Global Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT Background Infection with Entamoeba histolytica in children can seriously affect individual and public health. Moreover, the prevalence of this disease varies significantly across different regions of the world, and comprehensive and accurate data on its global prevalence among children are lacking. The present study aims to determine the global prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica in children. Methods This study is a systematic review and meta‐analysis of existing evidence on the global prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica in children, conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 statement criteria. The search was conducted using the (AND) and (OR) operators, and the retrieved data were transferred to the EndNote reference management software. The quality assessment of the studies included in the study was conducted based on the STROBE checklist, considering the nature of the cross‐sectional studies included in the study. I2 index was used to evaluate heterogeneity. Funnel Plot and Begg and mazumdar correlation test were used to evaluate the publication bias. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis software (Version 2). Results A total of 119 studies with a sample size of 70,259 children were included. The I2 heterogeneity test indicated high heterogeneity (I2: 97.7%); therefore, a random‐effects model was used for data analysis. Based on the meta‐analysis, the global prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica in children was reported as 8.4% (95% CI: 7.1–10). However, given the results of the publication bias test, the results should be considered with caution, and it is also stated that the geographically heterogeneous distribution of the studies is also a limitation of this study. the pooled prevalence estimate should be interpreted with caution despite the subgroup and meta‐regression analyses performed. Conclusion According to the results of the meta‐analysis, the global prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica in children was reported as 8.4%; therefore, although the final prevalence is relatively high, it should be investigated and considered in light of the transmissibility of this disease in children and its impact.