Human cystic echinococcosis in the Middle East: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence

Review title: Human cystic echinococcosis in the Middle East: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence Type and method of review: Meta analysis Stage of review at time of this submission: Review ongoing — the protocol has been finalised and the peer-reviewed search prepared; formal screening not yet started. Data extraction (selection and coding): Two reviewers will independently screen titles/abstracts and full texts, blinded to each other’s decisions, and extract data in duplicate using a standardised, piloted form. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion or a third reviewer. Risk of bias (quality) assessment: The risk of bias of each included study will be assessed independently by two reviewers using a study-design-appropriate tool. Disagreements will be resolved by consensus. Risk of bias in the review itself will be appraised with ROBIS. Strategy for data synthesis: Results will be synthesised narratively. Where studies are sufficiently homogeneous, effect estimates will be pooled in a meta-analysis using a fixed- or random-effects model as indicated by heterogeneity (I²). The certainty of the evidence will be rated using GRADE.