Molecular identification of Tricula spp. and the parasitized trematode cercariae in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To characterize a species of the genus Tricula and parasitized trematodes in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province using a molecular analysis, so as to understand their taxonomic positions. Methods Tricula spp. and Oncomelania snails were collected from Xiangyun County, Yunnan Province, and cercaria parasitizing snails were observed using crushing followed by microscopy. Cercaria parasitizing Tricula snails at various morphologies were sampled using a shedding method. Genomic DNA was extracted from snail soft tissues and cercariae, and the 16S rRNA, COI, 28S rDNA genes in snails and the ND1 and 28S rDNA genes in cercariae were amplified using a PCR assay and sequenced. The species of Tricula snails and their parasitized trematodes was characterized using sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. Results Among 382 Tricula snails detected, there were three types of trematode cercariae found, including the non-forked (20.94%, 80/382), double-forked (3.40%, 13/382) and swallow shapes (7.07%, 27/382). Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that the 16S rRNA, COI and 28S rDNA gene sequences of this species of Tricula had high homology to those in Delavaya dianchiensis, and were clustered in a branch. Sequencing analysis of the ND1 and 28S rDNA genes revealed that the non-forked cercariae belonged to the family Pleu- rogenidae, the swallow-shaped cercariae belonged to the family Opecoelidae, and the double-forked cercariae belonged to another species of the genus Schistosoma that was different from S. sinensium and S. ovuncatum. Conclusion The species and taxonomy of Triculla spp. and their parasitized trematodes are preliminarily determined in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province; however, further studies are required to investigate the more definite taxonomy and pathogenicity.

[Effectiveness of infectious source control after transmission control of schistosomiasis in Eryuan County of Yunnan Province].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of infectious source control at various stages of transmission control of schistosomiasis in Eryuan County of Yunnan Province, so as to provide insights into the further monitoring and management of infectious sources of schistosomiasis. METHODS: Wenbi Village, a plateau subtype region and Qiandian Village, a mountain subtype region in Eryuan County were selected as the study areas. The species, schistosome infection and transmission capability of infectious sources were investigated in Wenbi and Qiandian villages in 2011 and 2018 and were compared. RESULTS: Schistosome infections were detected in human, bovine, horse, dog and mouse in Qiandian Village in 2011, with positive rates of 1.19%, 0.91%, 1.25%, 3.13% and 0.95%, respectively, and human, bovine and dog were found to have schistosome infections, with positive rates of 0.76%, 1.66% and 9.30%, respectively. However, no infections were identified in human, bovine, horse, pig, dog, sheep or mouse in these two villages in 2018. A total of 731 wild feces were collected in both villages in 2011. In Qiandian Village, horse, bovine and dog feces accounted for 34.40%, 29.80% and 20.20% of all fecal samples, and dog and horse feces were found to have schistosome infections (11.94% and 6.90% positive rates, respectively). In Wenbi Village, dog, bovine and human feces accounted for 44.59%, 39.83% and 14.29% of all fecal samples, and dog, human and bovine feces were found to have schistosome infections (16.95%, 9.52% and 2.33% positive rates, respectively). In 2018, a total of 204 wild feces were collected in both villages, and no schistosome infections were identified. Sheep, dog and bovine feces accounted for 36.27%, 33.33% and 27.45% of all fecal samples in Qiandian Village, and dog, bovine and human feces accounted for 72.55%, 11.76% and 10.78% of all fecal samples in Wenbi Village. CONCLUSIONS: A remarkable achievement has been obtained in the control of infectious sources of schistosomiasis in Eryuan County, and the role of human and bovine as the major infectious sources of schistosomiasis has been effectively controlled. In the future, the integrated strategy with emphasis on the control of infectious sources should be intensified, and the management of reservoir hosts including dog and mouse should be strengthened.

[Construction and operation of schistosomiasis diagnosis reference (network) laboratory in Yunnan Province].

A three-level (provincial, municipal and county levels) schistosomiasis diagnosis network platform had been created in Yunnan Province, and assessment of laboratory quality-control samples and field evaluation of nucleic acid diagnostic techniques and immunodiagnostic reagents had been performed. This paper described the review process of the schistosomiasis diagnosis network laboratory and the operation of schistosomiasis diagnosis network laboratory and analyzed the problems of the schistosomiasis diagnosis network laboratory in Yunnan Province. The establishment of the schistosomiasis diagnosis reference (network) laboratory will provide a strong support for schistosomiasis control in Yunnan Province in the new era.

[Risk assessment of schistosomiasis transmission in Chuxiong City of Yunnan Province].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential risk of schistosomiasis transmission so as to provide the evidence for formulating the control strategy. METHODS: Two villages were selected as the investigated sites in Chuxiong City and the risk of schistosomiasis transmission was evaluated by reviewing the data of schistosomiasis epidemic situation and prevention and control work, and carrying out the field survey for Oncomelania hupensis snail status, wild faeces, and schistosome infection of the population from 2015 to 2017. RESULTS: There was 1.49 hm2 area of snail habitats, with an average density of 0.54 snails/0.1 m2. The occurrence rate of frames with snails was 5.41%. No schistosome-infected snails were found. The positive rate of schistosomiasis serological tests of the residents was 3.36%, but the stool examination positive cases were not found. A total of 58 wild faeces samples were collected but no schistosome infested cases were found. The risk levels of schistosomiasis transmission in both villages were Grade III. CONCLUSIONS: Although Chuxiong City has been in a low risk state of schistosomiasis transmission, the density of snails is still high, and there is a risk of infection source importation. In the future, the infection source control and snail control should be strengthened.

Risk assessment of schistosomiasis transmission in Chuxiong City of Yunnan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To evaluate the potential risk of schistosomiasis transmission so as to provide the evidence for formulating the control strategy. Methods Two villages were selected as the investigated sites in Chuxiong City and the risk of schistosomiasis transmission was evaluated by reviewing the data of schistosomiasis epidemic situation and prevention and control work, and carrying out the field survey for Oncomelania hupensis snail status, wild faeces, and schistosome infection of the population from 2015 to 2017. Results There was 1.49 hm2 area of snail habitats, with an average density of 0.54 snails/0.1 m2. The occurrence rate of frames with snails was 5.41%. No schistosome-infected snails were found. The positive rate of schistosomiasis serological tests of the residents was 3.36%, but the stool examination positive cases were not found. A total of 58 wild faeces samples were collected but no schistosome infested cases were found. The risk levels of schistosomiasis transmission in both villages were Grade III. Conclusions Although Chuxiong City has been in a low risk state of schistosomiasis transmission, the density of snails is still high, and there is a risk of infection source importation. In the future, the infection source control and snail control should be strengthened.

Construction and operation of schistosomiasis diagnosis reference (network) laboratory in Yunnan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

A three-level (provincial, municipal and county levels) schistosomiasis diagnosis network platform had been created in Yunnan Province, and assessment of laboratory quality-control samples and field evaluation of nucleic acid diagnostic techniques and immunodiagnostic reagents had been performed. This paper described the review process of the schistosomiasis diagnosis network laboratory and the operation of schistosomiasis diagnosis network laboratory and analyzed the problems of the schistosomiasis diagnosis network laboratory in Yunnan Province. The establishment of the schistosomiasis diagnosis reference (network) laboratory will provide a strong support for schistosomiasis control in Yunnan Province in the new era.

Effectiveness of infectious source control after transmission control of schistosomiasis in Eryuan County of Yunnan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To assess the effectiveness of infectious source control at various stages of transmission control of schistosomiasis in Eryuan County of Yunnan Province, so as to provide insights into the further monitoring and management of infectious sources of schistosomiasis. Methods Wenbi Village, a plateau subtype region and Qiandian Village, a mountain subtype region in Eryuan County were selected as the study areas. The species, schistosome infection and transmission capability of infectious sources were investigated in Wenbi and Qiandian villages in 2011 and 2018 and were compared. Results Schistosome infections were detected in human, bovine, horse, dog and mouse in Qiandian Village in 2011, with positive rates of 1.19%, 0.91%, 1.25%, 3.13% and 0.95%, respectively, and human, bovine and dog were found to have schistosome infections, with positive rates of 0.76%, 1.66% and 9.30%, respectively. However, no infections were identified in human, bovine, horse, pig, dog, sheep or mouse in these two villages in 2018. A total of 731 wild feces were collected in both villages in 2011. In Qiandian Village, horse, bovine and dog feces accounted for 34.40%, 29.80% and 20.20% of all fecal samples, and dog and horse feces were found to have schistosome infections (11.94% and 6.90% positive rates, respectively). In Wenbi Village, dog, bovine and human feces accounted for 44.59%, 39.83% and 14.29% of all fecal samples, and dog, human and bovine feces were found to have schistosome infections (16.95%, 9.52% and 2.33% positive rates, respectively). In 2018, a total of 204 wild feces were collected in both villages, and no schistosome infections were identified. Sheep, dog and bovine feces accounted for 36.27%, 33.33% and 27.45% of all fecal samples in Qiandian Village, and dog, bovine and human feces accounted for 72.55%, 11.76% and 10.78% of all fecal samples in Wenbi Village. Conclusions A remarkable achievement has been obtained in the control of infectious sources of schistosomiasis in Eryuan County, and the role of human and bovine as the major infectious sources of schistosomiasis has been effectively controlled. In the future, the integrated strategy with emphasis on the control of infectious sources should be intensified, and the management of reservoir hosts including dog and mouse should be strengthened.

Risk assessment of schistosomiasis transmission in Chuxiong City of Yunnan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To evaluate the potential risk of schistosomiasis transmission so as to provide the evidence for formulating the control strategy. Methods Two villages were selected as the investigated sites in Chuxiong City and the risk of schistosomiasis transmission was evaluated by reviewing the data of schistosomiasis epidemic situation and prevention and control work, and carrying out the field survey for Oncomelania hupensis snail status, wild faeces, and schistosome infection of the population from 2015 to 2017. Results There was 1.49 hm2 area of snail habitats, with an average density of 0.54 snails/0.1 m2. The occurrence rate of frames with snails was 5.41%. No schistosome-infected snails were found. The positive rate of schistosomiasis serological tests of the residents was 3.36%, but the stool examination positive cases were not found. A total of 58 wild faeces samples were collected but no schistosome infested cases were found. The risk levels of schistosomiasis transmission in both villages were Grade III. Conclusions Although Chuxiong City has been in a low risk state of schistosomiasis transmission, the density of snails is still high, and there is a risk of infection source importation. In the future, the infection source control and snail control should be strengthened.

Construction and operation of schistosomiasis diagnosis reference (network) laboratory in Yunnan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

A three-level (provincial, municipal and county levels) schistosomiasis diagnosis network platform had been created in Yunnan Province, and assessment of laboratory quality-control samples and field evaluation of nucleic acid diagnostic techniques and immunodiagnostic reagents had been performed. This paper described the review process of the schistosomiasis diagnosis network laboratory and the operation of schistosomiasis diagnosis network laboratory and analyzed the problems of the schistosomiasis diagnosis network laboratory in Yunnan Province. The establishment of the schistosomiasis diagnosis reference (network) laboratory will provide a strong support for schistosomiasis control in Yunnan Province in the new era.

Effectiveness of infectious source control after transmission control of schistosomiasis in Eryuan County of Yunnan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To assess the effectiveness of infectious source control at various stages of transmission control of schistosomiasis in Eryuan County of Yunnan Province, so as to provide insights into the further monitoring and management of infectious sources of schistosomiasis. Methods Wenbi Village, a plateau subtype region and Qiandian Village, a mountain subtype region in Eryuan County were selected as the study areas. The species, schistosome infection and transmission capability of infectious sources were investigated in Wenbi and Qiandian villages in 2011 and 2018 and were compared. Results Schistosome infections were detected in human, bovine, horse, dog and mouse in Qiandian Village in 2011, with positive rates of 1.19%, 0.91%, 1.25%, 3.13% and 0.95%, respectively, and human, bovine and dog were found to have schistosome infections, with positive rates of 0.76%, 1.66% and 9.30%, respectively. However, no infections were identified in human, bovine, horse, pig, dog, sheep or mouse in these two villages in 2018. A total of 731 wild feces were collected in both villages in 2011. In Qiandian Village, horse, bovine and dog feces accounted for 34.40%, 29.80% and 20.20% of all fecal samples, and dog and horse feces were found to have schistosome infections (11.94% and 6.90% positive rates, respectively). In Wenbi Village, dog, bovine and human feces accounted for 44.59%, 39.83% and 14.29% of all fecal samples, and dog, human and bovine feces were found to have schistosome infections (16.95%, 9.52% and 2.33% positive rates, respectively). In 2018, a total of 204 wild feces were collected in both villages, and no schistosome infections were identified. Sheep, dog and bovine feces accounted for 36.27%, 33.33% and 27.45% of all fecal samples in Qiandian Village, and dog, bovine and human feces accounted for 72.55%, 11.76% and 10.78% of all fecal samples in Wenbi Village. Conclusions A remarkable achievement has been obtained in the control of infectious sources of schistosomiasis in Eryuan County, and the role of human and bovine as the major infectious sources of schistosomiasis has been effectively controlled. In the future, the integrated strategy with emphasis on the control of infectious sources should be intensified, and the management of reservoir hosts including dog and mouse should be strengthened.

[Analysis of schistosomiasis endemic status of national surveillance sites in Yunnan Province, 2016].

OBJECTIVE: To master the prevalence status of schistosomiasis in Yunnan Province in 2016, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the control strategy and intervention measures. METHODS: The schistosomiasis heavy-endemic villages were selected from each of 18 endemic counties as the survey sites. Then, the serological and etiological tests were carried out in the local residents and floating population, and the infection status of the livestock, field feces and Oncomelania hupensis snails were surveyed. RESULTS: The serum positive rate of schistosomiasis of local residents was 8.78% and the serum positive rate was 2.26% of floating population. No schistosome eggs were found in the stool examinations in the population. The area with snails was 80.054 6 hm2 in 2016 with an increasing rate of 45.47% compared to that in 2015. The average density of living snails was 0.031 7/0.1 m2. No schistosome-infected snails were found for the last four years and no new area with snails was found for the last three years. No positive livestock or feces were found. CONCLUSIONS: The schistosomiasis epidemic situation is stabilized in Yunnan Province in 2016. However, the area with snails and the number of living snails are increasing, and therefore, the schistosomiasis epidemic risk still exists. So, the comprehensive control measures should be strengthened continuously.

[Surveillance with sentinel mice in key water areas of schistosomiasis endemic regions in Yunnan Province, 2015].

OBJECTIVE: To carry out the surveillance with sentinel mice in the key water areas of schistosomiasis endemic regions in Yunnan Province, so as to establish and perfect the surveillance and forecast system of schistosomiasis. METHODS: Six villages of three counties with schistosomiasis heavy endemic status were selected as the survey points. Then, the surveillance and forecast with the sentinel mice were carried out in the key water areas in the survey points. The recovered sentinel mice were dissected in laboratory, and their serum antibodies against schistosome were detected. Meanwhile, the suspicious infested water contacts of the residents and livestock in the surveillance sites were investigated, and the endemic data of schistosomiasis in the survey points in recent 3 years were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Totally 282 sentinel mice were placed in the water area, 252 were recovered, with a recovery rate of 90.78%, and 8 mice were dead, with a mortality rate of 3.13%. The number of mice with schistosome egg granuloma and adult worm detected were both 0, and the worm burden and the positive rate of serum antibodies against schistosome were both 0, too. The persons who contacted with the suspicious infested water were mainly villagers and students by harvesting and playing. The Oncomelania hupensis snail areas, the infection rates of residents and livestock were obviously declined in recent 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: There are no positive sentinel mice found in the key water areas of the surveillance sites in Yunnan Province, which suggests that the schistosome infection risk of residents and livestock is low. However, the comprehensive control measures, surveillance and forecast with sentinel mice in the key water areas of schistosomiasis endemic regions still should be strengthened.

[Short - term effects of two kinds of plastic mulch on Oncomelania hupensis snail control in irrigation and drainage ditches in Yunnan Province].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the short-term effects of two kinds of plastic mulch on Oncomelania hupensis snail control in irrigation and drainage ditches with snails in Yunnan Province. METHODS: The irrigation and drainage ditches with high density of Oncomelania hupensis snails were chosen as the investigation sites, and then 4 groups were set, namely a colorless plastic mulch group, black plastic mulch group, colorless plastic mulch with molluscicide group and black plastic mulch with molluscicide group. The snail situation of the 4 groups was surveyed before the experiment and 7, 14, 21, 30 days after covering plastic mulch, and the snail death rates were compared among the 4 groups. Meanwhile, the hourly temperatures of soil surface, soil surface under plastic mulch and soil layer 5, 15 cm under the surface as well as the weather situation during the study period were measured and recorded. RESULTS: The average snail mortality rate of the colorless plastic mulch group was only 15.29% that was higher than that of the black plastic mulch group (6.56%) (P < 0.01). The average snail mortality rates of the colorless and black plastic mulch with molluscicide groups were 40.80% and 50.15%, respectively, and there was no statistic difference between them (P > 0.05). Both kinds of plastic mulches could raise the temperature of the soil surface under plastic mulch and the soil layer below it, and the temperature of soil under the mulches increased over the cover time, and the average temperature of the soil surface under the black mulch in 30 days was higher than that under the colorless mulch. CONCLUSIONS: It is not suitable to use plastic mulch only in irrigation and drainage ditches with snails widely in Yunnan Province because of its low effect, and if necessary, the molluscicide should be added.