Abstract:
Bovine trypanosomosis is an incapacitating and lethal ailment brought about by protozoan parasites
of the genus Trypanosoma. The disease leads to losses in livestock and agricultural productivity,
resulting in significant socio-economic repercussions. In East Africa, trypanosomosis
has been endemic for an extensive period due to ecological factors and vector biology that
facilitate the persistent circulation of trypanosomes. This investigation outlines the occurrence of
bovine trypanosomosis in East Africa through a meta-analysis. A thorough search was conducted
on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science and AJOL. Suitable studies were chosen
using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The prevalence was estimated through a random effect
model. Publication bias and the variation in prevalence estimates due to heterogeneity were also
evaluated. The analysis was performed on 115 studies that contained relevant prevalence data.
The collective estimate of bovine trypanosomosis prevalence across the studies stood at 12%
(95% CI: 11, 13), ranging from 1% (95% CI: 0, 2) to 51% (95% CI: 45, 58). The subgroup analysis
by country revealed considerable disparities in prevalence. The highest estimated prevalence was
24% (95% CI: 18, 30) in Somalia, whereas the lowest prevalence was observed in Ethiopia at 10%
(95% CI: 9, 11). A significant level of heterogeneity was noted in most pooled estimates, even
after conducting subgroup analysis. The visual examination of the funnel plot and the Egger's
regression asymmetry coefficient (b = 5.13, 95% CI: 7.49, 2.76, p = 0.00) and Begg's plot (p
= 0.00) indicate the presence of publication bias. In conclusion, bovine trypanosomosis is a
pervasive and noteworthy malady affecting livestock. The findings of this investigation imply a
high prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis in the majority of the countries under scrutiny. Despite
the well-known hindrance that livestock trypanosomosis poses to livestock production in Africa,
little attention has been devoted to the trypanosomosis situation, particularly in East African
nations.
