Global prevalence and zoonotic potential of cryptosporidiosis in camels (Camelus dromedarius): systematic meta-analysis

In this study, meta-analysis on prevalence and zoonotic significance of cryptosporidium infection in camels was performed. This study was completed following the instructions of PRISMA. Data were extracted afterward a complete search, and eligible articles were identified. The data were analyzed using a specific software program for meta-analysis, and the results included effect size, confidence intervals (CI), heterogeneity, and publication bias. A total of 4075 camels from 18 accepted studies were investigated for cryptosporidium infection. Of all, 287 camels were found positive for cryptosporidium infection, with a prevalence of 7.04%. The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in camels varied significantly among countries (P < 0.001). Where the highest prevalence was recorded in Saudi Arabia (17.73), but the lowest prevalence was recorded in Algeria (3.17%). Zoonotic cryptosporidium spp. was recorded in five studies. Where C. parvum was isolated from both camels and contact humans in Algeria, China and Iran. At fixed and random effects, the Z-value was -34.44 (P-value = 0.00) and -9.60 (P-value = 0.000), correspondingly. The Q-value (241.64), I-squared (92.96), and P value (0.000) are the outcome of heterogenicity. Also, the Tau-squared value was 1.02 with a SE of 0.49. The classic fail-safe N proposed that 5059 missing studies were required to conclude the result of study is significant (P = 0.000). The results of the present meta-analysis indicate establishment of cryptosporidium infection in camels with zoonotic potential. Therefore, more attention should be paid to prevention and control of this disease.