Global Seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background In the present study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the global and regional seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. and associated risk factors among children. Methods The present systematic review and meta-analysis was followed based on the Preferred Reporting. Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. We searched the online databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and Google Scholar search engine for studies that measured seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. among children, published between 1 January 2000 and 15 January 2022. Accordingly, the pooled seroprevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Results A total of 65 articles from 22 countries met the inclusion criteria. The global seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection among children was estimated as 25% (95% CI 22–29). Meta-regression analysis showed that the type of population studied ( p = 0.002) and year of publication ( p = 0.044) it may be the source of heterogeneity. The highest and lowest pooled seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection were estimated in Thailand and Colombia as 58.2% (95% CI 50.9–65.5) and 7.04% (95% CI 3.05–11.3), respectively. Male gender was associated with a higher risk of Toxocara spp. compared to females, and this association was statistically significant (OR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.09–1.41, p = 0.001). However, residing in rural areas did not show a statistically significant increase in risk compared to living in urban areas (OR = 1.39; 95% CI 0.88–2.21, p = 0.143). Conclusion Toxocariasis is common among children, hence, prevention and control scheme of this helminth in children should be considered by health officials and health policymakers, especially in developing countries, where seroprevalence is highest.