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Yang L, Wang B, Yang Z, Zheng S, Xin Z, Wu S, Zou W, Peng H. Toxoplasma gondii infection positively associated with schizophrenia: Evidences from UK Biobank cohort and case-controlled studies. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 175:243-250. [PMID: 38749298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an opportunistic pathogen affecting about 1/3 of world population. While often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, it can lead to severe toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients. Recent research has unveiled a potential link between T. gondii infection and neuropsychiatric diseases. We implemented both a cohort study and a case control study to further identify this association. In the cohort study, we analyzed data from the UK Biobank database, which included 8814 individuals tested for T. gondii SAG1 antibodies and free of neuropsychiatric disorders at baseline. Among them, 22.52% (n = 1985) tested positive for SAG1 antibody. Over an average follow-up period of 12.26 years, Cox proportional hazards models and logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between the SAG1 seropositivity at baseline and the incidence of schizophrenia (HR: 5.89; 95% CI: 1.69-20.53). In our case-control study, 239 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 455 healthy individuals were involved. Using the modified agglutination test (MAT) to detect T. gondii antibodies, logistic regression analysis showed a higher prevalence of T. gondii infection among schizophrenia patients (10.04%) compared to healthy controls (3.74%). T. gondii infection emerged as a significant risk factor for schizophrenia (OR: 3.33; 95% CI: 1.68-6.61). However, our investigations did not reveal a robust association between T. gondii infection and other neuropsychiatric conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, dementia, anxiety, depression, neurodegenerative disorders, and peripheral neurological disorders such as neurological and plexus disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. 510515.
| | - Biyun Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. 510515; Department of Biobank, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zihan Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. 510515
| | - Shuyu Zheng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. 510515
| | - Zixuan Xin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. 510515
| | - Shuizhen Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. 510515
| | - Weihao Zou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. 510515
| | - Hongjuan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Research, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China (Southern Medical University), Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, 1023-1063 South Shatai Rd, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. 510515.
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Hasan MF, Harun AB, Hossain D, Bristi SZT, Uddin AHMM, Karim MR. Toxoplasmosis in animals and humans: a neglected zoonotic disease in Bangladesh. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:189-200. [PMID: 38840887 PMCID: PMC11147975 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01664-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a zoonotic disease that affects a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The parasite undergoes both sexual and asexual reproduction in intermediate hosts (humans and animals) and definitive hosts (cats). Transmission in humans occurs through consuming oocyst-contaminated water, fruits, vegetables, and raw or undercooked meats. In Bangladesh, several factors contribute to an increased risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. The parasite is reported to cause diseases among livestock such as goats and sheep in this country, and it has also been associated with some human illnesses. Toxoplasmosis prevalence varies significantly worldwide, with developing countries like Bangladesh experiencing higher rates. Diagnostic methods include both conventional non-DNA-based tests and molecular detection techniques, while treatment options involve using antiparasitic drugs like sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine. To control toxoplasmosis, essential steps include improving sanitation, promoting safe food handling, and educating the public about risks related to cat ownership and undercooked meat consumption. Implementing prenatal screening and treatment is also important. With the growing popularity of pet ownership in urban areas, it becomes essential to emphasize the veterinary and public health significance of toxoplasmosis in Bangladesh. This article comprehensively reviews various aspects of toxoplasmosis, with a specific focus on the situation in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Farhan Hasan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, 1706 Bangladesh
| | - Anas Bin Harun
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, 1706 Bangladesh
| | - Delower Hossain
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, 1207 Bangladesh
| | - Sabiha Zarin Tasnim Bristi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, 4225 Bangladesh
| | - A. H. M. Musleh Uddin
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100 Bangladesh
| | - Md Robiul Karim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, 1706 Bangladesh
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Taheri M, Bahrami A, Asadi KK, Mohammadi M, Molaei P, Hashemi M, Nouri F. A review on nonviral, nonbacterial infectious agents toxicity involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2023; 13:351-369. [PMID: 38357803 DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2023-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuronal death, decreased activity or dysfunction of neurotransmitters are some of the pathophysiological reasons for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. Also, there is evidence for the role of infections and infectious agents in neurodegenerative diseases and the effect of some metabolites in microorganisms in the pathophysiology of these diseases. In this study, we intend to evaluate the existing studies on the role of infectious agents and their metabolites on the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science search engines were searched. Some infectious agents have been observed in neurodegenerative diseases. Also, isolations of some fungi and microalgae have an improving effect on Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Taheri
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ali Bahrami
- Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Kiana Kimiaei Asadi
- Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Mohammadi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Pejman Molaei
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science & Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nouri
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Shannon KM. Infections and Changes in Commensal Bacteria and the Pathogenesis of Parkinson’s Disease. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:S45-S51. [PMID: 35723116 PMCID: PMC9535579 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-223271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is unknown, but environmental factors are purported to influence risk. Interest in PD as a sequel of infection dates back to reports of parkinsonism arising from encephalitis lethargica. The objective of this paper is to review the literature as it relates to infections and changes in microbiome and the genesis of PD. There is evidence to support prior infection with Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis C virus, Malassezia, and Strep pneumonia in association with PD. A large number of studies support an association between changes in commensal bacteria, especially gut bacteria, and PD. Extant literature supports a role for some infections and changes in commensal bacteria in the genesis of PD. Studies support an inflammatory mechanism for this association, but additional research is required for translation of these findings to therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Shannon
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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French T, Steffen J, Glas A, Osbelt L, Strowig T, Schott BH, Schüler T, Dunay IR. Persisting Microbiota and Neuronal Imbalance Following T. gondii Infection Reliant on the Infection Route. Front Immunol 2022; 13:920658. [PMID: 35898505 PMCID: PMC9311312 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.920658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a highly successful parasite capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals. The natural way of infection in intermediate hosts is the oral ingestion of parasite-contaminated water or food. In murine experimental models, oral infection (p.o.) of mice with T. gondii is applied to investigate mucosal and peripheral immune cell dynamics, whereas intraperitoneal infection (i.p.) is frequently used to study peripheral inflammation as well as immune cell – neuronal interaction in the central nervous system (CNS). However, the two infection routes have not yet been systematically compared along the course of infection. Here, C57BL/6 mice were infected p.o. or i.p. with a low dose of T. gondii cysts, and the acute and chronic stages of infection were compared. A more severe course of infection was detected following i.p. challenge, characterized by an increased weight loss and marked expression of proinflammatory cytokines particularly in the CNS during the chronic stage. The elevated proinflammatory cytokine expression in the ileum was more prominent after p.o. challenge that continued following the acute phase in both i.p. or p.o. infected mice. This resulted in sustained microbial dysbiosis, especially after p.o. challenge, highlighted by increased abundance of pathobionts from the phyla proteobacteria and a reduction of beneficial commensal species. Further, we revealed that in the CNS of i.p. infected mice CD4 and CD8 T cells displayed higher IFNγ production in the chronic stage. This corresponded with an increased expression of C1q and CD68 in the CNS and reduced expression of genes involved in neuronal signal transmission. Neuroinflammation-associated synaptic alterations, especially PSD-95, VGLUT, and EAAT2 expression, were more pronounced in the cortex upon i.p. infection highlighting the profound interplay between peripheral inflammation and CNS homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy French
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Steffen
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Albert Glas
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Osbelt
- Department of Microbial Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Till Strowig
- Department of Microbial Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Björn H. Schott
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Schüler
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ildiko Rita Dunay
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I), Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Ildiko Rita Dunay,
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Virus MA, Ehrhorn EG, Lui LM, Davis PH. Neurological and Neurobehavioral Disorders Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Humans. J Parasitol Res 2021; 2021:6634807. [PMID: 34712493 PMCID: PMC8548174 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6634807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect up to 30% of the world population, leading to lifelong chronic infection of the brain and muscle tissue. Although most latent T. gondii infections in humans have traditionally been considered asymptomatic, studies in rodents suggest phenotypic neurological changes are possible. Consequently, several studies have examined the link between T. gondii infection and diseases such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, depression, bipolar disorder, dysphoria, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). To date, there is varying evidence of the relationship of T. gondii to these human neurological or neurobehavioral disorders. A thorough review of T. gondii literature was conducted to highlight and summarize current findings. We found that schizophrenia was most frequently linked to T. gondii infection, while sleep disruption showed no linkage to T. gondii infection, and other conditions having mixed support for a link to T. gondii. However, infection as a cause of human neurobehavioral disease has yet to be firmly established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell A. Virus
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Evie G. Ehrhorn
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - LeeAnna M. Lui
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Paul H. Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous, intracellular protozoan parasite with a broad range of intermediate hosts, including humans and rodents. In many hosts, T. gondii establishes a latent long-term infection by converting from its rapidly dividing or lytic form to its slowly replicating and encysting form. In humans and rodents, the major organ for encystment is the central nervous system (CNS), which has led many to investigate how this persistent CNS infection might influence rodent and human behavior and, more recently, neurodegenerative diseases. Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous, intracellular protozoan parasite with a broad range of intermediate hosts, including humans and rodents. In many hosts, T. gondii establishes a latent long-term infection by converting from its rapidly dividing or lytic form to its slowly replicating and encysting form. In humans and rodents, the major organ for encystment is the central nervous system (CNS), which has led many to investigate how this persistent CNS infection might influence rodent and human behavior and, more recently, neurodegenerative diseases. Given the interest in this topic, here we seek to take a global approach to the data for and against the effects of latent T. gondii on behavior and neurodegeneration and the proposed mechanisms that might underlie behavior modifications.
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Chamera K, Trojan E, Szuster-Głuszczak M, Basta-Kaim A. The Potential Role of Dysfunctions in Neuron-Microglia Communication in the Pathogenesis of Brain Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 18:408-430. [PMID: 31729301 PMCID: PMC7457436 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666191113101629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The bidirectional communication between neurons and microglia is fundamental for the proper functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). Chemokines and clusters of differentiation (CD) along with their receptors represent ligand-receptor signalling that is uniquely important for neuron - microglia communication. Among these molecules, CX3CL1 (fractalkine) and CD200 (OX-2 membrane glycoprotein) come to the fore because of their cell-type-specific localization. They are principally expressed by neurons when their receptors, CX3CR1 and CD200R, respectively, are predominantly present on the microglia, resulting in the specific axis which maintains the CNS homeostasis. Disruptions to this balance are suggested as contributors or even the basis for many neurological diseases. In this review, we discuss the roles of CX3CL1, CD200 and their receptors in both physiological and pathological processes within the CNS. We want to underline the critical involvement of these molecules in controlling neuron - microglia communication, noting that dysfunctions in their interactions constitute a key factor in severe neurological diseases, such as schizophrenia, depression and neurodegeneration-based conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Chamera
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St. 31-343Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Trojan
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St. 31-343Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Szuster-Głuszczak
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St. 31-343Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Basta-Kaim
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St. 31-343Kraków, Poland
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Bayani M, Riahi SM, Bazrafshan N, Ray Gamble H, Rostami A. Toxoplasma gondii infection and risk of Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis on observational studies. Acta Trop 2019; 196:165-171. [PMID: 31102579 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, Toxoplasma gondii infection has been recognized as a potential risk for many psychiatric and neurological disorders. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between Toxoplasma infection and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. PubMed, Web of science, Scopus and Embase databases were searched up to September 30, 2018 for studies that reported risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases associated with Toxoplasma infection. We used a random effects meta-analysis model to generate the pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eleven studies, including seven studies for Parkinson's disease (428 patients and 540 controls) and four studies for Alzheimer's disease (301 patients and 313 controls), were included in the meta-analysis. We found that there was no statistically significant association between Toxoplasma infection, as determined by IgG serology, IgM serology, and PCR with increased risk of Parkinson's disease (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.78-1.68), (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 0.33-7.76) and (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 0.43-8.05), respectively. The OR for association of Toxoplasma infection, based on IgG serology with Alzheimer's patients, compared to control group, was (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.99-1.92), demonstrating a marginally significant association between Toxoplasma infection and Alzheimer's disease. Our findings do not support a general hypotheses regarding an associative relationship between Toxoplasma infection and Parkinson's disease, but do support a marginally significant association between Toxoplasma infection and Alzheimer's disease; this association should be investigated further through longitudinal and experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masomeh Bayani
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Riahi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Negar Bazrafshan
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - H Ray Gamble
- National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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Nayeri Chegeni T, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Moosazadeh M, Montazeri M, Aghayan SA, Balalami NJ, Gholami S, Hosseininejad Z, Saberi R, Anvari D, Gohardehi S, Daryani A. Is there any association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and depression? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218524. [PMID: 31194852 PMCID: PMC6564815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite that is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. This parasite accounts for mental disorders; however, the relationship between T. gondii infection and depressive disorder is unclear. Regarding this, the present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the potential association between major depression disorder (MDD) and Toxoplasma infection. METHODS For the purpose of the study, the articles related to the subject of interest were systematically searched in seven electronic databases. Special attention was given to the studies examining T. gondii seropositivity level in depressed patients and controls. RESULTS The search process resulted in the identification of a total of 30 publications meeting the inclusion criteria and published up to April 2018 for the systematic review. Furthermore, 29 studies met the inclusion criteria to be entered into meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis involved the review of cross-sectional studies including 1657 depressed patients and 19565 individuals as controls and case-control studies entailing 1311 depressed cases and 6015 controls without depression. 1582 depressed people participated in cross-sectional studies whose results were reported as odds ratio (OR). In addition, the total number of participants was 15068 in this type of studies. Statistical analysis indicated that the pooled OR of the risk of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in depressed individuals in case-control and cross-sectional studies was 1.15 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-1.39). CONCLUSIONS As the findings of the reviewed articles indicated, toxoplasmosis is not a risk factor for MDD. However, it is necessary to perform further research to clarify the detailed association between T. gondii and dysthymia or mild and moderate depression. Furthermore, it is recommended to better investigate the effect of antibody titers on the relationship between depression and T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri Chegeni
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Health Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahbobeh Montazeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sargis A. Aghayan
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute of Biology, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | - Shirzad Gholami
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Hosseininejad
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Saberi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shaban Gohardehi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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The Association between Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Risk of Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:8186017. [PMID: 30931331 PMCID: PMC6413381 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8186017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Several studies have investigated the association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) with inconsistent results. Clarifying this relation might be useful for better understanding of the risk factors and the relevant mechanisms of PD, thus a meta-analysis was conducted to explore whether exposure to T. gondii is associated with an increased risk of PD. Methods We conducted this meta-analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A rigorous literature selection was performed by using the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect. Odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidential interval (CI) were pooled by using fixed-effects models. Sensitivity analysis, publication bias test, and methodological quality assessment of studies were also performed. Results Seven studies involving 1086 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled data by using fixed-effects models suggested both latent infection (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.58; P=0.314) and acute infection (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.30 to 4.35; P=0.855) were not associated with PD risk. Stable and robust estimates were confirmed by sensitivity analysis. No publication bias was found by visual inspection of the funnel plot, Begg's, and Egger's test. Conclusions This meta-analysis does not support any possible association between T. gondii infection and risk of PD. Researches are still warranted to further explore the underlying mechanisms of T. gondii in the pathogenesis of PD and their causal relationship.
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