Human Campylobacteriosis in Southeast Asia: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose: Campylobacteriosis is one of the most common bacterial infections in humans, and it is frequently associated with food poisoning. Here, we carried out a meta-analysis and systematic review in analysing the prevalence of Campylobacteriosis in Southeast Asia (SEA) Methods & Materials: Databases such as, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched. Data was extracted by two independent reviewers and the results were reviewed by a third. Two reviewers independently assessed the study protocol using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist and the study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for prevalence data. Comprehensive meta-analysis version 2 was used for the meta-analysis. The random effect model was used, publication bias was assessed using the Eggers test, funnel plot and the Trim-and-Fill method. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed, the sources were analysed using the leave-one-out meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression. Results: Fifty-one studies met the eligibility criteria and were therefore added to the final meta-analysis. Of the 83107 isolates tested in the included studies, 4118 were Campylobacter. The pooled prevalence of campylobacteriosis in SEA was estimated at 7.8% (95% CI; 5.8–10.4%; I2 = 98.708%; P < 0.001). Between-study variability was high (t2 = 1.254; heterogeneity I2 = 98.708% with heterogeneity chi-square (Q) = 3871.349, df = 50, and P < 0.001). The funnel plot showed bias which was confirmed by Egger's test (t-value = 0.94252; P = 0.35055), and estimates from the leave-one-out forest plot did not affect the pooled prevalence. Nine studies were missed and fall at the right side of the pooled estimate by the Trim-and-Fill method. Pooled prevalence of campylobacteriosis in adult and children were 3.0% (CI=1.9-4.8%) and 7.1% (CI=5.1-9.8%) respectively. More studies were reported in Thailand with a prevalence of 13.3% (CI; 9.6-18.2%). Culture and stool were utilized most in the detection and sampling respectively. Country (P = 0.0014) and study population (P = 0.0000) were sources of heterogeneity among the variables. Conclusion: Campylobacteriosis needs to be monitored more closely in SEA.