Schistosoma japonicum and S. mekongi: The Current Situation, Advances in Biology and Epidemiology, and New Tools and Strategies in Controlling Schistosomiasis

Dear Colleagues,

Schistosomiasis is a water-borne infectious, disease, caused by trematode parasites of the genus Schistosoma. It has caused serious problems, not only in individual health, but also in terms of socioeconomic status in endemic areas. According to the international meeting for NTDs, held by the World Health Organization (WHO), schistosomiasis has been amongst the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) since 2005. The WHO published its second roadmap for NTDs in 2020 and set a target to achieve the elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2030, listing the following critical actions for the elimination of schistosomiasis (WHO, 2020):

• Define indicator for measuring morbidity.
• Implement effective interventions, including extending preventive chemotherapy to all populations in need and ensuring access to the necessary medicines; implement targeted snail control with updated guidelines; continue micro-mapping and targeting.
• Develop diagnostic tests, including standardized point-of-care diagnostic, and develop new interventions, including alternatives to praziquantel and methods of snail control.
• Create effective cross-sectoral governance mechanisms to coordinate with WASH, vector control, animal health, environment and other key sectors.
• Ensure sufficient resources, including domestic financing, for access to interventions (including MDA for children and adults as well as snail control), development of new tools and strengthening of health care capacity.

In WHO (2020): “Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases” 2021–2030. ISBN 978-92-4-001035-2 (electronic version).

This Special Issue focuses on human schistosomiasis in the western Pacific region. Cases in this region are caused by S. japonicum, distributed in the Philippines, Indonesia, and China, and S. mekongi, distributed in the Lao PDR and Cambodia. Toward the achievement of the roadmap goals, we invite the submission of articles, reviews, or short reports regarding the current situation and advances in biology and epidemiology, including our understanding of their intermediate host snails and reservoir host animals, as well as new tools and strategies in controlling schistosomiasis.

Dr. Masashi Kirinoki
Dr. Gabriel Rinaldi
Guest Editors

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