A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of parasitic infections in equids in Ethiopia.
- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of parasitic infections in equids (horses, donkeys, and other horse-like animals) in Ethiopia.
Purpose of the Review:
The researchers conducted this review to determine the overall (weighted) prevalence of parasitic infections in equids in Ethiopia.
Search Methodology:
- The researchers used multiple databases and platforms like PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, etc., to search for relevant articles on parasites in equids.
- From the 3082 potential studies they found, 66 met their specific criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis.
Distribution of the Reports:
- 32 reports included multiple species of equids.
- 18 reports focused on donkeys.
- 16 reports concentrated on horses.
- Out of these reports:
- 50 mentioned helminth infections.
- 13 mentioned protozoan infections.
- 3 mentioned ectoparasites.
Overall Findings:
- The estimated overall prevalence of parasitic infections in equids was 58.3%.
- Helminths (worms) were the most common parasites, with a prevalence of 77.1%.
- Ectoparasites (external parasites like ticks and lice) had a prevalence of 35.4%.
- Haemoparasites (blood parasites, mostly protozoans) had a prevalence of 10.84%.
- Donkeys were the most affected by helminth parasites, with a prevalence of 82.3%.
Types of Parasites Found:
- 43 species of helminth parasites were identified, which included various species of nematodes, trematodes, cestodes, and botfly larvae.
- Protozoan parasites identified included several Trypanosoma species, piroplasms, and Eimeria species.
- Ectoparasites reported were various species of ticks and lice.
Publication Bias:
The researchers acknowledged that there might be a high risk of publication bias in their study. This bias might arise from differences in when the studies were published and the diagnostic techniques used.
Conclusion:
- Parasitic infections in equids are common in Ethiopia.
- These infections are caused by a wide variety of parasite species.
- These infections pose a threat to the performance and well-being of equids in Ethiopia.
- More research is needed to further understand the risks and consequences of these parasitic infections in equids and to develop strategies to address them.
In simpler terms, the study found that parasitic infections are quite common in equids in Ethiopia, with a variety of parasites affecting them. This has implications for the health and performance of these animals, and more research is needed to better tackle this problem.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Gondar, Ethiopia Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar.
- Gondar, Ethiopia Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar.
- Gondar, Ethiopia Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar.
- Gondar, Ethiopia Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar.
Conflict of Interest Statement
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