Systematic review and meta-analysis on the risk potential of zoonotic toxocariasis from soil contamination of public places in India

Bhangale, G. N. and Narladkar, B. W. and Tayde, R. S.

Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports (2021) 24: 100560

DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100560

Abstract

Parasitic zoonoses despite of their potential threats to human health remain neglected especially in developing countries. Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati worms are considered important zoonotic parasites and the ability of their infective ova to sustain longer in suitable edaphic environments poses constant risk of infection to humans. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to highlight the burden and importance of soil borne toxocariasis in India. A total of 14 primary prevalence studies spanned over a period from 1985 to 2017 were included in this study. Due to expected variation between studies, a random-effects model was applied by using MetaXL add-on. The apparent prevalence based on the soil samples tested positive was found in the range of 2.11 to 31.0% while the weighted pooled prevalence was estimated as 11.26 (95% CI 07.59 - 15.54%). A high heterogeneity between studies (I(2) = 93.39 and Q = 227.024, p = 0.00) confirmed the diversity of the populations under study. This meta-analysis highlights the need of more studies on soil transmission of zoonotic toxocariasis in India.

Citation

Bhangale, G. N., Narladkar, B. W., & Tayde, R. S. (2021). Systematic review and meta-analysis on the risk potential of zoonotic toxocariasis from soil contamination of public places in India. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports, 24, 100560. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100560 Environment, Toxocara, India, MetaXL, Pet hygiene, Soil contamination

Keywords

• Environment
• Toxocara
• India
• MetaXL
• Pet hygiene
• Soil contamination