Prevalence of Ocular Toxoplasmosis in the General Population and Uveitis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The present study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis in the general population and patients with uveitis. Four electronic databases were searched and 130 studies for evaluating the prevalence of OT among the general population and uveitis patients were included. The pooled prevalence of OT among the general population was estimated at 2% (95% CI, 2–3%; 762/486 051). The highest prevalence rate was observed in America 6% (95% CI, 1–11%). In uveitis patients, a prevalence rate of 9% (95% CI, 8–10%; 5668/88 006) was reported. The countries with a lower middle income had higher prevalence rates. The prevalence of OT in posterior uveitis 33% (95%CI, 24–42%) was substantially higher than in panuveitis 7% (95% CI, 5–8%). Our results provide a new perspective on the prevalence of OT. Knowledge of international and regional patterns of disease is essential for the establishment of precise diagnostic protocols and control programs.