trends, prevention and control

Objective: Foodborne parasitic diseases, although with a declining overall incidence rate, are still endangering local public safety. This review aims to describe the current situation and epidemiological trends of foodborne parasitic diseases in China in order to explore possible reasons contributors to its high prevalence in some areas, and propose strategies for prevention and control accordingly. Methods: A scoping review was conducted by searching PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, CQVIP, Embase, and the Cochrane Library using search formula “foodborne parasitic diseases (or foodborne parasites)” AND “China”. Studies on foodborne parasitic diseases in China were considered, but only articles in English or Chinese published between January 1980 and June 2020 were retrieved. Included studies were screened according to the eligibility criteria: 1) diseases consistent with the WHO definition of foodborne parasitic diseases; 2) the food carriers were included in the WHO food classification; 3) data related to epidemiology, pathogenicity, and prevention and control; 4) Foodborne parasitic diseases cases or outbreaks in China. Results: A total of 111 out of 665 records were included and summarized. The prevalence of clonorchiasis, angiostrongyliasis, echinococcosis, trichinellosis and cysticercosis was still increasing although the infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes has substantially decreased in recent years. Diverse eating habits, close contact with animals, and urbanization were contributing factors to the increase. Conclusions: Foodborne parasitic diseases remain an important public health issue in China with the progress of economic globalization and food diversification. We should manage to raise public awareness about the prevention and control of foodborne parasitic diseases, improve health and safety inspections, as well as public health practice.

Treatments for Parasitic Diseases Based on Rational Prescribing of Drugs according to Avicenna’s Approach

Objective: Infections caused by parasitic worms are among the most common diseases in the world. Considering the parasitic infections resistant to treatment, drug side effects and the emergence of new immunological diseases, it seems more necessary to pay attention to the views and therapeutic experiences of physicians in Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM). Methods: As A review study, data related to parasitic diseases and worms were first collected from Avicenna’s the Canon of Medicine book and other ITM books, and then underwent content analysis. Avicenna’s approach in the treatment of these diseases was studied based on the rational prescribing model. Results: Avicenna’s approach in the treatment of parasitic diseases is based on problem-solving model and according to the summary of patients’ conditions in terms of disease severity and prioritization of causes. It varies from person to person. Conclusion: Awareness of the causes of parasitic diseases, categorization of their clinical symptoms based on ITM, knowledge of natural and herbal medicine and various methods of prescribing them according to the health principals along with diagnostic and therapeutic methods of classic medicine can be helpful in control and prevention of parasitic diseases.

Diagnosis of imported malaria cases in Gansu, 2011-2019

Objective To analyze the diagnosis of imported malaria cases in Gansu province from 2011 to 2019, so as to provide a basis for the prevention of re-transmission after elimination of malaria. Methods Malaria cases in Gansu province from 2011 to 2019 were collected and analyzed, through the information management system of infectious disease report and parasitic diseases prevention and control, and the incidence of the disease, the distribution of imported origin, diagnosis methods, diagnosis institutions and diagnosis timeliness were statistically analyzed. Results From 2011 to 2019, 199 imported malaria cases were reported, 149 (97.49%) of which were laboratory confirmed, and five cases were clinically diagnosed, which accounting for 2.51%. P.falciparum and P. vivax accounted for 57.79% (115/199) and 36.18% (72/199), respectively. 56.78% (113/199) of the cases were farmers. Cases were mainly imported from Angola, Chad, Nigeria and other 22 countries in Africa, which accounting for 69.85% (139/199), and the remaining 30.15%(60/199) were imported from Asia, which were mainly imported from Indonesia. Among the 199 cases, the CDCs and the medical institutions diagnosed 22.11% (44/199) and 77.89% (155/199) of the cases respectively. The proportion of cases diagnosed by the CDCs decreased from 50.00% (9/18) in 2011 to 11.11% (2/18) in 2019, while the proportion of cases diagnosed by the medical institutions increased from 50.00% (9/18) in 2011 to 88.89% (16/18) in 2019. Only 6.82% (3/44) of the cases diagnosed by CDCs were at the prefecture-level. The median time from onset to diagnosis of malaria cases was 2 d, of which P. ovale was 3 d as the longest. Conclusion We should continue to improve the diagnostic awareness and level of medical and disease control institutions, to avoid the risk of re-transmission caused by misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of imported malaria. 摘要:目的 分析 2011—2019 年甘肃省输人性疟疾病例诊断情况, 为制定消除疟疾后防止再传播工作提供依据。 方法 通过中国疾病预防控制中心信息管理系统和寄生虫病防治信息管理系统, 收集整理 2011—2019 年甘肃省疟疾 病例信息, 对其发病情况、输人地分布、诊断方式、诊断机构、诊断及时性等情况进行统计描述与分析。 结果 2011—2019 年全省共报告国外输人性疟疾病例199 例, 194 例为实验室确诊病例 (97.49%), 5 例为临床诊断病例 (2.51%)。疟 疾分型以恶性疟和间日疟为主, 分别占 57.79% (115/199) 和 36.18% (72/199)。所有病例职业以农民最多, 占 56.78% (113/199)。病例输人地主要分布于非洲的安哥拉、乍得、尼日利亚等 22 个国家, 占 69.85% (139/199), 剩余 30.15% (60/199) 的病例输人地为以印度尼西亚为主的亚洲。199 例病例中, 疾控机构诊断病例占 22.11% (44/199), 医疗机构诊断 病例占 77.89% (155/199)。疾控机构病例诊断比例由 2011 年 50.00% (9/18) 降至 2019 年的 11.11% (2/18), 医疗机构诊 断病例比例由 2011 年 50% (9/18) 上升到 2019 年 88.89% (16/18)。疾控机构诊断的病例中市级疾控机构诊断最少, 为 6.82% (3/44)。疟疾病例从发病到确诊时间中位数为 2d, 其中卵形疟病例从发病到确诊时间最长, 中位数为 3d。 结论 继续提高医疗和疾控机构的诊断意识和水平, 避免消除疟疾后因输人性疟疾误诊、漏诊而引起的再传播风险。

Analysis of 11 imported severe malaria cases in Jiangsu

Objective This paper analyzed 11 cases of severe malaria in Jiangsu Province, summarized the causes of severe malaria, evaluated the effect of diagnosis and treatment, and provided scientific basis for formulating feasible treatment measures of severe malaria. Methods The case information, epidemiological investigation reports and inpatient medical records of 11 severe malaria cases in Jiangsu Province in 2019 were collected from the Infectious Disease Report Information Management System and Parasitic Disease Prevention and Control Information Management System. The onset time, clinical manifestations, diagnosis process and treatment of severe malaria cases were summarized and analyzed. Results Totally 11 cases of severe malaria, including 10 cases of falciparum malaria, and 1 case of ovale malaria, were all imported cases from abroad. The shortest time of living abroad was 22 days, and the longest was 1 070 days. Four cases had malaria while abroad. All of the 10 severe cases of falciparum malaria developed within one month after they returned to China, and three of them became ill on the day they returned home. One severe case of Plasmodium ovale began onset 134 days after returning home. The average time from onset to treatment was 2.5 days, and the average interval time from visit to diagnosis was 1.81 days. There were 3 cases of coma or shock, 3 cases of severe anemia, 4 cases of acute renal failure, and 1 case of acute respiratory distress syndrome. 1 case of Plasmodium ovale had severe anemia due to spontaneous rupture of spleen. Except one case of ovale malaria was treated with dihydroartemisinin piperaquine tablets plus primaquine tablets, the other 10 severe falciparum malaria cases were treated with artesunate injection for antimalarial treatment, and all of them were cured and discharged from hospital after receiving antimalarial treatment. 11 cases of severe cases, the shortest length of stay was 9 days, the longest was 40 days, with an average of 22.64 days; the minimum hospitalization cost was 9 270 yuan, the maximum was 177 174 yuan, with an average of 81 520.76 yuan. Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen multi department cooperation to improve patients’ awareness of timely treatment, strengthen the professional knowledge and professional training of medical staff, find and treat imported malaria cases as soon as possible, so as to prevent severe malaria caused by delayed diagnosis. 摘要:目的 对江苏省11例输入性重症疟疾病例进行分析,总结重症疟疾的成因、评价诊治效果,为制定切实可行 的重症疟疾救治措施提供科学依据。 方法 收集2019年江苏省11例重症疟疾病例传染病报告信息管理系统和寄生 虫病防治信息管理系统的个案信息、流行病学调查报告以及住院病历,对重症疟疾病例的发病时间、临床表现、诊断过 程、治疗情况进行汇总分析。 结果 11例重症疟疾病例中恶性疟10例、卵形疟1例,均为境外输入性病例,在境外生活 时间最短22 d最长1 070 d在国外期间有4例曾患过疟疾。10例恶性疟重症病例均在回国后一个月内发病,其中有 3例在回国当天就发病。1例卵形疟重症病例在回国后134 d才开始发病。11例重症疟疾病例发病至就诊平均时间为 2.5 d,就诊至确诊平均时间为1.81 d。重症表现为昏迷或休克3例、重度贫血3例、急性肾功能衰竭4例、急性呼吸窘迫 综合征1例。1例卵形疟由于出现自发性脾破裂引起重度贫血。除1例卵形疟病例给予双氢青蒿素哌喹片加服伯氨喹 片治疗外,其余10例恶性疟重症病例均采用青蒿琥酯注射抗疟治疗,接受抗疟治疗后均痊愈出院。11例重症病例,住 院天数最短9 d最长40 d平均22.64 d;住院费用最少9 270元,最多177 174元,平均81 520.76元。 结论 应加强多部 门合作,提高患者及时就诊意识;加强医务人员疟疾专业知识和业务的培训,尽早发现输入性疟疾病例并及时治疗,防 止因延误诊断造成的重症疟疾。

Epidemiological analysis of imported malaria reported in Shanghai, 2016-2019

Objective To understand epidemiological characteristics of malaria cases reported in Shanghai, so as to provide scientific evidence for better prevention and control of malaria. Methods The data of malaria reported in Shanghai during 2016-2019 were collected from the Information Management System for Infection Disease Report and Information Management System for Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, and the clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment were collected and statistically analyzed by SPSS22.0. Results Totally 183 malaria cases were reported in Shanghai during 2016–2019, all of them were laboratory confirmed cases, including 139 P.falciparum cases (76.0%), 23 P.ovale cases (12.6%), 11 P. vivax cases (6.0%), and 10 P. malariae cases (5.5%). All the cases were imported from Africa ( n =178, 97.3%) and southeast Asian ( n =5, 2.73%). Most of the cases fell into the age range of 30-<40 years ( n =59, 32.2%) with a male-to-female ratio of 10.4:1. There were significant differences ( P <0.01) in the rate of misdiagnosis and the rate of over 3 days diagnosis between severe malaria (51.6%, 16/31; 38.7%, 12/31) and non-severe malaria (27.0%, 41/152; 13.8%, 21/152). One severe malaria case was finally dead. Conclusions Imported cases were still existed in Shanghai after malaria elimination. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis were the main factors for the occurrence of severe malaria. It is suggested to carry out health education, active screening and skill training of diagnosis and treatment to achieve detection, early diagnosis and early treatment, so as to avoid the occurrence of malaria deaths. 摘要:目的 了解上海市疟疾消除后的流行病学特征, 为制订输人性疟疾的防控策略和措施提供依据。 方法 收集 2016—2019 年上海市疟疾疫情信息和疟疾病例个案调査资料, 采用SPSS22.0统计软件对疟疾病例的流行特征与感 染诊治情况进行统计分析。 结果 2016—2019 年上海市共报告疟疾183例, 均为实验室确诊病例, 其中恶性疟139 例 (占 76.0%), 卵形疟 23 例 (占 12.6%), 间日疟11例 (占6.0%), 三日疟 10 例 (占 5.5%)。所有病例均为境外输人, 分别来 自非洲 (178 例, 占 97.3%)和东南亚(5例, 占 2.7%)。病例的男女性别比为 10.4:1, 年龄 30~<40 岁 (59 例, 占 32.2%)。重 症疟疾的初诊误诊比例 51.6% (16/31) 和超过 3d 确诊比例 38.7% (12/31) 与非重症疟疾的 27.0% (41/152)、13.8% (21/152) 的差异均有统计学意义 ( P <0.01), 1 例重症病例导致死亡。 结论 疟疾消除以后上海市仍然面临境外输人的风 险, 首诊误诊和确诊时间延迟是重症疟疾发生的主要影响因素。建议有针对性地开展风险人群健康宣教、主动筛査以 及诊疗技能培训, 做到“早发现、早诊断、早治疗”, 避免疟疾死亡病例的发生。

Bibliometric analysis of highly cited Chinese science and technology papers in the field of schistosomiasis, 2010-2019

Objective To analyze the features and tend of highly cited papers in the field of schistosomiasis in China during 2010-2019, and we provide reference for the research direction of schistosomiasis after transmission interruption. Methods Academic articles published in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) during 2010-2019 were selected using Schistosomiasis, Schistosoma or Oncomelania as subject terms, which the retrieval date was 2020-06–02. Highly cited papers (HCPs) in field of schistosomiasis were screened according to PRICE, and then analyze total cites, years, journals, authors and institutions. Results A total of 9 094 articles were retrieved, the maximum cites was 187, and papers whose cites higher than 11 were considered as HCPs. A total of 257 schistosomiasis HCPs were selected, with a total cites of 6 171 and an average cites of 24. A total of 222 HCPs (86.4%) were published from 2000 to 2014, and 35 HCPs (13.6%) were published from 2015 to 2019. The 257 HCPs of schistosomiasis were mainly published in the Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control (163 articles, 63.4%) and the Chinese Journal of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases (17 articles, 6.6%). The main participating institutions of schistosomiasis HCPs include the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, and Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Disease Control, etc. Top 20 cited schistosomiasis papers were about annual national schistosomiasis annual epidemic notification (9 articles), prevention and control strategy (6 articles), monitoring (3 articles), goal and task(1 article) and molluscicide (1 article), which has an average cites of 104, 19 of which were published in Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control. Among the top 20 schistosomiasis HCPs cited frequently, Zhou Xiaonong made major contributions. The National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control, and The Ministry of Health Disease Control Bureau were main contributing units. Conclusion The number of schistosomiasis HCPs has been declining year by year from 2010 to 2019. Articles related to annual epidemic notification, prevention and control strategies and monitor have attracted a high degree of attention and influence. 摘要：目的 分析 2010—2019 年血吸虫病领域中文高被引论文（highly cited papers, HCPs）特征及趋势，旨在为制 定传播阻断后血吸虫病科研攻关方向提供参考依据。 方法 以“血吸虫病、血吸虫或钉螺”为检索主题词，从中国知网 学术文献总库中的中国期刊全文数据库检索 2010—2019 年发表的学术论文（文章被引频次截至检索日期 2020-06- 02）。根据普莱斯公式，定义 HCPs 被引频次阈值，对筛选获得的血吸虫病 HCPs 被引频次、发表年份、载文期刊、参与作 者、研究机构等进行文献计量学分析。 结果 共检索到 9 094 篇文章，最高被引频次为 187 次，HCPs 被引频次阈值为 11 次。筛选获得 257 篇血吸虫病 HCPs，总被引频次为 6 171 次，篇均被引频次为 24 次。2000—2014 年累计发表 222 篇 HCPs（占 86.4%），2015—2019 年共发表 35 篇 HCPs（占 13.6%）。257 篇血吸虫病 HCPs 主要来源于《中国血吸虫病防治 杂志》（163 篇，63.4%）和《中国寄生虫学与寄生虫病杂志》（17 篇，6.6%）。血吸虫病 HCPs 的主要参与机构包括中国疾病 预防控制中心寄生虫病预防控制所、江苏省血吸虫病防治研究所、江西省寄生虫病防治研究所等。被引频次居前 20 位 的血吸虫病 HCPs 研究主题涵盖全国血吸虫病年度疫情通报（9 篇）、防治策略（6 篇）、监测（3 篇）、防治目标与任务（1 篇）、灭螺药（1 篇），篇均被引频次为 104 次，其中 19 篇刊载于《中国血吸虫病防治杂志》。被引频次居前 20 位的血吸虫 病 HCPs 中，周晓农做出了主要贡献，中国疾病预防控制中心寄生虫病预防控制所和卫生部疾病预防控制局是主要贡 献单位。 结论 2010—2019 年血吸虫病领域中文 HCPs 数量总体呈逐年下降趋势，年度疫情通报、防治策略和监测类 文章受关注和影响程度高。

Epidemic situation of malaria in Lishui City from 2013 to 2018

To analyze the epidemic situation and epidemiological characteristics of malaria in Lishui City from 2013 to 2018, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the malaria control strategy. The data pertaining malaria cases in Lishui City from 2013 to 2018 were captured from National Notifiable Communicable Disease Reporting System and the Information System for Parasitic Diseases Control and Prevention, and the epidemiological features of malaria cases were analyzed. A total of 119 malaria cases were reported in Lishui City from 2013 to 2018, including 101 cases with falciparum malaria (84.87%), 6 cases with vivax malaria (5.04%), 8 cases with ovale malaria (6.72%), and 4 cases with mixed infection (3.36%). Among the 119 cases, there were one local case with blood transfusion-induced malaria and 118 cases with over- seas imported malaria. There were 98.32% of the imported malaria cases acquiring infection in African countries, and most cases were reported in Qingtian County (60.50%) and Liandu District (22.69%). In addition, 86.55% of the malaria cases were detected in individuals at ages of 20 to 50 years, and most cases were found in oversea workers (52.94%) and businessmen (38.65%). Most of the malaria cases in Lishui City are imported from Africa, and the monitoring and health education pertaining to malaria control knowledge requires to be intensified among high-risk populations.

A novel isothermal amplification assay improves the capability for the field rapid detection of parasitic diseases

With the rapid development of molecular biology, the isothermal amplification technique has been used for the nucleic acid detection of parasites and other pathogens due to its high efficiency and rapid and simple procedures, and has become an important tool to promote the field detection and control of parasitic diseases. Recombinase-aided isothermal amplification assay (RAA), a novel isothermal amplification technique, which is simple and easy to perform, rapid for field detection, no need for high-end equipment, and rapid field detection, may amplify the target gene fragments within 5 to 20 min under an isothermal condition (usually 37 to 42 ℃) and achieve a real-time observation of the amplification results. RAA has been successfully employed for the nucleic acid detection of a wide range of parasites and other pathogens to date, and has shown a high sensitivity and specificity. Notably, such an assay is suitable for the large-scale field detection in non-lab environments, and is therefore considered to have a potential value of application in rapid field detections.

Survey of human intestinal protozoal infections in Tibet Autonomous Region, 2015

To investigate the current prevalence of human intestinal protozoal infections in Tibet Autonomous Region, so as to provide the scientific basis for the development of the future control strategy. The study sites were sampled using a stratified cluster random sampling method in different ecological zones and different geographical locations of Tibet Autonomous Region in 2015. Fecal samples were collected from the permanent residents at ages of 3 years and older for the detection of intestinal protozoa cysts and trophozoites. The region-, gender-, age-, occupation- and education level-specific prevalence of human intestinal protozoal infections was estimated and compared. A total of 70 study sites were sampled from 23 counties (districts) in 3 ecological zones of Tibet Autonomous Region in 2015. Among 17 939 subjects surveyed, there were 1 117 residents infected with intestinal protozoa, with a prevalence of 6.23%. There were 9 species of intestinal protozoa identified, and Entamoeba coli (3.59%), Giardia lamblia (0.74%) and Blastocystis hominis (0.72%) were found to have a high in- fection rate. The prevalence of human intestinal protozoal infections was 7.20%, 6.39% and 4.48% in the southern, eastern and northern Tibetan ecological zones, respectively. Among the 23 counties (districts), the highest human prevalence was seen in Baingoin (13.56%) and Amdo counties (12.77%), and there were significant differences in the prevalence of human intestinal pro- tozoal infections among the three ecological zones (χ2 = 33.909, P < 0.01) and 23 counties (districts) (χ2 = 580.511, P < 0.01). There was no gender-specific prevalence of human intestinal protozoal infections (men, 6.08%; women, 6.35%; χ2 = 0.542, P > 0.05); however, there was age-specific human prevalence (χ2 = 44.377, P < 0.01), and a higher prevalence was seen in residents at ages of 60－69 years (8.51%) and 50－59 years (7.67%). In addition, there were occupation- (χ2 = 37.568, P < 0.01) and education level-specific prevalence rates of human intestinal protozoal infections (χ2 = 14.659, P < 0.01), and a higher prevalence was seen in farmers (7.17%) and herdsmen (5.28%), and in residents with a primary school education (6.62% and illiterate resi- dents (6.33%). The prevalence of human intestinal protozoal infections remains high in Tibet Autonomous Region. The health education pertaining to intestinal parasitic disease control requires to be intensified among farmers and herds- men in rural areas.

The Role of MicroRNAs in Parasitology.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as epigenetic regulators, are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression in eukaryotes at the post-transcriptional level to control biological functions. MicroRNAs play a role in development, physiology, infection, immunity and the complex life cycles of parasites. Also, parasite infection can alter host miRNA expression that might result in either parasite clearance or infection. Over the past 20 years, thousands of miRNAs have been identified in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and other parasites. Thus, miRNA pathways are potential targets for the diagnostic and therapeutic control of parasitic diseases. Here, we review the current status and potential functions of miRNAs related to protozoans, helminths, and arthropods.

New strategies for the control of infectious and parasitic diseases in blood donors: the impact of pathogen inactivation methods

Abstract Around 70 infectious agents are possible threats for blood safety. The risk for blood recipients is increasing because of new emergent agents like West Nile, Zika and Chikungunya viruses, or parasites such as Plasmodium and Trypanosoma cruzi in non-endemic regions, for instance. Screening programmes of the donors are more and more implemented in several Countries, but these cannot prevent completely infections, especially when they are caused by new agents. Pathogen inactivation (PI) methods might overcome the limits of the screening and different technologies have been set up in the last years. This review aims to describe the most widely used methods focusing on their efficacy as well as on the preservation integrity of blood components.

Genetic Affinity of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolex in Human and Sheep in East Azerbaijan, Iran.

Echinococcosis caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) is known as an important zoonotic disease in various parts of the world, including Iran. The genetic diversity of this parasite is very high, particularly in areas where the disease is endemic. It has been suggested in the literature from different parts of the world that diverse factors, such as parasite life cycle, transmission pathways, pathologic disease, immunization, and disease control can be affected by the genetic diversity of the parasite. Various studies indicated sheep strain G1 as the most common genotype throughout the world. This strain is commonly found in the liver and lung repeatedly causing echinococcosis in humans, sheep, and cattle. The present study was conducted to determine the genetic affinity between the protoscolex of E. granulosus in humans and sheep in East Azerbaijan province, Iran for the first time. A total of 120 hydatid cyst samples were collected, 60 of which were from people who referred to the hospitals of East Azerbaijan and 60 were from the sheep slaughtered in Tabriz slaughterhouse. Following DNA extraction, certain regions of the cox1 gene were amplified and evaluated by the polymerase chain reaction. The replicated parts in all isolates had the same size of 450 bp. Electrophoresis was followed by selecting a total of 60 suitable samples, including 30 human samples and 30 sheep samples and sending them for genome sequencing. The overlap of the samples was investigated using the BLAST software. The results of BLAST, sequencing, and overlap demonstrated a genetic linkage of approximately 91.76% between the protoscolex of E. granulosus in human and sheep.

Insecticidal Endostemonines A-J Produced by Endophytic Streptomyces from Stemona sessilifolia.

The discovery of new, safe, and effective pesticides is one of the main means for modern crop protection and parasitic disease control. During the search for new insecticidal secondary metabolites from endophytes in Stemona sessilifolia (a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history as an insecticide), 10 new insecticidal endostemonines A-J (1-10) were identified from an endophytic Streptomyces sp. BS-1. Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis. Endostemonines A-J represent the first reported naturally occurring pyrrole-2-carboxylic ester derivatives, which consisted of different fatty acid chains at the C-2 of pyrrole ring were produced by traditional Chinese medicine endophytic microbes. All new tested compounds exhibited strong lethal activity against Aphis gossypii (LC50 value range of 3.55-32.00 mg/L after 72 h). This research highlighted the discovery of pesticide natural products from insecticidal medicinal plant endophytes for the first time, paving a new pathway for the development of pest control.

Contribution of NIPD-CTDR to the parasitic diseases control and elimination in China: Memory of the 70th anniversary for NIPD-CTDR.

China has achieved a great success in control and elimination of key parasitic diseases. In 2007, the elimination of lymphatic filariasis was verified by WHO. The schistosomiasis incidence and snail-distributed areas have reduced to the lowest level in the history. The transmission and disease burden of echinococcosis have been contained largely, and the populations infected with soil-transmitted trematode and food-borne parasites have also shown a significantly declining trend. Because of rapid globalization and climate changes, however, many new challenges have arisen. In his paper, the 2020-2030 roadmaps towards the control and elimination of these key parasitic diseases are described. Moreover, China is actively implementing its global health strategy, and will be more and more engaged into global health affairs, in which a series of China-Africa health cooperation projects have been in planning with a wish of making a greater contribution to the SDGs.

Epidemiological big data and analytical tools applied in the control programmes on parasitic diseases in China: NIPD's sustained contributions in 70 years.

The analysis of epidemiological data has played an important role for the academic research carried out by the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, China CDC, since its foundation in 1950s. Those researches, e.g., the temporal-spatial patterns of disease transmission and the identification of risk factors, have contributed significantly to the national parasitic disease control and elimination programmes in China. With the development and application of epidemiological data analysis in the last decade, all research results improve our understanding of parasitic diseases epidemiology and related health issues through the application platform of epidemiological big data and analytical tools. In particular, implementation research on analytical predictions on disease outbreak or epidemic risks have provided references to the scientific guidance on effective preventions and interventions in the parasitic disease elimination in China, such as fliariasis, malaria and schistosomiasis. This review has reflected the function of data accumulation and application of temporospatial tools in parasitic diseases control, and the ways of the NIPD's sustained contributions to the disease control programmes in China.

Weiping Wu, China CDC's Chief Expert in Parasitic Disease Control.

Weiping Wu, China CDC's Chief Expert in Parasitic Disease Control.

Construction and application of surveillance and response systems for parasitic diseases in China, led by NIPD-CTDR.

Parasitic diseases have been widely epidemic in China with a long history. Great endeavours made in past 70 years led to significant decrease in morbidity and mortablity caused by several major parasitic diseases, while challenges existed to eliminate parasitic diseases. Surveillance-response system has play a crucial role in identifying public health problems, ascertaining the distribution and epidemic dynamics, discovering outbreaks and epidemic anomalies, evaluating the effects of on-site intervention activities and identifying risk factors. In this article, we reviewed the progress of the surveillance system for parasitic diseases, analysed the role of NIPD in the construction and application of surveillance-response system of parasitic diseases through elaborating the surveillance activities and typical surveillance-response events led by NIPD. Suggestion and comments for improve the surveillance-response system were put forward for further control or elimination of parasitic diseases.

Prevalence and influencing factors of intestinal parasitic diseases among rural children in Henan Province

To understand the epidemic status and influencing factors of intestinal parasitic diseases among rural children in Henan Province. According to the Scheme for The National Survey on Current Status of Major Human Parasitic Diseases in China, the survey counties were selected based on the ecological zones and economic levels in Henan Province between 2014 and 2015. Then, the included counties were stratified according to the topography and economic levels. A township was randomly sampled from each stratum, and a village was randomly sampled from each township as the study site. Finally, a total of 104 study sites from 35 counties were enrolled for the survey of intestinal parasitic diseases in children. At least 250 fresh stool samples were collected from each study site for detection of intestinal helminth eggs with the Kato-Katz technique, for the identification of Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale with the fecal culture method, and for the detection of intestinal protozoa trophozoite and cyst with the physiological saline smear and iodine staining techniques. In addition, the Enterobius vermicularis and tapeworm eggs were detected in children aged 3 to 6 years using the adhesive cellophane-tape perianal swab method. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 3.21% (214/6 671) among rural children in Henan Province, and the prevalence of intestinal helminthes (2.62%, 175/6 671) was higher than that of intestinal protozoa (0.60%, 40/6 671). A total of 12 species of intestinal parasites were found, including 4 nematodes species, one trematode species, and 7 protozoa species, and the highest infection was seen in E. vermicularis (2.47%, 161/6 671). Among the four ecological zones in Henan Province, the greatest prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was detected among children in the Qinba Mountain Ecological Zone (5.85%, 90/1 538). There was no gender-specific difference in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in children (P > 0.05); however, there were age- (χ2 = 32.762, P < 0.05) and education level-specific differences in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in children (χ2 = 67.507, P < 0.05), with the greatest prevalence of E. vermicularis infection seen in all species of intestinal parasites in children at all age groups. Multivariate non-conditional logistic regression analysis showed that high education level, high coverage of harmless toilets, drinking tap water and deworming were protective factors for intestinal parasitic infections in children in Henan Province. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections appeared a tendency towards a gradual decline among children in Henan Province as compared to the previous two surveys. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections shows a tendency towards a remarkable decline among children in Henan Province. E. vermicularis infection should be given a priority for future parasitic disease control activities among rural children in Henan Province.

Strengthening the research and application of spatial epidemiology to promote precise prevention and control of parasitic diseases in China

Spatial epidemiology is a new branch of epidemiology, and is a subject that mainly analyzes the geographical distribution and changes of population health or diseases and its related impact factors. Recently, spatial epidemiology has been extensively applied in the prevention and control of parasitic diseases in China, and delightful results have been achieved. However, the research and application of theories and methods of spatial epidemiology are still needed to protect the people's health in China.