Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitosis in Guinea: Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitosis constitute a major public health issue, particularly in sub-tropical and tropical areas. Even though they are classified as neglected tropical diseases, no national study has been carried out recently in Guinea to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis. Objective: A systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in Guinea. Method: The PRISMA method was used to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis. The studies carried out in order to study intestinal parasitosis in Guinea and published between 2010 and 2020 were searched in online public databases. The prevalence of parasitosis was calculated by a random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup comparisons were performed using Q-tests. Statistical analyses were performed with the R software. This review was registered with PROSPERO under the identification number CRD42022349743. Results: 69 studies were selected out of 1230 studies identified in online public databases. The meta-analysis involved 44,186 people with an overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections of 52%. Conclusions: This is the first study in Guinea to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in different regions of the country. It was found that intestinal parasitosis are a real health problem in Guinea, hence, the need to put in place national strategies for regular control.