2025 Vol. 7, No. 37
The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis in China has escalated into a critical public health threat. Extensive antibiotic use in both clinical and agricultural settings has created strong selective pressures, promoting the emergence of resistant strains and accelerating their dissemination. This increasing threat is exemplified by the rapid spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Consequently, genomic surveillance of these pathogens and the development of effective countermeasures are urgently needed. In this paper, we highlight three critical dimensions of the AMR challenge in China, which include the recent emergence of resistant bacteria, genomic surveillance efforts, and progress in the development of novel antimicrobial agents. By synthesizing recent research on the evolutionary dynamics of drug-resistant pathogens in China and outlining innovative antimicrobial strategies, this study provides insights to guide evidence-based antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Monkeypox (Mpox) has reemerged globally, with thousands of confirmed cases reported in China. However, limited data exist on the genomic variations and transmission patterns of monkeypox virus (MPXV) in southwestern China.
Clinical samples from Mpox cases and sewage samples from wastewater treatment plants were collected from Sichuan Province for whole-genome sequencing and MPXV analysis.
In the second half of 2023, 96 clinical samples from Mpox patients were collected, yielding 58 full-length viral genomes. All sequenced viruses belonged to the Western African clade (IIb), comprising three C.1 and fifty-five C.1.1 sequences. This study determined that Mpox cases in Sichuan originated from both importation and subsequent local transmission, with evidence of at least six distinct transmission clusters. Additionally, 26 sewage samples were collected, and 3 complete MPXV genomes were constructed. Analysis of viral genomes from sewage samples demonstrated a 95% concordance in high-frequency mutation sites with those observed in clinical cases, suggesting that sewage surveillance effectively captures diagnosed cases and serves as a robust complement to conventional monitoring. The integration of newly sequenced genomes with published data revealed an increased mutation rate in MPXV, along with fluctuating patterns of expansion and contraction of the effective viral population size.
This study provides preliminary insights into MPXV transmission dynamics and genomic evolution in Sichuan and demonstrates the utility of sewage monitoring in tracking viral diversity.
Echinococcosis remains a significant zoonotic threat in western China, with canines serving as the primary reservoir for Echinococcus transmission. Despite monthly praziquantel (PZQ) deworming programs, challenges in compliance persist in remote pastoral regions due to logistical constraints.
The smart health education pillbox (SHEP) demonstrated a 22.62% reduction in the overall cost of dog deworming, an increase of 52.59% in the proportion of dogs receiving the recommended annual deworming frequency of 9–12 times, a 35.45% decrease in the risk of Echinococcus infection, and a 1.55-fold higher protective efficacy against canine echinococcosis transmission compared to conventional manual deworming (CMD) approaches.
These results indicate that SHEP reduces labor costs and mitigates echinococcosis transmission risk, highlighting its potential as a valuable tool for disease control.
Zoonotic diseases, particularly those caused by viruses capable of cross-species transmission, represent a significant threat to global public health security. Suidae have been recognized as critical intermediate hosts in numerous zoonotic virus transmission pathways. However, previous research has predominantly concentrated on individual viruses or isolated outbreaks, thereby constraining our comprehensive understanding of broader cross-species transmission patterns and risk factors.
This study systematically investigates cross-species transmission patterns of Suidae-related zoonotic viruses using comprehensive data from public databases, including the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Through the integration of viral characteristics, host factors, environmental variables, and anthropogenic influences, we constructed predictive models to identify transmission hotspots and assess potential cross-species events. The research provides a comprehensive, data-driven framework for understanding zoonotic virus dynamics on a global scale.
These findings provide robust theoretical foundations and practical tools for early warning systems and targeted prevention strategies for zoonotic diseases, particularly those involving Suidae as intermediate hosts. This research advances the One Health approach by elucidating the interconnected roles of humans, animals, and environmental factors in viral transmission dynamics, thereby informing evidence-based global surveillance and response strategies for pandemic preparedness.
Recent years have witnessed increasing reports of acute respiratory outbreaks caused by novel recombinant human adenovirus (HAdV). In November 2023, researchers at the Medical University of Hannover in Germany identified HAdV-B114.
The six strains of HAdV isolated in this outbreak were 100% homologous and also had the highest homology with the GenBank reference OR853835 for HAdV-B114 at 99.9%, 100%, and 99.8% in penton base gene hexon gene, and fiber gene. This is the first documented outbreak in China associated with HAdV-B114.
Given that genetically recombined HAdVs can pose serious threats to human health and trigger emerging infectious disease outbreaks, continuous monitoring — particularly of novel recombinant types based onpenton base gene, hexon gene, and fiber gene sequences — should be prioritized to enable early detection and effective public health response.