Global prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in cats: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The One-Health approach highlights that the health of human populations is closely connected to animals and their shared environment. Cryptosporidiosis an opportunistic zoonotic disease considering as global public concern. Cats are considered one potential host for transmitting Cryptosporidium spp. infection humans. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used estimate overall subgroup-pooled prevalence across studies, variance between studies (heterogeneity) were quantified by I2 index. Eighty articles (including 92 datasets), from 29 countries met eligibility criteria analysis. pooled (95% CI) in cats 6% (4–8%), being highest Africa 14% (0–91%) lowest South Central America 4% (3–7%) countries. Considering detection methods, estimated be 26% (1–67%) using serological (3–10%) coproantigen 5% molecular microscopic methods. found stray 10% (5–17%), while pet (domestic) had prevalence. These results emphasize role reservoir hosts human-infecting Prevention control this zoonosis should receive greater attention officials policymakers, especially where highest.