2026年 · 第15卷第01期

This editorial, published on the occasion of the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day in 2026, highlights the persistent and pressing issue of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and their impact on global health equity. It argues that addressing NTDs is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for achieving global health security and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The editorial emphasizes the need for integrating NTD control strategies with the SDGs to leverage synergies and maximize impact. For instance, improving water and sanitation (SDG 6) directly contributes to the prevention of schistosomiasis. Additionally, the Pandemic Agreement, co-signed by member countries of World Health Organization in 2025, provides an opportunity to mainstream NTDs into health security planning, ensuring resilience against future outbreaks. The editorial concludes by calling for sustained action and increased investment in research and development, One Health approaches, and policy coherence to embed NTDs in pandemic preparedness and universal health coverage agendas. Achieving a future free from NTDs is possible, but it requires unwavering commitment, collaboration, and equitable resource allocation.

Background Paragonimiasis, a foodborne zoonotic disease caused by Paragonimus (lung fluke) species, is prevalent mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. It is estimated that 23 million people are infected worldwide. Many reviews have been published in recent years, but very few reviews focused on distribution have been published. Here, we performed a review to map the global distribution of Paragonimus species. Methods We systematically searched Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, African Journals Online, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database to identify studies and case reports documenting the occurrences of Paragonimus species (OPSs) and cases of paragonimiasis. Studies were included only if both the OPSs and the geographical locations of Paragonimus species occurrence had been verified in the relevant research. Subsequently, we mapped the OPSs based on data extracted from the eligible included studies. Results We mapped the global distribution of Paragonimus species and cases caused by them. Paragonimus species are distributed in Asia, Africa, and the Americas, among which no species are distributed across continents. Eight species can infect humans: P. westermani (East Asia, the Far East, Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, probably Nepal, New Guinea), P. skrjabini (mainly distributed in China and Japan), P. heterotremus (the Indochina Peninsula and southwestern border regions of China), P. kellicotti (USA and Canada), P. mexicanus (Latin America), P. africanus, P. uterobilateralis, and P. gondwanensis (West and Central Africa). This study suggests that Paragonimus species are distributed from 12° S to 50° N globally, except four "outliers" in South Africa (approximately 30° S). Conclusions Globally, Paragonimus species and paragonimiasis cases exhibit an imbalanced distribution across hemispheres, continents, and countries. In many "suitable habitats", where infection by Paragonimus may be expected, few or no OPSs have been reported. Epidemiological and other studies are encouraged in these regions. This study will support the further refinement of paragonimiasis surveillance and response measures by global disease control authorities, thereby advancing public health.

Background While the agricultural sector is a known contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the potential role of food loss and waste (FLW) in AMR dissemination has been largely overlooked. FLW, a byproduct of inefficient food systems, poses economic, environmental, and food security challenges. It may also act as a reservoir and vector for antimicrobial resistance genes and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, contributing to the environmental spread of AMR if improperly managed. This narrative review assessed the presence, fate, and risks of AMR in FLW management. Methods Peer-reviewed studies were identified through systematic searches in PubMed and Web of Science using keywords related to food waste, AMR, and treatment methods. Additional studies were retrieved through reference screening. Only English-language articles addressing AMR in the context of FLW were included. Results Bioconversion processes such as composting, anaerobic digestion, and conversion to animal feed can reduce antimicrobial resistance genes and antibiotic-resistant bacteria under optimized conditions. However, without adequate treatment, end products like fertilizers or biomaterials may still pose AMR risks. In contrast, FLW disposal in landfills and open dumps exacerbates both greenhouse gas emissions and AMR risks, due to co-contamination with other AMR-promoting pollutants like heavy metals and microplastics. AMR can spread through multiple pathways, including leachate, aerosols, wildlife, and direct human contact. Conclusions FLW should be recognized as a potential AMR source, requiring improved management strategies and integration into AMR surveillance. This review highlights the need to both reduce antimicrobial use and minimize FLW generation to limit environmental and public health risks.

Background Biomphalaria straminea, an intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, is originally native to Brazil but has invaded southern China since 1974. Nowadays, increasing human mobility raises the risk of S. mansoni dissemination. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the genetic variation and structure of B. straminea in China and develop molecular tools for tracing its geographic origins, which could aid in schistosomiasis prevention and control. Methods We collected 290 B. straminea individuals from Shenzhen City (GDSZ, n = 171), Dongguan City (GDDG, n = 65), and Hong Kong (HK, n = 54). Double digest restriction associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing was applied to genotype the samples. A subset of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was validated by the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX assay. The MaxEnt model was employed to predict suitable habitats for B. straminea in China under current and future climate conditions. Results Analysis of ddRAD sequencing data led to the identification of 80 high-confidence SNPs. B. straminea from GDSZ exhibited higher genetic diversity than those from other locations. The total observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.35) was higher than the total expected heterozygosity (He = 0.26), resulting in a negative inbreeding coefficient (Fis = - 0.35), indicating that outbreeding has dominated the recent genetic history of B. straminea. Pairwise genetic distance (Fst < 0.05) and number of effective migrants (Nm > 4) indicated low genetic differentiation. The populations in GDSZ, GDDG and HK were genetically similar, with the first two being more closely related. Three high-quality SNPs displayed distinct geographical population specificity and could serve as geographically specific SNP markers. The MaxEnt model predicted an expansion of suitable habitats for B. straminea in China under future climate conditions. High invasion risk in Hainan Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Taiwan Province warrants attention. Conclusions This study provides the first genome-wide insights into the population structure and genetic diversity of B. straminea in China. The populations are genetically similar, suggesting a common invasion source. Applying the geographically specific SNPs could enable rapid prediction of the geographic origin of B. straminea in future invasion events. Future climate conditions are likely to facilitate the spread of B. straminea, increasing the risk of schistosomiasis transmission in China.

Background Arboviral infections impose significant public health challenges globally, yet routine surveillance typically captures only symptomatic infections, underestimating the true extent of exposure. Insights into how regional and demographic factors influence population immunity are essential for targeted surveillance and prevention, but such multidimensional insights remain limited. This study aimed to quantify population-level arboviral sero exposure and delineate the effects of regional and demographic factors on immunity to inform targeted surveillance and prevention. Methods We utilized a programmable phage display platform, ArboScan, which evaluates antibody binding to overlapping peptides that represent the proteomes of 691 human and zoonotic arboviruses. We profiled baseline antibody reactivity in serum samples from 400 healthy individuals, collected before the dengue outbreaks reported in Hainan in 2019. Antibody reactivity was quantified as normalized fold-change (FC) values relative to negative controls, and analyzed by region, sex, and age. Normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Two-group comparisons were conducted using independent two-sample t tests for normally distributed data or Mann-Whitney U tests otherwise; comparisons among > 2 groups were performed using One-way Analysis of Variance for normally distributed data. Results Regional ranking by mean product fold change (MPFC) showed northern enrichment for bluetongue virus (MPFC= 3.56), whereas southern cohorts were enriched for mosquito-borne arboviruses-dengue virus (MPFC= 3.54), Alagoas vesiculovirus (MPFC= 3.50), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (MPFC= 3.39). Females exhibited higher FC than males for selected arboviral families (P < 0.001). By family-level analysis, Flaviviridae, Togaviridae, and Phenuiviridae showed no age-stratified differences (P > 0.05). High fold-change values were detected for non-arboviral viruses such as human cytomegaloviruses and human adenoviruses across all regions. Conclusions Our findings reveal distinct regional and demographic patterns of arboviral antibody reactivity in China, reflecting differing histories of exposure and potentially informing region-specific surveillance strategies. The stable antibody levels across age groups, together with higher fold-change values in females, underscore the influence of biological and social factors on arboviral immunity. The ArboScan platform, and programmable peptide display platforms in general, offer a scalable approach to characterize population-level immunity and could enhance early detection and public health preparedness in arbovirus-endemic areas.

Purpose Schistosomiasis (SCH) japonica remains a persistent public health concern in the Philippines despite continuing control efforts. This study aims to examine the transmission dynamics of SCH japonica and evaluate different intervention strategies using a One Health modeling approach, with the goal of supporting feasible control and elimination targets. Methods We developed a compartmental mathematical model calibrated using field survey data collected in 2022 from eight endemic barangays in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte. The dataset included SCH prevalence, egg excretion levels in humans and animals quantified through Kato-Katz, modified McMaster, and sedimentation techniques, and household distance to potential transmission sites. Multiple intervention strategies were examined, including human and animal chemotherapy, WaSH (water access, sanitation, and hygiene) adoption, pasture prohibition, vegetation clearing, and snail control. Sensitivity analysis using Partial Rank Correlation Coefficients (PRCC) was performed to identify influential transmission drivers. Results The model estimates baseline prevalence at approximately 20% in humans across the study areas. Under medium WaSH adoption, human prevalence is projected to decline to approximately 1.01% by 2030, whereas high WaSH coverage further reduces prevalence to 0.64%. Combining WaSH and pasture prohibition alongside chemotherapy is projected to reduce human prevalence to 0.09% and animal prevalence to 0.10% by 2030. Sensitivity analysis identified snail-to-human transmission rate (PRCC = 0.612) and snail shedding rate (PRCC = 0.607) as the most influential parameters. Conclusion Integrated strategies focusing on WaSH, reduced animal exposure, and targeted chemotherapy offer the most effective pathway toward achieving World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) 2030 SCH targets. Implementation should be strengthened through health education, behavioral interventions, mechanization support, and active Local Government Unit (LGU) participation.

Background Schistosomiasis remains a major neglected tropical disease with persistent transmission despite decades of control programs. Recent discoveries of schistosome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) have introduced new opportunities for precise, non-invasive molecular diagnosis. These miRNAs, often encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs) or associated with Argonaute proteins, are stable in host biofluids and reflect active infection, worm burden, and pathological status. Therefore, this commentary aims to summarize current advances in schistosome-derived miRNAs for molecular diagnosis, discuss the major challenges limiting their field deployment, and propose future priorities for translational development. Main text Accumulating evidence from both experimental models and human studies supports the diagnostic value of schistosome-derived miRNAs, with several candidates demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity across Schistosoma species. However, despite this promise, translation to field applications remains limited. Major challenges include low detection sensitivity in low-intensity infections, lack of standardized reference materials, absence of harmonized workflows, and dependence on complex laboratory infrastructure. Structural barriers—such as insufficient policy support, weak diagnostic infrastructure, and global inequities in resource allocation—further constrain deployment in endemic regions. Bridging these gaps demands a shift from exploratory discovery to translational and equity-centered development. Conclusions In summary, although schistosome-derived microRNAs have demonstrated strong diagnostic potential across experimental and clinical settings, their impact remains limited by technological, infrastructural, and policy-related challenges, particularly in endemic regions. Future priorities should emphasize affordable, point-of-care diagnostic platforms, establishment of shared databases and international standards, and integration of molecular tools into national surveillance and elimination programs. Aligning technological innovation with accessibility and health equity will be crucial to transform schistosome miRNA biomarkers from laboratory findings into practical tools for global schistosomiasis control and elimination.