| 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. |