Toxoplasma oocysts in the soil of public places worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic and cosmopolitan infection. Although a few studies have evaluated the prevalence of Toxoplasma oocysts in the soil of public places, the present study was conducted to provide insights into environmental contamination levels and its potential transmission to humans on a global scale. A systematic search was conducted using bibliographic databases through 30 August 2020. A random effects model was utilized to estimate pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis and meta-regressions were also performed on the geographical and environmental parameters. Finally, 22 articles, wherein 15 420 soil samples were examined, met the systematic review and meta-analysis requirements. The mean pooled prevalence of Toxoplasma oocysts was estimated at 16% (95% CI 10 to 26) in public places. The estimated prevalences in Europe, South America, Asia and North America were 23% (95% CI 4 to 65), 22% (95% CI 18 to 26), 15% (95% CI 0.06 to 33) and 8% (95% CI 0.00 to 97), respectively. An increasing trend was observed in the prevalence of Toxoplasma oocysts with increasing latitude (41–56°), decreasing longitude (0–40°) and increasing relative humidity (≥76%). Loop-mediated isothermal amplification and polymerase chain reaction methods revealed the highest and lowest prevalence rates, respectively, in the detection of Toxoplasma oocysts. Awareness of the health authorities and people about Toxoplasma prevalence in the soil of public places and its risk factors is of great importance to developing effective strategies to prevent infection.

Detection of Acute and Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection among Women with History of Abortion in the Southwest of Iran

“…Contamination with T. gondii primarily occurs due to the consumption of uncooked meat, infected with cysts, or the ingestion of oocysts through water, soil, and contaminated food. The incidence of this infection varies from one country to another, depending on the socioeconomic and health status [3][4][5][6]. Many cases of acquired toxoplasmosis are either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic.…”

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Among Pregnant Women in Southwest Iran

“…Cats (Family: Felidae) serve as definitive host (1). The infection is chiefly transmitted through consumption of raw/unwashed vegetables or fruits, ingestion of raw/undercooked meat contaminated with tissue cysts, drinking water contaminated with mature oocysts, vertically from mother to the fetus, and scarcely by blood transfusion and organ transplantation (5)(6)(7)(8).…”

Raw meat based diet (RMBD) for household pets as potential door opener to parasitic load of domestic and urban environment. Revival of understated zoonotic hazards? A review

“…Domestic cats however contribute to greatest source of environmental disease burden and may shed billion of oocysts, after consuming only one cyst from infected meat [ 38 ]. Acquisition of infection in humans is by ingestion of raw meat from infected animals or by ingestion of sporulated oocysts from contaminated environment or direct contact with infected cats [ 39 , 40 ]. Cats after getting infected start oocyst shedding, typically for a period of 1–2 weeks in primary infections [ 41 ] and re-shedding reactivate in super infection with other feline diseases, malnourishment and during the immunosuppression [ 42 ].…”