Global prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus across different animal species: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Tritrichomonas foetus is a protozoan parasite of global importance that causes significant reproductive disease in cattle and chronic diarrhea in cats, while commonly existing as a commensal in pigs. Emerging evidence of genetic diversity, transmission, and drug resistance necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its global prevalence. Here, we outline the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the global prevalence of T. foetus in cattle, cats, and pigs. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CAB abstracts, and Embase, using a predefined search strategy, will be conducted to capture relevant studies. Observational studies reporting the prevalence or incidence of T. foetus infection in cattle, cats, or pigs will be included in the meta-analysis. There will be no language or geographic restrictions. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment will be performed independently by at least two reviewers. The random-effects meta-analyses will be conducted to pool prevalence estimates, stratified by animal species and geographical regions. Subgroup analysis based on diagnostic methods and other animal- and management-related covariates will be conducted. Heterogeneity will be explored through subgroup analyses. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted using the leave-one-out technique. Discussion: We describe a protocol for a global prevalence meta-analysis of T. foetus, providing crucial insights into its epidemiology across different host species and regions. The findings are essential to inform the status of surveillance efforts and highlight knowledge gaps, necessary for developing effective control strategies and guiding future research across the vulnerable domestic animal species. Systematic review registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number CRD420261303496.