Pooled prevalence of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency among malaria patients in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Malaria is a major global health burden that accounts for the morbidity and mortality of the population. The 2020 World Health Organization reports showed that malaria affects around 241 million people worldwide. Therefore, the study evaluated the pooled prevalence of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd) in patients with malaria.

METHODS

Various electronic databases were used to search all relevant studies through consideration of all study periods. The data were collected from PubMed, Cochrane, and Hinari, databases. Additionally, the Google Scholar search engine was used to screen research articles in the study area. The pooled prevalence of G6PDd was determined using a random effects model. On the other hand, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were performed during the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The overall pooled prevalence of G6PDd was 6% (0.04-0.08: 95% CI). The highest and lowest prevalence of G6PDd were 23% (0.06-0.41: 95% CI) and 1% (0.00-0.03: 95% CI) estimated at Jimma and three malaria endemic regions respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the overall pooled prevalence of G6PDd was 6%. The prevalence of emerging mutant variants such as ChrX:154535443, ChrX:6369, ChrX:6504, and G267 + 119C/T has been detected in specific study areas. However, the majority of G6PDd cases were associated with the A376G and A376T mutant variants. The G6PDd G202A was also detected even if its distribution was low compared to these mutants.