Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and serointensity and cognitive function in adults

Abstract

Infecting approximately one-third of the world's human population, Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with cognitive function. Here, we sought to further characterize the association between Toxoplasma gondii and cognitive function in a community sample of adults aged approximately 40 to70 years. Using adjusted linear regression models, we found associations of Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity with worse reasoning (b =-.192, p < .05) and matrix pattern completion (b =-.681, p < .01), of higher anti-Toxoplasma gondii p22 antibody levels with worse reasoning (b =-.078, p < .01) and slower Trails (numeric) performance (b = 5.962, p < .05), of higher anti-Toxoplasma gondii sag1 levels with worse reasoning (b =-.081, p < .05) and worse matrix pattern completion (b =-.217, p < .05), and of higher mean of the anti-Toxoplasma gondii p22 and sag1 levels with worse reasoning (b =-.112, p < .05), slower Trails (numeric) performance (b = 9.195, p < .05), and worse matrix pattern completion (b =-.245, p < .05). Neither age nor educational attainment moderated associations between the measures of Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity or serointensity. Sex, however, moderated the association between the sag1 titer and digit-symbol substitution and the association between the mean of the p22 and sag1 levels and digit-symbol substitution, and income moderated the association between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and numeric memory and the association between the p22 level and symbol-digit substitution. Based on the available neuropsychological tasks in this study, Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and serointensity were associated with some aspects of poorer executive function in adults.

Cross-sectional association of Toxoplasma gondii exposure with BMI and diet in US adults

“…T . gondii exposure may decrease cognitive function [ 5 ] and may increase the risk of mental health problems such as schizophrenia or psychosis [ 6 – 7 ]. Adults with T .…”

“…Subclinical chronic T. gondii infection can cause changes in the brain [4], and has been linked to more subtle behavioral changes in humans. T. gondii exposure may decrease cognitive function [5] and may increase the risk of mental health problems such as schizophrenia or psychosis [6][7]. Adults with T. gondii exposure are more likely to engage in risky behavior such as alcohol consumption [8], risky driving [9], and entrepreneurial activities [10] and they may also exhibit higher levels of aggression and impulsivity [11].…”

Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and cognitive function in adults with schizophrenia

“…A number of studies have addressed the association between the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies and the impairment of cognitive function in mentally healthy individuals. Most ( Mendy et al, 2015 ; Gale et al, 2015 ; Gajewski et al, 2014 ; Pearce et al, 2014 ; Beste et al, 2014 ; Nimgaonkar et al, 2016 ; Rossini et al, 2019 ; Gale et al, 2020 ) but not all ( Guenter et al, 2012 ; Sugden et al, 2016 ; Torniainen-Holm et al, 2019 ) of them find an adverse association between toxoplasmosis and cognitive functioning. In contrast to that, only one study has examined the cognitive performance in schizophrenia patients born to T. gondii seropositive mothers ( Brown et al, 2009 ).…”

Examining the Relationship between Toxoplasma gondii and Seropositivity and Serointensity and Depression in Adults from the United Kingdom and the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with deficits in cognitive function in humans in many [9][10][11][12][13] but not all [14][15][16] studies, with dementia [17,18], and with epilepsy [19]. Although not all findings have been consistent [20], Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia [21], obsessive-compulsive disorder [4], bipolar disorder, and substance abuse [22].…”