Birds and poultries toxoplasmosis in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To evaluate the overall prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among birds and poultries in Iran. Methods: Data were systematically collected from 1983 to 2016 in Iran on the following electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, Irandoc, IranMedex, and Scientific Information Database. Additionally, the abstracts of national scientific congresses and dissertations were included. Results: A total of 20 articles in the field of birds and poultries toxoplasmosis, totally examining 4563 cases with 754 positive results reporting the overall prevalence of infection from all parts of Iran could fulfill our eligibility criteria. The overall estimated prevalence included in chicken 20% (95% CI: 3%38%) in chicken, pigeons 8% (95% CI: -17%33%) and in sparrows 15% (95% CI: -25%54%). Conclusion: Although there is a lack in data about poultries and birds toxoplasmosis in Iran, our meta-analysis revealed that infection rate is high among birds and poultries in Iran. More studies are needed to manage controlling programs and prevention strategies among poultries in Iran.