Vector-borne parasitic diseases remain a significant public health challenge in China as well as in Asia, with climate change, urbanization, and human mobility contributing to their persistence and spread. Diseases such as leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies, trypanosomiasis by triatomine bugs ("kissing bugs"), babesiasis by Ixodes ticks, clonorchiasis by freshwater snails and fish (intermediate hosts), angiostrongyliasis by apple snails, paragonimiasis by freshwater snails and crustaceans (intermediate hosts), fascioliasis by freshwater snails (intermediate host), and contaminated food sources etc., continue to affect vulnerable populations, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions. Despite progress in disease control and elimination efforts, emerging threats, including drug resistance and changing vector habitats, necessitate ongoing research and innovation. This special issue, "Vector-borne Parasitic Diseases in China and Asia," seeks to compile cutting-edge studies on epidemiology, diagnostics, treatment strategies, and vector control to inform policy and advance disease mitigation.
The special issue expands the global outreach of Parasitology and will explore multidisciplinary approaches, including One Health perspectives, genomic surveillance, and novel interventions such as gene-editing technologies for vector control. Contributions will also assess socioeconomical and environmental determinants of transmission, aiming to bridge gaps between research and practical implementation. By highlighting recent advancements and identifying future priorities, this special issue aims to support China’s public health goals while fostering global collaboration in the fight against vector-borne parasitic diseases across Asia. Researchers, policymakers, and health practitioners are invited to share original findings, reviews, and case studies to shape a sustainable roadmap for disease elimination by 2025 and beyond.
Submission Guidelines: please select the ‘Vector-borne Parasitic Diseases in China and Asia’ option from the special issue dropdown in ScholarOne.
For detailed manuscript preparation instructions and submission guidelines, please refer to the Instructions for Authors.
All manuscripts need to be submitted no later than 31st December 2025 (submit your paper here).
Guest Editors: Professor Xiao-Nong Zhou (Chief Scientist on parasitic diseases control in China CDC, and Director of WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Disease), Professor Banchob Sripa (Director of Tropical Disease Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand); Dr. Virak Khieu (Deputy Director and Vector Control Focal Point, National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, MOH, Cambodia); Dr. Somphou Sayasone, Deputy Director General, Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Lao PDR); Dr. Junhu Chen (Chief of Vector-borne Tropical Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at China CDC)