Global prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Toxoplasma gondii infection, if acquired as an acute infection during pregnancy, can have substantial adverse effects on mothers, fetuses and newborns. Latent toxoplasmosis also causes a variety of pathologies and has been linked to adverse effects on pregnancy. Objective Here, we present results of a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the global prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in pregnant women. Data source We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SciELO and Scopus databases for relevant studies that were published between 1 January 1988 and 20 July 2019. Study eligibility criteria All population-based, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reporting the prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in healthy pregnant women were considered for inclusion. Participants Pregnant women who were tested for prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis. Interventions There were no interventions. Method We used a random effects model to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We grouped prevalence data according to the geographic regions defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Multiple subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed. Results In total, 311 studies with 320 relevant data sets representing 1 148 677 pregnant women from 91 countries were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The global prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in pregnant women was estimated at 33.8% (95% CI, 31.8–35.9%; 345 870/1 148 677). South America had the highest pooled prevalence (56.2%; 50.5–62.8%) of latent toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, whereas the Western Pacific region had the lowest prevalence (11.8%; 8.1–16.0%). A significantly higher prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis was associated with countries with low income and low human development indices (p Conclusion Our results indicate a high level of latent toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, especially in some low- and middle-income countries of Africa and South America, although the local prevalence varied markedly. These results suggest a need for improved prevention and control efforts to reduce the health risks to women and newborns.