Current liver-stage Plasmodium falciparum models are complex, expensive and largely inaccessible, hindering research progress. Here, we show that a 3D liver spheroid model grown from immortalized HepG2/C3A cells supports the complete intrahepatocytic lifecycle of P. falciparum. Our results demonstrate sporozoite infection, development of exoerythrocytic forms and breakthrough infection into erythrocytes. The 3D-grown spheroid hepatocytes are structurally and functionally polarized, displaying enhanced albumin and urea production and increased expression of key metabolic enzymes, mimicking in vivo conditions – relative to 2D cultures. This accessible, reproducible model lowers barriers to malaria research, promoting advancements in fundamental biology and translational research.

In Africa, female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) damages women’s health. In Cameroon, diagnosis is rare and healthcare workers lack knowledge. Clinicians can be trained to identify FGS lesions, but the accuracy is uncertain. We assessed the acceptability and feasibility of FGS screening in Cameroon’s East Province by comparing static HIV clinics and mobile pop-up clinics through consultations and acceptance rates, guided by precise disease mapping. A clinician was remotely trained to diagnose FGS lesions, with success measured by expert comparison using cervix images. The proportion of FGS was compared between settings. A total of 1242 women were approached, 624 in the HIV clinics and 618 in the mobile clinics, respectively. Women at HIV clinics were significantly older [37.0 years (interquartile range, IQR: 31–43)] than those at mobile clinics [28.5 years (IQR: 23–36)]. Refusal of the screening procedures was significantly higher in the HIV clinics (50%) than in the mobile clinics (31%). FGS lesions were present in over half of women examined, 51% in the HIV clinic and 56% in the community. The diagnostic concordance between clinicians was more than 90%. It is both feasible and acceptable to identify and treat FGS lesions in areas without specialized care. Mobile pop-up clinics’ acceptability is better, with younger women participating which helps to better rectify age-inequities in FGS surveillance, and remote telemedicine training is effective. Prevalence of FGS suspect lesions was very high in both settings.

We present four cases of male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) within children and adolescents opportunistically encountered as part of a wider screening programme for imported schistosomiasis in Germany and community outreach screening in Mali. Such genital manifestations in young children and adolescents are often overlooked but can include hydrocele, hypogonadism, varicocele, cutaneous granulomata on the penis and scrotum, echogenic spots in the prostate and the epididymis, alongside testicular masses. Though these cases appear sporadic, from our scoping literature review, they draw fresh attention on MGS in young children and highlight wider confusion with other congenital, neoplastic and infectious disease. These might include an insufficient closure of the tunica vaginalis, malignancies or lymphatic filariasis. Frequently haematuria is not present. One typical sign indicating MGS in adults, i.e. haematospermia is not present before puberty. Another reason of missing MGS cases may be that screening with scrotal or transabdominal ultrasonography are not easily accepted unless the reason for it is not extensively explained beforehand and that transabdominal ultrasonography is less sensitive for revealing prostatic lesions than transrectal ultrasonography.