Prevalence of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in Mainland China During 2013–2023: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background:

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), also known as kala-azar, is a significant vector-borne and largely zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania spp. The disease is naturally transmitted by sandflies as vectors and affects dogs and wild dogs in many countries worldwide. A literature review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the prevalence of CVL in Mainland China from 2013 to 2023.

Results:

A total of 17 publications on CVL investigation in Mainland China were screened from the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Medline database via PubMed interface, and ScienceDirect. The study utilized a random-effect model to determine the pooled prevalence of CVL. The analyzed data were selected, and the estimated prevalence of CVL in Mainland China was 21.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.0–29.6). The prevalence of CVL in Northwestern China (39.4%, 95% CI: 33.9–45.0) was significantly higher than in other regions. The main cases of CVL are located mainly in Northwest and Southwest China. In nonendemic areas, the infection occurred in samples collected, but the prevalence was lower, only 3.5% (95% CI: 1.7–5.7). Conversely, it was much higher in endemic areas (33.0%, 95% CI: 23.66–443.1). Additionally, we presented potential factors, such as detection methods, age, and sex.

Conclusion:

Our data showed that CVL infection still exists in some parts of China.