Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite which infects nearly all warm-blooded animals and humans, causing zoonotic toxoplasmosis. Pork infected with T. gondii is considered a significant source of human infection. Currently, no commercial vaccines are available for porcine toxoplasmosis globally, thus a safe and effective vaccine is urgently needed. This study evaluated the immuno-protective effects of two T. gondii gene knockout attenuated strains, RHΔtkl1 and PruΔpp2a-c, in pigs. Pigs immunized by intramuscular injection with 1 × 107 tachyzoites of attenuated RHΔtkl1 or PruΔpp2a-c strains were challenged orally with 1.000 sporulated oocysts of the Pru strain at 28days post-vaccination (dpv), followed by a secondary challenge via intraperitoneal injection of 1 × 107 Pru strain tachyzoites at 70 dpv. Clinical signs were monitored. T. gondii-specific antibody levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protective efficacy was evaluated by analyzing pathological lesions, pathological score, parasite load, brain cyst burden, and by mouse bioassay. GraphPad Prism software was employed to perform the log-rank (Mantel Cox) test, Student's t test and one-way ANOVA. Pigs immunized with either RHΔtkl1 or PruΔpp2a-c exhibited only low-grade fever. Combined with pathological changes and pathological scores, these findings support the moderate safety of both strains. Pigs immunized with either RHΔtkl1 or PruΔpp2a-c and subsequently challenged with T. gondii Pru oocysts and tachyzoites exhibited a sharp increase in T. gondii-specific antibodies, which remained high for 5weeks (P < 0.01). Pathological lesions were alleviated after immunization, with a significant reduction in parasite load observed in tissues including the brain, heart, gastrocnemius, longissimus dorsi, psoas major, and diaphragm (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a marked decrease in brain cyst burden was recorded (P < 0.0001). Mouse bioassay results confirmed a significant reduction in the proportion of mouse brain tissues positive for T. gondii genomic DNA in the group immunized and then challenged, compared to the non-immunized challenged group (P < 0.0001). The two live attenuated RHΔtkl1 and PruΔpp2a-c mutants of demonstrated moderate safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy in pigs, identifying them as potential candidate vaccines against porcine toxoplasmosis.

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. 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. 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.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease, affecting 253 million people worldwide. This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan African migrants evaluated through a general screening program for imported infectious diseases at a specialized international health unit in Barcelona, Spain. We performed a retrospective observational study (2014-2023) including confirmed (defined by egg detection in stool or urine) and probable cases (identified by positive serology against Schistosoma). Data on epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up were collected. Among 3214 screened migrants, 855 (26.6%) were diagnosed with schistosomiasis. Most were male (87%) with a median age of 21.9years, mainly originating from Mali, Gambia, and Senegal. Only 2.2% reported symptoms, while anemia and eosinophilia were observed in 9.7% and 29.7% of cases, respectively. Parasitological confirmation was achieved in 24.9%, with the remainder diagnosed by serology alone. Abdominal ultrasound was performed in 122 patients, revealing abnormalities in 20.4%. Multivariate analysis showed that confirmed cases tended to be younger (22.4years vs 25.8years) and had higher frequencies of women (17.8% vs 11.3%), symptoms (5.6% vs 1.1%), eosinophilia (49.4% vs 22.5%), and ultrasound abnormalities (22.7% vs 17.8%) than probable cases. Praziquantel treatment was administered to 775 patients (90.6%). Follow-up information was available for 218 individuals (28.1%); among those, eggs persisted in 7.4% (9/122), and 84% (74/88) maintained positive serology. Schistosomiasis prevalence in this migrant population was high and mostly asymptomatic, with limited laboratory abnormalities but notable radiological findings, particularly in confirmed cases. Serology was useful diagnostically but had limited value in follow-up. Systematic screening of at-risk populations remains crucial for early detection and treatment.

Schistosomiasis, a snail-borne parasitic disease of public health and veterinary importance in tropical areas, is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in West Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established ambitious goals of eliminating schistosomiasis as public health problem or interrupting its transmission by 2030. The zoonotic transmission of schistosomiasis involving nonhuman mammals (NHMs) complicates disease endemicity and hinders the attainment of these objectives. This study synthesized recent trends and the prevalence of human-infective schistosomes (HISs), includingSchistosoma mansoni,S. haematobium,S. haematobium × S. bovishybrids,S. guineensis, andS. intercalatum-across 16 West African countries. We conducted a systematic literature search from March 25 to April 30, 2025, across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, to identify studies on HISs (S. mansoni,S. haematobium,S. haematobium × S. bovis,S. guineensis, andS. intercalatum) in NHMs in western Africa. In addition, we manually searched African Journal Online (AJOL) and screened the references of the included articles. The data were organized in Microsoft Excel 2021 and analyzed via GraphPad Prism to identify publication trends, NHM infection incidence, and species-specific positivity rates (with 95% CIs). The spatial distribution of HIS-infected NHMs was visualized with QGIS to pinpoint high-risk areas. Four countries (Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal) reported cases of HIS infection in NHMs with an overall prevalence of 8% (95% CI: 7-9%). Benin had the highest proportion of infected hosts (50%, 95% CI: 40-60%) and Senegal had the lowest proportion (5%, 95% CI: 4-6%). Bos taurus(60% prevalence) was the most affected species and served as a reservoir for S. haematobium × S. bovis hybrids, whereasS. mansoniexhibited an extensive distribution among rodent and primate hosts. For effective elimination, integrated control strategies-spanning NHM surveillance, snail intermediate host monitoring, and human mass drug administration-must be prioritized. Policy reforms should address zoonotic transmission risks, particularly in high-prevalence zones, to align interventions with the complex ecology of schistosomiasis in West Africa.

BackgroundChina, once a malaria-endemic country, has developed a comprehensive set of extensive strategies and accumulated practical experience over 70 years of malaria elimination efforts. On June 30, 2021, China was officially certified by the World Health Organization as malaria-free. Substantial research has already summarized China’s malaria control experience from a technical standpoint. This study aims to examine China’s malaria elimination practices from a new perspective of the health system and social development.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants, including national malaria program managers, renowned scholars, and technical personnels from China, international organizations, and high-burden countries in Africa. Interviews were conducted from July 2023 to July 2025, and data were analyzed using the thematic framework method.ResultsA total of 42 participants responded to the interview, and 7 key components from social development was proposed. The thematic analysis identified key factors influencing the achievement of malaria elimination in China. Specifically, 57.14% of experts mentioned agricultural crop types, 66.67% highlighted health education, 64.29% noted the working environment, 52.38% referred to employment opportunities, 59.52% addressed water and sanitation, 71.43% emphasized the living environment, and all experts underscored the critical role of the health system.ConclusionsSocial development is closely intertwined with malaria elimination, as advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and community engagement are essential for ensuring the long-term success of malaria control efforts. Future studies could further explore the impact of specific factors on malaria elimination, thereby contributing valuable insights to global malaria elimination efforts.Graphical Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-025-01406-5.

Schistosomiasis was first reported in the People's Republic of China (P.R. China) 120 years ago. The national programme of schistosomiasis control started in mid-1950s. The transmission interruption was achieved by 2023. Here we summarize the experience as the five core parts of a running chariot. While the specific historical context of P.R. China's way of schistosomiasis control may be difficult to replicate, the experiences gained underscore several critical principles that might be applicable elsewhere.Graphical

Following the onset of an index chikungunya case on July 8, 2025, a significant outbreak occurred in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China. This study aimed to quantify the outbreak's transmissibility between June 16 and July 21, 2025. Data were obtained from local Government, Statistics Bureau, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the relevant literature. We employed a transmission dynamic model that integrated human host-vector transmission to estimate the basic reproduction number ( ). The key parameters of the model were calibrated using early-phase limited surveillance data on the cumulative number of cases. We calculated the correlation coefficient to evaluate the accuracy of this calibration. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to quantify the uncertainties in the parameter inputs. Between June 16 and July 31, 2025, cumulative cases reached 2658, with 92.96% concentrated in the Shunde District. Model simulations showed that a cumulative case count is consistent with local reports (Pearson r = 0.99, P < 0.001). The median overall of this outbreak was 7.2807 [interquntile range (IQR): 7.2809‒7.2811], suggesting sustained transmission. Human-to-mosquito transmission (Median: 22.79, IQR: 5.44‒40.14) had a higher median than mosquito-to-human transmission (Median: 2.33, IQR:0.58‒4.07) (Mann-Whitney U P < 0.001). Symptomatic infections (Median: 19.60, IQR: 4.68‒34.52) had a higher median than asymptomatic infections (Median: 3.19, IQR: 0.76‒5.62) (Mann-Whitney U P < 0.001). The model simulated cumulative cases were sensitive to parameters , , , and . The overall and mosquito-to-human were sensitive to parameters and . The human-to-mosquito and symptomatic human-to-mosquito were sensitive to parameter , while asymptomatic human-to-mosquito was sensitive to parameter CONCLUSIONS: The transmissibility of CHIKV is high. Human-to-mosquito transmission, especially symptomatic infections to mosquito transmission, was the main driver of chikungunya virus transmission. These findings underscore the critical need for enhanced screening of travellers from endemic regions, timely case isolation, and targeted vector control to mitigate autochthonous transmission.

BackgroundWhole blood samples are often used to generate whole genome sequences, which provide valuable insights into the genetic make-up of viruses. However, the collection and management present significant challenges, particularly in remote and resource-limited communities, where maintaining a cold chain is often difficult and costly. The use of dry blood spots (DBS) is gradually increasing to overcome these logistical barriers with reduced biosafety constraints. We propose an alternative approach using native DBS Lassa virus (LASV)-positive samples as a substitute for whole blood.FindingsNext-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on RNA extracted from whole blood and DBS samples using Illumina technology. RNA concentration, cycle threshold (Ct) values and sequence read counts were statistically compared. A total of 78 samples from 39 LASV-positive Mastomys atalensis were analysed. Whole blood had significantly higher mean RNA concentration (26.5 ± 1.9) than DBS (3.4 ± 0.3), P < 0.05. Mean Ct values in whole blood were significantly lower than in DBS (P = 0.0001). Log mean sequence reads and NGS coverage for both S and L segments were significantly higher in whole blood (P = 0.0001). RNA concentration showed no association with sequence coverage (P = 0.382), while Ct values showed a strong association (P = 0.0001).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that DBS is a viable alternative for whole genome sequencing of LASV, although whole blood samples consistently outperform DBS in terms of RNA concentration, Ct values and NGS coverage.Graphical Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-025-01362-0.

BackgroundThe RNA virosphere's extensive diversity and its role in emerging infectious diseases underscore the importance of non-targeted sequencing for identifying unknown or rare pathogens, including co-infections. However, enriching low-abundance viral sequences in RNA metaviromics, particularly in the preparation of cDNA libraries and their compatibility with next-generation sequencing (NGS) and third-generation sequencing (TGS), remains challenging. Therefore, our objective is to develop and systematically assess a practical RNA metavirome methodology specifically tailored for the enrichment of low-abundance viral sequences within samples.MethodsWe developed the SMART-RNA-Metavirome platform, integrating SMART-9n library preparation with NGS and TGS technologies. Total RNA was extracted from two field-collected wild Aedes albopictus pools, along with one laboratory-infected Ae. albopictus pool harboring dengue virus (DENV). This RNA was subjected to reverse transcription using both this optimized protocol and random primer-based methods, followed by high-throughput sequencing on Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and QitanTech Nanopore technologies. Welch's t-test was employed for comparative analysis of the subsequent RNA metavirome data, specifically to evaluate differences in viral species composition and abundance of viral reads between experimental groups. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this platform was systematically validated via RT-qPCR and SMART-RNA-Metavirome-based Oxford Nanopore sequencing across multiple sample types, including mosquito specimens from DENV-infected Ae. albopictus, serum samples from dengue patients and viral isolates of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Zika virus (ZIKV).ResultsThe SMART-RNA-Metavirome platform has been systematically validated to excel in enriching the composition and diversity of the RNA virome (P = 0.04), providing sufficient coverage for the complete reconstruction of viral genomes. When employed in the detection of DENV-infected Ae. albopictus, clinical serum samples, and viral isolates of JEV and ZIKV, this technique exhibits a robust correlation with RT-qPCR (r2 > 0.95). Notably, it demonstrates exceptional sensitivity, ensuring sufficient coverage even in samples of DENV-infected Ae. albopictus with a Ct-value of 35.3, attaining an impressive 99.88% genome coverage. Furthermore, this platform possesses the capability to identify virus species and determine their serotypes.ConclusionsIn our study, the SMART-RNA-Metavirome platform outperforms traditional methods, enriching RNA virome composition and diversity, enabling practical compatibility with both NGS and TGS technologies. It demonstrates significant proficiency in detecting both known and unknown arboviruses, even in low-titer samples such as those from wild mosquitoes and clinical sera. This platform facilitates comprehensive monitoring, risk assessment, and early warning of RNA virus transmissions, enhancing our understanding of RNA virome diversity and ecological patterns.Graphical abstractSupplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-025-01371-z.

BackgroundHistidine Rich Protein 2-based rapid diagnostic tests (HRP2-based RDTs) are widely used for malaria diagnosis in Malawi, but their accuracy may be compromised by Plasmodium falciparum parasites lacking the P. falciparum histidine rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) and P. falciparum histidine rich protein 3 (pfhrp3) genes. While such deletions have been reported in other malaria-endemic countries, their presence and diagnostic impact in Malawi remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pfhrp2/pfhrp3 gene deletions in Malawi and their effect on the diagnostic accuracy of HRP2-based RDTs relative to light microscopy and qPCR.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2020 and June 2021, enrolling 1582 participants from referral hospitals in Mzuzu (n = 1186) and Lilongwe (n = 396). Malaria diagnosis was performed using RDTs, microscopy, and qPCR. A total of 391 P. falciparum positive samples were analyzed for pfhrp2/pfhrp3 gene deletions using multiplex qPCR. Diagnostic accuracy metrics, such as sensitivity and specificity, were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. Spearman correlation was applied to assess associations involving log-transformed parasitemia, unpaired t-tests were used to compare diagnostic methods, and Mann–Whitney tests were used to compare symptomatic and asymptomatic groups.ResultsMalaria prevalence was higher in Lilongwe (45.2%) than in Mzuzu (22.9%). Infections in Lilongwe were predominantly asymptomatic (94.2%), whereas Mzuzu had mostly symptomatic cases (97.1%) (P < 0.0002). RDTs demonstrated higher sensitivity of 78.5% (95% CI: 74.6–82.1%) than microscopy 64.8% (95% CI: 60.3–69.1), but slightly lower specificity, with 93.6% (95% CI: 92.0–95.0%) for RDT compared to 95.4% (95% CI: 94.0–96.6%) for microscopy. Dual pfhrp2/3 gene deletions were found in 24 (15.0%) isolates from Lilongwe and 24 (10.4%) from Mzuzu. All dual-deleted samples were false negative by RDT but were positive by microscopy and qPCR.ConclusionsThis study is the first to report pfhrp2/3 gene deletions in Malawi. The presence of these deletions may compromise the performance of HRP2-based RDTs, indicating the need to reassess diagnostic strategies in affected regions.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-025-01368-8.