Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders from Western Romania

Grada, Sebastian; Mihu, Alin Gabriel; Petrescu, Cristina; Suciu, Oana; Marincu, Iosif; Lupu, Maria Alina; Olariu, Tudor Rareș

doi:10.3390/medicina58020208

Cited by 12 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…For example, T. gondii seropositivity has been associated with schizophrenia due to abnormal dopamine transmission [102] as well as a risk factor for the development of depression and other psychiatric disorders [103]. In addition to dopamine, there was a significantly higher prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies among patients in Western Romania with schizophrenia (69.77%), personality/behavior disorders (76.74%), and mental disorders concerning alcohol abuse (84.62%) compared to controls (p = 0.009, p = 0.005, p = 0.043, respectively) [104]. Likewise, substance use is linked to the manipulation of dopamine transmission and the development of these diseases [105].…”

Section: Further Evidence Linking T Gondii Infection and Alcohol Use ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Associations between Drugs of Abuse and<em> Toxoplasma gondii</em> Infection

Sastry¹,

Jiménez²

2023

Preprint

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Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most common parasites that infect humans. The parasite exists in approximately 40 million people in the United States. Latent infections are frequently associated with tissue cysts of T. gondii in the skeletal muscle and brain tissue that can lead to mental disorders, congenital disorders, and vision dysfunction. Furthermore, self-directed violence, impulsivity, and aggression are associated with T. gondii infection. Dopamine is associated with human behavior including pleasure, aggression, memory, and substance use disorder; however, the result of the studies on the association of T. gondii infection and drugs of abuse are not well understood. The frequency of substance use may be associated with substance-induced modification of dopamine-receptor densities and basal dopaminergic activity. Likewise, T. gondii can directly or indirectly influence dopaminergic activity in infected cells. Based on this hypothesis, the current paper aimed to systematically review all published literature on the association between drugs of abuse and T. gondii infection. Systematic review of controlled studies on T. gondii infection and substance use effects in adults were searched on the electronic databases. Studies have shown that individuals infected with T. gondii display increased risky behavior, such as excessive alcohol consumption. Furthermore, it was observed that T. gondii seropositive subjects had a reduced likelihood of self-reported substance use compared to T. gondii seronegative subjects. This study confirms that SUD is a potential risk factor for behavioral and psychiatric complications associated with T. gondii infection. Ultimately T. gondii infection in the context of drug dependence and the development of SUD remain to be elucidated. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further research characterizing the mechanisms associated with dopamine metabolism of drug dependence and withdrawal in the context of a T. gondii infection, evaluating the role of inflammation, and identifying potential drug-and-sex specific underpinnings of these associations.

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Section: Further Evidence Linking T Gondii Infection and Alcohol Use ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Associations between Drugs of Abuse and<em> Toxoplasma gondii</em> Infection

Sastry¹,

Jiménez²

2023

Preprint

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“…T. gondii can undergo a transformation into intracellular cysts, residing in organs such as the liver, muscles and neuronal cells, persisting throughout the lifetime of the host. It has also been suggested that a correlation exists between chronic brain infection with T. gondii and alterations in patient neuronal architecture, neurochemistry and behavior ( 16 , 17 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A comprehensive assessment of toxoplasmosis and its dormant impact on psychotic disorders (Review)

Mares,

Varlam,

Iliuta

et al. 2024

Biomed Rep

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Toxoplasmosis is a pathological condition induced by the parasite, Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii ), which has a notable affinity for the cellular components of the central nervous system. Over the decades, the relationship between toxoplasmosis and the development of psychiatric disorders has generated profound interest within the scientific community. Whether considering immunocompetent or immunocompromised patients, epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to T. gondii may be associated with a higher risk of certain psychiatric disorders. However, there are extensive debates regarding the exact nature of this association and how T. gondii is involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Toxoplasmosis has long been considered an asymptomatic infection among immunocompetent patients. However, there appears to be an association between chronic brain infection with T. gondii and alterations in patient neuronal architecture, neurochemistry and behavior. The present review aimed to compile statements and pathophysiological hypotheses regarding the potential association between toxoplasmosis and psychotic disorders. Further research is necessary for understanding the potential relationship of T. gondii infection and psychotic disorders.

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“…Limited epidemiological data on the relationship between T. gondii infection and psychiatric diseases were published in Romania. The current literature on this subject did not evaluate the possible contamination routes and risk factors that may be associated with infection in psychiatric patients [ 35 , 36 ]. Therefore, we performed a cross-sectional study in a population of psychiatric patients residing in Arad County, Western Romania, to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii IgG antibodies and to further identify the potential risk factors that may lead to possible infection with this protozoan parasite.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors in Psychiatric Patients from Western Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Grada,

Mihu,

Oatis

et al. 2024

Microorganisms

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Infection with the coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii was associated with an increased risk of several mental disorders. We conducted a case–control study of 464 consecutive psychiatric patients and assessed the prevalence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii and the potential risk factors associated with infection. T. gondii-specific antibodies were determined using a chemiluminescence assay. A questionnaire was utilized to assess the potential correlation between risk factors and Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity. IgG antibodies were found in 325 (70.04%) of the patients. We observed a higher likelihood of positive IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in older individuals, patients residing in rural areas, and females. We also noted associations between Toxoplasma gondii infection and certain risk factors, like activities that involve contact with soil, low-income levels, and limited educational attainment. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii infection among psychiatric patients from Western Romania and provide new information regarding the potential risk factors associated with T. gondii in this population group. This study may serve as a foundation for future research and the development of preventive strategies.

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Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders from Western Romania

Cited by 12 publications

References 41 publications

Associations between Drugs of Abuse and<em> Toxoplasma gondii</em> Infection

Associations between Drugs of Abuse and<em> Toxoplasma gondii</em> Infection

A comprehensive assessment of toxoplasmosis and its dormant impact on psychotic disorders (Review)

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors in Psychiatric Patients from Western Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study

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