Recent advances in omics and genetic tools in schistosome research and control.

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease posing a persistent threat to global health, particularly in endemic areas. Mass drug administration with praziquantel has substantially reduced disease burden, yet its limited efficacy against juvenile worms, reinfection, and emerging resistance underscore the urgent need for innovative strategies. Recent advances in omics technologies including genomics, bulk and single-cell transcriptomics, non-coding RNA omics, and proteomics, together with functional genetic tools such as RNA interference, transgenesis and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, have provided system-level and mechanistic insights into parasite development, sex dimorphism, host-parasite interactions, disease pathogenesis and drug response. Collectively, these advances have also facilitated the discovery of diagnostic markers, candidate vaccine antigens, and promising therapeutic targets. Prospects involving in integrating multi-omics platforms with artificial intelligence and clinical translation holds great promise for deepening our understanding of schistosome biology and enhancing control strategies. Overall, this review summarizes recent progress in omics and genetic tools in schistosome research and discusses their implications for improved diagnosis, treatment, and sustainable control.