Risk factors for sporadic toxoplasmosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Toxoplasmosis is considered as the most prevalent parasitic zoonotic infection worldwide. The cycle mostly known, but relative contribution of different sources and pathways transmission was not previously studied by a meta-analysis. A systematic review meta-analysis case-control, cohort, cross-sectional studies were performed to determine main risk factors associated with sporadic Toxoplasma infection. Suitable scientific articles identified through literature search subjected methodological quality assessment. Mixed-effects models adjusted population type – children, mixed population, pregnant women appropriate data partitions. 187 primary passed assessment stage, investigating for gondii conducted between 1983 2016. Cases defined serology. infections revealed significance environmental such contact soil animals, in particular cats. consumption raw or undercooked meat unwashed vegetables significantly increased odds acquiring disease. Shellfish milk significant toxoplasmosis. Almost all categories factors: pork, poultry, beef, processed meat, lamb, game meat. Contaminated drinking water may play role acquisition Moreover, lack hygiene preparing food factor. factor traveling abroad. Lastly, blood transfusion (in women) immunocompromised conditions found positive broad definition exposures use serology case are limitations interpretation results this require further investigations using longitudinal subtyping approaches.