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Investigating the Determinants of Toxoplasma gondii Prevalence in Meat: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression

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  • Simone Belluco
  • Marzia Mancin
  • Daniele Conficoni
  • Giulia Simonato
  • Mario Pietrobelli
  • Antonia Ricci

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widespread parasites in humans and can cause severe illness in immunocompromised individuals. However, its role in healthy people is probably under-appreciated. The complex epidemiology of this protozoan recognizes several infection routes but consumption of contaminated food is likely to be the predominant one. Among food, consumption of raw and undercooked meat is a relevant route of transmission, but the role of different meat producing animal species and meats thereof is controversial. Objectives: The aim of the present work is to summarize and analyse literature data reporting prevalence estimates of T. gondii in meat animals/meats. Data Sources: We searched Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct (last update 31/03/2015). Eligibility Criteria: Relevant papers should report data from primary studies dealing with the prevalence of T. gondii in meat from livestock species as obtained through direct detection methods. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed. Results: Of 1915 papers screened, 69 papers were included, dealing mainly with cattle, pigs and sheep. Pooled prevalences, based on random-effect models, were 2.6% (CI95 [0.5–5.8]) for cattle, 12.3% (CI95 [7.6–17.8]) for pigs and 14.7% (CI95 [8.9–21.5]) for sheep. Due to the high heterogeneity observed, univariable and multivariable meta-regression models were fitted showing that the geographic area for cattle (p = 0.032), the farming type for pigs (p = 0.0004) and the sample composition for sheep (p = 0.03) had significant effects on the prevalences of Toxoplasma detected/estimated. Moreover, the role of different animal species was dependent on the geographic location of animals’ origin. Limitations: Limitations were due mainly to a possible publication bias. Conclusions and Implications: The present work confirms the role of meat, including beef, as T. gondii sources, and highlights the need for a control system for this parasite to be implemented along the meat production chain. Moreover, consumer knowledge should be strengthened in order to reduce the impact of disease.

Suggested Citation

  • Simone Belluco & Marzia Mancin & Daniele Conficoni & Giulia Simonato & Mario Pietrobelli & Antonia Ricci, 2016. "Investigating the Determinants of Toxoplasma gondii Prevalence in Meat: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(4), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0153856
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153856
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    1. Viechtbauer, Wolfgang, 2010. "Conducting Meta-Analyses in R with the metafor Package," Journal of Statistical Software, Foundation for Open Access Statistics, vol. 36(i03).
    2. Neal S Young, 2008. "Why Current Publication May Distort Science," Working Papers id:1757, eSocialSciences.
    3. Neal S Young & John P A Ioannidis & Omar Al-Ubaydli, 2008. "Why Current Publication Practices May Distort Science," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 5(10), pages 1-5, October.
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    1. Marcelle Mareze & Aline do Nascimento Benitez & Ana Pérola Drulla Brandão & Fernanda Pinto-Ferreira & Ana Carolina Miura & Felippe Danyel Cardoso Martins & Eloiza Teles Caldart & Alexander Welker Bion, 2019. "Socioeconomic vulnerability associated to Toxoplasma gondii exposure in southern Brazil," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(2), pages 1-14, February.

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