ABSTRACTUnderstanding the mechanisms of competition and coexistence among sympatric species is crucial for deepening our understanding of interspecific interactions and informing the conservation of rare and endangered wildlife. In this study, we utilized DNA macro‐barcoding technology to analyze the seasonal dietary habits of Kiang (Equus kiang) and Tibetan Gazelle (Procapra picticaudata) in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province, aiming to investigate their resource partitioning strategies and potential competition for limited forage resources. The results showed that Kiang mainly consumed Cyperaceae and Polygonaceae in both seasons, while Tibetan Gazelle fed on Polygonaceae and Rosaceae in the warm season and shifted to Ephedraceae in the cold season. Both species exhibited significant seasonal differences in dietary composition, with Tibetan Gazelle showing greater individual variation and seasonal shifts. In addition, their dietary niche was broader in the warm season, and overlap remained high, with indices of 0.89 and 0.87 in the warm and cold seasons, respectively. The results indicate that although Kiang and Tibetan Gazelle exhibit partial dietary overlap, they mitigate interspecific competition and achieve sympatric coexistence through differential use of dominant forage species, adjustments in dietary proportions, and individual dietary flexibility; notably, Tibetan gazelles exhibit stronger ecological adaptability. This study highlights a competition–coexistence dynamic along the trophic niche axis in typical plateau ungulates, providing insights for effective conservation strategies and biodiversity conservation in plateau regions.

BackgroundThe Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrilata) is a crucial wild definitive host of Echinococcus cestodes on the Tibetan Plateau. Fecal detection of Echinococcus DNA (fecal prevalence) is commonly used to estimate Echinococcus spp. prevalence in canine populations (population prevalence). However, this approach may be biased without individual identification, when the same individuals are repeatedly sampled, potentially leading to the misestimation of exact population prevalence.MethodsFecal samples collected from Tibetan foxes in Shiqu County (2010–2012) were genotyped to identify individual foxes, followed by copro-PCR to determine the population prevalence of Echinococcus spp. in the genotyped foxes. A virtual resampling program was developed to assess sampling bias and determine the optimal interval between sampling line transects. The derived optimal interval was then applied in surveillance conducted in 2015, 2016, and 2019.ResultsIn total, 679 Tibetan fox feces were confirmed from 1219 field-collected samples (2010–2019). From 250 samples (2010–2012), 61 distinct fox individuals were identified. Virtual resampling analysis determined the optimal sampling interval to be 200–900 m, confirming fecal prevalence as an unbiased estimator of population prevalence. The implementation of a 500 m sampling interval in the surveillance of Echinococcus spp. (2010–2019) revealed an overall prevalence of 45.7% (95% CI 41.4–50.0%), with 32.3% (28.4–36.2%) for Echinococcus multilocularis and 23.5% (19.8–27.2%) for Echinococcus shiquicus. Mixed infections were detected annually, with an overall prevalence of 11.1% (8.4–13.8%). Significant temporal reductions were observed in the prevalence of E. multilocularis (Z = − 4.640, P < 0.001), mixed infections (Z = − 3.896, P < 0.001), and overall Echinococcus spp. (Z = − 2.155, P = 0.031). The prevalence trends of E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus were significantly associated, showing an inverse relationship (χ2 = 68.861, P < 0.001).ConclusionsA 200–900 m interval between feces sampling line transects was established as the optimal distance for assessing the prevalence of Echinococcus spp. in the Tibetan fox population. The persistent high prevalence of Echinococcus spp. in the Tibetan fox indicates an ongoing sylvatic transmission risk in Shiqu County. The opposing prevalence trends between E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus indicated a complex interaction within their shared host, warranting further study.Graphic Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-025-07085-3.

BackgroundCryptosporidium and Giardia are protozoan parasites that cause significant diarrheal diseases. Small mammals are potential reservoirs for their zoonotic transmission. The Tibetan Plateau alpine ecosystem harbors diverse and abundant small wild mammals, but their roles in the transmission of Cryptosporidium and Giardia remain inadequately studied.MethodsField sampling was conducted in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province, on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, in 2023. Small wild mammals were captured and morphologically identified. Fecal DNA was screened for Cryptosporidium and Giardia with nested-PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene and the beta-giardin (bg) gene, respectively. Positive DNA samples were sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically. Differences in prevalence were assessed with the chi-square test.ResultsIn total, 336 small wild mammals were collected, dominated by Neodon fuscus (175/336, 52.1%) and Ochotona curzoniae (106/336, 31.5%). Cryptosporidium infection was detected in 22.3% (75/336) of the small mammals, with marginally higher prevalence in N. fuscus (44/175, 25.1%) than in O. curzoniae (17/106, 16.0%; χ² = 3.220, p = 0.073). Six species/genotypes were identified: zoonotic C. suis (n = 25) and C. canis (n = 6), and non-zoonotic muskrat genotype II (n = 26), yak genotype (n = 10), muskrat genotype I (n = 4), and Cryptosporidium sp. MT524977 (n = 4). The overall prevalence of Giardia was 8.3% (28/336), with similar prevalence in N. fuscus (17/175, 9.7%) and O. curzoniae (10/106, 9.4%, χ² = 0.006, p = 0.938). Non-zoonotic G. microti (n = 3) and four unclassified Giardia spp.: Giardia sp. OR770651 (n = 13), Giardia sp. PQ604631 (n = 7), Giardia sp. MG676959 (n = 3), and Giardia sp. OP963933 (n = 2) were identified. Neodon fuscus harbored greater Giardia diversity (all five Giardia spp.) than O. curzoniae (only Giardia sp. OR770651).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a high Cryptosporidium prevalence in small wild mammals on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, suggesting potential zoonotic risks to humans and livestock. Giardia exhibited host-specific infection patterns, indicating possible niche adaptation that warrants further investigation. These findings expand the host range and geographic distribution of these parasites and help elucidate their transmission dynamics in alpine ecosystems.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-025-04363-z.

Ecological adaptation mechanisms of plateau ungulates to seasonal nomadic pastoralism on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan plateau

BackgroundCryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are zoonotic pathogens with global distribution, infecting humans and various livestock. For yaks, Tibetan sheep and horses, the traditional grazing models still hold a main position. After these animals become infected, it not only hinders the development of animal husbandry but also increases the risk of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi transmission between livestock and herdsmen.MethodsIn the present study, a total of 750 fecal samples were collected from yaks, Tibetan sheep and horses in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province, from July to August 2023, and were analyzed by nested Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium spp. and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene of E. bieneusi.ResultsThe prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., and E. bieneusi were 2.1% (16/750) and 1.5% (11/750), respectively. Mixed infections of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi were detected in two samples. Among these positive fecal samples, one Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium suis) was identified in the yaks (n = 11), Tibetan sheep (n = 1), and horses (n = 4). Three E. bieneusi genotypes, including a known genotype BEB4 and two novel ones SQY1 and SQY2, were identified in the yaks (n = 7), while in Tibetan sheep (n = 4) only the known genotype BEB4 was detected. The novel genotype SQY1 was grouped into the human-pathogenic Group 1, and the known genotype BEB4 and the novel genotype SQY2 were grouped into Group 2. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was not detected in horses.ConclusionsCryptosporidium suis was identified in yaks and horses while zoonotic E. bieneusi genotype BEB4 in Tibetan sheep for the first time, expanding their host ranges. These findings suggested that yaks, Tibetan sheep and horses could act as potential sources of human Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi infections, implying that the presence of zoonotic species/genotypes could pose a threat to public health.

ABSTRACTShiqu County, China, represents a vital component of alpine ecosystems on the eastern Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, playing a pivotal role in regional ecological functions. However, amid the backdrop of climate change and rapid land‐use transformation, its delicate alpine ecosystems remain persistently threatened by human activities, including several nature reserves and a Ramsar site within it. This paper analyzes the temporal and spatial evolution and differentiation of Ecosystem Service Value (ESV) in Shiqu County (1980–2020), focusing on its driving factors. The research findings reveal that: (1) From 1980 to 2020, Shiqu County experienced a general trend of diminishing unused land, grassland, and cultivated land, alongside an expansion of forested land, water areas, and construction land. (2) Throughout the study duration, the ESV of Shiqu County exhibited a growth trajectory, escalating from 26.180 billion CNY in 1980 to 26.848 billion CNY in 2020, representing a net increase of 2.55%. Grasslands played the most substantial role in contributing to Shiqu's ESV. (3) From 1980 to 2020, all ecosystem service functions exhibited ESV growth, with hydrological regulation and water supply notably increasing by 9.07% and 8.81%, respectively. (4) Land‐use distribution demonstrates significant vertical zonation along gradients of altitude, slope, aspect, and terrain ruggedness, resulting in pronounced vertical variations in ESV, per unit area ESV, and ESV across various ecosystem service functions. (5) The spatial differentiation of ESV in Shiqu County is influenced by both natural and economic factors, with natural factors exerting a more substantial influence on spatial disparities than economic factors. The research provides insights to guide policymakers in prioritizing conservation efforts in fragile alpine ecosystems and optimizing land‐use strategies to achieve sustainable development goals, offering a transferable framework for similar regions globally.

As a vital conservation area for water sources in the Yellow River Basin, understanding the spatial-temporal dynamics of vegetation coverage is crucial, along with the factors that affect it, to ensure ecological preservation and sustainable development of the Yellow River Source Region (YRSR). In this paper, we utilized Landsat surface reflectance data from 2000 to 2020 using de-clouding and masking methods implementing the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform. We investigated spatial-temporal changes in vegetation coverage by combining the maximum value composite (MVC), the dimidiate pixel model (DPM), the Theil–Sen median slope, and the Mann–Kendall test. The influencing factors on vegetation coverage were quantitatively analyzed using a geographic detector, and future tendencies in vegetation coverage were predicted utilizing the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model. The outcomes suggested the following: (1) On the temporal scale, vegetation coverage exhibited a general upward trend between 2000 and 2020, with the YRSR showing a yearly growth rate of 0.23% (p &lt; 0.001). In comparison to 2000, the area designated as having extremely high vegetation coverage increased by 19.3% in 2020. (2) Spatially, the central and southeast regions have higher values of vegetation coverage, whereas the northwest has lower values. In the study area, 75.5% of the region demonstrated a significant improvement trend, primarily in Xinghai County, Zeku County, and Dari County in the south and the northern portion of the YRSR; conversely, a notable tendency of degradation was identified in 11.8% of the area, mostly in the southeastern areas of Qumalai County, Chenduo County, Shiqu County, and scattered areas in the southeastern region. (3) With an explanatory power of exceeding 45%, the three influencing factors that had the biggest effects on vegetation coverage were mean annual temperature, elevation, and mean annual precipitation. Mean annual precipitation has been shown to have a major impact on vegetation covering; the interconnections involving these factors have increased the explanatory power of vegetation coverage’s regional distribution. (4) Predictions for 2030 show that the vegetation coverage is trending upward in the YRSR, with a notable recovery trend in the northwestern region. This study supplies a theoretical foundation to formulate strategies to promote sustainable development and ecological environmental preservation in the YRSR.

Simple SummaryShiqu County, in Sichuan Province, is the eastern edge of the distribution area of the kiang (Equus kiang) on the Tibetan Plateau. However, there is a lack of understanding about the kiang population and its habitat in this region. This study aims to assess the population and habitat status of kiangs. The results showed that the area of suitable habitat for kiangs is 3402.45 km2, with an estimated population of 1395.00 ± 272.20, and a population density of 0.41 ± 0.08/km2. These findings provide a scientific reference for the conservation of the kiang population and its habitat in the region.Shiqu County, Sichuan Province, forms the eastern edge of the distribution area of the kiang (Equus kiang). It is important to assess the population and habitat status of peripheral populations, as these play a significant role in the development of conservation strategies for kiangs. Based on field transect data collected from July to August 2023, this study predicted the suitable habitat distribution of kiangs in Shiqu County using a MaxEnt model and estimated the population size and density using the ‘Distance’ package. Additionally, it analyzed the responses of the group size of kiangs to environmental factors in Shiqu County. The results showed that the area of suitable habitat for kiangs is 3402.45 km2, accounting for 13.51% of the total area of Shiqu County. The estimated population was 1395.00 ± 272.20, with a population density of 0.41 ± 0.08/km2. Additionally, the group size of kiangs was significantly positively correlated with the distance from the road and grazing site. The distance from the grazing site, elevation, and temperature annual range are the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of kiangs. This study initially revealed the peripheral population Status and suitable habitat of the kiang on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, and the potential threat of grazing interference and road obstruction. The research results can provide a scientific reference for the population and habitat protection of kiangs in this area.

Congenital cleft lip and palate is a common birth defect that seriously affects the lives of the afflicted children and their families. Previously, no research has been done to investigate the pathogenic characteristics of cleft lip and palate among ethnic minorities, for example, Tibetans, a minority ethnic group with a large population in China. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the occurrence of cleft lip and palate in Tibetans and Han Chinese in western China and the distribution of ABO blood groups and Rh blood groups to provide a theoretical basis for the precise prevention and treatment of cleft lip and palate. In this study, statistics on Tibetan patients with cleft lip and palate, some Han patients with cleft lip and palate, and normal controls from western China were retrospectively collected. All participants were patients from West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University. All patients with cleft lip and palate received treatment at the hospital between January 2016 and September 2023. The normal controls were outpatients or inpatients who did not have cleft lip and palate, and who received treatment at the hospital between January 2020 and October 2023. Information on the A, B, O, and AB blood groups and Rh positive and negative blood groups of the patients was collected and compared with that of the normal controls. The incidence of different phenotypes, including cleft lip alone, cleft palate alone, and cleft lip with cleft palate, in patients of blood groups A, B, O and AB were statistically analyzed by Chi-square test. A total of 1227 Tibetan patients with cleft lip and palate, 4064 Han patients with cleft lip and palate, and 5360 normal controls were included in the study. Among all the patients with cleft lip and palate, 1863 had cleft lip alone, 1425 had cleft palate alone, and 2003 had cleft lip with cleft palate. The ABO blood group distribution of Tibetan patients with cleft lip and palate was characterized as O>B>A>AB, with Rh positive blood group accounting for 100%, blood type O accounting for 41.15%, and blood type B accounting for 30.64%. The blood group distribution of the Han patients with cleft lip and palate was characterized as O>A>B>AB, with Rh positive blood group accounting for 99.58%, blood type O accounting for 35.78%, and type A accounting for 30.54%. There was a significant difference in ABO blood groups between Tibetan and Han patients with cleft lip and palate (P<0.005), but no significant difference in Rh blood groups. The ABO blood group distribution of the Tibetan patients with cleft lip and palate showed an obvious difference from that of the control group, while those of the Han patients with cleft lip and cleft palate and the control group did not show obvious differences. In the analysis of the subtypes, it was found that the blood group distribution in the subtypes of cleft lip alone, cleft palate alone, and cleft lip with cleft palate in the Tibetan population was O>B>A>AB, while that in the Han Chinese population was O>A>B>AB. There were differences in blood group distribution between Tibetans and Hans of the subtypes of cleft lip alone and cleft lip with cleft palate (P<0.001), but there was no difference in blood group distribution in the population of cleft palate-only subtype. The proportion of blood type O in Tibetan patients with cleft lip and palate was significantly higher than that in the Han patients with cleft lip and palate. The blood group distribution of Tibetan patients with cleft lip and palate in Sichuan Province, Xizang Autonomous Region, and Qinghai Province was always O>B>A>AB. Tibetan patients from Shiqu County and Baiyu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Chaya County, Qamdo City were predominantly of blood type B, and those from other regions were mainly of blood type O. There were significant differences in the phenotype composition and ABO blood group distribution between the Tibetan and Han populations with cleft lip and palate in western China. The distribution of blood group O in the population with cleft lip and palate was higher than that in the normal population, and the same trend was observed for different phenotypes. However, differences between Tibetan and Han populations in ABO blood group distribution were only found in the phenotypes of cleft lip only and cleft lip with palate. Tibetans with blood type O are more prone to cleft lip deformity than Han people, and the effect in the phenotype of cleft lip with palate is less pronounced than that in the phenotype of cleft lip only.

To investigate the prevalence of Echinococcus infection in small mammals in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2020, so as to provide insights into echinococcosis control in Shiqu County. One setting with frequent activity of small mammals was sampled as the survey site from each of 9 townships where human alveolar echinococcosis was hyperendemic, in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2020. Two quadrats measuring 50 m × 50 m were assigned in each survey site during the period between July and August from 2015 to 2020 to capture all small mammals in quadrats, and the species of small mammals were identified by morphological characteristics. All captured small mammals were dissected in the field and Echinococcus infection was identified by visual examinations. The affected organs of Echinococcus - infected small mammals were collected, and Echinococcus infection was detected using PCR assay, with Echinococcus species characterized. The prevalence of Echinococcus infection was calculated in small mammals, and the trends in the prevalence of Echinococcus infection were analyzed during the period from 2015 to 2020. In addition, the prevalence of Echinococcus infection was compared in small mammals using visual examinations and PCR assay. A total of 2 692 small mammals were captured in the survey sites of Shiqu County from 2015 to 2020, and morphology characterized 1 360 Microtus fuscus (50.52%) and 1 332 Plateau pika (49.48%). The prevalence rates of Echinococcus infection were 35.63%, 19.16%, 21.41%, 8.40%, 7.68% and 4.44% by visual examinations and 18.96%, 5.36%, 5.61%, 4.58%, 3.30% and 0.37% by PCR assay in small mammals in Shiqu County from 2015 to 2020, both showing a tendency towards a decline year by year (χ2 = 215.024 and 117.045, both P values < 0.001). The prevalence of Echinococcus infection was significantly higher in small mammals by visual examinations than by PCR assay during the period from 2015 to 2020 except in 2018 (χ2= 33.597, 21.815, 51.373, 17.268 and 9.537, all P values < 0.01). PCR assay detected a reduction in the prevalence of E. multilocularis infection from 10.21% to 0.37% and a reduction in the prevalence of E. shiquicus infection from 8.75% to 0 in small mammals in Shiqu County from 2015 to 2020, both appearing a tendency towards a decline year by year (χ2 = 117.045 and 43.436, both P values < 0.001). In addition, the prevalence of E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus infections reduced from 15.19% to 0.45% and from 8.23% to 0 in M. fuscus, and the prevalence of E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus infections reduced from 7.76% to 0 and from 9.01% to 0 in P. pika in Shiqu County from 2015 to 2020. M. fuscus and P. pika were dominant species of small mammals in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2020, and E. multilocularis infection was mainly found in M. fuscus and E. shiquicus infection mainly found in P. pika. The prevalence of Echinococcus infection appeared a tendency towards a decline in both M. fuscus and P. pika year by year during the period from 2015 to 2020.

Based on the general situation of ethnic preschool children learning the national common language in non-Chinese language environments, this paper investigates the current situation of preschool children's Mandarin listening and speaking abilities in Shiqu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It objectively analyzes the problems in fostering Mandarin listening and speaking abilities in preschool children in Shiqu County and identifies the main factors contributing to these problems. Targeted strategies and suggestions are proposed to address the problems.

To investigate the feasibility of establishment of ultrasound radiomics-based models for classification of hepatic echinococcosis, so as to provide insights into precision ultrasound diagnosis of hepatic echinococcosis. The ultrasonographic images were retrospectively collected from 200 patients with hepatic echinococcosis in Shiqu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province in October 2014, and the regions of interest were plotted in ultrasonographic images of hepatic echinococcosis lesions. The ultrasound radiomics features of hepatic echinococcosis were extracted with 25 methods, and screened using pre-selection and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Then, all ultrasonographic images were randomly assigned into the training and independent test sets according to the type of lesions at a ratio of 7:3. Machine learning models for classification of hepatic echinococcosis were created based on two classifiers, including kernel logistic regression (KLR) and medium Gaussian support vector machine (MGSVM). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted, and the sensitivity, specificity and areas under the curves (AUC) of the created machine learning models for classification of hepatic echinococcosis were calculated. A total of 5 005 ultrasound radiomics features were extracted from 200 patients with hepatic echinococcosis using 25 methods, and 36 optimal radiomics features were screened through feature selection, based on which two machine learning models were created, including KLR and MGSVM. ROC curve analysis showed that MGS-VM presented a higher efficacy for hepatic echinococcosis classification than KLR in the training set, with a sensitivity of 0.82, a specificity of 0.78 and AUC of 0.88, while KLR presented a higher efficacy for hepatic echinococcosis classification than MGSVM in the independent test set, with a sensitivity of 0.82, a specificity of 0.72 and AUC of 0.86, respectively. Ultrasound radiomics-based machine learning models are feasible for hepatic echinococcosis classification.

Tick-borne diseases have become a global health concern in recent decades. Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae have been recognized as important pathogens of human tick-borne diseases worldwide. In this study, Dermacentor everestianus (n = 646) and Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis (n = 172) ticks were collected from yaks (Bos grunniens) in Shiqu county, eastern Tibetan Plateau, China. SFG rickettsiae were identified and characterized in these ticks. A total of 49.9% (408/818) ticks were infected by Rickettsia spp. with infection rates of 58.1% (100/172) and 46.7% (308/646) detected in H. qinghaiensis and D. everestianus ticks, respectively. Furthermore, 95% of Rickettsia spp. were Rickettsia raoultii-like bacteria, and 5% were related to Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that SFG rickettsiae infections were firstly reported in Shiqu county for these tick species. Our results indicated that H. qinghaiensis and D. everestianus ticks from Shiqu county became highly infected with a R. raoultii-like bacteria during their feeding process. This observation is alarming because of the zoonotic potentiality of these species. Overall, the present study detected a widespread of R. raoultii-like bacteria in ticks that are considered a serious threat to domestic animals and humans in Shiqu county. The prevalence of R. raoultii-like bacteria in human and wildlife hosts should be further investigated in the future.

To investigate the population dynamics and Echinococcus infections in small rodents around human settlement in Yushu City, Qinghai Province. Rodents were captured using the mouse trap method in pastures from Batang Township and Longbao Township of Yushu City, Qinghai Province on May, August and October, 2018. The body weight and snout-vent length of all captured rodents were measured, and the species was identified according to the rodent morphology. Genomic DNA was extracted from rodent liver specimens and lesion specimens, and the mitochondrial cox1 gene of Echinococcus was amplified using PCR assay for identification of parasite species. In addition, the tissue specimens positive for PCR assay were sampled for pathological examinations. The prevalence of Echinococcus infections was estimated in rodents, and a phylogenetic tree was created based on Echinococcus cox1 gene sequences. A total of 285 small rodents were captured, including 143 Ochotona curzoniae (50.2%), 141 Lasiopodomys fuscus (49.5%), and 1 Neodon irene (0.3%), and there was a remarkable variation in habitat selection among these three rodent species. The number of L. fuscus correlated positively with vegetation coverage (r = 0.350, P = 0.264), with the greatest number seen in August, and the number of O. curzoniae negatively with vegetation coverage (r = -0.371, P = 0.235), with the highest number seen in August and the lowest number in May. The female/male ratios of O. curzoniae and voles were 1:0.96 and 0.82:1, respectively. The body weight (r = 0.519, P < 0.01) and snout-vent length (r = 0.578, P < 0.01) of O. curzoniae showed a tendency towards a rise with month, while the body weight (r = -0.401, P < 0.01) and snout-vent length (r = -0.570, P < 0.01) of voles presented a tendency towards a reduction with month. No Echinococcus infection was detected in voles, while 2.1% prevalence of E. shiquicus infection was seen in O. curzoniae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed consistent sequences of cox1 gene from E. shiquicus in Yushu City of Qinghai Province and Shiqu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province. The small rodents around the human settlement in Yushu City of Qinghai Province mainly include O. curzoniae and L. fuscus, with the greatest numbers seen in May and August, respectively. Following the concerted efforts for echinococcosis control, the prevalence of Echinococcus infections is low in small rodents around the human settlement in Yushu City; however, there is still a risk of echinococcosis transmission.

Analysis of characteristics of echinococcosis patients in Shiqu County at different time periods

Epidemiological analysis of cystic echinococcosis and alveolar echinococcosis in an extremely high prevalence region: Population-based survey and host animal monitoring in Shiqu County, China

Assessment of a 10-year dog deworming programme on the transmission of Echinococcus multilocularis in Tibetan communities in Sichuan Province, China

BackgroundBartonella bacteria have been associated with an increasingly wide range of human and animal diseases. These emerging pathogens have been identified as being globally dispersed. Ticks and small rodents are known hosts of Bartonella and play a significant role in the preservation and circulation of Bartonella in nature. This study investigated the occurrence of hoist spp. in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) in Shiqu County, which is located on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in China. Shiqu County is spread over approximately 26,000 km2, with an average altitude of above 4200 m and a vast area of pastureland.ResultsA total of 818 ticks (Dermacentor everestianus, 79.0%, 646/818; Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis, 21.0%, 172/818) were collected from yaks in 4 villages of Shiqu County. Only Bartonella melophagi was detected in tick samples, with a total prevalence of 30.1% (246/818). The infection rates of B. melophagi in ticks from Arizha, Maga, Derongma, and Changxgma were 4.8, 76.8, 12.5, and 18.0%, respectively. The infection rate of B. melophagi in Maga was higher (p < 0.01) than those in other villages. Regarding plateau pikas, the total infection rate of Bartonella spp. was 21.7% (62/286), with 16.7% (12/72), 30.9% (25/81), 13.8% (9/65), and 23.5% (16/68) in Arizha, Maga, Derongma, and Changxgma, respectively. Finally, B. queenslandensis and B. grahamii were detected in plateau pika. No significant difference was observed (p > 0.05) in the infection rates between these study sites.ConclusionTo date, only D. everestianus and H. qinghaiensis were found in Shiqu County with high infection of Bartonella spp. in the ticks and plateau pika. The threats of Bartonella species to public health should be closely monitored.

Taeniid cestodes in Tibetan foxes (Vulpes Ferrilata) detected by copro-PCR: Applications and challenges.

BackgroundThe pastoral area of the eastern Tibetan Plateau is highly endemic for human echinococcosis. Domestic dogs are the main definitive host for the transmission of both Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato) and E. multilocularis to humans. To control the infection risks, a national-level canine echinococcosis prevention and control programme has been implemented since 2015 in Shiqu County, Ganze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China. The objective of this study was to evaluate its effect on Echinococcus spp. prevalence in dogs.MethodsWe surveyed 69 households with 84 owned dogs, for dog fecal samples and dog keeping information in the villages of Rizha and Eduoma. A total of 105 dog fecal samples (75 from owned dogs and 30 unknown dog fecal samples) were collected between 2015–2017 to determine Echinococcus spp. prevalence using copro-PCR. Eight variables based on household surveys were included into a logistic regression model for significant risk factors to canine echinococcosis prevalence in dogs.ResultsBetween 2015–2017, the overall Echinococcus spp. copro-DNA prevalence decreased significantly in dogs from 51.2% (2015) to 20.0% (2017) in Rizha, and insignificantly from 11.5% (2016) to 4.3% (2017) in Eduoma. Echinococcus multilocularis was the most prevalent species continually copro-DNA detected during the entire study period, while E. granulosus was rare and not detected in 2017. Echinococcus shiquicus copro-DNA prevalence (a probable non-zoonotic wildlife species) was as high in dogs as that of E. multilocularis, although only detected in 2015 in Rizha. Unleashed dog feces were mainly collected in Rizha in 2015. Although 93.2% of owned dogs were leashed, and the monthly praziquantel dosing rate reached 97%, E. multilocularis infection could still be detected in 11.1% of owned dogs in 2017. Monthly deworming, leashing dogs 24 h per day, and the avoidance of dogs feeding on livestock viscera were significant measures to prevent canine echinococcosis infection in owned dogs.ConclusionsCarrying out a canine echinococcosis prevention and control programme can significantly decrease Echinococcus spp. prevalence. The potential contact between leashed dogs and wild small mammals is still a risk for re-infection of owned dogs with E. multilocularis. This study shows that the long-term application of regular dog treatment with praziquantel in the vast and remote echinococcosis endemic areas of the eastern Tibetan Plateau can reduce transmission in dogs but remains a challenging intervention.