Prevalence of Ocular Toxoplasmosis in the General Population and Uveitis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Mohsen Karami, Tahmineh Gorgani-Firouzjaee, Sahar Rostami-Mansour, Hoda Shirafkan
Abstract
PURPOSE: The present study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis in the general population and patients with uveitis. METHODS: Four electronic databases were searched and 130 studies for evaluating the prevalence of OT among the general population and uveitis patients were included. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of OT among the general population was estimated at 2% (95% CI, 2-3%; 762/486 051). The highest prevalence rate was observed in America 6% (95% CI, 1-11%). In uveitis patients, a prevalence rate of 9% (95% CI, 8-10%; 5668/88 006) was reported. The countries with a lower middle income had higher prevalence rates. The prevalence of OT in posterior uveitis 33% (95%CI, 24-42%) was substantially higher than in panuveitis 7% (95% CI, 5-8%). CONCLUSION: Our results provide a new perspective on the prevalence of OT. Knowledge of international and regional patterns of disease is essential for the establishment of precise diagnostic protocols and control programs.