Interruption of schistosomiasis transmission in mountainous and hilly regions with an integrated strategy: a longitudinal case study in Sichuan, China.

Background: Schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in China. Since 2004, an integrated strategy was developed to control the transmission of Schistosoma japonicum in China. However, the long-term effectiveness of this integrated strategy for the interruption of schistosomiasis transmission remains unknown in the mountainous and hilly regions of China until now.

[Evaluation on molluscicidal effect of chlorosalicylicamide on Oncomelania hupensis in schistosomiaisis endemic areas of eight provinces in China].

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a novel molluscicide, the salt quinoid-2', 5-dichloro-4'-nitrosalicylanilide from niclosamide (LDS), with 10% wettable powder, in main schistosomiasis epidemic areas of China, including Hunan, Jiangxi, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Yunnan and Zhejiang Province.

Methods: In the immersion test, 6 effective concentrations of 10% LDS were tested respectively: 0.1, 0.

[Establishment of index system of key factors on elimination of schistosomiasis].

Objective: To establish an index system of the key factors of elimination of schistosomiasis.

Methods: A questionnaire was designed based on the reference review, and 24 scientists working in the field of schistosomiasis control or research or management were investigated by using the Delphi method. The importance of each index reflecting the endemicity of schistosomiasis wis scored by each scientist.

[Mid-term evaluation on schistosomiasis control effect in Lushan earthquake-stricken areas in Sichuan Province].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of schistosomiasis control in Lushan earthquake-stricken areas in Sichuan Province, so as to provide the evidence for formulating appropriate measures for schistosomiasis prevention and control.

Methods: According to the data of historical schistosomiasis prevalence, 5 villages were selected as research sites and field investigations were conducted.

Results: The average density of Oncomelania hupensis snails was 0.

[Assessment of schistosomiasis transmission interruption in Beichuan County, Sichuan Province].

Objective: To assess whether Beichuan County reaches the national standard of schistosomiasis transmission interruption.

Methods: Three villages in Beichuan County were sampled as assessment spots, and the schistosomiasis infections of residents and domestic animals, the status of Oncomelania snails and the past records were assessed according to the Criteria for Control and Elimination of Schistosomiasis in China.

Results: No local schistosome infections were found in residents and cattle for successive 5 years and no snails were found for 2 successive years in the 3 villages.

[Risk assessment of schistosomiasis transmission in earthquake-stricken areas after the Lushan Earthquake in Sichuan Province on April 20, 2013].

Objective: To assess the impact of the "4 x 20" Lushan Earthquake on the risk of schistosomiasis transmission in Lushan and Tianquan counties, so as to provide the evidence for formulating appropriate measures for schistosomiasis prevention and control.

Methods: Based on a comprehensive literature review, an analysis of schistosomiasis monitoring data in the earthquake affected counties, and a field investigation, a rapid assessment on the impact of the earthquake on schistosomiasis was conducted.

Results: Lushan and Tianquan counties were two endemic areas of schistosomiasis with high transmission level in history, especially Lushan County where Oncomelania snail distribution/density was the highest in Sichuan Province.

Approaches to genotyping individual miracidia of Schistosoma japonicum.

Molecular genetic tools are needed to address questions as to the source and dynamics of transmission of the human blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum in regions where human infections have reemerged, and to characterize infrapopulations in individual hosts. The life stage that interests us as a target for collecting genotypic data is the miracidium, a very small larval stage that consequently yields very little DNA for analysis. Here, we report the successful development of a multiplex format permitting genotyping of 17 microsatellite loci in four sequential multiplex reactions using a single miracidium held on a Whatman Classic FTA indicating card.

[Surveillance of schistosome antibodies in population in mountainous schistosomiasis endemic regions in China].

Objective: To understand the dynamics of schistosome antibodies in population in mountainous schistosomiasis low endemic regions, China, so as to provide the evaluation reference for immunodiagnosis.

Methods: The people who consecutively received the indirect heamagglutination assay (IHA) for schistosomiasis and Kato-Katz technique were enrolled in this study in Guixiang Village, Danling County, Sichuan Province from 2006 to 2011. The positive rates for schistosome antibodies, antibody titers and eggs per gram (EPG) were analyzed.

[Effect of comprehensive control pattern on soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Danling County].

The comprehensive control pattern centering on health education, deworming and improving drinking water and lavatories was adopted to control soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Danling County, Sichuan Province from 2007-2009. In 2009, the infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes decreased from 57.12% of the baseline survey in 2006 to 10.

[Investigation on current status of advanced schistosomiasis in Sichuan Province, 2010].

Objective: To understand the current distribution and characteristics of patients with advanced schistosomiasis in Sichuan Province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for improving the management and treatment of advanced schistosomiasis.

Methods: The patients who had been diagnosed as advanced schistosomiasis or were supposed with advanced schistosomiasis were the objects of the investigation. The epidemiological survey and medical examination were used to investigate these persons one by one according to the national standard.

[Effect of ecological civilized homestead construction on schistosomiasis control].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Ecological Civilized Homestead Construction on schistosomiasis control.

Methods: The data of ecological civilized homestead construction and schistosomiasis control were collected and analyzed in Meiwan Village, Shuangqiao Town, Danling County, Sichuan Province from 2004 to 2010.

Results: Ecological Civilized Homestead Construction was carried out from 2004 to 2010.

[Surveillance of schistosomiasis in Sichuan Province, 2005-2010].

Objective: To understand the epidemic trend of schistosomiasis in Sichuan Province so as to provide the evidence for formulating schistosomiasis control strategy.

Methods: According to the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Protocol, the national surveillance sites in Sichuan Province were selected. The schistosomiasis surveillance was carried out continuously from 2005 to 2010.

[Strengthening the achievements of schistosomiasis control in hilly regions of China].

In this paper we summarize the epidemiological characteristics, trends, and control achievements of schistosomiasis in hilly regions of China, as well as analyze the challenges of schistosomiasis control in these areas after transmission control, and further explore the control measures and strategies in the post-transmission control period to strengthen the control achievements and sustainable development with the ultimate goal of achieving transmission interruption.

[Control strategy of schistosomiasis and key points in the 12th Five-Year Plan in China].

Based on the objective of long- and mid-term development program for schistosomiasis control in China, the paper presents an analysis of strategy for schistosomiasis control and its function in the 12th Five-Year Plan. Meanwhile, the strategy and key elements of schistosomiasis control for recent years are put forward for different endemic areas.

Compensatory density feedback of Oncomelania hupensis populations in two different environmental settings in China.

Background: The most recent strategy for schistosomiasis control in the People's Republic of China aims to reduce the likelihood of environmental contamination of schistosome eggs. Despite considerable progress, it is believed that achievements would be further consolidated with additional intermediate host snail control measures. We provide an empirical framework for discerning the relative contribution of intrinsic effects (density feedback) from other extrinsic drivers of snail population dynamics.

A 5-year longitudinal study of schistosomiasis transmission in Shian village, the Anning River Valley, Sichuan Province, the Peoples' Republic of China.

Background: Schistosoma japonicum is a major public health concern in the Peoples' Republic of China (PRC), with over one million people infected and another 50 million living in areas at risk of infection. Based on ecological, environmental, population genetic and molecular factors, schistosomiasis transmission in PRC can be categorised into four discrete ecosystems or transmission modes. It is predicted that the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) will impact upon the transmission of schistosomiasis in the PRC, with varying degree across the four transmission modes.

Grass height and transmission ecology of Echinococcus multilocularis in Tibetan communities, China.

Background: Alveolar echinococcosis is a major zoonosis of public health significance in western China. Overgrazing was recently assumed as a potential risk factor for transmission of alveolar echinococcosis. The research was designed to further test the overgrazing hypothesis by investigating how overgrazing influenced the burrow density of intermediate host small mammals and how the burrow density of small mammals was associated with dog Echinococcus multilocularis infection.

[Snail control by using soil pasting mixed with niclosamide].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of snail control through soil pasting mixed with niclosamide.

Methods: Four sites were selected in different epidemic areas in Sichuan province. Soil pasting mixed with niclosamide was carried on, and the dosage was 0 g/m2, 4 g/m2, 6 g/m2, 8 g/m2 and 10 g/m2 respectively.

[Modeling transmission dynamics and control of schistosomiasis in the mountainous region, Sichuan].

Objective: To use a mathematical model and computer simulation to study transmission dynamics and control of schistosomiasis in mountainous regions of Sichuan.

Methods: Based on studies of schistosomiasis japonica transmission in 20 villages in mountainous regions of Sichuan, a mathematical model was developed to characterize the impact of local environmental factors on transmission intensity. The model integrated site-specific factors and was calibrated to field epidemiological data from 3 subset villages.

Epidemiology and risk factor analysis for canine echinococcosis in a Tibetan pastoral area of Sichuan.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and evaluate the risk factors of canine echinococcosis based on a field survey of dog infections with Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis in Chalong, Kalong, Dade and Chazha Townships in a district of Ganzi County, Sichuan Province, China.

Method: Questionnaire associated with the acquisition of canine echinococcosis was administered to dog owners.

[Tribendimidine enteric coated tablet in treatment of 1,292 cases with intestinal nematode infection--a phase IV clinical trial].

Objective: To further evaluate the efficacy and safety of tribendimidine in treatment of adult patients with intestinal nematode infections.

Methods: An open and multi-center clinical trial was conducted in the provinces of Hainan, Sichuan and Guizhou. A total of 1,292 infected cases aged 15-70 years were enrolled in the study.

[Clinical observation on 899 children infected with intestinal nematodes and treated with tribendimidine enteric coated tablets].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tribendimidine in treatment of children with hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides infections.

Methods: An open and multi-center clinical trial was conducted in the provinces of Hainan, Sichuan and Guizhou. 899 children aged 4-14 years were enrolled in the study.

[Water exposure modes and times of different populations in mountainous schistosomiasis endemic areas near Qionghai lake].

Objective: To investigate water exposure modes and times of different populations in mountainous schistosomiasis endemic areas and to inform about the control strategies.

Methods: All 1054 residents from populations around Qionghai Lake were randomly sampled according to occupation for a retrospective questionnaire survey in November 2001. Each individual was interviewed for his/her mode, frequency, and duration of water exposure occurring between April and October 2001.

[Study on molecular phylogeny of Schistosoma sinensium based on mitochondrial genes].

Objective: To determine the phylogenetic position of Schistosoma sinensium in the genus Schistosoma using mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase 1 (CO1) and NADH dehydrogenase 1(ND1) as molecular markers.

Methods: The genomic DNA of adult worms were extracted by the GNT-K method. The target regions were amplified by PCR using specific primers.