Echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by cestodes of the genus Echinococcus (family Taeniidae). This serious and near-cosmopolitan disease continues to be a significant public health issue, with western China being the area of highest endemicity for both the cystic (CE) and alveolar (AE) forms of echinococcosis.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic-worm infection that affects about 200 million people in 74 countries. Despite major advances in treatment and control, this tropical disease continues to spread to new geographic areas. This review summarizes the manifestations of this disease, its diagnosis, medical treatment, and prophylaxis, and the prospects for a vaccine.