Effective malaria vector control in endemic areas requires an understanding the distribution and composition of Anopheles species, as shifts in malaria vector species and composition can influence the efficacy of control interventions and transmission patterns. The current study explored the temporal and spatial distribution of Anopheles species and their infection with Plasmodium in different transmission settings in Tanga region and Unguja, Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania. From September 2021 to December 2023, monthly entomological surveys were conducted in 11 villages in Tanga and four Shehias in Unguja. Anopheles mosquitoes were sampled every month in each of 11 villages in Tanga and four Shehias in Unguja, 10 households were consented to participate in each village or Shehia. Mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors using CDC light traps, Furvela tent traps, Indoor and Outdoor prokopack. Species identification was performed using PCR, and Plasmodium infections were detected using TaqMan real-time PCR assay. A total of 3,766 and 905 Anopheles mosquitoes were collected in Tanga and Unguja respectively, with An. gambiae s.s. (43.8

Anopheles mosquitoes, vectors of human malaria, are highly sensitive to environmental change. As climate alters temperature and precipitation patterns, mosquito populations may shift in sibling species composition, location and timing, altering transmission dynamics. Understanding these patterns is key for malaria control. This study explores links between meteorological factors and Anopheles abundance across a diversity of sites in Tanga and Unguja, Tanzania, to predict mosquito peaks and support the development of early warning systems for malaria outbreaks. Adult Anopheles mosquitoes were sampled monthly from September/October 2021 to December/September 2023 across 11 sites in Tanga and 4 shehias in Unguja. Spatio-temporal Generalized Additive Mixed Effects Models (GAMMs) were employed to assess the influence of meteorological factors on Anopheles abundance. Models were built and validated using mosquito counts alongside climate covariates obtained from Copernicus ERA5-Land and NASA’s POWER platforms. A total of 4312 adult Anopheles mosquitoes were sampled in Tanga and 1450 in Unguja. The GAMM revealed region-specific climatic drivers. In Tanga, Anopheles abundance increased with higher maximum temperatures but declined with higher minimum temperatures. In Unguja, abundance exhibited a non-linear relationship with mean temperature, peaking below 27.5 °C and decreasing thereafter. Precipitation in Tanga positively influenced Anopheles abundance both concurrently and with a two-month lag, whereas in Unguja only the two-month lag effect was significant. Relative humidity exhibited a non-linear effect in both regions, with higher humidity associated with increased abundance. The GAMMs demonstrated strong predictive performance as evidenced by low MAE and RMSE, Theil’s U < 1, and correlation exceeding 0.8 between observed and predicted values. Importantly, the models accurately forecasted Anopheles abundance peaks in Unguja in November 2023, preceding the reported malaria surge in Zanzibar in late 2023 and early 2024, highlighting its potential as a proxy for malaria risk and a scalable early warning system to support proactive targeted vector control. The study highlights the importance of integrating meteorological variability into mosquito surveillance and control. The spatio-temporal GAMM captured weather-driven mosquito dynamics and predicted surges in Anopheles abundance prior to the Zanzibar malaria outbreak in late 2023. These insights can guide targeted interventions across diverse eco-climatic regions, enhancing malaria vector control.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease often linked to climatic factors. However, identifying the onset and duration of outbreaks can be hindered by high numbers of zero counts in sparse surveillance data. We analyzed monthly RVF data from Kenya (2015-2022), compared the performance of widely used outbreak-detection methods, and developed Negative Binomial models augmented with a hidden Markov process and zero-inflation to address data sparsity. Our proposed framework estimates monthly probabilities of transitioning between endemic and epidemic phases, improving outbreak detection under various sparsity levels. Simulations and real-world applications show that this model outperforms established algorithms by reducing both false positives and negatives. When applied to Kenyan RVF data, the model suggests a weak negative association with rainfall and a weak positive association with temperature, potentially reflecting underreporting's influence on estimated climatic effects. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of the proposed method to improve outbreak detection and public health decision-making in sparsely reported settings.

Fasciolosis, caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, is a globally significant parasitic disease affecting livestock and humans. Both species exist in South Africa, however, information on their geographical distribution and genetic diversity is limited. This study investigated the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Fasciola species in South Africa using Pepck, COI and ITS markers. Two hundred and seven Fasciola spp. specimens analysed in this study showed that 74.4% of isolates identified as F. hepatica and 25.6% as F. gigantica based on the Pepck gene. The geographical distribution revealed that F. hepatica occurred in all surveyed provinces but was dominant in the temperate zones of South Africa. Fasciola gigantica was confined to subtropical zones, with co-occurrence observed in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The COI and ITS genes in both Fasciola species generated fourteen and eight haplotypes respectively, with low to moderate haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.287 - 0.509 for COI and 0.056 - 0.239 for ITS) and low nucleotide diversity (Pi = 0.00085 - 0.00284 for COI and 0.00024 - 0.00034 for ITS), suggesting recent population diversification between the two species. The study samples yielded six haplotypes based on COI, with three haplotypes comprising most samples i.e. Hap-1 (F. gigantica) and Hap-5 and Hap-6 (F. hepatica). With ITS, two haplotypes represented most samples, i.e. Hap-1 (F. gigantica) and Hap-3 (F. hepatica). There was no observed unique distribution of haplotypes based on provinces or agro-ecological climatic zones for both markers. Phylogenetic analysis of both COI and ITS genes confirmed the grouping of the haplotypes and reiterated their relatedness. However, one isolate identified as F. gigantica in COI and with F. hepatica in ITS based on BLAST and further formed haplotypes with F. gigantica and F. hepatica haplogroups for COI and ITS, respectively. This suspected hybrid Fasciola form was from an animal with a mixed infection. These findings highlight the complex genetic structure of Fasciola spp. populations in South Africa and provide new insights into their epidemiology, with implications for targeted control strategies and further investigation of cryptic/hybrid lineages.

Zoonotic fascioliasis and schistosomiasis, which are transmitted by climate-sensitive freshwater snails, are neglected tropical diseases of medical and veterinary importance. Although zoonotic fascioliasis and schistosomiasis have been reported in both humans and domestic ruminants in Tanzania, little is known about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of local communities concerning the occurrence, transmission, and risk factors for zoonotic schistosomiasis and fascioliasis in Tanzania. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a KAP survey in Lake Victoria and the southern highlands of Tanzania to investigate community KAP regarding the transmission, risk, and prevention of zoonotic schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. Given that climate change potentially causes increased levels of schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, particularly in highland areas, we also investigated the general knowledge of communities about climate change and how climate change may impact schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. Most of the study participants (91.3%) had already heard of zoonotic schistosomiasis, 45.9% had ever heard about zoonotic fascioliasis, and 57.6% were aware of climate change. Nevertheless, only 37.2% knew snails as intermediate hosts of zoonotic fascioliasis and schistosomiasis. The consumption of raw vegetables (57.3%), raw liver (28.3%), and contaminated water (12.1%) was mentioned as how fascioliasis can be transmitted. Among the study participants, 55.7% emphasized that schistosomiasis is transmitted through contact with contaminated water. A lack of coordination between sectors and stakeholders was mentioned by 57.3% of the participants as a common constraint affecting the implementation of zoonotic schistosomiasis and fascioliasis control programs. Approximately 31.8% of the participants understood the link between climate change and zoonotic schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. This study reveals knowledge gaps in risk perception and a lack of coordination between sectors and stakeholders, which calls for the adoption of multidisciplinary and multisectoral approaches to control and prevent zoonotic schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, and the need for appropriate climate change awareness and mitigation initiatives.

Malaria, a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles, causes half a million deaths annually, mostly among children in Africa. While climate change is expected to significantly alter malaria transmission, previous forecasts have largely overlooked the species-specific responses of mosquito vectors which may substantially impact the outcome of such forecasts. Here, we for the first time estimate the future human exposure to each of six dominant African malaria vector species. Using an extensive mosquito observation dataset, robust species distribution modeling, and climate and land-use data, we investigate the climatic niches of six dominant African malaria vector species and map out their differing responses to climate and land use change across sub-Saharan Africa. Projections of future vector suitability identify three species that are likely to experience a substantial expansion of suitable habitat: Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles coluzzii, and Anopheles nili s.l. By combining these projections with human population density data, we conservatively estimate that approximately 200 million additional people could be living in areas highly suitable for these three vector species by the end of the century, with new hotspots of human exposure emerging in Central and East Africa. Our results align with observed historical range shifts of Anopheles species but stand in contrast to earlier studies that have predicted climate change would have little effect on or even reduce malaria transmission. We find that climate change impacts on malaria vectors are highly species-specific, emphasizing the need for longitudinal field studies and integrated modeling approaches to address the ongoing redistribution of malaria vectors. As the world strives for malaria elimination amidst accelerating climate change, our study underscores the urgent need to adapt malaria control strategies to shifting vector distributions driven by environmental change.

Collecting and testing ticks for rare tick-borne pathogen surveillance can be labour-intensive and true absence of rare pathogens in ticks is difficult to determine. Nevertheless, knowledge of the distribution of tick-borne pathogens is relevant for risk assessment and diagnosis. Tick-borne encephalitis and tularemia are rare human tick-borne diseases. Knowledge of the distribution of the pathogens of these diseases in Denmark is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the geographical distribution of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Francisella tularensis using wildlife as sentinels. Wildlife serum and plasma from 717 cervids (305 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), 291 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 107 fallow deer (Dama dama), 14 sika deer (Cervus nippon)) and 64 raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) from all Danish regions, collected from 2017 to 2023, were screened for IgG antibodies against TBEV by using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positive samples were subsequently tested in a virus neutralisation test (NT). A total of 294 cervids and 67 raccoon dogs were examined for antibodies against F. tularensis using a commercial quick agglutination assay. We detected a TBEV NT seroprevalence of 0.6 % in cervids and 1.6 % in raccoon dogs and an F. tularensis seroprevalence of 6.8 % in cervids and 16.4 % in raccoon dogs. We confirmed TBEV presence in several areas of Denmark and we detected antibodies in new areas of the island of Zealand. Furthermore, this is the first study to indirectly explore the geographical distribution of F. tularensis in Denmark and we identified areas with probable presence of F. tularensis.

Background: Zoonotic fascioliasis and schistosomiasis, caused by trematode parasites transmitted by freshwater snails, are neglected tropical diseases of both medical and veterinary importance. There are critical knowledge gaps regarding the transmission dynamics of these infections in humans and animals, particularly in endemic African communities. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the burden of human zoonotic schistosomiasis and fascioliasis among different age groups, focusing on the Lake Victoria zone and the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among preschool-aged children, school-aged children, and adults. A total of 1557 stool and urine samples were collected, 400 from preschool children, 804 from school-aged children, and 353 from adults. Stool samples were processed using the Kato–Katz technique and the formol-ether concentration method to detect Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola spp., respectively. Urine samples were examined for Schistosoma haematobium infection using the urine filtration method. Data were analyzed using Stata version 17. The t-tests or one-way ANOVA were used to assess statistical differences in the mean egg counts of S. mansoni and S. haematobium between exposure groups. Results: The overall prevalence of S. haematobium was 4.9%, S. mansoni was 1.2% with no significant differences across age groups, but with a statistically significant difference between sexes 1.8%. Males had a higher prevalence of both S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections compared to females. The prevalence of Fasciola infection was 0.9%, with the highest prevalence found in adults (≥18 years). Conclusions: Zoonotic schistosomiasis and fascioliasis are prevalent in the study area, affecting individuals across all age groups. This is the first study to report the presence of Fasciola infection in both the Lake Victoria zone and the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. These findings call for the Ministry of Health, through the Tanzania NTD Control Program, to recognize fascioliasis as a high-priority disease and include it in the national master plan.

This study investigated snails collected from eleven cattle farms in a Mediterranean area of southern Italy, where Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) and Calicophoron daubneyi (rumen fluke) are known to occur. A total of 319 snails were collected from various aquatic habitats across the selected farms and identified using morphological and molecular analysis. BLAST analysis revealed two snail species: Galba truncatula (56.7 %) and Physella acuta (43.3 %). Statistical analyses revealed that shell and aperture lengths differed significantly between the two snail species. A subset of 130 snails was tested for the presence of F. hepatica and C. daubneyi DNA. Snails were initially tested in pools of ten individuals per species and single snails from positive pools were subsequently examined individually. Fasciola hepatica DNA was detected exclusively in G. truncatula, whereas C. daubneyi DNA was found in both G. truncatula and P. acuta. In addition, a total of 84 adult liver flukes were collected from cattle on seven of the eleven farms, morphometrically characterized, and molecularly confirmed as F. hepatica. The concurrent detection of fluke eggs in cattle faeces, adult flukes in livers and fluke DNA in snails suggests that active transmission is ongoing on these farms. Galba truncatula, already established as the main intermediate host for both F. hepatica and C. daubneyi in Europe, was confirmed in this study as naturally infected with both flukes under Italian field conditions. Broader seasonal surveys are warranted to better define infection dynamics. In contrast, the detection of C. daubneyi DNA in P. acuta requires experimental confirmation of cercarial shedding and infectivity to the definitive host to determine its actual role in fluke transmission.

BACKGROUND:Malaria continues to pose a significant global health challenge, affecting approximately 200 million individuals annually and resulting in an estimated 600,000 deaths each year. In Tanzania, malaria ranks among the top five most commonly reported diseases in healthcare facilities, thus contributing to a substantial burden on the healthcare system. This study analyzed aggregated monthly malaria count data for the period 2016-2023, to explore spatio-temporal trends in malaria risk and assess the effects of climatic factors and vector control interventions across Tanzania mainland regions. METHODS:The Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR) was used to assess malaria risk distribution, while a Bayesian spatio-temporal model using integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA) was employed to evaluate the impact of climatic factors and vector control interventions. The model accounted for spatial and temporal effects by using a Conditional Autoregressive (CAR) dependence structure and a random walk of order two (RW2). The analysis was categorized into two age groups, with a cut-off at 5 years. RESULTS:The study recorded a total of 23.4 million malaria cases in individuals aged 5 years and above, and 17.3 million cases in children under 5 years. The SIR and the model results identified regions with high malaria risk, and the model indicated that from 2016 to 2023, the malaria risk decreased by 11.0 % for children under 5 years and by 10.0 % for individuals aged at least 5 years. The use of long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) reduced the risk of malaria by 1.2 % in children under 5 years and by 7.0 % in individuals aged 5 years and above. Factors such as minimum temperature, wind speed, and high Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were associated with an increased malaria risk for both age groups. Relative humidity and maximum temperature, both lagged by two months, were associated with an increased malaria risk in children under 5 years, while maximum temperature lagged by one month was associated with increased malaria risk in individuals aged 5 years and above. Similarly, minimum temperature lagged by two and three months was associated with increased malaria risk in individuals aged 5 years and above and in children under 5 years, respectively. In addition, maximum temperature and wind speed lagged by one and three months were associated with decreased malaria risk in both groups. CONCLUSION:The environmental factors identified in this study, alongside the spatial mapping, are critical for devising targeted malaria control strategies, especially in regions where LLINs have reduced transmission. These findings are essential for identifying high-risk areas in endemic regions and for prioritizing immediate interventions.

Fascioliasis, a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, poses a significant threat to livestock and human health globally. Climate change is altering the transmission dynamics of this disease; however, the direction and magnitude of this change remain uncertain due to a lack of mechanistically grounded predictions at continental scale. In this study, we developed a novel risk index to assess how climate change may affect the potential for fascioliasis transmission across Africa and Europe. The index integrates the following three components that together capture the environmental requirements for Fasciola transmission: the temperature dependence of the parasite transmission; climatic suitability for the snail intermediate host; and availability of freshwater habitats. To estimate these components, we used data from published experimental studies, thousands of snail occurrence records, and both mechanistic and correlative modelling approaches. We predict that climate change will generally reduce fascioliasis risk across most of the ranges of the two investigated liver fluke species, albeit with marked geographical differences. The transmission risk of F. gigantica is predicted to decrease in the Sahel and West Africa, due to above-optimal temperatures for parasite transmission and climatic suitability for the intermediate hosts. However, risk for F. hepatica transmission is projected to increase in parts of Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and Iceland, where livestock densities are high. We also find that the potential for hybridization between F. hepatica and F. gigantica may decline due to reduced geographic overlap in areas that are highly suitable for transmission. By providing a scalable, ecologically informed framework for predicting fascioliasis risk under climate change, this study lays the groundwork for improved local risk assessment. Our results provide a more nuanced perspective on the potential impact of climate change on fascioliasis transmission, showing that this will be highly uneven across Africa and Europe. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. Horizon 2020, 101000365

Background: Human fascioliasis, caused by the trematodes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, is a neglected tropical disease that impacts approximately 17 million people worldwide. It’s prevalent in areas with significant livestock farming where animals consume contaminated freshwater plants. The disease poses a substantial health burden for over 90,000 disability-adjusted life years due to abdominal complications. This systematic review aims to synthesize data on the prevalence of human fascioliasis in Africa during 2000–2022. Methods: We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and CAB Direct, identifying 126 publications on human fascioliasis. Following a thorough screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts, 33 articles were selected for meta-analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel to calculate prevalence rates and evaluate variance through bimodal distribution and heterogeneity using the I2 index. Results: Among 271 articles, only 33 met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis, representing 12.17% of the literature in Africa. The pooled prevalence estimate was 0.032% (IVhet PPE: 0.032% [95% CI 1.4–6.53]), with Egypt exhibiting the highest prevalence rate. These findings highlight significant gaps in diagnostic capabilities and reporting, complicating management efforts for human fascioliasis in Africa. Conclusions: This review reveals a high prevalence of human fascioliasis in specific sub-Saharan countries, largely attributable to inadequate diagnostic practices. The inconsistent spatial distribution of available data underscores the overall neglect of this disease. The authors advocate for enhanced epidemiological studies to better understand the distribution and risk factors linked to fascioliasis in Africa, emphasizing the need for rigorous research addressing these critical knowledge gaps.

The rapid spread and growing number of dengue cases worldwide, alongside the absence of comprehensive vaccines and medications, highlights the critical need for robust tools to monitor, prevent, and control the disease. This review aims to provide an updated overview of important covariates and quantitative modelling techniques used to predict or forecast dengue and/or its vector Aedes mosquitoes in Africa. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, and Scopus, restricted to studies conducted in Africa and published in English. Data management and extraction process followed the ‘Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses’ (PRISMA) framework. The review identified 30 studies, with the majority (two-thirds) focused on models for predicting Aedes mosquito populations dynamics as a proxy for dengue risk. The remainder of the studies utilized human dengue cases, incidence or prevalence data as an outcome. Input data for mosquito and dengue risk models were mainly obtained from entomological studies and cross-sectional surveys, respectively. More than half of the studies (56.7%) incorporated climatic factors, such as rainfall, humidity, and temperature, alongside environmental, demographic, socio-economic, and larval/pupal abundance factors as covariates in their models. Regarding quantitative modelling techniques, traditional statistical regression methods like logistic and linear regression were preferred (60.0%), followed by machine learning models (16.7%) and mixed effects models (13.3%). Notably, only 36.7% of the models disclosed variable selection techniques, and a mere 20.0% conducted model validation, highlighting a significant gap in reporting methodology and assessing model performance. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of potential covariates and methodological approaches currently applied in the African context for modelling dengue and/or its vector, Aedes mosquito. It also underscores the gaps and challenges posed by limited surveillance data availability, which hinder the development of predictive models to be used as early warning systems in Africa.

The freshwater snail Bulinus truncatus is an important intermediate host for trematode parasites causing urogenital schistosomiasis, a tropical disease affecting over 150 million people. Despite its medical importance, uncertainty remains about its global distribution and the potential impacts of climate change on its future spread. Here, we investigate the distribution of B. truncatus, combining the outputs of correlative and mechanistic modelling methods to fully capitalize on both experimental and occurrence data of the species and to create a more reliable distribution forecast than ever constructed. We constructed ensemble correlative species distribution models using 273 occurrence points collected from different sources and a combination of climatic and (bio)physical environmental variables. Additionally, a mechanistic thermal suitability model was constructed, parameterized by recent life-history data obtained through extensive lab-based snail-temperature experiments and supplemented with an extensive literature review. Our findings reveal that the current suitable habitat for B. truncatus encompasses the Sahel region, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean segment of Africa, stretching from Southern Europe to Mozambique. Regions identified as suitable by both methods generally coincide with areas exhibiting high urogenital schistosomiasis prevalence. Model projections into the future suggest an overall net increase in suitable area of up to 17%. New suitable habitat is in Southern Europe, the Middle East, and large parts of Central Africa, while suitable habitat will be lost in the Sahel region. The change in snail habitat suitability may substantially increase the risk of urogenital schistosomiasis transmission in parts of Africa and Southern Europe while reducing it in the Sahel region.

Trematode infections cause long-term suffering and debilitation, posing a significant threat to global animal health and production and leading to considerable economic losses. Studies on the epidemiology and control of these infections in Tanzania are limited. The few available studies have been conducted in abattoir settings. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by determining the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors for trematode infections in domesticated ruminants in two different ecological zones of Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Lake Victoria and the Southern highlands ecological zones of Tanzania. Rectal fecal samples were collected and examined for F. gigantica, Paramphistomidae, and S. bovis infections using the sedimentation technique. A total of 1367 domesticated ruminants were sampled and examined for trematode infections. The overall prevalence of trematode infections was found to be 65.7%. The individual prevalence of F. gigantica, Paramphistomidae, and S. bovis (based on egg morphology only) was 35.1%, 60.2%, and 3.1%, respectively. Adult cattle were more likely to be infected with Paramphistomidae (adjusted odds ratio, (AOR): 1.98; 95% confidence interval, (CI): 1.40–2.78) and S. bovis (AOR: 8.5; 95% CI: 1.12–64.19) than weaners. It was observed that trematode infections in domesticated ruminants are prevalent in the two ecological zones of Tanzania; therefore, effective and community-directed prevention and control strategies are highly needed to address trematode infections of domesticated ruminants in these areas.

(1)Background: Fascioliasis is considered a neglected tropical disease affecting an estimated 17 million people in more than 70 countries worldwide. The highest prevalence of human fascioliasis is found in regions where livestock farming and consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater plants are common, such as parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. It is responsible for over 90,000 disability-adjusted years of life due to associated abdominal complications. We conducted a study to investigate the prevalence of human fascioliasis through a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available literature in Sun-Saharan Africa.(2). Methods: We screened a total of 126 publications using pubmed online search engine databases; Web of Science and CAB for articles published within a 20-year period between 2000 and 2022. We used a comprehensive search method using a combination of terms, parasite and disease names. The initial search resulted in a screening of articles by title, abstracts and full texts. The relevant information on the prevalence of human fascioliasis in Africa was extracted. Of the 126 publications, 33 articles were selected for meta-analysis. The essential information required was extracted from these documents and determined through statistical analysis in Microsoft Excel for calculating the prevalence of human fascioliasis in sub-Saharan Africa. The variance of each study was assessed using a bimodal distribution and heterogeneity assessment using a I2 index. Analysis was performed using random effects models.(3)Results: A total of 271 articles were searched through the database search and 33 articles were eligible studies that provided qualitative information on the prevalence of human fascioliasis in Africa. These make up 12.17% (n=33). The pooled prevalence estimates for human fascioliasis are 0.032% (IVhet PPE: 0.032% (95%CI 1.4-6.53). The highest prevalence rate was observed in Egypt with a prevalence of 100%. The prevalence of human fascioliasis is very high in some sub-Saharan countries, partly due to neglect of diagnostics, demonstrating the bias of available information for decision-making in human fascioliasis across Africa, given the spatial presence, scarcity and incompleteness are region.(4)Conclusions: The prevalence of Human fascioliasis is very high in some Sub-Saharan Countries partly due to neglect in diagnostics. This presents how highly focal with spatial occurrences, scarcity and patchy the available information for decision making is on Human fascioliasis across the Sub-Saharan African region.

Abstract Over recent decades, our understanding of climate change has accelerated greatly, but unfortunately, observable impacts have increased in tandem. Both mitigation and adaptation have not progressed at the level or scale warranted by our collective knowledge on climate change. More effective approaches to engage people on current and future anthropogenic climate change effects are urgently needed. Here, we show how species whose distributions are shifting in response to climate change, that is, ‘species‐on‐the‐move’, present an opportunity to engage people with climate change by linking to human values, and our deep connections with the places in which we live, in a locally relevant yet globally coherent narrative. Species‐on‐the‐move can impact ecosystem structure and function, food security, human health, livelihoods, culture and even the climate itself through feedback to the climate system, presenting a wide variety of potential pathways for people to understand that climate change affects them personally as individuals. Citizen science focussed on documenting changes in biodiversity is one approach to foster a deeper engagement on climate change. However, other possible avenues, which may offer potential to engage people currently unconnected with nature, include arts, games or collaborations with rural agriculture (e.g. new occurrences of pest species) or fisheries organisations (e.g. shifting stocks) or healthcare providers (e.g. changing distributions of disease vectors). Through the importance we place on the aspects of life impacted by the redistribution of species around us, species‐on‐the‐move offer emotional pathways to connect with people on the complex issue of climate change in profound ways that have the potential to engender interest and action on climate change. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

ABSTRACT. To provide information to guide considerations of declaring interruption of transmission of human schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma mansoni on St. Lucia, we undertook an island-wide survey in June–July 2022 to determine the presence of Biomphalaria snails, the intermediate hosts of S. mansoni , and their infection status. Snail surveys were carried out at 58 habitats to determine presence of Biomphalaria snails followed by examination of the collected snails for evidence of infection with S. mansoni . Furthermore, water samples were collected at the snail habitats and screened for presence of S. mansoni DNA using an eDNA approach. We found B. glabrata present in one habitat (Cul de Sac) where it was abundant. Specimens provisionally identified as Biomphalaria kuhniana were recovered from 10 habitats. None of the Biomphalaria specimens recovered were positive for S. mansoni . None of the eDNA water samples screened were positive for S. mansoni . Experimental exposures of both field-derived and laboratory-reared St. Lucian B. glabrata and B. kuhniana to Puerto Rican and Kenyan-derived S. mansoni strains revealed B. glabrata to be susceptible to both and B. kuhniana proved refractory from histological and snail shedding results. We conclude, given the current rarity of B. glabrata on the island and lack of evidence for the presence of S. mansoni , that transmission is unlikely to be ongoing. Coupled with negative results from recent human serological surveys, and implementation of improved sanitation and provision of safe water supplies, St. Lucia should be considered a candidate for declaration of interruption of human schistosomiasis transmission.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite capable of infecting possibly all warm-blooded animals including humans, and is one of the most widespread zoonotic pathogens known. Free-ranging wildlife can be valuable sentinels for oocyst contaminated environments, as well as a potential source for human foodborne infection with T. gondii. Here we aimed to determine the sero-prevalence of T. gondii in Danish wild deer pop-ulations and examine risk factors associated with increased exposure to the parasite. Blood samples were collected from 428 cervids (87 fallow deer (Dama dama), 272 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 55 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 14 sika deer (Cervus Nippon) from 23 hunting sites in Denmark. The animals were shot during the hunting season 2017/2018, and screened for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial ELISA kit. One hundred and five (24.5%) cervids were sero-positive. Sero-prevalence was significantly different between species (p < 0.05), with odds of sero-positivity being 4.5 times higher in roe deer than fallow deer, and 3.0 times higher in red deer than in fallow deer. A significant increase in sero-prevalence with age was observed, driven by a significant increase in risk in adult red deer compared to calves (OR: 13.22; 95% CI: 5.96-33.7). The only other significant risk factor associated with wild cervid T. gondii sero-positivity was fencing, with the highest exposure associated with deer from non-fenced hunting areas (OR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.05-4.99). This study documented a widespread exposure to T. gondii in Danish cervids. Therefore the meat of the wild deer, in particular from roe deer and red deer, should be considered a significant risk of T. gondii infections to humans, if not properly cooked. Further, molecular studies to confirm the presence of infective parasitic stages in the muscles of deer used for consumption is recommended.

The occurrence of Fasciola gigantica and F. hepatica in Africa is well documented; however, unlike in Asia, there is a paucity of information on the existence of hybrids or parthenogenetic species on the continent. Nonetheless, these hybrid species may have beneficial characteristics, such as increased host range and pathogenicity. This study provides evidence of the potential existence of Fasciola hybrids in Africa. A literature search of articles published between 1980 and 2022 was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct using a combination of search terms and Boolean operators. Fasciola species were documented in 26 African countries with F. hepatica being restricted to 12 countries, whilst F. gigantica occurred in 24 countries, identified based on morphological features of adult Fasciola specimens or eggs and molecular techniques. The cooccurrence of both species was reported in 11 countries. However, the occurrence of potential Fasciola hybrids was only confirmed in Egypt and Chad but is suspected in South Africa and Zimbabwe. These were identified based on liver fluke morphometrics, assessment of the sperms in the seminal vesicle, and molecular techniques. The occurrence of intermediate host snails Galba truncatula and Radix natalensis was reported in Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda, where F. hepatica and F. gigantica co-occurrences were reported. The invasive Pseudosuccinea columella snails naturally infected with F. gigantica were documented in South Africa and Egypt. In Zimbabwe, P. columella was infected with a presumed parthenogenetic Fasciola. This suggests that the invasive species might also be contributing to the overlapping distributions of the two Fasciola species since it can transmit both species. Notwithstanding the limited studies in Africa, the potential existence of Fasciola hybrids in Africa is real and might mimic scenarios in Asia, where parthenogenetic Fasciola exist in most Asian countries. In South Africa, aspermic F. hepatica and Fasciola sp. have been reported already, and Fasciola hybrids have been reported? in Chad and Egypt. Thus, the authors recommend future surveys using molecular markers recommended to identify Fasciola spp. and their snail intermediate hosts to demarcate areas of overlapping distribution where Fasciola hybrids and/or parthenogenetic Fasciola may occur. Further studies should also be conducted to determine the presence and role of P. columella in the transmission of Fasciola spp. in these geographical overlaps to help prevent parasite spillbacks.