Endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Suzhou City from 2010 to 2020 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To analyze the endemic status of schistosomiasis in Suzhou City from 2010 to 2020, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the future schistosomiasis control strategy. Methods The data pertaining to the endemic status of schistosomiasis in Suzhou City from 2010 to 2020 were retrieved from the annual schistosomiasis control report, the information management platform of schistosomiasis (parasitic diseases) in Jiangsu Province and the Parasitic Diseases Control Information Management System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, including snail survey data, snail control data and schistosomiasis examination data, and were retrospectively reviewed. Differences of proportions were tested for statistical significance with chi-square test, and the trends in proportions were evaluated using the chi-square test for trends. Results Elimination of schistosomiasis was achieved in Suzhou City in 2018, and there were 3.528 9 million residents living in schistosomiasis-endemic villages of 81 townships in 9 counties. A total of 707 600 labor-days were used for snail survey in 11 586 village-times in Suzhou City from 2010 to 2020, covering 18 572.73 hm2, and snail habitats were detected with an area of 68.61 hm2, including emerging snail habitats of 37.30 hm2. A total of 23 144 snails were dissected, and no Schistosoma japonicum infection was detected. Reemerging and emerging snail habitats were predominantly found in inlands. During the period from 2010 to 2020, snail control was performed in Suzhou City for 71 000 labor-times, and snail control was done covering 269.34 hm2 through chemical treatment and covering 3.48 hm2 through environmental improvements. A total of 674 002 person-times received serological tests for S. japonicum infections in Suzhou City from 2010 to 2020, with seroprevalence of 0.38%, and a total of 33 835 person-times received stool examinations, with no egg-positives identified. The sero-prevalence of S. japonicum infections appeared an overall tendency towards a rise in Suzhou City from 2010 to 2020 (χ2 = 129.48, P < 0.001). The sero-prevalence of S. japonicum infections appeared high among local residents in 2016, and remained stable in other years, while the sero-prevalence of S. japonicum infections appeared an overall tendency towards a rise among mobile populations (χ2 = 54.11, P < 0.001). There were 278 800 and 175 202 serological tests among local residents and mobile populations in Suzhou City from 2013 to 2020, and 0.50% and 0.35% sero-prevalence rates were detected, respectively. The sero-prevalence of S. japonicum infections was significantly higher among local residents than among mobile populations in Suzhou City (χ2= 54.76, P < 0.001). Conclusions There is a risk of rebound of schistosomiasis in Suzhou City. Integrated control should be reinforced to prevent the risk of rebound of schistosomiasis in Suzhou City.

Clinical characteristics and distribution of peripheral T lymphocyte subsets in patients with schistosomal hepatic diseases in Suzhou City / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and the distribution of peripheral blood T lymphocyte sub-sets in patients with schistosomal hepatic cirrhosis in Suzhou City. Methods A total of 32 inpatients with liver diseases due to advanced schistosomiasis at the Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2016 to January 2018 were recruited and assigned into the infection and non-infection groups according to presence of co-infections, and 20 old healthy volunteers served as controls. Venous blood samples were collected on the day of admission, and the proportions of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells and Th17 cells were detected in peripheral blood using flow cytometry. Results Most patients with liver disorders due to advanced schistosomiasis were admitted to hospital in Suzhou City because of portal hypertension-associated complications, with a high prevalence of co-infections (59.38%, 19/32). The proportions of peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and Th17 cells were all significantly lower in patients with liver disorders due to advanced schistosomiasis than in controls (t = −5.111, −4.470 and −2.749, all P < 0.05), and a higher proportion of Treg cells was detected in patients than in controls (t = 5.628, P < 0.05). In addition, there were significant differences among the infection group, non-infection group and controls in terms of the percentage of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Th17 cells and Treg cells (F = 15.837, 16.594, 9.290 and 27.866, all P < 0.05). Conclusion Portal hypertension-associated complications are predominantly seen in patients with liver diseases due to advanced schistosomiasis at admission in Suzhou City, and co-infections are common. Imbalance of peripheral T cell subsets is detected in patients with liver diseases due to advanced schistosomiasis in Suzhou City.

Imported falciparum malaria in Suzhou City: a report of two cases in 2019 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

The demographic features, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of two cases with falciparum malaria imported into Suzhou City in 2019 were reported. These findings indicate a risk of imported malaria in visitors besides high prevalence in migrant labors, and much attention should be paid to children that are at a high risk of infections.

Analysis of assessment results of malaria elimination in Suzhou City / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To analyze the assessment results of malaria elimination in Suzhou City, so as to provide references for consolidating the results of malaria elimination in the city. Methods According to "Jiangsu Province Malaria Evaluation and Assessment Implementation Plan (2014 Edition)" and "Jiangsu City Malaria Evaluation Implementation Regulations (2015 Edition)", the assessment of the county-level cities and districts under the jurisdiction of Suzhou City was conducted. After the assessment, the municipal level assessment and evaluation were carried out, and one district was randomly selected for the assessment of malaria elimination review. Results The assessment score of malaria elimination in Suzhou City was 98.6 points. Wujiang District was randomly selected for review assessment, and the review score was 95.8 points. According to the 85 points attainment criteria specified by the national assessment, Suzhou City met the requirement of malaria elimination. Conclusions Suzhou City has passed the inspection certification of malaria elimination in Jiangsu Province. However, the post-elimination malaria monitoring should be continued to consolidate the achievements.

Analysis of assessment results of malaria elimination in Suzhou City / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To analyze the assessment results of malaria elimination in Suzhou City, so as to provide references for consolidating the results of malaria elimination in the city. Methods According to "Jiangsu Province Malaria Evaluation and Assessment Implementation Plan (2014 Edition)" and "Jiangsu City Malaria Evaluation Implementation Regulations (2015 Edition)", the assessment of the county-level cities and districts under the jurisdiction of Suzhou City was conducted. After the assessment, the municipal level assessment and evaluation were carried out, and one district was randomly selected for the assessment of malaria elimination review. Results The assessment score of malaria elimination in Suzhou City was 98.6 points. Wujiang District was randomly selected for review assessment, and the review score was 95.8 points. According to the 85 points attainment criteria specified by the national assessment, Suzhou City met the requirement of malaria elimination. Conclusions Suzhou City has passed the inspection certification of malaria elimination in Jiangsu Province. However, the post-elimination malaria monitoring should be continued to consolidate the achievements.