Prevalence and zoonotic implication of animal brucellosis in Libya: A systematic meta-analysis

Abstract

Brucellosis, a significant zoonotic bacterial infection, is transmitted from animals to humans through various Brucella species. The present report conducted a meta-analysis and focused on the prevalence of brucellosis and its zoonotic implication in Libya, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines throughout the systematic review process. The following databases were searched: Web of Science, Ovid, EBESCO, Sage, Scopus, and Google Scholar.  A comprehensive search yielded eligible articles for data extraction and analysis. Employing a random-effects model, the analysis was executed using a specialized meta-analysis software, producing results that included effect size, confidence intervals (CI), heterogeneity metrics, and publication bias. In total, 16,980 animals were examined across 11 studies regarding brucella infection, with 1255 yielding positive results, resulting in a prevalence rate of 7.39 %. The peak prevalence rates (28.34%) occurred in the years 2010. From the random-effects analysis, the pooled effect size was 0.12, the Z-value calculated was -6.35 (p = 0.00) indicated statistical significance, while the heterogeneity metrics revealed a Q-value of 1512,16, I-squared of 99.33, and a p-value of 0.000. Furthermore, the results of Egger’s linear regression test suggested publication bias, yielding an intercept of -14.46 and a 95% CI ranging from – 35.76 to 6.75. the results of Egger’s linear regression test suggested publication bias, yielding an intercept of -14.46 and a 95% CI ranging from – 35.76 to 6.75. Overall, this meta-analysis underscores a significant prevalence of brucella infections in Libya, particularly highlighting zoonotic value. Consequently, a greater emphasis on disease prevention and control measures is warranted.