Schistosomiasis, caused by schistosome parasites, remains a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite decades of control efforts, this neglected tropical disease continues to pose challenges due to the complex life cycle of the parasite, species hybridization patterns, diverse levels host-parasite interactions, and wide-ranging clinical manifestations. Advances in molecular methods, diagnostics, therapeutics, and our understanding of the parasite itself and the immunological and epidemiological aspects of schistosomiasis are reshaping approaches to study schistosomes and to improve disease management, yet significant gaps remain. Addressing these gaps is critical not only for reducing morbidity and mortality but also for advancing knowledge in tropical medicine more broadly.

Research on schistosomes and schistosomiasis has accelerated in recent years, from innovations in methods for parasite analyses, sensitive diagnostic tools and improved treatment options to progress in drug and vaccine development, co-infection dynamics, and integrated control strategies. Continued interdisciplinary and collaborative research promises to drive transformative changes in the management and eventual elimination of the disease. This Collection aims to highlight cutting-edge studies in:

• Host-parasite interactions in schistosomiasis
• Parasite biology
• Advances in schistosomiasis diagnostics
• Clinical disease manifestations and treatment options
• Epidemiology, co-infections, and prevention strategies
• Immunology, metabolomics, and microbiome research
• Multidisciplinary and implementation science perspectives

This topical Collection is linked to the international conference 200 Years Theodor Bilharz − Schistosomiasis Research in Germany and Beyond, organized to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Theodor Bilharz (1825–1862), the German physician and pathologist who first described the schistosome parasites in Egypt. The conference not only commemorates his pioneering discovery but also brings together researchers from Germany, Europe, and across the globe to reflect on historical perspectives and present the latest advances in the field.

The aims of both the conference and this Collection are to update and disseminate ongoing research in schistosomiasis, to foster dialogue across disciplines, to provide networking opportunities, and especially to highlight the contributions of early-career scientists. By combining historical reflection with forward-looking scientific innovation, we seek to advance understanding of schistosomes and schistosomiasis and to support the global efforts to reduce its burden.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being).

This collection aims to promote the work of women scientists across all fields of parasitology. Please note to be considered for this collection, the first or last author must be a researcher who identifies as a woman. The scope of the collection aligns with that of the journal and will include the topics listed below.

We will cover the latest developments in parasitology across a variety of disciplines, including biology, medicine, and veterinary medicine. Among many topics discussed are chemotherapy and control of parasitic disease, and the relationship of host and parasite.

In Scope subjects:

General, Biological, Medical and Veterinary Parasitology

Protozoology, Helminthology, Entomology

Morphology (incl. Pathomorphology, Ultrastructure)

Biochemistry, Physiology (incl. Molecular Biology)

Parasite-Host-Relationships (incl. Immunology, Host Specificity)

Life History, Ecology, Epidemiology

Diagnosis, Chemotherapy and Control of Parasitic Diseases