A systematic review and meta-analysis on the global prevalence of microsporidia infection among dogs: a zoonotic concern

Background Microsporidiosis is an emerging zoonotic disease that is considered a global public health concern. Dogs are suggested as one of potential reservoirs for transmitting the microsporidia infection to humans. However, there is little data on distribution of microsporidia in dogs. The current study aimed to evaluate the global prevalence and genetic diversity of microsporidia infection among the dog population. Methods We searched four major databases for studies reporting the prevalence of microsporidia in dogs until 30 May 2020. A random-effects model was used to estimate the overall and the subgroup-pooled prevalence of microsporidia across studies. Result Finally, a total of 32 studies (including 37 datasets) from 17 countries were included in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence (95% CI) of microsporidia infection was estimated at 23.1% (13.5-36.8%) using microscopic methods, 20.9% (14.6-29%) using serological methods, and 8.4% (6.1-11.5%) using molecular methods. Molecular methods showed that the highest number of reports was related toEnterocytozoon bieneusiwith a pooled prevalence of 6.5% (4.9-8.7%). ConsideringE. bieneusigenotypes, most studies reported the PtEb IX (10 studies) and the D (eight studies) genotypes. Conclusion These results emphasize the role of a dog as a reservoir host for human-infecting microsporidia. In addition, monitoring programs for human-infecting microsporidia in animals with close contact to humans should be considered.