Estimating the Prevalence of Parasitic Infections in Migrant Workers in The Middle East: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Seyedeh Maryam  Taheri; Hanieh  Makipour; Saeed  Bahadory; Ehsan  Javanmard; Samaneh  Dehbanipour; Ali  Taghipur; Gholamreza  Hassanpour; Elham  Kazemirad

doi:10.18502/ijph.v54i12.20814

Seyedeh Maryam Taheri Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hanieh Makipour Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Saeed Bahadory Vice-Chancellor of Treatment, Imam Hassan Hospital, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
Ehsan Javanmard Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Samaneh Dehbanipour Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ali Taghipur Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
Gholamreza Hassanpour Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Elham Kazemirad Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v54i12.20814

Keywords: Parasitic infections; Migrant workers; Middle East

Abstract

Background: Parasitic diseases, including food-borne and vector-borne infections, remain a significant burden, especially with the increased migration from underdeveloped to developed regions. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of parasitic infections among migrant workers in the Middle East.

Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA protocol. A search was conducted across major databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar) for studies on parasitic infections among migrant workers in the Middle East from April 1, 1993, to November 15, 2024. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (CMA), and 25 studies were included.

Results: The overall prevalence of parasitic infections in this study was estimated at 16.5%. (95% CI 2.7 to 58.5%). The prevalence based on microscopic diagnostic methods was 19.4% (95% CI 13.5% to 27.5%), and molecular diagnosis was 15.2% (95% CI 6.4% to 32.4%). The P-value in Egger's test was 0.5343, indicating no statistically significant evidence of publication bias. The pooled prevalence varied across countries: 34.7% in Iraq (n = 1 study), 19.6% in Saudi Arabia (n = 12 studies), 16.8% in the UAE (n = 4 studies), 13.2% in Qatar (n = 7 studies), and 4.2% in Kuwait (n = 1 study).

Conclusion: The prevalence of parasitic infections among migrant workers in the Middle East was estimated at 16.5%. Given this rate, routine mandatory screening is recommended along with targeted health education to reduce exposure risk and improve health. These findings highlight the public health concern that infected migrant workers may contribute to the spread of parasitic diseases in destination countries.