Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of chlamydiosis in sheep and goats
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Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the global, regional, and national prevalence of Chlamydia abortus in small ruminants. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched five electronic databases to find observational studies reporting natural C. abortus infections in sheep and goats, excluding experimental studies. We include data from 133 studies across 45 countries (n = 81 788 sheep; n = 22 696 goats). Using random-effects meta-analysis of proportions, we found global prevalence estimates of 20.1 % (95 % CI: 17.8–22.4) in sheep and 14.4 % (11.6–17.4) in goats, with substantial heterogeneity (I² > 95 %). Regional analysis revealed significant variation in sheep, with the highest prevalence in South Asia (30.6 %) and the lowest in East Asia and the Pacific (14.0 %). National-level data showed high estimates in sheep (53.3–87 % in Romania, Hungary, and Germany). Goat prevalence varied less between regions (10.4–19.7 %) but showed dramatic national differences (0 % in Romania and Australia to 91.7 % in Bosnia and Herzegovina). Meta-regression identified sample size, diagnostic methods, and latitude as significant covariates. Temporal analysis demonstrated initial variation followed by stabilization in recent decades. While these results confirm the widespread distribution and high prevalence of chlamydiosis in small ruminants, limitations include high heterogeneity and geographic disparities in study distribution. The findings underscore the need for standardized surveillance protocols, particularly in high-prevalence regions, and suggest potential species-specific differences in susceptibility. This synthesis provides crucial epidemiological insights to guide future research and control strategies for this economically significant zoonotic pathogen.
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