Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in humans and animals in Pakistan: a systematic review and metadata analysis

Abstract

Objective: To review the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Pakistan. Method: The systematic review comprised search on Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus databases for studies related to the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Pakistan published between 2006 and 2020 which used serological diagnostic tests to detect Toxoplasma gondii. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used throughout the review and statistical analysis was done using forest plot and random effect model. Results: Of the 7093 human studies initially found, 20(0.28%) were reviewed. Of the 16,432 animal studies, 16(0.09%) were selected for detailed review. The pooled seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in humans, calculated in this review was found as 76 (%) (95% confidence interval: 69-83%). Seroprevalence of human toxoplasmosis was higher in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (31.7 (%)) than Punjab (20.4 (%)). Pooled seroprevalence in animals calculated in this review was found as 69 (%) (95% confidence interval: 64-74%). Seroprevalence in animals was higher in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (44.7 (%)) than Punjab (29.4%). Conclusion: The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in both humans and animals should be studied it other parts of Pakistan as well. Key Words: Livestock, Humans, Random-effect model, Toxoplasma gondii, Seroprevalence.