Toxoplasma gondii in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Infection Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Humans and Animals
7 affiliations
- 1Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science Debre Tabor University Debre Tabor Ethiopia
- 2Northern Resilience Cluster Office Jhpiego Ethiopia
- 3Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences Injibara University Injibara Ethiopia
- 4Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agricultural Sciences Woldia University Woldia Ethiopia
- 5College of Veterinary Medicine Haramaya University Dire Dawa Ethiopia
- 6Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences Debre Markos University Debre Markos Ethiopia
- 7Medical Officer at International Medical Corps Amhara Region Emergency Operation Center, Gondar Field Office Gondar Ethiopia
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with significant animal and public health implications. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of toxoplasmosis in ruminants and humans in Ethiopia and to determine the major risk factors associated with the disease. Five databases were used to search for all articles published between 2012 and 2025. The pooled prevalence of toxoplasmosis was calculated using a random‐effects model. I 2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity among the included studies. Publication bias was assessed through a meta‐analysis Egger regression asymmetry test. The overall pooled prevalence of T. gondii was 42.0% (95% CI: 35.0%–49.0%) in ruminants and 61.0% (95% CI: 49.0%–74.0%) in humans. Female animals have higher odds of acquiring T. gondii (OR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.56–2.00) than males. Similarly, adult animals were more likely to be exposed to the disease (OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 2.10–2.74) than young age groups. In humans, rural residence (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.07–1.42) and cat ownership (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.79–2.32) were significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity. These results highlight the necessity of targeted monitoring and preventative measures to reduce T. gondii exposure in both animal and human populations in Ethiopia.
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BibTeX
@article{wubaye2026toxoplasma,
title = {{Toxoplasma gondii in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Infection Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Humans and Animals}},
author = {Ambachew Motbaynor Wubaye and Birhanu Feleke Shitu and Amare Mebrat Delie and Aysheshim Belaineh Haimanot and Yezbie Wagaw Ayicheh and Adugna Mengesha Mulugeta and Anley Shiferaw Enawgaw and Yihenew Getahun Ambaw and Mequanent Dessie Bitewa and Smegnew Gichew Wondie and Tadele Derbew Kassie and Zinie Abita Mengie and Simegnew Adugna Kallu and Berhanu Ayana Tafere and Tesfaye Shumet Mekonnen and Mikias Getahun Molla and Daniel Mulat Eshetu and Thomas Kidanemariam Yewodiaw},
journal = {Veterinary Medicine and Science},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1002/vms3.71293},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.71293},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Toxoplasma gondii in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Infection Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Humans and Animals
AU - Ambachew Motbaynor Wubaye
AU - Birhanu Feleke Shitu
AU - Amare Mebrat Delie
AU - Aysheshim Belaineh Haimanot
AU - Yezbie Wagaw Ayicheh
AU - Adugna Mengesha Mulugeta
AU - Anley Shiferaw Enawgaw
AU - Yihenew Getahun Ambaw
AU - Mequanent Dessie Bitewa
AU - Smegnew Gichew Wondie
AU - Tadele Derbew Kassie
AU - Zinie Abita Mengie
AU - Simegnew Adugna Kallu
AU - Berhanu Ayana Tafere
AU - Tesfaye Shumet Mekonnen
AU - Mikias Getahun Molla
AU - Daniel Mulat Eshetu
AU - Thomas Kidanemariam Yewodiaw
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/03
JO - Veterinary Medicine and Science
DO - 10.1002/vms3.71293
UR - https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.71293
AB - Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with significant animal and public health implications. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of toxoplasmosis in ruminants and humans in Ethiopia and to determine the major risk factors associated with the disease. Five databases were used to search for all articles published between 2012 and 2025. The pooled prevalence of toxoplasmosis was calculated using a random‐effects model. I 2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity among the included studies. Publication bias was assessed through a meta‐analysis Egger regression asymmetry test. The overall pooled prevalence of T. gondii was 42.0% (95% CI: 35.0%–49.0%) in ruminants and 61.0% (95% CI: 49.0%–74.0%) in humans. Female animals have higher odds of acquiring T. gondii (OR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.56–2.00) than males. Similarly, adult animals were more likely to be exposed to the disease (OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 2.10–2.74) than young age groups. In humans, rural residence (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.07–1.42) and cat ownership (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.79–2.32) were significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity. These results highlight the necessity of targeted monitoring and preventative measures to reduce T. gondii exposure in both animal and human populations in Ethiopia.
SN - 2053-1095
ER -