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Background: Eimeria is a protozoan parasite that affects poultry, particularly chickens, causing a disease known as coccidiosis. This disease imposes substantial significant economic challenges to the poultry sector. Objectives: The current study aimed to estimate the global prevalence and associated risk factors of Eimeria in domestic chickens. Methods: Multiple databases (Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for articles published until June 2023. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random‐effects model with a 95% confidence interval. The statistical analysis was conducted using meta packages in R version (3.6.1). Results: In total, 41 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The global pooled prevalence was 44.3% (36.9%–51.8%) with Eimeria tenella (38.7%, 30.1%–47.7%) as the most prevalent species. The highest pooled prevalence was related to the Western Pacific Region (80.5%, 72.6%–87.3%) and urban areas (44.4%, 36.5%–52.6%). Moreover, areas with humid subtropical climates represent the highest overall prevalence (75.8%, 46.6%–95.9%). Conclusion: The necessity for robust and innovative strategies for preventing and managing this disease cannot be overstated. Addressing Eimeria impact is crucial not only for safeguarding poultry health but also for sustaining the economic viability of the poultry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine babesiosis is a clinically significant tick‐transmitted disease caused by several species of the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite Babesia, which result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, from mild, transient infection to serious disease and even death. Objectives: The current study aimed to estimate the global prevalence and associated risk factors of Babesia in dogs. Methods: Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant literature published from January 2000 up to December 2022. The statistical analyses were performed based on the R software (version 3.6) meta‐package. Results: Out of 23,864 publications, 229 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of canine babesiosis was 0.120 (95% CI; 0.097–0.146). The highest pooled prevalence was found in Europe (0.207, 95% CI; 0.097–0.344). Among several species, Babesia canis was the most prevalent parasite (0.216, 95% CI; 0.056–0.441). The highest pooled prevalence of Babesia in dogs was observed in the summer season (0.097, 95% CI; 0.040–0.174). Conclusions: Regular screening and appropriate control strategies are recommended for the prevention of transmission of tick‐borne disease transmission among dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with mental disorders have a high risk of intestinal parasitic infection due to poor hygiene practices. Hence, to better clarify this overlooked phenomenon, the current study is conducted to determine the global prevalence of protozoan parasite infections in patients with mental disorders and investigate the associated risk factors. Methods: Several databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar) were searched for papers published until December 2022. The fixed effect meta-analysis was used to estimate the overall odds ratio (OR) and pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Totally, 131 articles (91 case–control and 40 cross-sectional studies) met the eligibility criteria. Patients with mental disorders were significantly at higher risk for protozoan parasites than healthy controls (OR: 2.059, 1.830–2.317). The highest pooled OR (2.485, 1.413–4.368) was related to patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, and the highest pooled prevalence was detected in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (0.341, 0.244–0.446), followed by bipolar and related disorders (0.321, 0.000–0.995). Toxoplasma gondii was the most prevalent protozoan parasite (0.343, 0.228–0.467) in cross-sectional studies and the highest pooled OR was related to Cyclospora cayetanensis (4.719, 1.352–16.474) followed by Cryptosporidium parvum (4.618, 2.877–7.412). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that individuals afflicted with mental disorders are significantly more susceptible to acquiring protozoan parasites in comparison to healthy individuals. Preventive interventions, regular screening, and treatment approaches for parasitic diseases should be considered for patients with mental disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of various parasitic infections in the occurrence of appendicitis is illustrated through cases recorded all over the world. The purpose of the current study was to estimate the global prevalence of parasite infestation (other than E. vermicularis) in appendectomy specimens. In the setting of the PRISMA guidelines, multiple databases (Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar) were explored in articles published until 28 September 2020. Totally, 62 studies (106 datasets) with 77, 619 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of parasites in appendectomy samples was as follows; 0.012% (95% CI; 0.004–0.025) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 0.004% (95% CI; 0.001–0.009) for Trichuris trichiura, 0.025% (95% CI; 0.007–0.052) for Schistosoma mansoni, 0.002% (95% CI; 0.001–0.005) for Taenia spp., 0.061% (95% CI; 0.020–0.122) for Entamoeba histolytica and 0.034% (95% CI; 0.018–0.056) for Giardia lamblia. Our results demonstrated that the risk of appendicitis may increase in the presence of helminth and protozoan infections. As such, the most cases of parasites in appendectomy specimens were reported in developing countries. Regular screening plans for diagnosis, treatment and prevention are needed for prevention of parasitic infection as well as parasitic associated appendicitis, especially in endemic regions of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]