Objective To investigate Haemaphysalis longicornis carrying Bandavirus dabieense in Yantai, Shandong Province, and provide references for the prevention and control measures of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Methods Tick surveillance was carried out in Penglai District, Zhaoyuan City, Haiyang City, and other districts, respectively, in Yantai City from March to October in 2023 and 2024. Parasitic ticks were removed from domestic animals by hand-scratching, and questing ticks were collected using the flag-sweeping method. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect B. dabieense in the collectedHae. longicornis specimens. SPSS22.0 software was used to perform the χ² test or Fisher's exact test to compare the positive rates among different groups. Results A total of 7 646 Hae. longicornis were captured, including 3 232 questing ticks and 4 414 on-host ticks. Nucleic acid(both DNA and RNA) was extracted from 693 ticks grouped by source, development stage, and region. A total of 20 B. dabieense nucleic acid-positive samples were detected. The overall positive detection rate was 2.89% and the minimum infection rate (MIR) was 0.26%. Among them, 17 were from adult parasitic ticks, comprising five from dogs, six from sheep, and six from cattle, and the other three were from questing ticks. There was no significant difference in the positive rates of Hae. longicornis from different hosts or from different developmental stages (P>0.05). Significant differences were observed in the positive rate of Hae. longicornis from different geographic regions (P<0.05). Conclusions Hae. longicornalis is the dominant tick species in Yantai City, Shandong Province, with evidence from different host sources in various geographic regions. Ecological monitoring and pathogen detection in ticks should be strengthened to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases.

Objective In this study, ecological monitoring data of ticks in Changzhou City (2021-2024) were analyzed to understand the composition, distribution, density, and seasonal trends of the different species and thereby provide a scientific basis for tick-borne disease control strategies. Methods Parasitic ticks were monitored via host surface examination, whereas questing ticks were monitored using the flagging method. Results In total, 1 506 ticks (636 parasitic, 870 questing), belonging to 1 family, 2 genera, and 5 species, were collected. Haemaphysalis longicornis (1 389) was the dominant species, followed by Hae. flava (111), Hae. phasiana (3), Amblyomma testudinarium (2), and Hae. hystricis (1). The parasitic tick index was 1.89 (goats as the dominant hosts), whereas the questing tick density was 0.65 individuals/(cloth flag·100 m) (forest parks as the dominant habitat). Tick activity peaked in July. Conclusions Hae. longicornis is the dominant species in Changzhou City, with activity peaking in July. As these ticks pose a significant public health risk, targeted control measures are recommended.

Ticks are important disease vectors that pose serious threats to human health and animal husbandry. Understanding seasonal fluctuation in tick populations and their influencing factors provides a scientific basis for population management and the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases. Tick life stages are influenced by factors including population density, activity levels, survival rates, and other biological features that exhibit periodic changes. Seasonal fluctuations in tick populations directly impact population dynamics and the risk of disease transmission. This review primarily examines the factors that influence seasonal tick population fluctuations.

Objective This study aimed to comprehensively survey the tick distribution in the natural scenic belts of various counties and districts in Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, and to provide guidance on tick control measures. Methods From 2023 to 2024, questing ticks in 29 natural scenic belts spanning seven counties and districts of Huai'an City were collected using hand-scratching method. Further, parasitic ticks in the surrounding areas were collected using the animal search method. Collected ticks were subsequently identified to the species level in the laboratory. Results In total, 288 questing ticks were collected, all belonging to the genus Haemaphysalis of family Ixodidae. Hae. longicornis was the dominant species, accounting for 98.61%, followed by Hae. flava (1.04%) and Hae. phasiana (0.35%). The average tick density index in Lotus Lake Scenic Area (Jinhu County), All-People Fitness Theme Park (Lianshui County), Peach Blossom Valley (QingjiangpuDistrict), Huai'an Forest Park (Huai'an District), Qizu of Gaozhuang Village (Hongze District), Ancient Yellow River Sports Park (Huaiyin District), Putao Trench and (Xuyi County) was 0.022, 0.025, 0.01, 0.10, 0.22, 0.28, and 0.79ticks/flag·100 m, respectively. In total, 114 parasitic ticks were collected at the monitoring sites, with an average tick infestation rate of 69.25% in sheep and 100% in dogs at Tianquanhu Town in Xuyi County; all of these were Hae. longicornis. All parasitic ticks were from Xuyi County, and no parasitic ticks were found at the monitoring sites in Huai'an District, Hongze District, and Lianshui County. Conclusions Overall, with the advancement of eco-tourism resorts and urban greening construction in Huai'an City, the presence of ticks was confirmed by this study in previously unsurveyed areas. As the frequency of human-animal interactions increases in these areas, the potential risk of tick-borne diseases also rises. Furthermore, this study provides important clues for subsequent investigations into local tick-borne pathogens.

Objective The aims of this study were to identify tick species infesting police dogs and explore their phylogenetic relationships. Methods Ticks were collected from a police dog base in Hunan Province and their diagnostic morphological characteristics and phylogenetic relationships were investigated using PCR targeting the 16S rDNA, cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit V (nad5) genes. Results Adult ticks were oval shaped with a broad and short hexagonal basis capitulum. The females had a scutum occupying the first 1/3 of the body, a U-shaped genital groove, and a comma-shaped stigmal plate, and their coxae II to IV each had short and coarse outer spurs that gradually decreased in size according to the segmental order. Males had an elongated scutum, a comma-shaped stigmal plate, and a subtriangular adanal plate. The product sizes of the amplified 16S rDNA, cox1, and nad5 gene sequences from the ticks in this study were approximately 405, 772, and 262 bp, respectively. The phylogenetic tree based on these sequences showed that this tick species clustered with Rhipicephalus sanguineus of other tropical lineages. Conclusions The tick species collected from police dogs in China is Rh. sanguineus, which belongs to the tropical lineage.

Objective This study conducted molecular biological identification of the viruses carried by Culex pipiens pallens specimens collected in Shunyi District, Beijing in 2023, and observed the changes in the infection rate of the viruses carried by Cx. pipiens pallens at different collection times.Methods Cx. pipiens pallens were collected using carbon dioxide mosquito traps. The mosquito samples were ground in batches and analyzed by molecular biology technologies. The virus infection rate at different collection times was analyzed statistically.Results 17 strains of Culex pipiens pallens densovirus (CppDNV) were identified from Cx. pipiens pallens samples collected in Shunyi District, Beijing, in 2023. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the virus genome coding region showed that CppDNV was a single-stranded DNA virus with a total length of 3 335 nt, encoding 2 non-structural proteins (NS1, NS2) and 1 capsid protein (VP). The nucleotide (amino acid) sequence lengths of the three proteins were 2 376 nt (791 aa), 1 092 nt (363 aa) and 1 071 nt (356 aa), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CppDNV was located in genus Brevihamaparvovirus. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in infection rates across collection times (χ²=4.429, P=0.194).Conclusions CppDNV was identified in Cx. pipiens pallens in Beijing, and it was stably maintained in this natural population.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of confirmed malaria cases reported by hospitals in Beijing from 2014 to 2023 among individuals who traveled abroad within the previous year and to provide a scientific basis for preventing the re-transmission of imported malaria. Methods Case data were derived from the “China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention.” Imported malaria cases reported in Beijing from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2023, were selected. Descriptive epidemiological method were applied for the analyses. The chi-square test was used to compare the infected species and the distribution of occupation and year among imported malaria cases with different onset times. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the time interval from the return date to diagnosis between recurrent cases and cases diagnosed for the first time, as well as the difference between cases with disease onset before and after entry. Results A total of 334 imported malaria cases were included in this study. The cases were mainly young and middle-aged males (91.32%), and 135 cases (40.42%) were employees of large state-owned enterprises. Falciparum malaria accounted for the highest proportion (84.73%), and 94.61% of all confirmed imported malaria cases were from Africa. For the recurrent and first-diagnosed cases, the difference in the time interval from entry to diagnosis was statistically significant (U = 2129.500, P < 0.05). Among patients with disease onset over 7 days after entry, the proportion of falciparum malaria was lower than those of other types of malaria infections (χ² = 11.180, P = 0.004). Conclusions Imported falciparum malaria from Africa remains the main challenge to maintaining and consolidating China's achievements in malaria elimination. It is recommended to further strengthen health education for outbound workers and port inspection for key inbound personnel, standardize epidemiological investigations and information notifications, and comprehensively enhance the capability for detecting and managing imported malaria cases.

Objective To assess the status of rodent infestation in commercial kitchens using data from the ‘Bright Kitchen, Clean Stove’ initiative. The potential use of artificial-intelligence (AI)-based surveillance systems to monitor rodent density was explored, thereby providing a scientific basis for rodent control strategies. Methods As a component of the ‘Bright Kitchen, Clean Stove’ initiative, the Minhang District Market Supervision Administration in Shanghai has installed cameras in 297 kitchens. These systems incorporate an AI-powered rodent image recognition method that automatically captures and stores the first image captured in each kitchen each day when a rodent is detected. In 2023, the system collected and stored 736 screenshots of rodents. Following manual verification, 720 of the images were confirmed to contain rodents. The images were analyzed by noting the time, location, and kitchen area, and the species were manually identified to assess the population density. Results Rodent activity was detected in 34 of the 297 monitored kitchens, with an overall infestation rate of 11.45%. Of the 720 confirmed images of rodents, Rattus norvegicus (brown rat) was the predominant species, present in 409 (56.81 %) images. Rodents were primarily concentrated in hot food preparation spaces. The density fluctuation curve had a multimodal pattern peaking in spring and autumn. The peak of daily activity was between 22:00 and 2:00. There was a significant difference in the rodent detection frequency between weekends and weekdays during peak hours and during non-peak hours (χ² = 7.18, P < 0.01). Conclusions The ‘Bright Kitchen, Clear Stove’ smart monitoring system has been proven to be applicable to rodent density monitoring. To control rodents in commercial kitchens, greater efforts are required to address and identify the specific infesting conditions and the key points in the control process.

Objective To monitor rodent species in the southern Fujian ports of China and investigate the natural pathogens they carry. Methods Rodents were captured using night-trapping and cage method across 17 port areas in southern Fujian in 2023. Morphological identification was performed to classify the captured specimens. Tissues from the liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and bladder were harvested for nucleic acid extraction. Nested and conventional PCR method were used to detect seven pathogens: Yersinia pestis, Hantavirus, pathogenic Leptospira, Borrelia burgdorferi, Bartonella, Orientia tsutsugamushi, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the distribution of rodents and the status of natural pathogen infections across the study sites. Results A total of 161 rodents across five species belonging to two orders, two families, and three genera were captured. Suncus murinus was the dominant species (72.67 %), followed by Rattus tanezumi (13.04 %). Six pathogens were detected, with an overall positivity rate of 18.01%. Bartonella had the highest positivity rate (11.18%), followed by pathogenic Leptospira (4.97%), Borrelia burgdorferi (2.48%), Orientia tsutsugamushi(1.86%), Seoul virus (1.24%), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.62%). Co-infections were noted in five rodents, representing 17.24% of those that tested positive, and one rodent was infected with four pathogens. No Y. pestis or Hantaan virus was detected in the captured rodents. Conclusions The rodents in the southern Fujian ports are naturally infected with multiple pathogens, including Bartonella, pathogenic Leptospira, and Seoul virus. Enhanced monitoring of rodent populations and the implementation of preventive and control measures for rodent-borne diseases are essential.

Objective To understand mosquito density, species composition, and seasonal variations around the Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) and provide scientific evidence for mosquito-borne disease prevention and control.Methods Meteorological data were collected from 2016 to 2022, and mosquito density was monitored at seven surveillance sites around the BCIA from May to October each year using CO₂-baited mosquito traps to analyze the relationship between mosquito density and meteorological factors.Results In total, 68 518 female mosquitoes were captured, with a mosquito density of 10.20 per light·hour. The dominant species was Culex pipiens pallens (73.90%), followed by Aedes albopictus (9.71%) and Ae. vexans (9.29%); the mosquito density was highest in 2016 (14.8 per light·hour) and lowest in 2022 (4.46 per light·hour). Significant statistical differences were observed in mosquito density among different species (F=18.118, P<0.05). The density of Cx. pipiens pallens and other mosquito species showed a mutually exclusive trend; the peak of mosquito density varied based on years and habitats, with significant statistical differences in mosquito density among different habitats (F=8.504, P<0.05). The highest mosquito density was observed near the Wenyu River (21.50 per light·hour), whereas the lowest was recorded at the BCIA construction site (2.44 per light·hour). The monthly average temperature (r=0.595), monthly average highest temperature (r=0.575), and monthly average lowest temperature (r=0.624) showed moderate positive correlations, whereas the monthly average air pressure (r=-0.484) showed a moderate negative correlation. The monthly average minimum temperature was included in the regression model (F=25.575, P<0.000), and the equation Y=1.029X₄-8.181 was used. The monthly average air pressure 2 months prior (b=-2.418, β=-1.619, P<0.05) and the monthly average relative humidity (b=-0.739, β=-1.201, P<0.05) significantly negatively predicted the mosquito density. Notably, the regression equation used was y=2526.170+(-2.418)X₉+(-0.739)X₁₃. The exposure-response analysis revealed that the density of mosquitoes was not linearly related to the average monthly air pressure, rainfall, and duration of sunshine.Conclusions The dominant mosquito species around the BCIA was Cx. pipiens pallens, Ae. albopictus, and Ae. vexans. During the control of Cx. pipiens pallens, the impact on other mosquito species must also be considered. Environmental management, breeding sites, and scientific use of pesticides should be prioritized based on the activity periods of mosquitoes. Further studies on mosquitoes and meteorological factors should be conducted to provide references and novel avenues for mosquito control.

Objective Candidatus Lariskella arthropodarum’ (CLA) is a novel intracellular alpha-proteobacterium closely related to Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii’ (CMM), notable for its unique ability to invade and destroy mitochondria within host germline cells. CLA has been proposed as a potential pathogen, as it has occasionally been detected in blood samples from both humans and other vertebrates. However, the mechanisms of CLA infection and transmission remain poorly understood. Methods Natural CLA infection in unfed Ixodes persulcatus was investigated using meta-transcriptomic analysis of specimens collected from Zhalantun City, Hulunbuir League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR), China. Results The top-matching transcript assembly was 21 917 base pairs in length and encoded genes including ccmA, mrdA, lon, ppsC, prmC, ileS, gshB, gmk, rpoC, and rpoB, all identical to CLA. These findings were further confirmed by amplification of 16S rRNA fragments (99.72% identity to CLA; GenBank accession number AB906829.1) from the DNA of the same tick specimens. A sex-biased prevalence of CLA was observed in I. persulcatus, with significantly higher infection rates in females (83.05%) compared to nymphs (46.11%) and males (36.47%). Conclusions This suggests differential adaptation of CLA across tick sexes and developmental stages.

The aim of the present paper is to describe the administration of an imported Plasmodium ovale case with thrombocytopenia, and provide reference for the prevention and control of imported malaria. The patient was a 68-year-old male migrant worker who had been infected with P. ovale and had not received standard treatment. The main manifestation of this attack was thrombocytonia (platelet 81×10⁹/L). The blood sample was tested positive by the rapid detection kit of P. ovale. The patient was treated with antimalarial therapy immediately, but platelets decreased progressively, and metabolic acidosis (bicarbonate concentration 17.2 mmol/L), acute kidney injury (creatinine 251 μmol/L) and other severe changes occurred. After active symptomatic treatment and replacement of malaria treatment regimen, the patient gradually improved. Therefore, early and adequate use of appropriate antimalarial drugs for patients with malaria infection with progressive platelet reduction is the key to curb the progression to severe disease.

Objective To compare and analyze malaria epidemic trends and characteristics of initial confirmed cases before and after malaria eliminating in Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an City, and to provide a scientific basis for improving strategies to prevent imported malaria retransmission.Methods Malaria case data from Qingjiangpu District were obtained from the National Infectious Disease Information Reporting System for 2010-2023. Case investigation and epidemiological data were summarized and analyzed for the pre-elimination period (2010-2016) and post-elimination period (2017-2023).Results A total of 185 malaria cases were reported between 2010 and 2023, with one locally acquired case in both 2010 and 2011; the remainder were imported, primarily falciparum malaria. Post-elimination cases decreased from 140 to 45, showing a statistically significant difference in case distribution ratios (χ² = 9.642, P < 0.05). Seasonal peaks occurred in early January and mid-July before elimination but showed no distinct pattern afterward.Malaria cases were mainly imported from Africa countries, and most patients were young adult males. Post-elimination, the proportion of migrant workers decreased, while technical and business personnel increased significantly (χ² = 17.855, P < 0.05). Both time-to-diagnosis and time-to-certification changed markedly after elimination, with township health centers showing improved diagnostic accuracy at initial visits. All confirmed patients were treated at designated municipal medical institutions.Conclusions After malaria elimination in Qingjiangpu District, imported malaria remains a serious concern, with cases reported each year. Therefore, it is necessary to continue strengthening the malaria monitoring system, enhance screening and evaluation of key populations, improve health education, raise diagnostic and treatment capacity across all medical institutions, and consolidate the achievements of malaria elimination.

In this article, we describe two new species of the genus Brachypogon in China: Brachypogon (B.) caelatus Liu sp. nov., found in Muchuan County, Sichuan Province; and Brachypogon (Isohelea) decus Liu sp. nov., found in Bachu County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Both species were collected using the sweep-net method. In the case of Brachypogon (B.) caelatus Liu, the male insect has a finger-shaped apical process on the median lobe of the aedeagus and a pair of parameres with fine and pointed ends and medial apical processes in the middle. The female has two equal-sized spermathecae, oval-shaped, sensillum pits at the end of the third segment of the palpus, and 13 fine teeth at the end of the mandible. With regard to Brachypogon (Isohelea) decus Liu, the female insect has two unequal-sized seminal vesicles, and the male has a blunt apical process on the median lobe of the aedeagus and four slender and pointed parameres. These characteristics can be clearly distinguished from those of other Brachypogon species. The examined specimens have been deposited at the Medical Insect Collection of the Academy of Military Sciences.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity, differentiation, and population structure of Aedes albopictus across different geographical regions in Shandong Province, and to explore the relationship between genetic diversity and geographical distribution.Methods Between July and August 2024, ten Ae. albopictus populations were sampled from seven cities in Shandong Province. Genomic DNA was extracted from individual mosquitoes, and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COⅠ) gene was amplified using PCR and sequenced. The obtained sequences were verified using BLAST and analyzed with MAFFT, MEGA 11, DnaSP v6.12, Arlequin 3.5, PopART 1.7, STRUCTURE 2.3.4 and the R packages adegenet and vegan to assess genetic diversity and population structure.Results A total of 229 COⅠ sequences (662 bp) was obtained, revealing ten variable sites with no insertions or deletions. The overall base composition showed an AT bias of 67.7%. Haplotype analysis identified 11 haplotypes, with Hap2 being the dominant and most widely distributed haplotype across all populations. Neutrality tests showed significant population expansion only in the Rizhao population. Mantel testing result revealed that geographical distance does not significantly impede gene flow. Overall, genetic differentiation among populations was low, indicating frequent gene flow. When combined with additional samples from Shanghai, Fujian, Guangdong, Yunnan, Hainan and Guangxi, STRUCTURE, UPGMA and DAPC analyses revealed two primary genetic clusters of Ae. albopictus.Conclusions Ae. albopictus populations in Shandong Province exhibit frequent gene flow, low genetic differentiation, and relatively low overall genetic diversity. However, the Rizhao population showed signs of recent expansion, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and targeted control measures in this area.

Objective To investigate the species composition of mosquitoes and breeding conditions of larvae in the rice planting areas of Beijing, and to provide a scientific basis for mosquito control in rice fields.Methods Adult mosquitoes were collected using CO₂-baited light traps, and mosquito larvae (including pupae) were sampled via the dipping method.Results A total of 4 genera and 6 species of adult mosquitoes were captured in the study area. The dominant species were Culex pipiens pallens, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, and Anopheles sinensis. The average adult mosquito density was 5.11 specimens per trap-hour, with slightly lower density in July compared to August. For larvae and pupae, 3 genera and 4 species were identified, dominated byCx. tritaeniorhynchus, An. sinensis, and Aedes vexans.Conclusions The mosquito species composition in Beijing's rice planting areas is diverse. Mosquito control strategies should prioritize the management of adult mosquitoes, while density control of mosquito larvae in paddy fields can be achieved through intermittent irrigation techniques.

The child, male, 11 years old, Han nationality, student of Qiandongnan Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, visited the General Hospital of Hunan Medical University on October 1, 2024 due to “cough, chest tightness for 10 days and pericardial effusion was found for 8 days.” The child has a history of eating raw crabs. Admission examination: shortness of breath, slightly cyanotic lips, mild trifoveal symptoms, low heart sound, and routine blood showed significant eosinophil elevation. Serological examination showed that pulmonary fluke antibody IgG was positive, chest and abdomen CT and cardiac ultrasound showed a large amount of pericardial effusion, medium pleural effusion on the right side with lower right lung insufficiency, small pleural effusion on the left side, small effusion on the abdominal cavity, three-point Slight reflux of the valve. Considering that it is a clinical diagnosis case of complication flukesomyces disease, the child was given a praziquantel tablet, 25 mg/kg, 3 times a day, for 3 consecutive days. The treatment was treated at the above dose for 1 week interval for 1 course of treatment, and 3 courses were given. After three months, the child recovered well after the follow-up visit. The child did not complain of special discomfort, and the CT showed a small amount of effusion.

In this study, there were three toxoplasmosis patients, two of whom developed symptoms in both eyes. One patient had a slight deviation of the lesion from the central fovea, which had a minor impact on vision. The diagnosis of this disease requires not only a close pet contact history and typical clinical manifestations, but also serology and the gold standard Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (GWC). However, the GWC of some patients cannot be detected at the initial stage, such as the first patient's GWC, which did not meet the standard. All three patients underwent metagenomic testing to assist with diagnosis.

Objective This study aims to understand the carriage status of Beilong virus (BeiV) in small mammals in Haikou, a city in Hainan Province, China, to provide a basis for the prevention and control of BeiV. Methods Following field sampling, a cDNA library was constructed from the tissues of small mammal specimens, including heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, intestine, and muscle tissues. The presence of BeiV was detected using PCR, and some purified L gene fragments were subjected to Sanger sequencing. The complete genome sequences of members of the Paramyxoviridae virus family were obtained from the NCBI database using Python, using MAFFT (version 7) and MEGA-X for multiple sequence alignment and neighbor-joining method to construct a phylogenetic tree. Results A total of 38 rodent samples were collected, revealing a positive rate of 5.26%, with Rattus norvegicus exhibiting a positive rate of 7.41%. Evolutionary analysis indicated that BeiV carried by R. norvegicus in Haikou was similar to that found in R. norvegicus in Hong Kong, China, although notable genetic variations were also observed. Conclusions This study reports the first detection of BeiV in Haikou. Considering the reports of newly discovered Paramyxoviridae viruses in recent decades and the identification of BeiV in small mammals across more than a dozen provinces, it is evident that the distribution range of BeiV is much broader than previously assumed. This highlights the importance of enhancing rodent monitoring and control, as well as the screening and prevention of rodent-related pathogens.

Objective Spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) are globally prevalent obligate intracellular bacteria that have the potential to cause severe and fatal human diseases. A study to investigate the species and genetic characteristics of SFGR was conducted in 2023 in the Ningxia region of northwestern China. Methods Tick samples were collected from Ningxia, identified, and used to isolate SFGR. The isolated strain was identified as Rickettsia raoultii through morphological observation, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and phylogenetic analysis. Then, it was subjected to whole-genome sequencing using next-generation technology, which revealed it to be a TIGMIC strain. Results The TIGMIC strain was demonstrated to exhibit a capacity for growth in mammalian cell lines. The complete genome sequence of the TIGMIC strain was assembled into a circular chromosome, which exhibited a length of 1 312 176 bp and comprised 1 488 genes. Functional annotation revealed that the main key genes of the TIGMIC strain were primarily associated with biosynthesis, nutrient metabolism, and cell membrane biogenesis. Apart from the rickA gene, most typical rickettsial virulence genes of the TIGMIC strain were relatively conserved. Conclusions These findings will help identify SFGR, provide etiological evidence for spotted fever in Ningxia, and emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance to prevent the spread of SFGR.

This article describes a new species of Genus Xenodaeria Jordan (1932) (Siphonaptera: Ctenophthalmidae), collected from the southern slope of Cangshan mountain in Dali, Yunnan. The new species is similar to Xenodayia telios, Jordan 1932, and X. laxiproceria Wu, Gu et Liu, 1996, but more like X. telios. However, it can be distinguished from X. telios and other known species in the genus based on the following characteristics: The movable process of the male gripper is bent finger shaped, with a blunt end and no angular protrusion extending forward; The posterior St. VII in females has a semi-circular deep depression, with blunt rounded ends of the dorsal and ventral lobes, and the dorsal lobes are wider and longer than the ventral lobes. The type specimen was collected on November 2, 1994 from the shrubbery at an altitude of approximately 2 450 m in the southern end of Cangshan Mountain in Dali City, Yunnan Province. The host species were Anourosorex squamipes and Crocidura rapax.

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and changing trend of typhus in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023 to provide a scientific basis for its prevention and control.Methods Excel 2007, SPSS 25.0, Joinpoint 4.9.1.0, and Geoda 1.6 were used for data collection and statistical analysis. Super Map was used for data visualization to describe the changing characteristics of the disease.Results A total of 394 typhus cases were reported in Shaanxi Province from 2005 to 2023. The average annual incidence of typhus was 0.054/100 000, showing a dynamic fluctuation trend (AAPC=-3.3, t=-0.3, P>0.05). The cases were mainly concentrated in Baoji, Hanzhong and Xi'an, accounting for 78.68%. The incidence peak was from May to October, accounting for 64.21% of annual incidence. The epidemic season was from May to October and December. The incidence of the disease was concentrated in the 40-69 age group, accounting for 58.88%, and the sex was 1.07∶1. The main occupation was farmers, accounting for 72.08%. The median time from onset to diagnosis was 7 days. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there were significant spatial autocorrelations in 11 years from 2005 to 2023 (P<0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis detected a total of 43 “high-high” clustering areas, mainly concentrated in Baoji City.Conclusions The overall incidence of typhus in Shaanxi Province showed a dynamic fluctuation trend, with notable seasonal and regional aggregation. The incidence of typhus was higher in middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas. Surveillance should be strengthened in typhus endemic areas in summer and autumn, and health education should be conducted for key population to form good health habits and reduce the incidence of typhus.

We report a case of a female farmer from the Yichang suburb, aged 68 years, who had been suffering from the infection for 3 years and had a history of seeking medical treatment at a community hospital and receiving blood transfusions. Her hemoglobin was as low as 28 g/L during this visit, and she had been ill for a long time with severe anemia. Routine stool examination revealed hookworm eggs. After active treatment, the patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital.

Objective The aim was to evaluate the effects of efforts directed toward controlling Oncomelania hupensis snails on small environmental modification projects in Anqing City to provide a reference for comprehensively controlling O. hupensis in hilly areas where schistosomiasis is endemic.Methods Field and retrospective surveys were conducted to collect data using questionnaires. The data from 35 questionnaires on small-scale environmental modification projects in Anqing City and the effects of snail obtained from monitoring forms were sorted. The data were descriptively analyzed using basic information on environmental modifications and investment costs. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare snail status before and after environmental interventions. The Friedman test was applied to evaluate the changes in snail populations in the years after environmental intervention. Non-parametric independent sample tests were adopted to compare differences in the effects of different environmental interventions, environmental characteristics, and between project and control areas.Results A total of 35 environments altered from 2017 to 2023, including the creation of 29 ditches, 1 dry land, and 5 pond-weirs. The main environmental interventions included hardening of ditches and pond-weirs as well as tilling with intercropping. The average investment costs of mortared rubble masonry hardening and tilling with intercropping were the highest (147.10 yuan/m²) and lowest (4.62 yuan/m²), respectively. The pre-intervention snail-infested area was 78 900 m², which decreased to 18 100 m², a decrease of 77.06%. After environmental intervention, the density and rate of living snails significantly decreased on frames with snails (P<0.001). In ditch environments, the smoothness of the ditch walls and the presence of snails in the upper reaches did not significantly decrease the living snail density; however, the presence of cracks on the inner side of the ditches significantly impacted the decline in the rate (P<0.001). No significant difference was found in the rates at which the living snail density or snail frame occurrence decreased among different environmental modification method. The effects of brick masonry, concrete, and mortared rubble masonry on snail control were significantly stronger than those of chemical snail control (P<0.01), whereas no significant difference was found in the decline in these two rates between project areas using other modification method and control areas using chemical snail control.Conclusions Schistosomiasis-prevention-oriented environmental interventions effectively eliminate snails from hilly snail-infested areas. Cost-effective modification method should be selected based on the environmental type, and post-modification monitoring and maintenance must be strengthened to further increase snail control effectiveness.

Echinococcosis is categorized into alveolar echinococcosis and cystic echinococcosis, a potentially fatal zoonotic disease that seriously damages the host. MicroRNA is a type of endogenous small non-coding RNA that binds specifically to the target gene mRNA sequence to promote mRNA degradation, or combines with other non-coding RNA to regulate or inhibit translation. Echinococcus-derived microRNA participates in various biological processes in the Echinococcus lifecycle and in the interaction and pathogenesis between Echinococcus and host through extracellular vesicle transport. This article reviews the research progress of parasite-derived microRNA in regulating the growth and development of echinococcosis and cross-species regulation of hosts, providing a reference for diagnosing and treating echinococcosis.

Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China.Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level.Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex (Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes (Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens, 3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2, 4, 27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites (Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus.Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.

This study reports a new species of Culicoides (Avaritia) isolated from Xunke County, Heilongjiang Province, China.The new species, Culicoides (Avaritia) dongshanensis Liu et Wang, sp. nov., was identified and illustrated based on female adults. Its diagnostic characteristics are as follows: eyes contiguous over a short distance, with short interfacetal hair, antennal ratio (AR) of 1.20, palpal ratio (PR) of 2.16, wing length of 0.83 mm, mandible with 15 teeth, one pale spot in base cell M₁, one pale spot in cell M₄, two pale spots in cell A, and two unequal spermathecae. Type specimens were deposited at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Northern Theater Command.

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of malaria and provide a basis for developing improved prevention and control measures. Methods Data were obtained from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Malaria surveillance data for Nanning City from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, were exported from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management Subsystem. The characteristics of the two groups of malaria cases were compared. Results A total of 103 imported malaria cases were reported in Nanning City in 2024, representing a 38.32% decrease compared with the same period of the previous year. No statistically significant difference were observed between cases reported in 2023 and 2024 in terms of average age, gender ratio, proportion of parasite species, and monthly reporting distribution; however, statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of reporting areas and current residence areas (χ² = 13.572 and 10.355, respectively; P = 0.001 and 0.035, respectively). The proportion of cases reported in Shanglin County and the proportion of cases residing in Shanglin County were both lower than those during the same period of the previous year. Conclusions The high aggregation of imported malaria cases in Nanning City has decreased. Medical institutions in areas other than Shanglin County should strengthen their vigilance against malaria.

Objective The study aimed to elucidate the population composition and seasonal distribution characteristics of mosquitoes in Laoshan District, Qingdao City, providing a scientific basis for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne infectious diseases. Methods Mosquito surveillance was conducted in Laoshan District in Qingdao City using light traps from April to November 2020–2022. Dominant mosquito species were identified using the Berger-Parker dominance index (I) and mosquito density was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The seasonal distribution characteristics of adult mosquitoes were analyzed using concentration and circular distribution method. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between mosquito populations and meteorological factors with mean monthly temperature, mean monthly relative humidity, and mean monthly rainfall. Results The mean mosquito density for the trapping period was 9.771 females/(trap·night) in 2020, 9.771 in 2021, and 9.427 in 2022. There was no statistically significant difference in mosquito density between different years (H = 0.095, P = 0.954). In total, 2 781 adult female mosquitoes comprising five species from four genera were captured over three years. Culex pipiens (I = 0.654), Aedes albopictus (I = 0.202), and Aedes aegypti (I = 0.118) were identified as dominant species. Seasonal fluctuations in the adult mosquitoes were unimodal, and primarily concentrated from June to September.The peak period of adult mosquito varied between years with statistical significance.(F = 3.838, P < 0.05). Mosquito density was highly correlated with mean monthly temperature, mean monthly relative humidity and mean monthly precipitation (P < 0.05). Conclusions Cx. pipiens pallens, Ae. albopictus, and Ar. inamoratus are the dominant mosquito species in the Laoshan District of Qingdao City. The activity of adult mosquitoes is seasonal, and primarily concentrated in summer and autumn, during which the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever is increased.

Objective In order to understand the current resistance status of Aedes albopictus (Ae. albopictus) adult population to commonly used insecticides and the resistance dynamics development in Zhejiang Province and provide a theoretical basis for the scientific and rational use of hygienic insecticides. Methods Resistance determination was carried out using the diagnostic dose method (GB/T 26347-2010) recommended by WHO in the adult mosquito contact cylinder method to monitor the resistance of Ae. albopictus field populations in 11 cities and districts in Zhejiang Province in 2024. Results The monitoring result showed that adult Ae. albopictus in 11 areas were resistant or suspected resistant populations to both cis-cypermethrin and permethrin; suspected and resistant populations to the organophosphate insecticide malathion were as high as 81.82%; while suspected resistance to the carbamate insecticide residual carbofuran accounted for 45.45%, and the rest of the monitoring sites were sensitive to it. Conclusions The result suggest that the generalized resistance of Ae. albopictus populations to pyrethroids and organophosphorus insecticides in the field in Zhejiang Province needs to be highly emphasized. In future mosquito vector and mosquito-borne disease control, insecticides should be selected based on the resistance monitoring information, while following scientific guidelines for insecticide use.

Objective To analyze the infection status and epidemic trends of soil-borne nematode infections in Yubei, Chongqing City, in 2010, 2021, and 2022. Methods The local populations from four survey sites of four towns in 2010 and five sites of five towns in 2021 and 2022 were surveyed regarding their basic information using a unified form. Fecal samples of the participants were collected and tested for soil-borne nematode infections using the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method. Results In 2010, 2 049 participants were surveyed, followed by 1 000 participants in 2021 and 2022. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections declined significantly from 3.86% to 0.20%. In 2010, soil-transmitted nematode included hookworms (3.81%) and roundworms (0.29%). In 2021, the infection rates of roundworms and hookworms were 1.70% and 0.10% respectively. Notably, only Ascaris was identified in 2022 (0.20%). The ≥60 age group consistently exhibited the highest infection rates across all surveys, followed by the 40-59 age group. The infection rates of males in the three surveys were 3.31%, 1.92%, and 0.20% respectively, and those of females were 4.37%, 1.46%, and 0.20% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection rates between males and females. Educational attainment was inversely associated with infection; in 2010, the highest prevalence was observed among those with primary education or below, whereas in 2021, illiterate or semi-literate individuals showed the highest susceptibility. The occupational distribution of infections in 2010 indicated that retirees (8.33%), farmers (4.86%), and homemakers or unemployed individuals (3.45%) were the most affected. However, in 2021 and 2022, farmers emerged as the predominant occupational group with soil-transmitted nematode infections. Conclusions The infection rate of soil-borne nematodes showed a decreasing trend in Yubei, and the infection species changed from hookworms in 2010 to Ascaris in 2022. Farmers, the elderly, and people with low education levels should continue to be the focus of preventive and control efforts.

Objective Exploring genetic differences among geographic strains of Anopheles sinensis in China. Methods Based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COⅠ) and ribosomal the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2), genetic distance analyses were conducted onAn. sinensis samples collected nationwide. Results Genetic differentiation was observed within An. sinensis geographic strains, primarily reflected in the genetic distances of COⅠ sequences, with some distances between samples exceeding those between closely related species. However, ITS2 sequences showed relatively low levels of differentiation within geographic strains. No significant separation was observed, and gene exchange exhibited a random pattern among geographic strains. Conclusions Significant differences in genetic distance were observed among An. sinensis samples, along with evidence of interspecific continuity among sibling species. For the identification of closely related species using wild-collected Anopheles mosquitoes samples, reliance solely on commonly used barcodes such as COⅠ and ITS2 may be insufficient. Additional molecular markers, including COⅡ and D3 gene fragments, should also be considered. Caution should be exercised when using COⅠ genes to identify cryptic species, especially within Anopheles mosquitoes.

Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC₅₀ levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000, 0.050 to 50.000, 0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT₅₀ values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30, 29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%, 9.52%-79.56%, 13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63, 70, 59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011 [i.e., AAT (asparagine) mutation to AAC (asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.

Objective To provide a scientific basis for vector prevention and control in port areas, vector monitoring has been conducted continuously to characterize the composition, density, and seasonal fluctuations of vectors across 21 port-areas of Shandong province from 2017 to 2023. Methods In accordance with the Regional Vector Monitoring Plan for Frontier Ports, vector surveillance of mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, rodents, and other disease vectors was performed. Data were analyzed to describe vector community composition and identify seasonal fluctuations. Results A total of 601 rodents belonging to 1 family, 4 genera, and 4 species were captured. Three dominant rodent species inhabit port areas. In addition, 88 104 mosquitoes were captured and classified into 3 subfamilies, 4 genera, and 12 species; 38 959 flies were trapped and classified into 8 families, 31 genera, and 51 species, including 9 dominant fly species in port-areas; and 54 672 captured cockroaches were classified into 2 families, 4 genera, and 4 species, with Blattella germanica as the dominant species. Conclusions Significant vector community changes (P<0.005) have been identified after the epidemic. To improve the pertinence and efficacy of port health quarantine work, continuous and strong attention should be paid to vector compositions and population densities at Shandong ports.

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of a clustered outbreak of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) as well as the ecological tick monitoring results for Zibo City, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies. Methods A case definition was cited before epidemic investigations were performed. Epidemiological investigations were performed on the index cases and their close contacts. Blood samples were collected from cases and close contacts, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to detect SFTS virus (SFTSV) nucleic acid sequences. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze risk factors and develop prevention and control strategies. Results This clustered outbreak involved two index cases and six close contacts with no deaths. Case A exhibited symptom onset on July 26. SFTS was confirmed on August 2. Case B exhibited symptom onset on August 1, and SFTS was confirmed on August 3. Patient B reported a recent history of tick bites. In both index cases, the incubation period for SFTS was inferred to be 7-12 days. The time interval from symptom onset to clinical diagnosis in the two cases ranged from 2-8 days, with an average period of 5 days. SFTSV nucleic acid test result were positive for both patients, whereas all six close contacts tested negative. All captured ticks tested negative for SFTSV using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The densities of parasitic and free-living ticks in the emergency monitoring area around the cases were 12.60 and 4.65 ticks/(flag·100 m). In 2024, the average parasitic tick index and free-living tick density index were 4.21 and 2.43 ticks/(flag·100 m) in Yiyuan County, respectively. Conclusions No evidence of human-to-human transmission was found in the assessed SFTS clusters. The infections were likely acquired through tick bites during fieldwork, and the risk of a subsequent outbreak spreading was low.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the seasonal variation of mosquitoes in Yantai, Shandong Province, and provide a scientific basis for mosquito and mosquito-borne disease control. Methods From March to November for each of the years between 2020 and 2023, adult mosquitoes were collected from different habitats, including parks, hospitals, urban residential areas, rural households and livestock sheds, in 13 counties of Yantai City using a mosquito trap lamp method, among which, female mosquitoes were separated and identified, and the numbers were counted. We used the circular distribution method to analyze the temporal distribution characteristics of mosquito density. Results The γ values obtained for mosquitoes in Yantai from 2020 to 2023, the distribution of mosquitoes in different habitats, and dominant mosquito species in different months showed strong seasonality, with values ranging from 0.7461 to 0.8531 (P < 0.05). The peak period of seasonal variation in mosquitoes occurred from June 28^th to September 13^th, with August 5^th being identified as the peak day. The peak periods of seasonal variation in mosquitoes in residential areas, parks, hospitals, peasant households, and animals sheds were observed from June 24^th to September 14^th, June 25^th to September 10^th, June 22^nd to September 12^th, July 1^st to September 9^th, and July 2^nd to September 17^th, respectively, with corresponding peak days on August 4^th, 3^rd, 2^nd, 5^th, and 9^th, respectively. The peak periods of Culex pipiens pallens, Aedes albopictus, and Anopheles sinensis were from June 26^th to September 11^th, June 28^th to September 17^th, and July 12^th to September 17^th, respectively, with corresponding peak days on August 3^rd, 7^th, and 14^th, respectively. Conclusions Our findings in this study revealed that the peak of mosquito activity in Yantai was concentrated in early August, with a peak period extending from June 28^th to September 13^th, and there were differences between different habitats (with peak periods for rural households and livestock sheds occurring later than those in residential areas, parks, and hospitals). Moreover, with respect to the mosquito species, populations of Cx. pipiens pallens and Ae. albopictus peaked earlier than those of An. sinensis. Based on these findings, we recommend that city-wide mosquito control work should commence in late June, and include appropriate early prevention and control measures for key habitats, such as livestock sheds, and dominant mosquito species, such as Cx. pipiens pallens, to minimize the density of mosquito vectors and the risk of disease transmission.

Objective This study investigated the diversity of rodent populations and the infection status of Bartonella at three ports along the China-Mongolia border in 2022. Methods Rodents at three Belt and Road ports along the China-Mongolia border, namely Ganqimaodu, Erenhot, and Zhuengadabuqi, were morphologically identified. The Bartonella citrate synthase (gltA) gene was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and PCR-positive products were sequenced. The resulting sequences were then analyzed for genetic characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGA 11.0 software using Neighbor-Joining and Maximum-Likelihood method. Results A total of 94 rodents were captured, representing seven species from five families and six genera: Mus musculus, Meriones unguiculatus, Meriones meridianus, Spermophilus dauricus, Allactaga sibirica, Dipus sagitta, and Phodopus roborovskii. Among them, M. unguiculatus was the most abundant species, with 58 rodents, accounting for 61.70% of the total. Overall, 11 positive Bartonella pathogen sequences were obtained from the three ports, with a positive detection rate of 11.70% (11/94). The infected rodent species included M. unguiculatus, M. meridianus, and A. sibirica, and two species of Bartonella were detected. Conclusions Rodents at Ganqimaodu, Erenhot, and Zhuengadabuqi ports along the China-Mongolia border were naturally infected with Bartonella. Rodent monitoring and pathogen prevention and control in this area should be strengthened.

In the context of burgeoning economic trade, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of ships travelling between domestic and international ports. Inbound and outbound cargo ships, cruise liners, ferries, and other types of vessels have emerged as critical vehicles for the dispersal of vector organisms and the spread of infectious disease agents. Public health concerns associated with these vessels represent a significant threat to human welfare. In this paper, we comprehensively review the hazards posed by vector organisms on ships, the latest advances in prevention and control strategies, and proposes appropriate countermeasures. The aim is to provide effective guidance for the prevention and control of public health security issues caused by ship-borne vector organisms.

In March 2024, three male and two female specimens of the genus Lispe were intercepted on cargo ships inbound for Wan Zai Port under Gongbei Customs. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis, the specimens were identified as Lispe pumila. In this study, we describe the morphological features, diagnostic characteristics, and geographical distribution of L. pumila, with the aim of providing a reference for the identification of this species when intercepted at ports.