Infection Rates of Fasciola Intermediate Host Snail Species and Their Distribution in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to collate the infection rates of Fasciola spp. in intermediate host snails and their distribution in Africa. The overall infectivity prevalences of Galba truncatula, Radix natalensis , and Pseudosuccinea columella are 52%, 8%, and 3%, respectively. The intermediate host snails native to Africa ( R. natalensis and G. truncatula ) have been examined more than the invasive P. columella . The studies included in the review ranged from 1999 to 2022. North Africa has the highest prevalence of G. truncatula , with an infection rate of 52%. The review reveals that naturally infected intermediate host snails ( G. truncatula , R. natalensis , and P. columella ) are found in various regions of Africa. G. truncatula accounts for 22% (from three countries) of the studies included in the review and it was only found in the North African region with the highest overall infection rate of 52%. More studies on infection rate and distribution are needed to effectively control and prevent future transmissions.