Toxoplasma gondii infection among Sheep and Goats in Iran: a Systematic Review and Meta_analysis

A. Daryania*, M. Sharifa , Sh. Sarvia, , A. Shokric ,S. Hosseini Teshnizib , MT. Rahimic , A. Mizanic , E. Ahmadpourc ,

a Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran. b Paramedical School of Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan University of Medical Science, Bandar Abbas, Iran c Parasitology and Mycology Department, Sari Medical School, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran

*Corresponding author: ahmad daryanii (Email address: daryanii @yahoo.com) Address: Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran. PC 48168-95475, Sari, Iran.Tel: +98 151 3241031, Fax: +98 151 3543249

Abstract :

Toxoplasmosis, a cosmopolitan parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is frequently found in meat producing animals and human beings. Sheep and goats are commonly infected with this parasite and as a food source can transmit infection to humans and carnivorous animals. This review and meta- analysis study was performed to evaluate the overall prevalence of T. gondii infection among sheep and goats in Iran. Data systematically were collected from 1977 to 2012 in Iran on the following electronic data bases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, Irandoc, IranMedex and Scientific Information Database (SID). Additionally, abstracts of national scientific congresses and dissertations were included. A total of 34 articles in field of sheep and 18 articles about goats Toxoplasma infection, totalizing examination of 14,372 sheep and 3120 goats reporting prevalence of T. gondii infection from different regions of Iran full filed our eligibility criteria. The overall prevalence rate of sheep and goats? toxoplasmosis in Iran was estimated 31% (95% CI = 0.259825 to 0.352382) in sheep and 27% (95% CI = 0.140097 to 0.424782) in goats. There was no significant difference in infection rate between males and females among sheep OR=1.002(95% CI =0.59 to 1.696) and goats OR=1.027(95% CI=0.685 to 1.541). Infection rate increased by age in sheep; as analysis revealed that infection rate in sheep over than 1year old was 2.4 times more than those less than 1 year OR=2.396(95% CI=1.050 to 5.467). This systematic review and meta- analysis study revealed the prevalence rate of T. gondii infection among sheep and goats in Iran; however infection is widespread in Iran. Further studies are required in order to improve strategies for controlling infection among flocks and consequently in human population. Keywords: toxoplasmosis, sheep, goats, Iran, systematic review, meta- analysis, prevalence