The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Wei; Gong, Qing-Long; Li, Ming-Han; Wei, Xin-Yu; Chen, Yu; Jiang, Jing; Ni, Hong-Bo; Lyu, Chuang; Wang, Chun-Ren
• Is Part Of: Research in veterinary science. Volume 138(2021)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: China -- Meta-analysis -- Prevalence -- Sheep -- T. Gondii; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine vétérinaire -- Périodiques; Médecine vétérinaire -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Diergeneeskunde; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.05.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-5288

Abstract

Abstract: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is widespread in warm-blooded animals and humans. Currently, many studies regarding T. gondii infection in sheep have been published worldwide. However, there is no meta-analysis of sheep infection in China. In this study, five databases were used to retrieve articles related to T. gondii in China. A total of 59 studies from 1987 to June 30, 2020, have been included. We estimated that the combined prevalence of T. gondii in the selected period was 8.5% (3197/28, 099). In the analysis of publication year, the lowest positive rate after 2010 was 7.4% (1883/17, 313). Geographically, the highest prevalence of T. gondii in sheep was recorded in Southwest China 19.2% (490/2080). Analysis according to age showed that the prevalence of infection in sheep older than 12 months was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher than that in younger animals. The prevalence of T. gondii in sheep farmed by farmers was 7.2% (566/6336), which was higher than 5.3% (660/3121) of large-scale farming, suggesting a role for the feeding and husbandry. We also analyzed the impact of different geographic and climatic factors on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep. The results showed that the prevalence was higher in low altitude, warm, humid, and high rainfall areas. We suggest that appropriate control programs should be formulated according to the differences in reproduction patterns and geographical conditions in different regions to reduce the prevalence of T. gondii among sheep in China. Highlights: This is the first meta-analysis of the prevalence of T. gondii in sheep in China. The prevalence of T. gondii in sheep is highest in Southwest China and lowest in South China. In China, the prevalence of T. gondii in sheep is decreasing. It revealed the risk factors related to the epidemic of T. gondii in sheep, such as region, age and climate. Strengthen the prevention and control of toxoplasmosis in warm, humid and rainy areas.