Global prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti coinfections in human populations from 1946 to 2024: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap), and Babesia microti (Bm) could coinfect humans since they are transmitted via the same vectors. The prevalence of coinfections is more frequent than expected, threatening global health. However, the data on global prevalence are...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-10-01
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| Series: | New Microbes and New Infections |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2052297525000605 |
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| Summary: | Background: Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap), and Babesia microti (Bm) could coinfect humans since they are transmitted via the same vectors. The prevalence of coinfections is more frequent than expected, threatening global health. However, the data on global prevalence are unclear. Obtaining comprehensive prevalence data is critical for evaluating the coinfection threat. Methods: This meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. We searched studies from the Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid, PubMed, and EBSCO from inception to March 15, 2024. Data were pooled by a random effects model. This study has been registered on PROSPERO (CRDCRD42022380305). Results: We searched 18064 articles and included 34 articles, involving 23851 people. Bb + Ap global coinfection prevalence was 2.9 % (95 % CI 1.8 to 4.3), Bb + Bm was 3.9 % (95 % CI 1.7 to 8.8), Ap + Bm was 0.5 % (95 % CI 0.2 to 1.4), and Bb + Ap + Bm was 2.1 % (95 % CI 0.7 to 5.9). Amongst Bb + Ap group, prevalence of China (1.3 %, 95 %CI 0.9 to 1.7) was lower than that of Europe (3.2 %, 95 % CI 1.9 to 5.2) and USA (2.7 %, 95 % CI 1.0 to 5.3). Conclusions: Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti coinfection in the human population is prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere. Bb + Ap and Bb + Bm are more commonplace than Ap + Bm and Bb + Ap + Bm; meanwhile, Bb + Ap + Bm has the lowest prevalence. Coinfections are most prevalent in Europe and the USA. Bb + AP coinfection occurs more frequently in Europe than in the USA. |
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| ISSN: | 2052-2975 |