Schistosomiasis, as a neglected tropical disease, presents a public health challenge, particularly in impoverished tropical and subtropical areas. This living review focuses on the key aspects of schistosomiasis, including its etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, prophylaxis, treatment, and control. We also examine the key aspects of schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mekongi, Schistosoma bovis, and Schistosoma curassoni. To date, praziquantel is the main drug for treating and reducing the transmission of schistosomiasis. The development of vaccines remains an important scientific goal in the control of this neglected disease.

Objective: To assess the socioeconomic characteristics influencing knowledge, attitudes, and practices in preventing toxocariasis among the adult Khmer population in Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted across 30 communities in eight districts and cities of Tra Vinh Province using a 30-cluster random sampling method during 2023.

Results: The study encompassed 760 participants (median age: 52 years; interquartile range: 39-63 years), female 65.9%. There existed moderate levels of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices among participants, with variations across sociodemographic groups. Education (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.36-0.53; P=0.002), and average family income (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.24-0.68; P=0.001) were inversely associated with poor knowledge. Participants aged ⩾60 years had higher odds of negative attitudes (OR 5.26; 95% CI 2.31-11.96; P<0.001) towards toxocariasis prevention. Not owning pets (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.13-2.08; P=0.006) and age⩾60 years (OR 5.33; 95% CI 2.61-10.86; P<0.001) were associated with significantly higher odds of poor preventive practices. Conversely, higher education (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.06-0.20; P<0.001) and higher income (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.06-0.33; P<0.001) were protective factors, significantly reducing the risk of poor preventive practices.

Conclusions: Knowledge, attitudes, and practice levels regarding toxocariasis prevention among Khmer adults in Tra Vinh were moderate and associated with age, education and income. Targeted health education efforts, especially in rural and low-income groups, are essential to improve preventive behaviors and reduce infection risks.

Objective: To study the distribution and abundance of Biomphalaria (B.) pfeifferi species in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, their role as intermediate hosts for Schistosoma (S.) mansoni, and the impact of water parameters.

Methods: A longitudinal field survey was conducted across eight administrative wards and five habitat types using a time-based metal scoop method. Physicochemical water quality parameters were measured both in situ and in the laboratory. The snails were examined for S. mansoni infections by shedding method, and cercariae were identified microscopically. Species identification was also performed. The data was analyzed using ANOVA, regression analysis, and Pearson correlation to identify the association between water physiochemical parameters and Biomphalaria snail abundance. Level of significance was determined at 5% (P<0.05) with 95% confidence limit.

Results: A total of 2 013 Biomphalaria species were collected, mainly from Murinduko and Nyangati Wards. Streams (965, 47.93%) and tertiary canals (676, 33.58%) showed the highest abundance. Biomphalaria species populations were recorded in September 2022 (1 225), with declines noted in February and August 2023. Snail abundance was significantly and positively correlated with pH (β=27.22, P<0.001), turbidity (β=1.117, P=0.008), and total nitrate (β=71.4, P=0.04), and negatively correlated with conductivity, temperature, total dissolved solids, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. No S. mansoni infections were detected; however, 69.95% of snails were infected with echinostome cercariae. B. pfeifferi was the dominant species. Sequence analysis revealed genetic diversity, with five NCBI reference sequences forming a distinct clade from the study samples.

Conclusions: B. pfeifferi populations showed seasonal variation and strong environmental associations, emphasizing the need for ecological monitoring in schistosomiasis control.

Rationale: Neuroleptospirosis is an uncommon manifestation of leptospirosis. Cranial nerve involvement is extremely rare.

Patient concerns: A 17-year-old girl presented with fever, myalgia, and mild transaminitis. Her serology was positive for Leptospira in the second week of illness. During her hospital stay she developed bilateral 6th nerve palsy.

Diagnosis: Rare manifestation of neuroleptospirosis presenting as bilateral abducens nerve palsy.

Interventions: Antibiotics, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, retinal examination and careful monitoring.

Outcomes: She recovered without any residual neurological deficit.

Lessons: Patients suffering from acute febrile illness with cranial nerve palsy in tropical and subtropical regions may have central nervous system involvement due to pathogenic leptospires (i.e., neuroleptospirosis). Early suspicion, careful monitoring, and timely intervention are required.