Global animal melioidosis prevalence: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Jongkonnee Thanasai1, Atthaphong Phongphithakchai2, Moragot Chatatikun3,4
1Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, 44000, Thailand.
Background:
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, infects both humans and a broad range of animal species. While human disease has been well characterized, animal data are dispersed across studies and lack a comprehensive global synthesis. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the pooled global prevalence of animal melioidosis and examined regional and diagnostic influences.
Methods:
Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, studies reporting B. pseudomallei detection in animals were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up to April 2025. Pooled prevalence was calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses explored moderators of heterogeneity.
Results:
Twenty-eight studies from 11 countries, encompassing 98,885 animal samples, were included. The global pooled prevalence was 7.3% (95% CI: 0.039-0.117), with high heterogeneity (I² = 98.8%). Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, showed consistently higher prevalence across livestock, wildlife, and companion animals. Diagnostic methods and study period contributed to variability but were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
Animal melioidosis is globally distributed, with Thailand serving as a key endemic region and research hub. Strengthening One Health surveillance, standardizing diagnostic tools, and expanding genomic monitoring are essential for improved detection and control of B. pseudomallei across animal populations.
Insights
Animal melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is found globally. Thailand shows a high prevalence, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and diagnostics in animal populations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, affects humans and animals worldwide.
- Existing animal data on melioidosis is fragmented, lacking global synthesis.
- This study provides a comprehensive global overview of animal melioidosis prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the pooled global prevalence of animal melioidosis.
- To investigate regional and diagnostic factors influencing prevalence.
- To synthesize dispersed animal data for a comprehensive understanding.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
- Searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for studies up to April 2025.
- Employed random-effects modeling for pooled prevalence estimation and subgroup analyses.
Main Results:
- Included 28 studies from 11 countries, analyzing 98,885 animal samples.
- Global pooled prevalence of animal melioidosis was estimated at 7.3%.
- Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, exhibited higher prevalence across various animal types.
Conclusions:
- Animal melioidosis is globally prevalent, with Thailand as a significant endemic area.
- Enhanced One Health surveillance and standardized diagnostics are crucial for B. pseudomallei control.
- Genomic monitoring is recommended for improved detection in animal populations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Toxoplasmosis
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance