SynthesisBMC infectious diseases2025
Prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania donovani infection and associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMC infectious diseases, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Prevalence and associated risk factors of human leishmaniasis in sub-Saharan Africa: an umbrella review.BMC infectious diseases · 2025Pooled it
- An in-depth review on antimicrobial efficacy of melittin in vivo.World journal of microbiology & biotechnology · 2026Review
- Determinants of Leishmania infection in refugee camps in Gambella and Benishangul Gumuz regional states of Ethiopia: a matched case-control study.BMC infectious diseases · 2026Article
- Global, regional, and national temporal trend and patterns of change in the burden of leishmaniasis from 1990 to 2021: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.Science in One Health · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundVisceral leishmaniasis is endemic in Ethiopia and caused by Leishmania donovani. Although the disease manifests with significant clinical variability, a substantial number of individuals are asymptomatic. These individuals can serve as reservoirs, complicating control efforts. However, comprehensive data on asymptomatic L. donovani infections in Ethiopia are lacking, highlighting the need for a systematic review and meta-analysis to consolidate evidence and understand the distribution and determinants of this infection.
methodsPRISMA guidelines followed and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024531454). Systematically searched electronic databases and grey literature sources up to April 13, 2024. Original research articles in English considered. Statistical analyses performed using STATA version 16. Publication bias evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's regression tests. Pooled estimate of asymptomatic L. donovani infection derived using a random effects model. Study heterogeneity assessed using Chi-square (χ²)-based Q test (p < 0.1) and I² subgroup analysis and meta-regression conducted with significance set at p < 0.05.
resultA total of 1,288 articles were identified, with 11 studies met inclusion criteria. These studies, published between 2012 and 2024, reported data from 17 districts across six regions. Sample sizes ranged from 185 to 1,682, with a total of 7,288. Six types of laboratory testing methods were employed. Prevalence of asymptomatic L. donovani infection per individual study ranged from 0.9 to 15.8%, while district-level prevalence varied from 0 to 31.1%. The overall pooled estimate of asymptomatic L. donovani infection in Ethiopia was 9.0% (95% CI: 6.0-11.0%). The pooled estimate in the Amhara region was 9.0% (95% CI: 8.0-11.0%), compared to 7.0% (95% CI: 3.0-12.0%) in other regions. Living in a household with domestic animals (OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.43-3.64) and being male (OR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.21-3.23) were significantly associated with higher asymptomatic L. donovani infection.
conclusionA considerable number of asymptomatic L. donovani infections were reported in Ethiopia. Close contact with domestic animals and being male were identified as significant risk factors. Regular screening of people living in close contact with animals. This will minimize role of man as reservoir host of asymptomatic L. donovani infection VL and hence aid in disease control and management.
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