# Diseases Caused by Parasites with Invertebrate Hosts in China: Burden and Trends of Leishmaniasis and Schistosomiasis

## TL;DR

This paper examines the burden and trends of leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis in China, showing declines in disease impact but highlighting ongoing challenges.

## Contribution

The study provides updated trends and projections for two parasitic diseases in China, emphasizing demographic and environmental factors.

## Key findings

- Age-standardized prevalence, mortality, and DALY rates for leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis declined significantly from 1990 to 2021.
- Men experienced a higher disease burden than women for both leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis.
- Projections suggest a continued decline in schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis mortality and DALYs, but a potential rise in leishmaniasis prevalence.

## Abstract

Parasitic diseases involving invertebrate hosts, notably leishmaniasis (transmitted by sandflies) and schistosomiasis (transmitted via aquatic snails), remain public health concerns in China. Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021 data, the age-standardized prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rates for both diseases declined significantly from 1990 to 2021. Men consistently experienced a higher burden than women. The age distribution of disease burden differed between the two conditions. Projections to 2036 suggest a continued decrease in schistosomiasis burden and in leishmaniasis mortality and DALYs, but a potential slight rise in leishmaniasis prevalence. Sustained control efforts have been effective, yet challenges persist due to demographic disparities, climate-related invertebrate host/intermediate host expansion, and imported cases. Future strategies require enhanced surveillance, targeted interventions, and multi-sectoral collaboration to advance toward elimination.