Objective To investigate the effect of programmed death-1 (PD-1) on cell infiltration in muscle tissue and immune response types in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis. Methods C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) and PD-1 deficient (PD-1^-/-) mice were infected with T. spiralis (400 muscle larvae per mouse), and samples were collected on day 35 after infection. The proportions of infiltrating inflammatory cells and fibroblasts around encapsulated larvae were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin in muscle tissue were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Peripheral blood and spleen were collected at different time points after infection. The percentages of CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺Th1 and CD4⁺IL-4⁺Th2 within CD4⁺ T cells population in peripheral blood and spleen of mice were analyzed using flow cytometry. Results The proportions of eosinophils and fibroblasts among total infiltrating cells around the encapsulated larvae in the muscle of PD-1^-/- mice were significantly lower than those in WT mice after T. spiralis infection (P<0.01). The infected PD-1^-/- mice exhibited higher proportions of macrophages, T cells and B cells in total infiltrating cells than the infected WT mice (P<0.01). The levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and eotaxin in the muscle tissue of infected PD-1^-/- mice were significantly lower than those in infected WT mice (P<0.05). However, IFN-γ levels were not significantly different between the infected WT and PD-1^-/- mice. The proportions of Th2 cells in CD4⁺T cells from peripheral blood and spleen of infected PD-1^-/- mice were significantly lower than those in infected WT mice, whereas the proportion of Th1 cells showed no difference among the infected groups. Conclusions PD-1 deletion results in decreased expression of key chemokines of eosinophils and key cytokines of fibroblast formation, and a corresponding decrease in inflammatory cells in muscle in T. spiralis-infected mice. This effect may be associated with a diminished Th2 immune response caused by PD-1 deletion.

Objective To understand the implementation status of “Diagnosis of Ascariasis” (WS/T 565-2017) and provide a scientific basis for promoting, revising, and improving the Standard. Methods Using the convenient sampling method, the investigation targeted professional and technical personnel at the provincial, city, county, and township levels engaged in parasitic disease prevention, control, or diagnosis and treatment in Anhui and Sichuan provinces. No less than 150 individuals were included in each province. The implementation survey of Diagnosis of Ascariasis (WS/T 565-2017) was conducted by the subjects completing a questionnaire by themselves. Results The response rate to the questionnaire was 91.90% (386/420). The awareness and utilization rates of the Standard were 81.87% and 49.22%, respectively and both increased with age (χ² trend = 7.977 and 19.016, respectively, P < 0.01). Respondents with college degrees (90.72%) had a higher awareness rate (χ² = 8.619, P < 0.05). In terms of utilization rate, males (58.38%), those with college degrees (67.01%), staff members of provincial-level units (77.78%), and personnel in medical institutions (71.43%) had higher utilization rates (χ² = 13.486, 17.166, 8.426, and 5.956, respectively, all P < 0.05). The survey indicated that 57.77% of the work units of respondents have conducted promotional activities, and 53.89% of the work units of respondents have sent personnel to participate in training. Moreover, this proportion tended to increase as the unit level decreased (χ²trend = 9.403 and 14.729, P < 0.01). The level of participation in publicity and training by medical institutions (89.29%) was significantly higher than that of disease control institutions (55.31% and 51.12%, respectively, χ² = 12.290 and 15.225, P < 0.01). Furthermore, training participation is a crucial factor in enhancing awareness rates. A total of 368 respondents (95.34%) reported that their work units have conducted testing for ascariasis. Additionally, 378 individuals (97.92%) believe that the Standard is “applicable” or “basically applicable,” while 369 (95.60%) felt that no revisions were needed. Conclusions The results indicated that “Diagnosis of Ascariasis” (WS/T 565-2017) remains applicable to the diagnostic needs of ascariasis and it is recommended to strengthen its promotion and implementation.

Objective To investigate the infection with key intestinal parasites in the Jinuo-inhabited areas of Yunnan Province in 2023 and provide a scientific basis for preventing and controlling local parasitic diseases. Methods A cluster random sampling method was used to conduct a survey on human intestinal parasitic diseases in Jinuoshan Township, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, from October to November 2023. Fecal samples and information on epidemiological factors were collected from permanent residents of the Jinuo ethnic group. Intestinal helminth eggs were detected and counted using the modified Kato-Katz technique (two slides per fecal sample). Intestinal protozoa were identified via iodine-stained smears. Each fecal sample was subjected to hookworm larval culture using the test tube filter paper method for species identification. Additionally, transparent adhesive tape anal swabs were used to detect Enterobius vermicularis eggs in children aged 3-9 years. Results A total of 1 367 individuals was examined, with 11 species of parasites detected, including 5 helminth species and 6 protozoan species. The overall intestinal parasite infection rate was 25.97%, with helminth and protozoan infection rates at 17.63% and 9.07%, respectively. The infection rate of E. vermicularis in children (via anal swabs) was 16.35%. The infection rates of specific parasites were as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides 0.07%, hookworm 13.97%, Trichuris sp. 0.29%, Taenia solium 0.15%, Entamoeba nana 1.68%, Giardia lamblia 1.61%, Entamoeba histolytica 0.07%, Entamoeba coli 0.07%, Iodamolbe butschlii 1.61%, and Blastocystis hominis 4.10%. The degree of Acaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Trichuris sp. infection was mainly mild. Hookworm species were identified as Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. No statistically significant differences in infection rates were observed across different village committees, genders, age groups, or occupations (P＞0.05). The infection rates of preschool children and illiterate people were higher at 82.61% and 67.02%, respectively (χ² = 344.798, P < 0.01). The infection rate of the Jinuo people was 32.49%, which is higher than that of other ethnic groups (χ² =109.493, P < 0.01). Conclusions The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the Jinuo ethnic group in Yunnan Province remains relatively high. Strengthened prevention and control measures targeting relevant populations are urgently needed, with a particular focus on hookworm infections and E. vermicularis infections in children.

Objective West Nile virus (WNV) is one of the most common mosquito-borne zoonotic viruses worldwide, with unique transmission dynamics and varied hosts. Lots of ecological and host factors have been reported to influence the host adaptation and transmission of WNVs, however, general genomic features of WNVs are less focused, except for some exact host-specific genotypes at molecular level. Artificial intelligence that analyzes genome composition characteristics currently shows significant advantages in identifying and predicting viral host adaptability. This research aimed to establish a convolutional neural network (CNN) model to predict the host adaptability of WNVs based on general genomic features. Methods Presently available WNV gene sequences were embedded for their genomic features with an embedding approach of dinucleotide composition representation (DCR). And DCR-based distribution difference of WNV samples among various hosts was performed with unsupervised learning methods. Then a classification model was built with a convolutional neural network (CNN) framework based on genomic DCR to evaluate the adaptation of the WNVs from birds, mammals and mosquitos. Additionally, host-specific amino acids in WNV proteins were inferred via Bayes method. Results DCR features could effectively distinguish host-specific WNVs. The trained CNN model predicted accurately mammalian susceptible WNVs from avian susceptible WNVs, however, much less accurately for mosquito / mammalian WNVs. Such predicted host adaptation was interpreted as host specified significance of biased amino acid distribution on the bayes-inferred sites in WNV proteins, implying a possible high significance of these sites for WNV adaptive phenotypes. Conclusions Genomic compositional features of WNVs are host-specific, and such genomic bias facilitates predicting the adaptation of WNVs to avian or mammalian hosts via deep learning methods. DCR-based decomposition is helpful to recognize the high risk of infecting mammals of WNVs. The present study provides a general knowledge of genomic features contributing to host adaptation to WNVs.

Objective Ticks serve as vectors for transmitting Babesia microti. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tick autophagy molecules on the proliferation of Babesia microti. Methods An experimental model of infected and uninfected mice was used to collect tick materials for proteomic analysis to identify differentially expressed autophagy-related molecules in Haemaphysalis longicornis. The cloning of the HlATG8 gene, protein expression, and production of polyclonal antibodies were completed. The HlATG8 gene was then knocked down using RNAi interference technology. Results The tick autophagy molecule, HlATG8, was identified and found to be significantly upregulated in ticks infected with Babesia microti. The load of Babesia microti in ticks increased significantly following the knockdown of the HlATG8 gene. Conclusions The tick autophagy molecule in Hae. longicornis, HlATG8, inhibits the proliferation of Babesia.

Objective To investigate the species composition, seasonal variation, and virus-carrying status of mosquitoes in the Honghe Wetland of Tengzhou City to better control local mosquito vectors. Methods Seven surveillance sites were established in different scenic spots of the wetland, and ecological monitoring was carried out monthly from April to November each year using the light-trapping method. From June to September 2023, a total of 3 000 Mansonia uniformis mosquitoes were tested for flaviviruses using the nested PCR method. Results From 2022 to 2024, a total of 153 mosquito trap lamp·nights were deployed in the Honghe Wetland, and 20 336 female mosquitoes were captured, with an average density of 132.92 mosquitoes/lamp·night. The mosquitoes were identified as belonging to 19 species across 6 genera. Among them, Lutzia chiangmaiensis was identified for the first time in mainland China, and similarly for Anopheles pullu, Culex inatomii, and Aedes togoi in southern Shandong Province. The dominant species was Ma. uniformis (15 345, 75.46%), followed by Culex tritaeniorhynchus (1824, 8.97%), Coquillettidia ochracea (1408, 6.92%), and Anopheles sinensis (1 026, 5.05%). The peak period of adult mosquito activity was from June to September. The seasonal variations in the density of the different mosquito species differed, with the peak periods of Cq. ochracea, An. sinensis, Ma. uniformis, and Cx. tritaeniorhynchus being in June, June, July, and August, respectively. The density of Cx. pipiens pallens was consistently low, showing an upward trend in October only. The 3 000 Ma. uniformis mosquitoes were negative for the three viruses tested. Conclusions The mosquitoes in the Honghe Wetland of Tengzhou City are rich in species composition and high in density. Because of a possible risk of transmission of Japanese encephalitis and malaria in the period between May and September, comprehensive mosquito control measures need to be strengthened in the Honghe Wetland of Tengzhou City.

Objective Understanding the population structure of mosquitoes in the drainage system of Minhang District, Shanghai, and exploring the physical prevention and control technology of mosquito traps with a Vazormosquito repellent film in the drainage system. Methods A 500 mL water spoon was used to assist in visual inspection to investigate the breeding status of mosquito larvae in the drainage system. A carbon dioxide mosquito trap method was used to monitor adult mosquitoes around the ground drainage system, and the artificial hour method was used to monitor adult mosquitoes around the underground drainage system. Mosquito-repellent film was applied at a rate of 1 mL/m² to the drainage system where mosquito larvae or pupae are found, and the breeding situation was observed and recorded. Results The positivity rate of mosquitoes breeding in the ground drainage system was 50%. The mosquito larvae in the drainage channels were primarily Aedes albopictus, whereas Ae. albopictus were primarily noted in the sewage wells. The proportions of Ae. albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens in the rainwater wells were similar, and the dominant mosquito species around the surface drainage system was Ae. Albopictus. The positive rate of mosquito breeding in the underground drainage system was 47%, with the dominant mosquito species being Cx. pipiens pallens (58.39%) followed by Ae. albopictus (41.6%). The dominant adult mosquito species around the drainage system were Cx. pipiens pallens (83%) followed by Ae. albopictus (11%). In terms of the effectiveness of mosquito-repellent water film, the mosquito breeding rates of the ground and underground drainage systems using mosquito-repellent water film decreased to 2.78% and 5% after 1 week of use, respectively, and then rebounded after the 3rd week. After a supplementary dose during the 5th week, the breeding rates returned to normal. No statistically significant differences were observed in the effect compared with the standard control group using 1% bisulfite granules; however, a statistically significant difference was noted compared with the blank control group without special treatment. Conclusions In the drainage system of Minhang District, Shanghai, mosquito breeding is severe, and variations exist in the dominant mosquito species in different environmental drainage facilities. The simultaneous use of mosquito-repellent films can effectively control mosquito breeding in drainage systems.

Objective In this preliminary survey, we sought to determine the composition of mosquito species inhabiting the Emeifeng Nature Reserve, Fujian Province, China. Methods Mosquito larvae were collected by straw and spoon trapping, and adult mosquitoes were collected by lamp trapping at selected breeding sites in the reserve. The specimens were initially identified based on morphology, with subsequent verification using molecular biology methods. Results A total of 34 mosquito species in 13 genera were collected, among which, there were 4 species of Anopheles (Genus Anopheles Meigen, 1818), 2 species of Lutzia (Genus Lutzia Theobald, 1903), 15 species of Culex (Genus Culex Linnaeus, 1758), 4 species of Stegomyia (Genus Stegomyia Theobald, 1901), and single species of Hulecoeteomyia (Genus Hulecoeteomyia Theobald, 1904), Luius (Genus Luius Reinert, Harbach et Kitching, 2008), Aedes (Genus Aedes Meigen, 1818), Downsiomyia (Genus Downsiomyia Vargas, 1950), Collessius (Genus Collessius Reinert, Harbach et kitching, 2006), Uranotaenia (Genus Uranotaenia Lynch 1891), Armigeres (Genus Armigeres Theobald, 1901), Toxorhynchites (Genus Toxorhynchites Theobald,1901), and pestle mosquito (Genus Tripteroides Giles,1904). Conclusions The species composition of mosquitoes sampled in the Emeifeng Nature Reserve will provide a basis for further research on mosquito vectors and contribute to measures for local mosquito control.

Objective To investigate the population composition, seasonal dynamics, and infestation levels of cockroaches in Lanzhou, China, and to provide information for the scientific development of cockroach control strategies. Methods Monitoring was conducted at three locations using the sticky trap method. Habitats included farm product markets, catering establishments, hotels, hospitals, and residential areas. Results From 2016 to 2023, the average cockroach density was 0.77 insects per board, with an average infestation rate of 10.84%. Blattella germanica was the dominant species. Seasonal density of cockroaches showed an approximately unimodal distribution, peaking in September. The highest average density and infestation rates were observed in farm product markets. Conclusions Cockroach density and infestation levels in Lanzhou remained relatively low. A comprehensive prevention and control strategy focusing on environmental management in key areas should be implemented according to the seasonal fluctuations.

Human parasitology is an important basic medical learning course for medical students. However, owing to the current decline in parasitic infection rates and the application of traditional teaching methods, students have shown insufficient attention to this course. Micro-video courses have several advantages, including short duration, focused knowledge points, diversified communication, and high participation, which align with the learning preferences and information absorption patterns of Generation Z students. Integrating micro-video courses with bedside teaching patterns can enhance the understanding of students of parasitological life cycles, pathogenic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, therapeutic regimens, and prevention strategies, thereby improving overall teaching quality. Additionally, careful micro-video selection, proper protection of clinical information resources, full preparation of alternative teaching plans for bedside teaching, and biosafety protection in clinical teaching are key success elements in combining micro-video courses with bedside teaching in human parasitology education.