Toxoplasmosis in rodents: A systematic review and meta-analysis in Iran

During recent years, implication of rodents in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii is overlooked in Iran; thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in rodents of Iran. For this purpose, following the general methodology recommended for systematic reviews and meta-analysis, 5 English and 3 Persian databases were explored from 1 January 2000 till 10 September 2016 using related keywords. Finally, 9 out of 291 citations were met to be included in this study. Due to significant heterogeneity, the random-effects model was conducted (I2 = 93.55%). During the years, 661 rodents were trapped, and 121 of them were identified positive for T. gondii 15% (95% CI = 5-27). Moreover, overall prevalence using direct microscopic examination (1/230), PCR-based techniques (41/246) and serological tests (83/437) was obtained 0.1% (95% CI = 0.0-1.5), 18% (95% CI = 4-39) and 15% (95% CI = 3-33), respectively. Our study revealed the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in rodents is remarkable. Considering this fact, they play a key role in the life cycle of T. gondii and should not be neglected. Further surveys is needed to better recognize the role of various rodent species in distribution of toxoplasmosis.