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Toxoplasmosis and neuropsychiatric diseases: can serological studies establish a clear relationship?

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A Letter to the Editor to this article was published on 07 December 2012

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread infection, with clinical spectrum ranging from a completely asymptomatic infection to multi-organ involvement. After entering the body, the parasite forms tissue cysts and establishes a chronic infection, involving also the central nervous system (CNS). During the last years, a lot of research has focused on the possible link between exposure to T. gondii and development of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease (PD). If a firm association between Toxoplasma infection and neuropsychiatric disorders will be established, this would lead to novel strategies for their prevention and treatment. We will review data from serological and neurodevelopment studies relating infection with T. gondii to such neuropsychiatric diseases.

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Abbreviations

Abs:

Antibodies

Ags:

Antigens

AIDS:

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome

CNS:

Central nervous system

DOPA:

Dopamine

HIV:

Human immunodeficiency virus

Ig:

Immunoglobulin

IFNγ:

Interferon γ

IL:

Interleukin

NMDA:

N-methyl d-aspartate

PD:

Parkinson’s disease

TH:

Tyrosine hydroxylase

TRP:

Tryptophan

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental Pathology, M.B.I.E., School of Medicine, Università di Pisa, Via Roma, 55, Pisa, Italy

    Silvia Fabiani, Barbara Pinto & Fabrizio Bruschi

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  1. Silvia Fabiani
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  2. Barbara Pinto
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  3. Fabrizio Bruschi
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Correspondence to Fabrizio Bruschi.

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Fabiani, S., Pinto, B. & Bruschi, F. Toxoplasmosis and neuropsychiatric diseases: can serological studies establish a clear relationship?. Neurol Sci 34, 417–425 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-012-1197-4

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