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Prevalence of Microsporidiosis in Different Hosts in Turkey: A Meta-analysis
Ülfet Çetinkaya1, Armağan Caner2
1Erciyes University, Halil Bayraktar Health Vocational High School, Kayseri, Turkey.
Objective:
Microsporidia are opportunistic obligate intracellular pathogens which infect many vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. This study aimed at investigating all evidence about microsporidia infection in human and other vertebrate hosts in Turkey.
Methods:
This study covered all prevalence studies, related to microsporidiosis in Turkey until April 2020, that were found in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and ULAKBIM databases were considered in this meta-analysis. A total of 168 studies were identified in the systematic literature research. After the initial assessment, only 15 articles (12 humans and three other vertebrates) were included for meta-analysis. Data analysis was carried out using the Revman 5.3 (Review Manage 5.3) software.
Results:
With the evaluation of these studies, it was found that the prevalence of microsporidia in humans (n=6.707) and other vertebrate hosts (n=506) was 13.4% and 15.2%, respectively. The risk ratio in the patient groups was 2.87 compared to the control group [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-6.87, I2=87%, p<0.00001]. There was no difference between genders and parasite prevalence (95% CI: 1.00-1.39, I2=18%, p=0.29). The prevalence of microsporidia was also found to be high in patients with diarrhea (95% CI: 1.09-1.58, I2=86%, p=0.0001) and in immunosuppressed individuals (95% CI: 1.86-3.70, I2=16%, p=0.31).
Conclusion:
Although there are few studies on the prevalence of these parasites, the results of this meta-analysis provides extensive information about the current situation in Turkey.
Insights
Microsporidia infections are prevalent in both humans and other vertebrates in Turkey, affecting 13.4% and 15.2% respectively. This meta-analysis highlights the significant prevalence of microsporidiosis in the country.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Microsporidia are opportunistic obligate intracellular pathogens infecting diverse hosts.
- Understanding microsporidiosis prevalence is crucial for public and animal health in Turkey.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis of microsporidia infections in human and other vertebrate hosts in Turkey.
- To consolidate existing prevalence data up to April 2020.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ULAKBIM).
- Inclusion of 15 studies (12 human, 3 vertebrate) for meta-analysis.
- Data analysis using Revman 5.3 software.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence: 13.4% in humans (n=6,707) and 15.2% in other vertebrates (n=506).
- Increased risk in patients (RR=2.87) and those with diarrhea (CI: 1.09-1.58).
- No significant gender-based prevalence difference; high prevalence in immunosuppressed individuals (CI: 1.86-3.70).
Conclusions:
- Despite limited studies, this meta-analysis offers comprehensive insights into microsporidiosis in Turkey.
- Findings underscore the public health importance of microsporidia in both human and animal populations.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate transmission dynamics and control strategies.
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