Data Sheet 1_Meta-analysis of the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis infection in mosquito vectors.doc

BackgroundLymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori, is transmitted by mosquitoes and persists as a major neglected tropical disease. Despite extensive elimination campaigns, information on vector infection prevalence remains fragmented, hindering evidence-based vector control strategies under the World Health Organization’s Global Programme to Eliminate lymphatic filariasis.
MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang) were searched up to April 2025. Eligible studies reported mosquito infection rates with defined sample size, location, and diagnostic method. Study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for prevalence studies. Statistical synthesis was conducted in R (v4.1.2) using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression explored heterogeneity by region, mosquito genus, and detection method.
ResultsEighteen studies covering 160,423 mosquitoes from 10 countries were included. The pooled infection prevalence was 0.7% (95% CI [0.3–1.7]). Rates were highest in Asia (3.0%, 95% CI [0.0–10.7]), in Mansonia spp. (2.5%, 95% CI [0.8–4.9]), and when RT-PCR was applied (2.5%, 95% CI [0.0–11.0]). Higher prevalence was associated with post-2016 studies (1.9%), areas without mass drug administration programmes (1.7%), and regions with annual mean temperatures of 23–27 °C (5.2%). Considerable heterogeneity (I² = 100%) and publication bias (Egger’s test, p = 0.006) were evident.
ConclusionsFilarial infections in mosquitoes remain widespread, with clear regional and methodological variability. Strengthened mosquito-based xenomonitoring, particularly using molecular diagnostic approaches, will be essential to accelerate progress toward global lymphatic filariasis elimination by 2030.