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A systematic review and meta-analysis of canine, feline and human Toxocara infections in sub-Saharan Africa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 November 2019

A.O. Omonijo Open the ORCID record for A.O. Omonijo [Opens in a new window] ,
C. Kalinda  and
S. Mukaratirwa
A.O. Omonijo*
Affiliation:
School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Federal University Oye, Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
C. Kalinda
Affiliation:
Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, Katima Mulilo Campus, PB 1096 Katima Mulilo, Namibia School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban, South Africa
S. Mukaratirwa
Affiliation:
School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
*
Author for correspondence: A.O. Omonijo, E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Toxocariasis is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati. Toxocariasis and its etiological agents are of global public health importance, whose burden appears underestimated, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The diversity in the transmission routes of these parasites contributes to disease prevalence and often hinders disease control measures. This study aimed to review the epidemiological distribution of Toxocara infections in SSA region. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis). We identified 94 relevant, peer-reviewed articles, out of which, 75 articles were found eligible based on Toxocara infections in dogs, cats and humans. Overall, 27,102 samples were examined for T. canis in dogs, T. cati in cats and Toxocara serology in humans, out of which 6142 were positive for Toxocara infection: 3717 (13.7%) in dogs (faecal, 3487; necropsy, 180; hair, 50); 266 (1%) in cats (faecal, 101; necropsy, 165); and 2159 (8%) in humans (serology). Overall mean prevalences of 19% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14–23%), 9% (95% CI: 0–28%) and 36% (95% CI: 24–49%) were recorded in dogs, cats and humans, respectively. Substantial heterogeneity was observed between studies and subgroups (I2 = 99%, P < 0.01). Findings from the review showed that studies on the epidemiology of Toxocara infections in the SSA region are limited. We strongly recommend focused, collaborative and coordinated studies to determine Toxocara spp. prevalence in various hosts, including food animals and the environment, through a ‘One Health’ approach across SSA countries.

Keywords

Prevalencereviewrisk factorssub-Saharan AfricaToxocara infectionsmeta-analysiszoonosis
Type
Review Article
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 94 , 2020 , e96
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2019 

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