Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by helminth parasites of the genus Schistosoma, affecting >200 million people worldwide. Current schistosomiasis treatment relies on a single drug, praziquantel, highlighting the urgent need for new therapies. We have identified a non-neuronal tegumental acetylcholinesterase from Schistosoma mansoni (SmTAChE) as a rational and molecularly defined drug target. Molecular modeling reveals significant structural differences between SmTAChE and human AChE, suggesting the potential for identifying parasite-specific inhibitors. Here, we screened recombinant SmTAChE (rSmTAChE) against two chemical libraries: the Broad Institute Drug Repurposing Hub (5440 compounds) and the Diversity-Oriented Synthesis (DOS)-A library (3840 compounds). High-throughput screening identified 116 hits from the Repurposing Hub (2.13% hit rate) and 44 from the DOS-A (1.14% hit rate) library that inhibited rSmTAChE ≥60% at 20 µM. Dose-response assays using both rSmTAChE and recombinant human AChE (rHsAChE) revealed 19 Repurposing Hub compounds (IC50: 0.4-24 µM) and four DOS-A scaffolds (IC50: 13-29 µM), with higher selectivity for rSmTAChE. Selective inhibitors such as cepharanthine, primaquine, mesalazine, and embelin emerged as promising candidates for further evaluation in schistosomiasis treatment. These 23 newly identified selective hits provide a foundation for the further development of novel anti-schistosome therapies.

Advanced schistosomiasis imposed a heavy economic burden on society and had a high rate of mortality and disability. However, methods for assessing its long-term prognosis were currently insufficient, and there was a lack of predictive tools to aid clinical decision-making and personalized follow-up plans for patients. We sought to determine risk factors associated with six-year all-cause mortality in advanced schistosomiasis, deriving and validating a six-year all-cause mortality prediction model through a retrospective cohort study based on a large population-based cohort.

We collected information from 4,136 patients with advanced schistosomiasis who were discharged between December 2014 and January 2015. After excluding 17 patients with the less common subtypes of colonic tumoroid proliferation and dwarfism, as well as 92 patients who were lost to follow-up or had incomplete information, data from 4,027 patients were included in the study. These patients were randomly assigned to the derivation cohort and the external validation cohort in a 7:3 ratio, with 1,400 patients randomly selected from the derivation cohort for internal validation. Sixteen candidate variables were collected: age, gender, nutritional status, splenectomy history, presence of other conditions (such as cardiovascular and digestive diseases), clinical classification, disease duration, ascites occurrence frequency, levels of serum total bilirubin (TBil), direct bilirubin (DBil), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). High-risk factors associated with the 6-year mortality outcome were identified through univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. The predictive value of different models was evaluated and compared using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, Akaike information criterion (AIC), net reclassification improvement (NRI), C statistic, and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

The derivation cohort comprised 2819 patients and we randomly selected 1400 cases from this cohort for internal validation. The external cohort consisted of 1208 patients. The mortality rate for three groups was around 27%-28%. We identified ten variables associated with increased risk of death, including age, course of disease, frequence of ascites, hepatitis B co-infection, and levels of DBil, ALT, AST, ALP, ALB, and AFP at baseline. Using these variables, we developed a ten-variable model and three simpler models. In the derivation cohort, the ten-variable model showed the highest C statistic (0.759; 95% CI, 0.739-0.778) and the lowest AIC (2834.2). ROC curves indicated an AUC of 0.759 for the ten-variable model, outperforming the simpler models. External validation also demonstrated superior performance of the ten-variable model with a higher C statistic (0.774; 95% CI, 0.749-0.797). This model consistently showed better results in ROC curves, IDI, continuous NRI, and categorical NRI analyses compared to the reduced models in external validation cohort.

This study developed a multivariate model to predict the 6-year all-cause mortality rate in patients with advanced schistosomiasis, which demonstrated good performance. This convenient tool may potentially assist clinicians in formulating patient follow-up plans.

Parasitic infections remain a significant public health challenge in West Africa, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates, economic burdens, and healthcare system strain. Malaria, soil-transmitted helminths, schistosomiasis, and other parasitic diseases persist due to environmental, socio-economic, and healthcare barriers. A systematic literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Studies published between 2014 and 2024 were screened using predefined eligibility criteria. Cross-sectional and case-control studies reporting on prevalence, diagnostic techniques, and treatment of parasitic infections in West Africa were included. The Rayyan online platform was used for screening, and data extraction focused on study location, prevalence rates, diagnostic methods, and treatment regimens. This review identified the high prevalence rates of malaria, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths across various West African countries. Co-infections were frequently reported, particularly among children and pregnant women. Diagnostic methods ranged from traditional microscopy to advanced molecular techniques, though accessibility remained a challenge in resource-limited settings. Treatment strategies, including artemisinin-based combination therapies for malaria and mass drug administration for helminths, showed varying efficacy due to reinfection risks and emerging drug resistance. Factors influencing transmission included environmental conditions, sanitation practices, socio-economic status, and healthcare access. Parasitic infections in West Africa continue to pose significant health and economic challenges. Integrated control programs, enhanced surveillance systems, improved access to diagnostics and treatment, and targeted public health interventions are essential for reducing disease burden. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of existing interventions and explore innovative solutions for parasite control and elimination.

Soil-transmitted Helminths (STH) infections and anemia are significant global health threats, particularly affecting children under five and reproductive-age women. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a roadmap to eliminate Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This study analyzes the impact of STH infections on the anemia burden in these populations across 187 countries from 2015 to 2019.

Following the Systemic Rapid Assessment (SYSRA) framework, this ecological study examines the relationship between STH infections and anemia in children under five and reproductive-age women. Factors considered include Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Index, Water and Sanitation Indicators (SDG 6.1 and 6.2), Government Effectiveness, and Human Development Index (HDI). Paired t-tests assess annual changes in STH infection and anemia prevalence, while Chi-Square and logistic regression tests identify factors associated with anemia prevalence.

From 2015 to 2019, STH infection prevalence decreased significantly, while anemia prevalence fluctuated. STH infections were significantly associated with anemia in children under 5. However, STH infections did not significantly impact anemia prevalence in children under 5 or reproductive-age women. HDI influenced anemia prevalence in children under 5 (OR = 14.17, p < 0.05), while Safe Drinking Water infrastructure (OR = 3.98, p < 0.05) and UHC coverage (OR = 4.09, p < 0.05) influenced anemia prevalence in reproductive-age women.

This study enhances our understanding of the link between STH infections and anemia burden in children under 5 and reproductive-aged women. Findings align with existing literature on reducing disparities in STH infection and anemia prevalence based on socioeconomic factors, specifically for children under 5. Inconsistencies compared to previous studies highlight the need for comprehensive interventions involving health, social, economic, and cultural aspects to address NTDs effectively.

Background: Schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) have been targeted for elimination as a public health problem (EPHP) within the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) 2021-2030. One of the global strategies for the control and elimination of these diseases is the mass administration of praziquantel and albendazole/mebendazole without prior individual diagnosis. To measure the progress towards the 2030 target, we conducted an assessment to determine the impact of the 3-5 rounds of annual mass drug administration among school age children in Ekiti State. Such scientific insights into the impact of these treatments will facilitate improved planning and targeting of resources towards reaching the last mile. Methodology: This assessment was conducted in 16 local government areas (LGAs) of Ekiti State between October and November 2023. Samples were collected from pupils in 166 primary and junior secondary schools across 166 wards of the State. Urine and stool samples were collected from 7670 pupils of ages 5 to 14 years, following standard laboratory procedures. Urine membrane filtration techniques were used for urine preparation while the Kato-Katz technique was used for stool preparation. A novel AiDx digital microscope was used to examine the presence of any ova in the prepared specimen. Parasite ova in urine were reported as the number of ova/10 mL of urine, and were categorized as light infection (˂50 ova/10 mL of urine) or heavy infection (>50 ova/10 mL of urine) while ova of parasites in stool samples were reported as eggs per gram of stool (EPG) and categorized into light, moderate and heavy infection. Results: Overall, 0.76% (0.56-0.95) at 95% CI of the 7670 respondents were infected with Schistosomia haematobium. No Schistosoma mansoni infection was recorded in the study. Similarly, 3.9% (3.43-4.29) at 95% CI were infected with STHs. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis had significantly reduced from 8.2% in 2008 to 0.8%, while the overall prevalence of STHs significantly reduced from 30.9% to 3.9% with Ascaris lumbricoides being the dominant species of STH. In the 16 LGAs assessed, Ekiti West had the highest S. haematobium prevalence of 4.26%. Ise/Orun and Oye ranked second and third with a prevalence of 3.48% and 2.40% respectively, while all other LGAs had <1% prevalence. The prevalence of STHs was highest in Ekiti-West with a prevalence of 10.45% while Emure and Ikole Local Governments had the lowest prevalence of 0.31% and 0.38%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of schistosomiasis between male (0.76%) and female (0.75%) as p ≥ 0.05. Similarly, the difference in prevalence for STH among males (3.95%) was not significantly different from their female counterparts (3.77%), p ≥ 0.05. Conclusions: Based on the WHO guidelines, this study demonstrated that only three LGAs require continued MDA every 2/3 years, seven require only surveillance while six are now non-endemic for schistosomiasis. Similarly, two of the LGAs require one round of MDA yearly, eight LGAs need one round of MDA every two to three years and six LGAs are now below the treatment threshold and no longer require treatment for STH.

Schistosomiasis, a prevalent public health issue specifically in sub-Saharan Africa, is primarily attributed to Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni, often occurring concurrently. These schistosome species share similarities in life cycles and transmission, manifesting comparable infection patterns and susceptibility to temperature variations. This study investigates the influence of temperature control not only on the transmission of individual species but also on their mutual interactions and co-infection dynamics using a mathematical model. Sub-models and co-dynamic properties, including reproduction numbers, equilibrium states, and stability conditions, are derived. Sensitivity analysis is performed to clarify the impact of parameter variations on model stability. Results suggest that temperature variation increases the spread of S. haematobium, which enhances susceptibility to S. mansoni co-infection, possibly by altering the immune response. At moderate temperatures (20°C and 25°C), infection levels in both single and co-infected individuals are higher, while recovery rates increase with temperature, peaking at 25°C and 35°C as infections significantly decrease. Biomphalaria snails exhibit greater population growth and susceptibility to infection than Bulinus snails, particularly below 25°C. Above this temperature, Biomphalaria population decreases while Bulinus species are more likely to experience faster mortality. These temperature-related variations differently impact mortality rates of intermediate snails and snail-to-human transmissibility rates for schistosome species, holding significant health implications. Targeting snails during seasons below 25°C, when susceptibility is higher, and intensifying human treatment interventions around 25°C-35°C, where recovery rates peak, may yield optimal results, particularly during seasons with intermediate temperatures around 25°C for both snails and humans. The results underscore the importance of integrating temperature into models for predicting and managing schistosomiasis dynamics for both genera. Therefore, this model is applicable not only to sub-Saharan Africa, but also to other regions where the described temperature ranges match with the local climate.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by worms of the genus Schistosoma, affects >250 million people worldwide. With no available vaccine, treatment relies solely on one drug-praziquantel-underscoring the urgent need for new therapies. We identified a tegumental, non-neuronal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from Schistosoma mansoni-SmTAChE-as a promising drug target. RNA interference confirmed its essential role in parasite survival, as gene suppression significantly reduced parasite recovery from infected animals. Here, we produced functionally active recombinant SmTAChE by using a mammalian expression system. Biochemical characterization confirmed its identity as a true acetylcholinesterase, with the highest turnover rate (Kcat = 373 ± 39 s-1) and catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km = 1.17 × 106 M-1·S-1) for acetylthiocholine. Additionally, rSmTAChE was inhibited by classical AChE-specific inhibitors but not by a butyrylcholinesterase-specific inhibitor. To identify novel SmTAChE inhibitors, we developed a high-throughput chemical screening protocol (Z' factor > 0.9) and screened a 1894-compound validation library. Twelve compounds reproducibly inhibited rSmTAChE by >30% at 7.5 µM, including known AChE inhibitors like physostigmine and new selective inhibitors. Notably, compound #2 preferentially inhibited rSmTAChE (IC50 = 0.74 µM) over human AChE (IC50 = 151 µM), thus providing a foundation for developing parasite-specific therapies targeting SmTAChE and potentially leading to new treatments for schistosomiasis.

Asian schistosomiasis is projected to be eliminated by 2030 according to World Health Organization road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030. Snail control is an important measure but has not yet been systematically evaluated at a country scale. Here, we report the findings from a nationwide survey to demonstrate the dynamics of Oncomelania and its potential role in transmission interruption of schistisomiasis in the People's Republic of China (P.R. China).

Between March 2016 and December 2017, we conducted a nationwide census on Oncomelania snail habitats in P.R. China. All historically recorded snail habitats were identified and reviewed. Information on habitat attributes, including the infestation of snails, was collected. The shape of habitats was determined using global positioning system and geographical information system technologies. The relationship between snail control and schistosomiasis elimination was established in 378 endemic counties. The comparison of accumulated snail-infested range (ASR) and the median ratio of eliminated ASR between the transmission-interrupted and endemic counties was tested by a non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney) with a significance level of 0.05.

Overall, 15,377.7 million m2 of potential snail habitats with a total of 356,550 snail habitats were identified in P.R. China. The ASR amounted to 86.0% of the total area. Most of the ASR (94.9%) and habitats (68.5%) were distributed in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Snail habitats were found up to an altitude of 2859 m above the mean sea level. By 2017, 85.1% of habitats (73.0% of the ASR) had been eliminated with almost half of them eliminated between 1965 and 1982. The elimination of snail habitats promoted transmission interruption of schistosomiasis, but showed variable patterns in different landscapes. The ratio of eliminated ASR was 99.6 and 91.4% in water network and hilly areas, respectively, while it was only 64.8% in marshland areas, particularly in Hunan and Jiangxi where the two largest freshwater lakes of P.R. China are located. Marshland habitats were seen as the most difficult for transmission interruption, which calls for additional control measures in these settings.

Our results support recent recommendations by the World Health Organization to implement snail control and demonstrate that schistosomiasis elimination can be achieved. The nationwide, high-resolution map of Oncomelania snail habitats in P.R. China will support further efforts to eliminate schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that causes a significant global burden. The aim of this study was to report the latest estimates of the global, regional, and national schistosomiasis disease burden and forecast changes in schistosomiasis-related disease burden. This work was based on the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. We analyzed the schistosomiasis data by sex, age in years, and Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) region and country, using Age-Standardized Rates (ASR) for comparisons among different groups. The Estimated Annual Percent Changes (EAPC) analysis was used to evaluate the temporal trend of the disease burden, and the Differential Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Exponential Smoothing (ES) models were used to predict the disease burden from 2022 to 2046. In the GBD 2021 study, it was reported that compared to 1990, the number of deaths has decreased by 74,350, the prevalence number has increased by 1,482,260, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) have decreased by 1,770,436. Additionally, the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) has decreased by 0.31 per 100,000 people, with an EAPC of -0.353 (95% CI: -0.361 to -0.344). Similarly, the age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) has decreased by 15.45 per 100,000 people (EAPC: -1.56, 95% CI: -1.78 to -1.34), and the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) has decreased by 559.64 per 100,000 people (EAPC: -0.63, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.31). The regions and countries with the highest disease burden are mostly concentrated in Africa. Despite a general decline in global schistosomiasis burden indicators, the burden of disease has actually increased in high SDI areas. The ARIMA and ES models forecast results show that female mortality and ASMR will decline in the next 25 years, while male mortality and ASMR will remain stable, and other disease indicators will continue to decline. The global schistosomiasis burden has significantly decreased over the past 30 years, but it remains high in African regions and countries, as well as low-SDI areas. Effective cooperation among countries should be strengthened to improve the disease burden in high-burden areas and countries.

Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases that pose a significant burden in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS) is a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine clinical patterns, outcomes and factors associated with HSS in the Harari Region of Ethiopia.

An institutional-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 93 adult patients diagnosed with HSS at public hospitals in the Harari Region from December 2018 to November 2022. Data were extracted from medical records using a standardized data extraction tool. EpiData version 4.2 and SPSS version 26.0 were used for data entry and analysis. Fisher's exact test was used to identify the association between dependent and independent variables, and statistical significance was declared at p<0.05.

In the current study, HSS-related mortality was recorded in 7.5% of patients. Recurrent episodes of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (p=0.04), hypotension (p=0.02), altered mental status at admission (p=0.009) and antibiotic use for the treatment of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (p=0.04) were significant factors associated with HSS-related mortality.

The study found that treatment outcomes of HSS patients were strongly associated with recurrent upper GI bleeding, hypotension, altered mental status and antibiotic use for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis treatment. The use of antibiotics for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis treatment was strongly associated with the treatment outcome of patients with HSS and was unique to our study. Adequate recording of patient data, improving chart keeping, integration of preventive and curative programs, improvement of the diagnostic tools, comprehensive treatment guidelines, early diagnosis and treatment are strongly recommended. Rigorous prospective studies that can fully reflect cause-and-effect relationships are crucial to fill fundamental evidence gaps.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease affecting more than 250 million people worldwide. Schistosomes infect humans by cercariae penetrating the skin in a freshwater environment. Findings obtained more than 100 years prior showed that miracidium develops into cercaria in freshwater snails, though detailed development dynamics have not been elucidated. Although results of histological analyses of development of schistosomes in snails were presented in our previous studies, findings obtained with dynamic imaging have yet to be reported. In the present study, imaging of schistosome infection and dynamics in snails occuring within a short period was performed using fluorescent labeling agents. Labeling of S. mansoni cercariae with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) caused no toxicity, and allowed for monitoring of schistosome dynamics in snails for up to 10 days and release of infective cercariae without fluorescence in 40 days following infection.

Although gastrointestinal parasites affect livestock production and economic development, investigations targeting these infectious diseases have been overlooked in most African countries. This study was designed to determine and map schistosomes and other gastrointestinal parasites in cattle of Magba Sub-division in the West region of Cameroon and to comparatively assess the kato-katz and sedimentation technique for diagnosing livestock schistosomiasis. During a cross-sectional study, fecal material was collected in apparently 264 healthy cattle of one to above 9 years from 4 sub-districts of the Magba sub-division. Kato-katz was used to search schistosomes and other gastrointestinal eggs while the sedimentation technique was only used to search schistosome eggs. Eight gastrointestinal parasites including schistosomes (79.9 %), Eimeria spp. (16.7 %), Fasciola spp. (12.5 %), Dicrocoelium spp. (9.1 %), Strongyloides spp. (7.2 %), Toxocara spp. (2.7 %), Trichuris spp. (2.3 %) and Monieza spp. (1.1 %) were detected in cattle fecal material. The overall prevalence of schistosome infections was 43.9 % with the Kato-katz and 79.9 % with the sedimentation technique. The Kappa coefficient index between the two techniques for detecting schistosome eggs was 0.32 (95 % CI: 0.24-0.40). Among the infected animals, 53.7 % had one gastrointestinal parasite while 21.0 %, 9.1 % and 1.9 % had respectively 2, 3 and 4 different gastrointestinal parasites. The prevalence of schistosomes and that of Fasciola spp. and Eimeria spp. vary significantly between sub-districts. This study revealed a high prevalence of schistosomes and several other gastrointestinal parasites in cattle. It showed a wide distribution of these parasitic infections in all sub-districts; indicating the need to control these infections for improving cattle health and breeders' economy.

One of the major consequences of schistosomiasis is its impact on brain function, and despite its severity, the underlying mechanism(s) remain inadequately understood, highlighting a knowledge gap in the disease. The symptoms can vary from headaches to profound cognitive impairment. Besides, the potential influence of physical exercise in mitigating cognitive deficits has received little attention. In our study, we utilized a murine model of Schistosoma mansoni infection to investigate the cognitive impact of schistosomiasis. Our aims were multifaceted: to pinpoint the specific cognitive domains affected during the infection in adult mice, to unravel the complex interplay between glial and immune cells within the central nervous system (CNS), and crucially, to explore the potential therapeutic role of regular physical exercise in counteracting the deleterious effects of schistosomiasis on the CNS. Our findings unveiled that while acute infection did not disrupt simple and complex learning or spatial reference memory, it did induce significant deficits in recall memory-a critical aspect of cognitive function. Furthermore, our investigation unearthed profound alterations in the immune and glial cell populations within the CNS. Notably, we observed marked changes in CD4+ T cells and eosinophils in the meninges, as well as alterations in glial cell dynamics within the hippocampus and other brain regions. These alterations were characterized by heightened microglial activation, diminished astrocyte reactivity and a shift towards a proinflammatory milieu within the CNS. We also provided insights into the transformative potential of regular moderate physical exercise in partially alleviating cognitive and neuroinflammatory consequences of schistosomiasis. Remarkably, exercise decreased glial cell production of TNFα, suggesting a shift towards a less pro-inflammatory environment. Collectively, our study provided compelling evidence of the intricate interplay between schistosomiasis infection and cognitive function, underscoring the critical need for further exploration in this area. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated the positive effects of physical activities on mitigating the cognitive burden of schistosomiasis, offering new hope for patients afflicted by this debilitating disease.

The WHO aims to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2030. Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021 (GBD 2021), this study assesses the global distribution of schistosomiasis burden to guide policy and resource allocation.

Schistosomiasis burden and social-demographic indexes (SDIs) data were extracted from GBD 2021 study. Smoothing spline models were used to examine the relationship between age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR), DALY rates, mortality rates (ASMR), and SDI. Future burden predictions till 2030 were made using a Bayesian age-period-cohort model. Predictions and their 95 % certainty intervals were used to determine whether the region can meet the target by 2030.

Globally, the burden of schistosomiasis was substantial (prevalence: 151.38 million; DALYs: 1,746,333.31; deaths: 12,857.57) in 2021. Africa accounted for most burden (Prevalence: 84.25 %; DALYs: 87.92 %; Deaths: 87.28 %). Among all age groups, individuals aged 15 to 24 years old bear the heaviest burden in 2021. The ASPR, Age-standardized DALY rate and ASMR were inversely correlated to the SDIs across different super regions (r = -0.72, P < 0.00; r = -0.71, P < 0.00; r = -0.71, P < 0.00) and countries and territories (r = 0.02, P = 0.85; r = -0.48, P < 0.00; r = -0.72, P < 0.00). According to model results, the burden of schistosomiasis in most regions will continue to decline in the future, while it in regions with high-income presented slightly rising.

Despite significant progress, further effects are needed to achieve the 2030 goal across the world. Additionally, the rising ASR of DALY of schistosomiasis in regions with high-income warrants attentions.

Urogenital schistosomiasis is endemic in Togo. Since 2010, Togo has used preventive chemotherapy to control the disease and periodically assess its impact. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis and identify associated risk factors among school-age children in three districts of the Plateaux Region of Togo.

A cross-sectional study surveyed school-age children in three Togo districts, using an oversampling strategy of door-to-door visits to collect urine samples, metadata and lifestyle data. Statistical analyses, including descriptive and multilevel regression, were used to determine prevalence and investigate individual/community risk factors associated with urogenital schistosomiasis and infection intensity.

This study surveyed 6400 children, uncovering a 15.0% prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis (95% CI: 14.1% to 15.8%). Notably, 48.3% (95% CI: 45.1% to 51.5%) showed heavy-intensity infections, averaging 38 eggs per 10 mL (range: 0-9688). Key risk factors included age (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.9), swimming in surface water (aOR=2.6) and residing in the Ogou district (aOR=11.2), while the Est-Mono district posed a lower risk (aOR=0.2). Factors such as gender, with boys at higher risk (aOR=1.7), age (aOR=2.9), school attendance (aOR=2.4) and swimming in surface water (aOR=4.7) were linked to infection intensity. Consumption of public tap water (aOR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.0 to 5.2) and residing in Ogou (aOR=28.6) increased intensity, whereas living in Est-Mono (aOR=0.0; 95% CI: 0.0 to 0.08) or using rainwater (aOR=0.0; 95% CI: 0.0 to 0.4) decreased it.

The prevalence and intensity of urogenital schistosomiasis were found to be correlated with household and behavioural risk factors. Integrating these factors into national control programmes and improving access to safe water and sanitation facilities will be crucial in eliminating this disease as a public health concern in Togo.

Different agencies have emphasized the need to evaluate current serological methods for screening patients with suspected urogenital schistosomiasis. However, there is still a lack of evidence regarding the most appropriate methods for this purpose. Here we assessed the diagnostic efficacy of a newly developed serological technique that utilizes the recombinant protein Sh-TSP-2, applied to the urine and serum of migrants suspected of having urogenital schistosomiasis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the recombinant protein Sh-TSP-2 were analysed and compared with other commercial serological methods. Due to the limitations of microscopy as a perfect reference method, a latent class analysis (LCA) and composite reference standard (CRS) approach was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of each test. According to the LCA model, the commercial tests NovaLisa® and immunochromatography test (ICT) immunoglobulin G-immunoglobulin M (IgG-IgM) presented the highest sensitivity (100%), whereas the Sh-TSP-2 serum ELISA test had 79.2%. The Sh-TSP-2 urine and serum ELISA tests had the highest specificities among the serological methods (87.5 and 75%, respectively). CRS modelling showed that the ICT IgG-IgM, NovaLisa® and Sh-TSP-2 serum tests led in sensitivity at 97.1, 88.6 and 71.4%, respectively, with all tests except that the ICT IgG-IgM test having a specificity >90%. Sh-TSP-2 has been validated as a screening tool for patients suspected of having urogenital schistosomiasis. Although commercial serological tests have shown higher sensitivities, Sh-TSP-2 could be valuable for confirming results from tests with lower specificity. Nevertheless, further studies with larger patient cohorts are necessary to fully verify its potential.

Lake Victoria is a well-known hot spot for intestinal schistosomiasis, caused by infection with the trematode Schistosoma mansoni. The snail intermediate hosts of this parasite are Biomphalaria snails, with Biomphalaria choanomphala being the predominant intermediate host within Lake Victoria. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection within snail populations is influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, including the physical and chemical characteristics of their environment, the incidence of infection in human populations (and reservoir hosts) and the level of genetic compatibility between the parasite and the host. Using molecular xenomonitoring, we measured the prevalence of S. mansoni infection within B. choanomphala populations along the Kenyan, Tanzanian and Ugandan shorelines of Lake Victoria and related this to the abiotic (habitat type, water depth, turbulence, temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids, salinity, pH level) and biotic (B. choanomphala abundance, genetic diversity of host snail populations) factors of the lake. The overall mean prevalence of S. mansoni infection at Lake Victoria was 9.3%, with the highest prevalence of infection occurring on the Tanzanian shoreline (13.1%), followed by the Ugandan (8.2%) and Kenyan (4.7%) shorelines. There was a significant difference in B. choanomphala abundance, water temperature, conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids and major anion/cation concentrations between the Kenyan, Tanzanian and Ugandan shorelines of Lake Victoria. A Spearman's rank analysis found that the prevalence of S. mansoni infection had a significant, positive relationship with higher levels of B. choanomphala abundance, water acidity, and cation (Ca2+, Mg2+) concentrations. Additionally, we observed that sites with S. mansoni infection correlated with B. choanomphala populations with a higher mean haplotype diversity score compared to sites found without infection, though there was no significant relationship between the prevalence of infection and B. choanomphala haplotype diversity scores. Although our analysis is based upon an archival and unique collection of Biomphalaria snails, the abiotic and biotic relationships uncovered are useful for eco-epidemiological comparisons of intestinal schistosomiasis across Lake Victoria in future.

Infectious disease can reduce labor productivity and incomes, trapping subpopulations in a vicious cycle of ill health and poverty. Efforts to boost African farmers' agricultural production through fertilizer use can inadvertently promote the growth of aquatic vegetation that hosts disease vectors. Recent trials established that removing aquatic vegetation habitat for snail intermediate hosts reduces schistosomiasis infection rates in children, while converting the harvested vegetation into compost boosts agricultural productivity and incomes. We develop a bioeconomic model that interacts an analytical microeconomic model of agricultural households' behavior, health status, and incomes over time with a dynamic model of schistosomiasis disease ecology. We calibrate the model with field data from northern Senegal. We show analytically and via simulation that local conversion of invasive aquatic vegetation to compost changes the feedback among interlinked disease, aquatic, and agricultural systems, reducing schistosomiasis infection and increasing incomes relative to the current status quo, in which villagers rarely remove aquatic vegetation. Aquatic vegetation removal disrupts the poverty-disease trap by reducing habitat for snails that vector the infectious helminth and by promoting the production of compost that returns to agricultural soils nutrients that currently leach into surface water from on-farm fertilizer applications. The result is healthier people, more productive labor, cleaner water, more productive agriculture, and higher incomes. Our model illustrates how this ecological intervention changes the feedback between the human and natural systems, potentially freeing rural households from poverty-disease traps.

Intestinal parasitic infections continue to pose a major threat to human health globally, with a particularly high prevalence in developing countries. Soil-borne helminthiasis and schistosomiasis are notably widespread.

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and contributing factors of intestinal parasites infection among participants aged 7-14 years.

Community-wide prevalence study was undertaken from 30 August to 30 September 2021 in Mizan Aman Town. Socio-demographic information was collected using questionnaires. Three of the five kebels were randomly chosen. Households with children aged 7-14 were gathered from the chosen kebels and health post to recruit one eligible subject. Allocation of study subjects to each of the chosen kebels was computed proportionally. Two thick smear of Kato Katz technique was applied to examine stool samples. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. To investigate the association between the dependent and independent variables, a logistic regression analysis was conducted. Statistics were considered significant for p-values under 0.05.

The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 64.6% (215/333). Of these, 51.05% (170/333) were infected with STHs, while 13.5% (45/333) had S. mansoni. T. trichiura was the most prevalent helminth. Infection intensity ranged from light to moderate was observed. Prior information about STHs (aORr:2.022 = CI:1.222-3.340), poor knowledge about STHs (aOR:1.677 = CI:1.057-2.660), unaware of deworming as prevention method of S. mansoni (aOR:2.620:CI:1267-5.418), swimming (aOR:0.448:CI:0.176-0.992) and contact with water (aOR:0.402:CI:0.169-0.957) were significantly associated with the S. mansoni infection.

The prevalence of intestinal parasite was high. Heavy infection was not recorded. Beyond mass deworming, the report emphasizes the necessity of ongoing public health interventions to address the high prevalence of these intestinal helminths.

Due to the overlapping endemic regions and the high burden of both infections, coinfection with Plasmodium falciparum and Schistosoma mansoni poses distinct public health concerns that require coordinated, multifaceted interventions. There are epidemiological studies on the coinfection of these two parasites in Ethiopia, and the results differ and are inconsistent from one region to another. Thus, the goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to ascertain Ethiopia's pooled prevalence of P. falciparum and S. mansoni coinfection.

The preferred reporting item review and meta-analysis guidelines were followed in this study. PubMed, Google Scholar, Research4Life, Scopus, African-Wider, and EMBASE were the primary search databases. The final analysis included six studies in total. Stata software version 11 was used for analysis after Microsoft Excel was used to extract the data. The critical appraisal tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Publication bias was checked via a funnel plot, Begg's test, and Egger's test. The pooled prevalence of P. falciparum and S. mansoni coinfection was estimated via a random effect model via the Der Simonian-Laird method. The heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated via I2 statistical tests.

The pooled prevalence of P. falciparum and S. mansoni coinfections in Ethiopia was 10.496% (95% CI 6.134, 14.859). Subgroup analysis of geopolitical regions revealed that the highest and lowest pooled prevalence rates of coinfection were 11.808% (95% CI 0.304, 23.312) and 8.600% (95% CI 5.755, 11.445), respectively, in the Amhara and Benishangul Gumuz regions.

This study highlights the substantial prevalence of P. falciparum and S. mansoni coinfection in Ethiopia's general population, with considerable geographical variation. Targeted and intensive public health interventions are necessary because it has the highest incidence in the Amhara region, and ongoing efforts are needed to address the relatively lower but still considerable prevalence in the Benishangul Gumuz region. These results direct future research, integrated control strategy design, and resource allocation to successfully manage Ethiopia's combined burden of malaria and schistosomiasis.

Background: Schistosomiasis is considered one of the most devastating parasitic diseases globally, coming second only to malaria in terms of morbidity. The disease-causing parasite can inhabit the body for over a decade, leading to imbalances in the host's metabolic systems. The flukes and their eggs can illicit various immunological and metabolic complications resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These are known to have several devastating effects on the host through increased oxidative stress, DNA mutation, and gene modifications, which can lead to fibrosis and cancer. Main Body: Here, we discuss oxidative stress and cancer risk in Schistosoma infection. The concept of ROS generation and the complex antioxidant systems that enable the parasite to evade oxidant insults and prolong its life span in the host are explored. Further, the various roles of ROS during the initiation and progression of schistosomiasis and its influence on the host are discussed. Finally, mechanisms linked to the risk of bladder cancer in Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) infections are elucidated. Conclusion: Finally, we provide an opinion on how some of these mechanisms could give directions for future studies as well as provide a springboard for diagnostics and drug targeting in schistosomiasis.

The Anthropocene is seeing the human footprint rapidly spreading to all of Earth's ecosystems. The fast-changing biotic and abiotic conditions experienced by all organisms are exerting new and strong selective pressures, and there is a growing list of examples of human-induced evolution in response to anthropogenic impacts. No organism is exempt from these novel selective pressures. Here, we synthesise current knowledge on human-induced evolution in eukaryotic parasites of animals, and present a multidisciplinary framework for its study and monitoring. Parasites generally have short generation times and huge fecundity, features that predispose them for rapid evolution. We begin by reviewing evidence that parasites often have substantial standing genetic variation, and examples of their rapid evolution both under conditions of livestock production and in serial passage experiments. We then present a two-step conceptual overview of the causal chain linking anthropogenic impacts to parasite evolution. First, we review the major anthropogenic factors impacting parasites, and identify the selective pressures they exert on parasites through increased mortality of either infective stages or adult parasites, or through changes in host density, quality or immunity. Second, we discuss what new phenotypic traits are likely to be favoured by the new selective pressures resulting from altered parasite mortality or host changes; we focus mostly on parasite virulence and basic life-history traits, as these most directly influence the transmission success of parasites and the pathology they induce. To illustrate the kinds of evolutionary changes in parasites anticipated in the Anthropocene, we present a few scenarios, either already documented or hypothetical but plausible, involving parasite taxa in livestock, aquaculture and natural systems. Finally, we offer several approaches for investigations and real-time monitoring of rapid, human-induced evolution in parasites, ranging from controlled experiments to the use of state-of-the-art genomic tools. The implications of fast-evolving parasites in the Anthropocene for disease emergence and the dynamics of infections in domestic animals and wildlife are concerning. Broader recognition that it is not only the conditions for parasite transmission that are changing, but the parasites themselves, is needed to meet better the challenges ahead.

Freshwater snails act as obligate intermediate hosts for trematode parasites that cause trematodiases threatening public and veterinary health, and biodiversity conservation. While interest in snail control for trematodiases has re-emerged, their ecology remains poorly understood. We examined the relationship between ecosystem indicators - such as environmental variables, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, and land use - and their correlation with snail abundance, diversity, and infection prevalence in 19 man-made ponds in eastern Zimbabwe. In total, 926 freshwater snails from 10 species were collected, with 547 individuals belonging to five schistosome-competent species: Bulinus tropicus, Bulinus truncatus, Bulinus globosus, Bulinus forskalii, and Biomphalaria pfeifferi. The remaining 379 snails comprised Radix natalensis, Gyraulus sp., and the exotic invasive species Melanoides tuberculata, Pseudosuccinea columella, and Physella acuta. Six cercarial types - mammalian schistosomes, avian schistosomes, longifurcate pharyngeates, echinostomes, amphistomes, and xiphidiocercariae - were isolated from 104 out of 926 snails (11.2 %). PCR revealed a significantly higher infection rate, with 70.2 % of snails testing positive for trematodes. Snail taxon diversity and infection rate significantly varied across land use types, with the lowest values observed in the commercial tobacco farm section, highlighting the potential adverse effects of agriculture on biodiversity. Ponds with extensive Lagarosiphon major (oxygen weed) coverage appeared to facilitate the presence and abundance of P. acuta and P. columella. Schistosome-competent snails such as B. truncatus and B. tropicus seemed to favor shallow water depths and more eutrophic sites characterized by high levels of nitrates, phytoplankton biomass, turbidity, and phycocyanin. These ponds were predominantly associated with the emergent macrophyte Cladium mariscus, revealing a potential association with important intermediate snail hosts. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the complex interplay among environmental factors, macrophyte composition, land use, and the abundance, diversity, and infection prevalence of freshwater snails, offering insights into potential strategies for targeted snail control and disease management in man-made waterbodies.

For the adult Schistosoma mansoni flatworm pathogen, we report further structure activity relationships (SAR) of 19 N-phenylbenzamide analogs. Our previous SAR studies, designed by selecting representative substituents from the Craig plot, identified 9 and 11 which possessed electron-withdrawing groups that benefited potency. This study sought to enhance the potency of this chemotype by incorporating other electron-withdrawing functionalities not studied previously and to overcome the potential pharmacokinetic liabilities associated with the high lipophilicity of frontrunner compounds. Compared to the most potent compound, 9 (EC50 = 80 nM), from our previous work, the most potent compounds in the current study (32 (EC50 = 1.17 μM), 34 (EC50 = 1.64 μM) and 38 (EC50 = 1.16 μM)) were less active although they retained single digit micromolar potency. Furthermore, compound 38 generated a CC50 value of > 20 μM in counter toxicity screens using HEK 293 cells, translating to a wide selectivity index of > 17.

Mozambique is one of the countries with the highest prevalence of schistosomiasis, although there is little data on the prevalence of disease and associated morbidity in the adult population. This study aimed to describe and characterize the morbidity associated with schistosomiasis in the adult population of Chókwè district and to explore the use of anamnestic questionnaires and urine dipsticks, as well as point-of-care ultrasound for urinary related findings, to better characterize disease prevalence and morbidity.

Between April and October 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional study embedded within the Chókwè Health Research and Training Centre. Data were collected on sociodemographic variables, signs and symptoms for schistosomiasis and water related activities. Infection status was determined by urine filtration, Kato-Katz thick smear and DNA detection. Point-of care urinary tract ultrasonography was performed to assess structural morbidity associated with Schistosoma haematobium infection. Multivariate logistic regression was used to search for associations between risk factors, signs and symptoms, infection status and ultrasound abnormalities.

Our study included 1033 participants with a median age of 34 years old. The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni and ultrasound detected urinary tract abnormalities were 11.3% (95% CI 9.5%-13.4%), 5.7% (95% CI 4.3%-7.5%) and 37.9% (95% CI 34.8%-41.2%), respectively. Of the 37.9% with urinary tract abnormalities, 14.5% were positive for Schistosoma haematobium. Reported hematuria in the last month (p = 0.004, aOR 4.385) and blood in the urine dipstick (p = 0.004, aOR 3.958) were markers of Schistosoma haematobium infection. Reporting lower abdominal pain (p = 0.017, aOR 1.599) was associated with ultrasound abnormalities.

Using microscopy and DNA analysis for both Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni in conjunction with urinary ultrasound abnormalities gives us several insights into correlations between disease prevalence (microscopic and anatomical) and demographic details in a high-risk population.

Schistosomiasis is an important snail-borne parasitic disease whose transmission is exacerbated by water resource management activities. In Rwanda, meeting the growing population's demand for food has led to wetlands reclamation for cultivation and increased agrochemical enrichment for crop production. However, the ecological consequences of agrochemical enrichment on schistosomiasis transmission remain unexplored.

A malacological survey was conducted in 71 villages selected from 15 schistosomiasis endemic districts. Snail sampling was done in wetlands used for agriculture, along lake Kivu and at constructed multipurpose water dams. Water physico-chemical parameters were collected at all snail sampling sites. Analysis of collected data was performed using Xgboost (gain) and Random Forest (mean decrease in accuracy), machine learning techniques, to construct models that evaluate and categorize the importance of all physico-chemical properties on the presence and abundance of intermediate host snails (IHS).

Different sets of parameters were relevant for the presence and abundance of Biomphalaria spp. and/or Bulinus spp. snails. Electrical conductivity, elevation, magnesium and lead content were deemed to shape the presence and abundance of Bulinus spp. snails. The impact of phosphate ion concentration, ammonia ions, total nitrogen and total organic carbon levels mirrored their importance towards the presence and abundance of Biomphalaria spp. Factors such as pH, electric conductivity, total nitrogen content and total organic carbon influenced the coexistence of both species. Our study highlights the value of integrating a wide range of predictor variables, enabling effective variable selection to uncover important predictors of snail distribution.

The results suggest that agrochemical compounds can enhance the abundance of IHS leading to an increased risk of Schistosoma transmission. Snail surveillance could therefore be integrated into agricultural expansion projects in our match towards schistosomiasis elimination. Recognizing the impact of agrochemicals on IHS is crucial for minimizing schistosomiasis transmission among those working in wetlands while meeting the growing need for food.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease with a complex transmission mechanism, requiring a snail intermediate host, is influenced by biology, the environment, human behavior and the prevailing socioeconomic situation. This study aimed to systematically investigate the importance and feasibility of indicators related to the factors influencing transmission and intervention measures for Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium. Based on a literature review and group discussions according to the Delphi method, a framework questionnaire was designed. A total of 33 experts on schistosomiasis were invited, and 27 were accepted, to rate the importance and feasibility of indicators for transmission with and the control of schistosomiasis, with a focus on intervention measures for S. mansoni and S. haematobium infections in Zimbabwe. After two rounds of Delphi consultations with these experts, calculated to have a high average authority coefficient (0.88), a consensus was reached on a framework that included 2 primary, 6 secondary and 39 tertiary indicators. The Delphi-entropy method was applied to assess the weight of each indicator. The key influencing factors included hazardous water exposure, accessibility to safe drinking water, sanitary facilities and the contamination of water bodies by outdoor defecation/urinary habits. The intervention measures involved improved diagnostics, health education, preventive chemotherapy, the presence of national control plans and the implementation of the strategy on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). While these factors are already well known, their detailed order of importance could help to improve the allocation of specific control efforts.

Aryl hydantoins were identified in the early 1980s as a promising antischistosomal chemotype. However, as exemplified by Ro 13-3978, this compound series produced antiandrogenic side effects on the host, a not unexpected outcome given their structural similarity to the antiandrogenic drug nilutamide. The two key advances in our optimization of Ro 13-3978 were swapping the aryl trifluoromethyl substituent with a difluoroethyl to abolish antiandrogenic effects and replacing the hydrogen atoms of the gem-dimethyl substructure with deuterium atoms to increase metabolic stability. Combining these two structural changes led to the discovery of single-dose drug candidate AR102, a compound with potent, selective, and broad-spectrum activity against schistosomes, a long pharmacokinetic half-life in preclinical species, and an acceptable safety profile.

Neuroschistosomiasis, a rare manifestation of schistosomiasis affecting the central nervous system (CNS), can result in severe neurological complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated. The condition arises due to the development of granulomas around eggs that become lodged within the CNS. Here we present a case report involving a young Filipino individual who had recurrent, uncontrolled seizures, ultimately attributed to neuroschistosomiasis. On magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the patient had brain lesions consistent with neuroschistosomiasis. Concurrently, serologic tests revealed high titres of anti-schistosoma antibodies. Effective treatment encompassed the administration of corticosteroids and praziquantel, leading to a favourable clinical outcome. This case underscores the necessity of considering neuroschistosomiasis in seizure patients, particularly in regions where the condition is prevalent, and highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic complexities posed by the absence of a biopsy.

Diagnostic challenge and insightThis case highlights the importance of considering a broad differential diagnosis in patients with atypical neurological presentations, particularly in those from regions where parasitic infections are endemic. The internist plays a crucial role in integrating clinical, serological, and imaging data to arrive at a correct diagnosis, in this case, neuroschistosomiasis.Tailored treatment strategyThe case illustrates the value of personalized patient care. Initiating empirical treatment based on a combination of clinical suspicion, high-risk patient demographics, and imaging findings, without invasive procedures, demonstrates the internist's role in managing complex cases where patient preferences must be balanced with medical necessity.

Schistosoma japonicum infection causes hepatic fibrosis, a primary cause of morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, and effective treatments are still lacking. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the pathogenic process of various tissue fibroses. However, the role of lncRNAs in schistosomiasis hepatic fibrosis (HF) is poorly understood. Understanding the role of lncRNAs in schistosomiasis HF will enhance knowledge of disease processes and aid in the discovery of therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers.

Differentially expressed lncRNA profiles in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of mice infected with S. japonicum were identified using high-throughput lncRNA sequencing. Primary HSCs were isolated from infected mice using collagenase digestion and density-gradient centrifugation, cultured in DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum. Dual-luciferase reporter assays, nuclear cytoplasm fractionation and RIP assays were employed to assess the relationship between Malat1 and miRNA-96. Malat1 lentivirus and ASO-Malat1 were constructed for forced expression and downregulated expression of Malat1. The Malat1-KO mouse was constructed by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Pathological features of the liver were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression levels of fibrosis-related genes were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot.

A total of 1561 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified between infected and uninfected primary HSCs. Among the top altered lncRNAs, the downregulated Malat1 was observed in infected HSCs and verified by qPCR. Treatment of infected mice with praziquantel (PZQ) significantly increased the Malat1 expression. Elevated Malat1 expression in infected primary HSC reduced the expressions of profibrogenic genes, whereas Malat1 knockdown had the opposite effect. Moreover, Malat1 was found to interact with miR-96, a profibrotic miRNA, by targeting Smad7. Forced Malat1 expression reduced miR-96 levels in infected primary HSCs, attenuating fibrogenesis and showing negative correlation between Malat1 expression and the expression levels of miR-96 and profibrogenic genes α-SMA and Col1α1. Notably, in Malat1-KO mice, knockout of Malat1 aggravates schistosomiasis HF, while restored Malat1 expression in the infected HSCs reduced the expression of profibrogenic genes.

We demonstrate that lncRNA is involved in regulation of schistosomiasis HF. Elevated lncRNA Malat1 expression in infected HSCs reduces fibrosis via the Malat1/miR-96/Smad7 pathway, thus providing a novel therapeutic target for schistosomiasis HF. Furthermore, Malat1 expression is sensitive to PZQ treatment, thus offering a potential biomarker for assessing the response to chemotherapy.

Schistosomiasis affects over 250 million people worldwide, with the highest prevalence at the age of 10-14 years. The influence of the host's age on the severity of liver damage is unclear. We infected male 8, 14, and 20-week-old mice with S. mansoni. Hepatic damage, inflammation, fibrosis, and metabolism were analyzed by RT-qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and mechanistic transwell chamber experiments using S. mansoni eggs and human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) or primary mouse hepatocytes. Major results were validated in human biopsies. We found that hepatosplenomegaly, granuloma size, egg load, inflammation, fibrosis, and glycogen stores all improved with the increasing age of the host. However, serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were lowest in young mice infected with S. mansoni. Hepatic carbohydrate exploitation was characterized by a shift towards Warburg-like glycolysis in S. mansoni-infected animals. Notably, S. mansoni eggs stimulated hepatic stellate cells to an alternatively activated phenotype (GFAP+/desmin+/αSMA-) that secretes IL-6 and MCP-1. The reduction of fibrosis in older age likely depends on the fine-tuning of regulatory and inflammatory cytokines, alternative HSC activation, and the age-dependent preservation of hepatic energy stores. The current results emphasize the significance of investigations on the clinical relevance of host age-dependent liver damage in patients with schistosomiasis.

Despite control efforts, including mass drug administration (MDA), neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) continue to pose a significant public health threat, particularly in rural Ethiopia. Integrating social and behavior change communication (SBCC) into MDA is essential for success. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of tailored SBCC integrated into MDA campaigns to enhance community knowledge, perception, and preventive behaviors regarding targeted NTDs in the Jimma, Ethiopia.

A community-based study was conducted using a pre-test post-test design. A multistage sampling technique was employed for surveys, while for qualitative insights, purposive sampling was employed. SBCC interventions tailored to local needs were implemented. Changes in knowledge, perception, and practices were evaluated using Cohen's d. Additionally, a score for key outcome variables comparisons were made to examine variations based on socio-demographic factors, employing suitable statistical tests. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using Atlas.ti 7.1.5.

The prevalence of SBCC exposure was 88.8%. The intervention had a more significant impact on improving knowledge and preventive practices related to Onchocerciasis (OC) compared to Soil-transmitted helminthes (STH). Specifically, most OC outcomes showed moderate to large effect sizes. In contrast, the effect on STH was more limited, with only knowledge of consequences improving moderately and preventive practices showing a small effect size. The mean score for OC preventive practices varied by educational level and sex, while the median score for STH perception varied among educational level and marital status. Additionally, score variation was observed across districts for all key outcome variables.

The majority of the population was exposed to SBCC resulting in improvements in knowledge, perception, and preventive behaviors regarding OC and knowledge of consequences of STH and its prevention behavior. This highlights the importance of incorporating well-designed SBCC activities in to MDA campaigns to optimize the control and eventual elimination of targeted NTDs.

Schistosomiasis, a freshwater-borne neglected tropical disease, disproportionately affects impoverished communities mainly in the tropical regions. Transmission involves humans and intermediate host (IH) snails. This manuscript introduces a mathematical model to probe schistosomiasis dynamics and the role of non-host snail competitors and predators as biological control agents for IH snails. The numerical analyses include investigations into steady-state conditions and reproduction numbers associated with uncontrolled scenarios, as well as scenarios involving non-host snail competitors and/or predators. Sensitivity analysis reveals that increasing snail mortality rates is a key to reducing the IH snail population and control of the transmission. Results show that specific snail competitors and/or predators with strong competition/predation abilities reduce IH snails and the subsequent infectious cercaria populations, reduce the transmission, and possibly eradicate the disease, while those with weaker abilities allow disease persistence. Hence our findings advocate for the effectiveness of snail competitors with suitable competitive pressures and/or predators with appropriate predatory abilities as nature-based solutions for combating schistosomiasis, all while preserving IH snail biodiversity. However, if these strategies are implemented at insignificant levels, IH snails can dominate, and disease persistence may pose challenges. Thus, experimental screening of potential (native) snail competitors and/or predators is crucial to assess the likely behavior of biological agents and determine the optimal biological control measures for IH snails.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects over 250 million people, predominantly in impoverished communities, including those in Ethiopia. However, there is currently no available national data regarding its prevalence in Ethiopia or its potential association with anemia.

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-2020) guideline was followed in our study. A comprehensive search strategy was conducted using international databases (PUB Med, Embase, Scopus, and Science Direct) and websites (Google Scholar and Google) from their date of inception to April 22, 2024. The quality of the retrieved studies was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Publication bias and statistical heterogeneity were statistically assessed. A random effects model was applied, and all analysis was performed with STATA 17 statistical software.

The prevalence of schistosomiasis was assessed in twelve studies with 5747 participants. S. mansoni was studied in 11 research papers, while S. hematobium was assessed in one study. Using a random effect model due to high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.46%; P < 0.001), the overall pooled prevalence of schistosomiasis in Ethiopia was 22% (95% CI: 14.3, 29.6). The prevalence of schistosomiasis was about two and a half times higher in rural settings (23%) (95% CI: 15, 31) than in urban areas (10%) (95% CI: 3, 17). The burden of schistosomiasis was 23% between 2020 and 2024, compared to 16% from 2015-2019, with a higher prevalence among pediatric age groups (22%) versus 14% in mixed pediatric and adult age groups. The magnitude of schistosomiasis for good and very good-quality papers was 22% and 17%, respectively. In all the subgroup analyses, there was considerable statistically significant heterogeneity. No study was found to evaluate the association of schistosomiasis with anemia.

The study reveals Ethiopia's higher schistosomiasis prevalence. Rural areas have a high burden of schistosomiasis. No eligible study was found to evaluate the association of schistosomiasis with anemia. Therefore, prevention and control measures should focus on rural settings.

The registration number at PROSPERO is CRD42024538522.

Schistosomiasis remains a formidable challenge to global public health. This study aims to predict the spatial distribution of schistosomiasis seropositive rates in Hunan Province, pinpointing high-risk transmission areas and advocating for tailored control measures in low-endemic regions. Six machine learning models and their corresponding hybrid machine learning-Kriging models were employed to predict the seropositive rate. The optimal model was selected through internal and external validations to simulate the spatial distribution of seropositive rates. Our results showed that the hybrid machine learning-Kriging model demonstrated superior predictive performance compared to basic machine learning model and the Cubist-Kriging model emerged as the most optimal model for this study. The predictive map revealed elevated seropositive rates around Dongting Lake and its waterways with significant clustering, notably in the central and northern regions of Yiyang City and the northeastern areas of Changde City. The model identified gross domestic product, annual average wind speed and the nearest distance from the river as the top three predictors of seropositive rates, with annual average daytime surface temperature contributing the least. In conclusion, our research has revealed that integrating the Kriging method significantly enhances the predictive performance of machine learning models. We developed a Cubist-Kriging model with high predictive performance to forecast the spatial distribution of schistosomiasis seropositive rates. These findings provide valuable guidance for the precise prevention and control of schistosomiasis.