Hidden drivers of schistosomiasis: a role for hyperparasitism

Shan et al. identified nonparasite genome virus-like RNAs (ngRNAs) in Schistosoma japonicum using computational and experimental approaches. These ngRNAs, found in reproductive tissues and associated with virus-like particles in the parasite's ovary, influence egg development and disease pathology, highlighting a potential role for hyperparasites and suggesting new strategies for schistosomiasis control.