Prevalence and risk factors for epizootic lymphangitis among equids in ethiopia during 2002-2023: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Abstract: In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly in Ethiopia, Epizootic Lymphangitis (EL) is the most prevalent fungal disease of equids, which causes significant economic losses as well as a decrease in equid populations. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to pool the results of individual studies and estimate the prevalence of EL among equids in Ethiopia. A systematic search of research articles on the prevalence and risk factors of EL among equids in Ethiopia was conducted in registers, databases, and other sources. Cochrane's Q, inverse variance (I2), sensitivity analysis, funnel plot, Begg's, and Egger's regression tests were used to check heterogeneity and publication bias. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled burden of EL among equids. For this meta-analysis, a total of 7217 equids were included in the 14 eligible studies. The overall pooled prevalence of EL among equids in Ethiopia was 20.24% (95% CI: 16.27, 24.21). According to the subgroup analysis, the highest prevalence was observed in cart horses (20.98%), the Amhara region (21.46%), and studies conducted using sample sizes of 384 equids or greater (24.67%) and from 2002 to 2018 (25.52%) study periods. Harness-inflicted wounds, sharing stables or yards with harnesses, and the presence of preexisting wounds were identified as factors significantly associated with EL magnitude. Early diagnosis and proper medication, as well as implementing appropriate prevention and control measures, are necessary for the management of EL in equids.
Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2024-02-04 PubMed ID: 38320735DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105012Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Meta-Analysis
- Systematic Review
- Journal Article
Summary
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This study systematically analysed research on the prevalence and risk factors of Epizootic Lymphangitis (EL), a common fungal disease in horses and related equines, in Ethiopia from 2002 to 2023. It found a prevalence of EL among equines of 20.24%, with the highest rates in cart horses and the Amhara region.
Research Overview
This research paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual studies conducted in Ethiopia over the period of 2002 to 2023, focusing on the prevalence and risk factors of Epizootic Lymphangitis (EL) among equids. The goal was to estimate the prevalence of EL, a severe fungal disease prevalent in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, especially in Ethiopia, causing significant economic impact and a decreasing equid population.
Methods and Analysis
- The researchers carried out a systematic search of available research articles in registers, databases, and other relevant sources.
- A variety of statistical tests, including Cochrane’s Q, inverse variance, sensitivity analysis, and regression tests like Begg’s, and Egger’s, were carried out to check for heterogeneity and potential publication bias.
- The team calculated the overall burden of EL using a random-effects model.
- For the purposes of this meta-analysis, 14 studies were selected as eligible, involving a total of 7217 equids.
Results
- The pooled prevalence of EL among equids in Ethiopia was found to be 20.24%, within a Confidence Interval (CI) of 16.27% to 24.21%.
- Upon conducting a subgroup analysis, the team found the highest prevalence in cart horses (20.98%), the Amhara region (21.46%), in studies with sample sizes greater than or equal to 384 equids (24.67%), and those conducted from 2002 to 2018 (25.52%).
- Risk factors majorly contributing to the prevalence of EL included wounds inflicted by the harness, sharing of stables or yards and harness, and the presence of a pre-existing wound.
Recommendations
- The researchers suggest the implementation of early diagnosis and medication procedures alongside appropriate preventive measures for managing EL in equids efficiently.
- They also stress the importance of control measures to limit the spread and impact of the disease.
Cite This Article
APA
Girma A, Tamir D.
(2024).
Prevalence and risk factors for epizootic lymphangitis among equids in ethiopia during 2002-2023: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
J Equine Vet Sci, 134, 105012.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105012 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Mekdela Amba University, P.O. Box 32, Tulu Awuliya, Ethiopia. Electronic address: gabayeneh2013@gmail.com.
- Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor P.O. Box 272, Ethiopia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Ethiopia / epidemiology
- Risk Factors
- Prevalence
- Lymphangitis / epidemiology
- Lymphangitis / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horses
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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