Global prevalence of Trichinella in pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Investigating the global epidemiological patterns of Trichinella in pigs is required for accurate recognition and to establishing proper control programmes and preventivemeasures, as well as to decrease human exposure. Objectives: To obtain a better understanding of the global prevalence of Trichinella in domestic pigs and factors that might influence the prevalence, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Multiple databases were used to identify literature published between January 2000 and December 2021, representing studies from 1985 to 2021, on Trichinella prevalence in domestic pigs. Prevalence was calculated on a global and country level, by country Human Development Index (HDI), climate, pig management system, and diagnostic test. Results: The global pooled prevalence based on 60manuscripts representing 32 countries and 65 pig populations was 2.02% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88–3.62) and the estimated pooled prevalence in different continents ranged from 0.00% to 11.8%. Trichinella was highest in low HDI countries (21.6%; 95% CI: 4.3–47.2), tropical wet climates (20.9%; 95% CI: 10.3–34.1), and non-intensive pig farming systems (6.1%; 95% CI: 1.0–15.5). Conclusions: While there were regional differences in Trichinella prevalence in domestic pigs, these were likely driven by country HDI and pig farming systems versus climatic factors. Increased biosecurity in outdoor pig production systems, focused meat inspections and promoting awareness could potentially decrease risk of infectio

The global prevalence of Spirometra parasites in snakes, frogs, dogs, and cats: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Spirometra infection is aneglected food- and waterborne disease with worldwide distribution. Objectives: The present study aims to estimate the global prevalence of Spirometra species in snakes, frogs, dogs and cats. Methods: Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant literatures published up to March 2022. Results: Among 131 data sets (including 113 articles) that met the inclusion, 15 investigations reported Spirometra infection in snakes, 23 in frogs, 41 in dogs and 52 in cats. The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) in intermediate hosts and definitive hosts was found to be 0.313% and 0.089%, respectively. Based on continent, the infection was most prevalent in Asia for studies on snakes (0.696%) and frogs (0.181%), while Africa (0.224%) and Oceania (0.203%) were the regions with the highest pooled prevalence rates of the infection in dogs and cats, respectively. Among different diagnostic methods, the highest pooled prevalence was related to morphological method for studies on snakes, frog and cats with rate of 0.665%, 0.189% and 0.104%, respectively. Regarding studies on dogs, the highest pooled prevalence was observed for molecular technique (0.101%). Conclusions: The results presented here revealed the importance of establishing a prevention and control measure focused on protection of aquaculture systems from being contaminated with faeces of dogs and cats, and raising awareness of parasitic zoonotic diseases to decrease the transmission risk

The prevalence of human trichuriasis in Asia: a systematic review and meta‑analysis

Trichuriasis is one of the most common soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, affecting populations globally. The condition is particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas with low levels of sanitation and poor living conditions. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection in Asia at the country and region level. Multiple databases/academic search engines (Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for literature on T. trichiura prevalence in Asia published through January 2021. Pooled prevalence was determined using the meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). Out of 13,836 articles, 226 studies (5,439,500 individuals) from 26 countries met the inclusion criteria. Of the 226 studies, 151 were community-based studies that included individuals across the age spectrum, while 75 studies focused on school children (typically in the 5–16 years age range). The overall T. trichiura pooled prevalence was 15.3% (95% CI: 12.4–19.1%), with a pooled prevalence of 13.3% (95% CI: 10.0–17.1%) for the community studies and 20.9% (95% CI: 14.7–27.9%) for the studies only including school children. For studies including all age groups, individuals in the 1–15 years age group had the highest pooled prevalence at 23.4% (95% CI: 1.7–49.4%). There was a significant difference found in overall pooled prevalence by sex (p < 0.001) and community type (rural versus urban) (p < 0.001). Although prevalence appears to be decreasing, study findings suggest that T. trichiura infection continues to be a public health problem in Asia. Therefore, control programs focused on at-risk individuals in endemic areas are needed

Global prevalence of intestinal protozoan contamination in vegetables and fruits: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A B S T R A C T Environmental contamination of vegetables and fruits with intestinal protozoan trophozoites, cysts and oocysts is a means of transmitting parasitic agents of public health importance. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the global prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasite contamination in vege- tables and fruits. Several databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar) were searched for literature published up to August 2021. Pooled prevalence was determined using the meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). Out of 90,404 publications, 189 articles (202 datasets) met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 183 investigations documented protozoan contamination in vegetables and 20 in fruits. The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) was 20% (16%–24%) for vegetables and 13% (7%–21%) for fruits. The highest pooled prevalence was found in South-East Asian WHO region 37% (6%–76%). The most prevalent protozoan parasite in vegetables was Cryptosporidium spp. (11%, 7%–15%). As well, Entamoeba histolytica was the most common agent found in fruits (9%, 4%–14%). Furthermore, the unwashed samples had the highest pooled prevalence of contamination (22%, 3%–49%). Our data suggest a possible risk of protozoan infection in humans via unwashed vegetables and fruits. Accidental ingestion of protozoa occurs through consumption of contami- nated vegetables and fruits that have been improperly washed and prepared under poor sanitation. Using san- itary irrigation water, consuming properly cleaned and cooked vegetables, and practicing good hygiene can all assist to reduce the risk of protozoa infection Keywords: Vegetables Fruits, Protozoan contamination, Public health, Food-borne, disease

Prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis in the immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease mostly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The current study evaluated the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients in Iran. The available online literature published from June 1994 to October 2020 was obtained from multiple English databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) and four Persian databases (Magiran, Iran Medex, Iran Doc and SID). All statistical analyses were performed using R software (version 3.6) meta-package and p-values <0.05 were considered significant. From 1051 articles, 74 studies (248 656 individuals) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis was 2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1 to 3) and 4% (95% CI 1 to 8) in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients, respectively. In immunodeficient cases, the pooled prevalence of studies utilizing serology, culture and microscopic methods was 10% (95% CI 2 to 23), 1% (95% CI 0 to 6) and 1% (95% CI 0 to 1), respectively. In immunocompetent cases, the pooled prevalence of studies utilizing microscopic, culture and molecular methods was 2% (95% CI 1 to 3), 2% (95% CI 1 to 4) and 2% (95% CI 0 to 6), respectively. We propose an appropriate screening and control program along with comprehensive research regarding the frequency of strongyloidiasis in the country

Current Global Status and the Epidemiology of Entamoeba gingivalis in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Abstract Purpose : Entamoeba gingivalis (E. gingivalis) is one of the members of the wide range of oral resident pathogens in humans, particularly found in dental plaques, surfaces of gingiva or teeth, interdental spaces and carious lesions. The purpose of the current review and meta-analysis was to determine the global prevalence of E. gingivalis infection and its association with oral diseases based on published literatures. Materials and Methods : Multiple English databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were explored for papers published until August 2020. A total of 52 studies (including 7596 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Results: The overall prevalence of E. gingivalis was estimated to be 37% (95% CI 29–46%). With regard to different countries, the highest and lowest pooled prevalence of E. gingivalis infection were related to Jordan with 87% (95% CI 81–92%) and Portugal with 3% (95% CI 0–10%), respectively. Based on WHO regions, the highest prevalence was related to the region of the Americas with 56% (95% CI 31–79%). The infection was most prevalent in 46–55 mean age groups [61% (95% CI 21–94%)]. Among different diagnostic methods, the highest rate of the pooled prevalence was related to the molecular [53% (95% CI 24–81%)] and the direct methods [36% (95% CI 25–47%)], respectively. Our analyses revealed that E. gingivalis infection was associated with 4.34-fold increased risk of oral diseases (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings revealed a high prevalence rate of the infection among periodontal disease patients with 37% (95%CI 20–57%). To conclude, it must be considered that E. gingivalis can be a risk factor associated with oral diseases and a wide range of research is needed to specify its role in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Keywords Entamoeba gingivalis • Prevalence • Worldwide; oral health • Systematic revie

Parasites in surgically removed appendices as a neglected public health concern: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The role of various parasitic infections in the occurrence of appendicitis is illustrated through cases recorded all over the world. The purpose of the current study was to estimate the global prevalence of parasite infestation (other than E. vermicularis) in appendectomy specimens.In the setting of the PRISMA guidelines, multiple databases (Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar) were explored in articles published until 28 September 2020. Totally, 62 studies (106 datasets) with 77, 619 participants were included in the analysis.The pooled prevalence of parasites in appendectomy samples was as follows; 0.012% (95% CI; 0.004-0.025) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 0.004% (95% CI; 0.001-0.009) for Trichuris trichiura, 0.025% (95% CI; 0.007-0.052) for Schistosoma mansoni, 0.002% (95% CI; 0.001-0.005) for Taenia spp., 0.061% (95% CI; 0.020-0.122) for Entamoeba histolytica and 0.034% (95% CI; 0.018-0.056) for Giardia lamblia.Our results demonstrated that the risk of appendicitis may increase in the presence of helminth and protozoan infections. As such, the most cases of parasites in appendectomy specimens were reported in developing countries. Regular screening plans for diagnosis, treatment and prevention are needed for prevention of parasitic infection as well as parasitic associated appendicitis, especially in endemic regions of the world