1
|
Getzmann S, Golka K, Bröde P, Reinders J, Kadhum T, Hengstler JG, Wascher E, Gajewski PD. Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection Modulates Hearing Ability across the Adult Life Span. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:194. [PMID: 38398703 PMCID: PMC10890099 DOI: 10.3390/life14020194] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
While several studies have shown associations between hearing disorders and congenital toxoplasmosis, the present study investigated the impact of chronic, latent Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection on hearing loss. We used a regression analysis to explore whether latent T. gondii infection modulates changes in hearing thresholds over an age range from 20 to 70 years. We analyzed audiometric data of 162 T. gondii IgG-positive and 430 T. gondii-negative participants, collected in the Dortmund Vital Study (DVS, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05155397), a prospective study on healthy cognitive aging. The regression analysis indicated that latent toxoplasmosis was associated with an accelerated development in hearing loss over the observed age range. Hearing loss was less frequent in IgG-positive than in IgG-negative participants up to the age of about 40 for a low (0.125-1 kHz)-frequency range. For high (2-8 kHz) frequencies, this pattern reversed for ages above 65 years. We discuss these findings on hearing function in the context of a recently proposed model, suggesting that latent toxoplasmosis can differentially affect brain functions across a lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Getzmann
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), D-44139 Dortmund, Germany; (K.G.); (P.B.); (J.R.); (J.G.H.); (E.W.); (P.D.G.)
| | - Klaus Golka
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), D-44139 Dortmund, Germany; (K.G.); (P.B.); (J.R.); (J.G.H.); (E.W.); (P.D.G.)
| | - Peter Bröde
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), D-44139 Dortmund, Germany; (K.G.); (P.B.); (J.R.); (J.G.H.); (E.W.); (P.D.G.)
| | - Jörg Reinders
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), D-44139 Dortmund, Germany; (K.G.); (P.B.); (J.R.); (J.G.H.); (E.W.); (P.D.G.)
| | - Thura Kadhum
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Rehabilitation, Mittelrhein-Klinik, D-56154 Boppard-Bad Salzig, Germany;
| | - Jan G. Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), D-44139 Dortmund, Germany; (K.G.); (P.B.); (J.R.); (J.G.H.); (E.W.); (P.D.G.)
| | - Edmund Wascher
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), D-44139 Dortmund, Germany; (K.G.); (P.B.); (J.R.); (J.G.H.); (E.W.); (P.D.G.)
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Bochum/Marburg, 44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Patrick D. Gajewski
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), D-44139 Dortmund, Germany; (K.G.); (P.B.); (J.R.); (J.G.H.); (E.W.); (P.D.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Veleva I, Stoychev K, Stoimenova-Popova M, Stoyanov L, Mineva-Dimitrova E, Angelov I. Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and cognitive function in adults with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res Cogn 2022; 30:100269. [PMID: 36065435 PMCID: PMC9440062 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2022.100269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and methods Based on the limited research focusing on the severity of cognitive deterioration in schizophrenia with preceding toxoplasmosis, we sampled 89 demographically matched paranoid schizophrenia patients (mean age 38.97 years) with (n = 42) and without (n = 47) seroprevalence of IgG type anti T. gondii antibodies as marker of past infection. They underwent examination of verbal memory (10 words Luria test), logical memory and visual memory (BVRT), processing speed (TMT-A/DSST) and executive functions (TMT-B/verbal fluency). We compared the results of both groups, taking into account the normative values for the Bulgarian population where available. We also compared the two groups in terms of clinical severity as evidenced by positive, negative and disorganization sub-scores of the PANSS. Results While both groups were expectedly under the population norms for verbal and logical memory, seropositive patients showed significantly bigger impairment in verbal memory (Luria Smax = 72.85 vs 78.51; p = 0.029), psychomotor speed (TMT-A 50.98 s vs 44.64 s; p = 0.017), semantic verbal fluency (27.12 vs 30.02; p = 0.011) and literal verbal fluency (17.17 vs 18.78; p = 0.014) compared to the seronegative ones. In addition to that, they gave less correct answers on the BVRT (2.98 vs 4.09; p = 0.006) while making markedly more errors (13.95 vs 10.21; p = 0.002). Despite not reaching statistical significance, past toxoplasmosis was associated with higher score on the PANSS disorganization sub-scale (16.50 points vs 14.72 points) and with lower educational attainment. Conclusion Our results suggest a more profound neuropathological insult(s) resulting in greater cognitive impairment in schizophrenia cases that are exposed to T. gondii infection.
Collapse
|
3
|
de Haan L, Sutterland AL, Schotborgh JV, Schirmbeck F, de Haan L. Association of Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity With Cognitive Function in Healthy People: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2021; 78:1103-1112. [PMID: 34259822 PMCID: PMC8281022 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.1590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The parasite Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with behavioral alterations and psychiatric disorders. Studies investigating neurocognition in people with T gondii infection have reported varying results. To systematically analyze these findings, a meta-analysis evaluating cognitive function in healthy people with and without T gondii seropositivity is needed. OBJECTIVE To assess whether and to what extent T gondii seropositivity is associated with cognitive function in otherwise healthy people. DATA SOURCES A systematic search was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Embase was performed to identify studies from database inception to June 7, 2019, that analyzed cognitive function among healthy participants with available data on T gondii seropositivity. Search terms included toxoplasmosis, neurotoxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii, cognition disorder, neuropsychological, and psychomotor performance. STUDY SELECTION Studies that performed cognitive assessment and analyzed T gondii seroprevalence among otherwise healthy participants were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two researchers independently extracted data from published articles; if needed, authors were contacted to provide additional data. Quantitative syntheses were performed in predefined cognitive domains when 4 independent data sets per domain were available. Study quality, heterogeneity, and publication bias were assessed. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Performance on neuropsychological tests measuring cognitive function. RESULTS The systematic search yielded 1954 records. After removal of 533 duplicates, an additional 1363 records were excluded based on a review of titles and abstracts. A total of 58 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility (including reference list screening); 45 articles were excluded because they lacked important data or did not meet study inclusion or reference list criteria. The remaining 13 studies comprising 13 289 healthy participants (mean [SD] age, 46.7 [16.0] years; 6586 men [49.6%]) with and without T gondii seropositivity were included in the meta-analysis. Participants without T gondii seropositivity had favorable functioning in 4 cognitive domains: processing speed (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.12; 95% CI, 0.05-0.19; P = .001), working memory (SMD, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.06-0.26; P = .002), short-term verbal memory (SMD, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09-0.27; P < .001), and executive functioning (SMD, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.01-0.28; P = .03). A meta-regression analysis found a significant association between older age and executive functioning (Q = 6.17; P = .01). Little suggestion of publication bias was detected. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The study's findings suggested that T gondii seropositivity was associated with mild cognitive impairment in several cognitive domains. Although effect sizes were small, given the ubiquitous prevalence of this infection globally, the association with cognitive impairment could imply a considerable adverse effect at the population level. Further research is warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms of this association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lies de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arjen L. Sutterland
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jasper V. Schotborgh
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frederike Schirmbeck
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gale SD, Erickson LD, Brown BL, Hedges DW. 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. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091101. [PMID: 34578136 PMCID: PMC8470860 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Infecting approximately one-third of the world’s population, the neurotropic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with cognition and several neuropsychiatric diseases including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Findings have been mixed, however, about the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii and depression, with some studies reporting positive associations and others finding no associations. To further investigate the association between Toxoplasma gondii and depression, we used data from the UK Biobank and the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES). Results from adjusted multiple-regression modeling showed no significant associations between Toxoplasma gondii and depression in either the UK Biobank or NHANES datasets. Further, we found no significant interactions between Toxoplasma gondii and age, sex, educational attainment, and income in either dataset that affected the association between Toxoplasma gondii and depression. These results from two community-based datasets suggest that in these samples, Toxoplasma gondii is not associated with depression. Differences between our findings and other findings showing an association between Toxoplasma gondii and depression could be due to several factors including differences in socioeconomic variables, differences in Toxoplasma gondii strain, and use of different covariates in statistical modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn D. Gale
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (B.L.B.); (D.W.H.)
- The Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-801-422-9757
| | - Lance D. Erickson
- Department of Sociology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Bruce L. Brown
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (B.L.B.); (D.W.H.)
| | - Dawson W. Hedges
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (B.L.B.); (D.W.H.)
- The Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dissociating direct and indirect effects: a theoretical framework of how latent toxoplasmosis affects cognitive profile across the lifespan. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 102:119-128. [PMID: 33765425 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
About one-third of the world's population has latent toxoplasmosis, which is typically most prevalent in old age due to its lifelong persistence. Most infected people do not reveal clinically relevant symptoms, but T. gondii might trigger cognitive changes in otherwise asymptomatic individuals. As intact cognitive processes are essential for various achievements and successful aging, this review focuses on the cognitive profile associated with latent toxoplasmosis across the lifespan. It could be explained by a shift in balance between direct effects (increased dopamine synthesis) and indirect effects (neurodegeneration and chronic inflammation, which can decrease dopamine levels). Based thereon, we provide a possibly comprehensive framework of how T. gondii can differently affect cognitive performance across the lifespan (i.e., from increased catecholaminergic signaling in young age to decreased signaling in old age). We outline how future studies may inform our knowledge on the role of individual differences in response to T. gondii and how longitudinal studies can help trace the temporal dynamics in the shift of the balance between direct and indirect effects.
Collapse
|
6
|
Association between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and serointensity and brain volume in adults: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245994. [PMID: 33544748 PMCID: PMC7864421 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The intracellular protozoal parasite Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with worsened cognitive function in animal models and in humans. Despite these associations, the mechanisms by which Toxoplasma gondii might affect cognitive function remain unknown, although Toxoplasma gondii does produce physiologically active intraneuronal cysts and appears to affect dopamine synthesis. Using data from the UK Biobank, we sought to determine whether Toxoplasma gondii is associated with decreased prefrontal, hippocampal, and thalamic gray-matter volumes and with decreased total gray-matter and total white-matter volumes in an adult community-based sample. The results from adjusted multivariable regression modelling showed no associations between Toxoplasma gondii and prefrontal, hippocampal, and thalamic brain gray-matter volumes. In contrast, natural-log transformed antibody levels against the Toxoplasma gondii p22 (b = -3960, 95-percent confidence interval, -6536 to -1383, p < .01) and sag1 (b = -4863, 95-percent confidence interval, –8301 to -1425, p < .01) antigens were associated with smaller total gray-matter volume, as was the mean of natural-log transformed p22 and sag1 titers (b = -6141, 95-percent confidence interval, -9886 to -2397, p < .01). There were no associations between any of the measures of Toxoplasma gondii and total white-matter volume. These findings suggest that Toxoplasma gondii might be associated with decreased total gray-matter in middle-aged and older middle-aged adults in a community-based sample from the United Kingdom.
Collapse
|
7
|
Gale SD, Erickson LD, Thacker EL, Mitchell EL, Brown BL, Hedges DW. Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and serointensity and cognitive function in adults. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008733. [PMID: 33057346 PMCID: PMC7561134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn D. Gale
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
- The Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Evan L. Thacker
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | | | - Bruce L. Brown
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - Dawson W. Hedges
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
- The Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sutterland AL, Kuin A, Kuiper B, van Gool T, Leboyer M, Fond G, de Haan L. Driving us mad: the association of Toxoplasma gondii with suicide attempts and traffic accidents - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2019; 49:1608-1623. [PMID: 31010440 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719000813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Unnatural causes of death due to traffic accidents (TA) and suicide attempts (SA) constitute a major burden on global health, which remained stable in the last decade despite widespread efforts of prevention. Recently, latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has been suggested to be a biological risk factor for both TA and SA. Therefore, a systematic search concerning the relationship of T. gondii infection with TA and/or SA according to PRISMA guidelines in Medline, Pubmed and PsychInfo was conducted collecting papers up to 11 February 2019 (PROSPERO #CRD42018090206). The random-effect model was applied and sensitivity analyses were subsequently performed. Lastly, the population attributable fraction (PAF) was calculated. We found a significant association for antibodies against T. gondii with TA [odds ratio (OR) = 1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-2.38, p = 0.003] and SA (OR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.10-1.76, p = 0006). Indication of publication bias was found for TA, but statistical adjustment for this bias did not change the OR. Heterogeneity between studies on SA was partly explained by type of control population used (ORhealthy controls = 1.9, p < 0.001 v. ORpsychiatric controls = 1.06, p = 0.87) and whether subjects with schizophrenia only were analysed (ORschizophrenia = 0.87, p = 0.62 v. ORvarious = 1.8, p < 0.001). The association was significantly stronger with higher antibody titres in TA and in studies that did not focus on schizophrenia subjects concerning SA. PAF of a T. gondii infection was 17% for TA and 10% for SA. This indicates that preventing T. gondii infection may play a role in the prevention of TA or SA, although uncertainty remains whether infection and outcome are truly causally related.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arjen L Sutterland
- Department of Psychiatry,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 5 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | - Anne Kuin
- Department of Psychiatry,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 5 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | - Bouke Kuiper
- Department of Psychiatry,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 5 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | - Tom van Gool
- Department of Parasitology,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 9 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 5 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen H, Guo Y, Qiu Y, Huang H, Lin C, Liu M, Chen X, Yang P, Wu K. Efficient genome engineering of Toxoplasma gondii using the TALEN technique. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:112. [PMID: 30876436 PMCID: PMC6419828 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3378-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aromatic amino acid hydroxylase 2 (AAH2) is a bradyzoite-specific upregulated protein that may alter host behaviour by altering the host dopaminergic pathway. To better understand the role of the parasite’s AAH2 in host-parasite interactions, we generated an AAH2 fluorescent marker strain of T. gondii using the TALEN technique. Methods We generated an AAH2 fluorescent marker strain of T. gondii, which was designated PRU/AAH2-eGFP, using the TALEN technique. This strain stably expressed pyrimethamine resistance for screening and expressed enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-tagged AAH2 in the bradyzoite stage. The bradyzoite conversion of PRU/AAH2-eGFP was observed both in vitro and in vivo. The fluorescence localization of AAH2 in mouse models of chronic infection was observed by a Bruker in vivo imaging system. Results Transgenic T. gondii was successfully generated by the TALEN system. The eGFP-tagged AAH2 could be detected by in vivo imaging. Conclusions This study verified the feasibility of using TALEN technology for T. gondii research and provided an in vivo imaging method for in vivo research of bradyzoite-stage proteins. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3378-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yijia Guo
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yushu Qiu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Huanbin Huang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Changqing Lin
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Peiliang Yang
- Experimental Animal Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Kun Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ene L, Marcotte TD, Umlauf A, Grancea C, Temereanca A, Bharti A, Achim CL, Letendre S, Ruta SM. Latent toxoplasmosis is associated with neurocognitive impairment in young adults with and without chronic HIV infection. J Neuroimmunol 2016; 299:1-7. [PMID: 27725106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the impact of latent toxoplasmosis (LT) on neurocognitive (NC) and neurobehavioural functioning in young adults with and without chronic HIV infection, using a standardised NC test battery, self-reported Beck Depression Inventory, Frontal System Behavior Scale, MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and risk-assessment battery. 194 young adults (median age 24years, 48.2% males) with chronic HIV infection (HIV+) since childhood and 51 HIV seronegative (HIV-) participants were included. HIV+ individuals had good current immunological status (median CD4: 479 cells/μl) despite a low CD4 nadir (median: 93 cells/μl). LT (positive anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies) was present in one third of participants. The impairment rates in the HIV- with and without Toxo were not significantly different (p=0.17). However, we observed an increasing trend (p<0.001) in impairment rates with HIV and LT status: HIV-/LT- (6.1%); HIV-/LT+ (22%), HIV+/LT- (31%), HIV+/LT+ (49%). In a multivariable analysis using the entire study group there were main effects on cognition for HIV and also for LT. Within the HIV+ group LT was associated with worse performance globally (p=0.006), in memory (p=0.009), speed of information processing (p=0.01), verbal (p=0.02) and learning (p=0.02) domains. LT was not associated with depressive symptoms, frontal systems dysfunction or risk behaviors in any of the groups. HIV participants with lower Toxoplasma antibody concentration had worse NC performance, with higher GDS values (p=0.03) and worse learning (p=0.002), memory (p=0.006), speed of information processing (p=0.01) T scores. Latent Toxoplasmosis may contribute to NC impairment in young adults, including those with and without chronic HIV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Ene
- "Dr. Victor Babes" Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - T D Marcotte
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - A Umlauf
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - C Grancea
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Temereanca
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Bharti
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - C L Achim
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - S Letendre
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - S M Ruta
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ibrahim I, Salah H, El Sayed H, Mansour H, Eissa A, Wood J, Fathi W, Tobar S, Gur RC, Gur RE, Dickerson F, Yolken RH, El Bahaey W, Nimgaonkar V. Hepatitis C virus antibody titers associated with cognitive dysfunction in an asymptomatic community-based sample. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2016; 38:861-8. [PMID: 27269819 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2016.1168780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with cognitive dysfunction in clinic-based studies. The risk could be attributed to factors such as antiviral medications, substance abuse, or coincidental infection. AIM The aim was to evaluate cognitive function in relation to HCV antibody titers in a community-based sample of asymptomatic individuals at low risk for substance abuse. METHOD Adults were ascertained from a community in Mansoura, Egypt, where HCV is endemic (n = 258). Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Arabic version of the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery. Substance abuse and psychopathology were also assessed. Antibodies to HCV and Toxoplasma gondii (TOX), a common protozoan that can affect cognition, were estimated using serological IgG assays. RESULTS The prevalence of HCV and TOX infection was 17.6% and 52.9%, respectively. HCV antibody titers were significantly associated with worse function in four cognitive tests for accuracy and three tests for speed, after adjusting for covariates (p < .05, beta coefficients, 2.1-3.2). TOX antibody titers were associated with impaired accuracy in one test. CONCLUSIONS The association between HCV antibody titers and cognitive impairment is not mediated by antiviral treatment or substance abuse in this sample. Whether HCV has a causal role in the cognitive dysfunction should be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibtihal Ibrahim
- b Department of Psychiatry , Mansoura University School of Medicine , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Hala Salah
- b Department of Psychiatry , Mansoura University School of Medicine , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Hanan El Sayed
- b Department of Psychiatry , Mansoura University School of Medicine , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Hader Mansour
- a Department of Psychiatry , University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.,b Department of Psychiatry , Mansoura University School of Medicine , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Ahmed Eissa
- b Department of Psychiatry , Mansoura University School of Medicine , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Joel Wood
- a Department of Psychiatry , University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Warda Fathi
- b Department of Psychiatry , Mansoura University School of Medicine , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Salwa Tobar
- b Department of Psychiatry , Mansoura University School of Medicine , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Ruben C Gur
- d Neuropsychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry , University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Raquel E Gur
- d Neuropsychiatry Section, Department of Psychiatry , University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Faith Dickerson
- e Department of Pediatrics , Johns Hopkins School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Robert H Yolken
- f Department of Pediatrics , Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Wafaa El Bahaey
- b Department of Psychiatry , Mansoura University School of Medicine , Mansoura , Egypt
| | - Vishwajit Nimgaonkar
- a Department of Psychiatry , University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic , Pittsburgh , PA , USA.,c Department of Human Genetics , Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and cognitive functions in school-aged children. Parasitology 2015; 142:1221-7. [PMID: 25990628 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015000505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infects one-third of the world population, but its association with cognitive functions in school-aged children is unclear. We examined the relationship between Toxoplasma seropositivity and neuropsychological tests scores (including math, reading, visuospatial reasoning and verbal memory) in 1755 school-aged children 12-16 years old who participated to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, using multiple linear regressions adjusted for covariates. Toxoplasma seroprevalence was 7·7% and seropositivity to the parasite was associated with lower reading skills (regression coefficient [β] = -5·86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -11·11, -0·61, P = 0·029) and memory capacities (β = -0·86, 95% CI: -1·58, -0·15, P = 0·017). The interaction between T. gondii seropositivity and vitamin E significantly correlated with memory scores. In subgroup analysis, Toxoplasma-associated memory impairment was worse in children with lower serum vitamin E concentrations (β = -1·61, 95% CI: -2·44, -0·77, P < 0·001) than in those with higher values (β = -0·12, 95% CI: -1·23, 0·99, P = 0·83). In conclusion, Toxoplasma seropositivity may be associated with reading and memory impairments in school-aged children. Serum vitamin E seems to modify the relationship between the parasitic infection and memory deficiency.
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Latent infection from Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is widespread worldwide and has been associated with cognitive deficits in some but not all animal models and in humans. We tested the hypothesis that latent toxoplasmosis is associated with decreased cognitive function in a large cross-sectional dataset, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). There were 4178 participants aged 20-59 years, of whom 19.1% had IgG antibodies against T. gondii. Two ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models adjusted for the NHANES complex sampling design and weighted to represent the US population were estimated for simple reaction time, processing speed and short-term memory or attention. The first model included only main effects of latent toxoplasmosis and demographic control variables, and the second added interaction terms between latent toxoplasmosis and the poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), educational attainment and race-ethnicity. We also used multivariate models to assess all three cognitive outcomes in the same model. Although the models evaluating main effects only demonstrated no association between latent toxoplasmosis and the cognitive outcomes, significant interactions between latent toxoplasmosis and the PIR, between latent toxoplasmosis and educational attainment, and between latent toxoplasmosis and race-ethnicity indicated that latent toxoplasmosis may adversely affect cognitive function in certain groups.
Collapse
|
14
|
Effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection on anxiety, depression and ghrelin level in male rats. J Parasit Dis 2014; 40:688-93. [PMID: 27605768 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-014-0561-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection on anxiety, depression and ghrelin level in male rats. Twenty four male rats were assessed in two equal groups. T. gondii tachyzoite (ip) were injected in infected group and control group received (2 ml) physiological serum (ip). Elevated plus Maze and swimming tests were used to assess anxiety and depression in rats respectively. The ghrelin and T. gondii IgG serum levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay kits. The Student's t test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used. The ghrelin serum level was significantly lower in the infected rats than control (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in the depression and anxiety behavior between two groups. However, here were no significant correlations between ghrelin level and anxiety or depression in rats. It seems that latent T. gondii infection decreases the ghrelin serum level but does not change anxiety and depression like behaviors.
Collapse
|
15
|
Gajewski PD, Falkenstein M, Hengstler JG, Golka K. Toxoplasma gondii impairs memory in infected seniors. Brain Behav Immun 2014; 36:193-9. [PMID: 24321215 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2013.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost 30% of humans present a Toxoplasma gondii positive antibody status and its prevalence increases with age. The central nervous system is the main target. However, little is known about the influence of asymptomatic i.e. latent Toxoplasmosis on cognitive functions in humans. To investigate neurocognitive dysfunctions in asymptomatic older adults with T. gondii positive antibody status a double-blinded neuropsychological study was conducted. The participants were classified from a population-based sample (N=131) of healthy participants with an age of 65 years and older into two groups with 42 individuals each: Toxoplasmosis positive (T-pos; IgG>50 IU/ml) and Toxoplasmosis negative (T-neg; IgG=0 IU/ml). The outcome measures were a computer-based working-memory test (2-back) and several standardized psychometric tests of memory and executive cognitive functions. T-pos seniors showed an impairment of different aspects of memory. The rate of correctly detected target symbols in a 2-back task was decreased by nearly 9% (P=0.020), corresponding to a performance reduction of about 35% in working memory relative to the T-neg group. Moreover, T-pos seniors had a lower performance in a verbal memory test, both regarding immediate recall (10% reduction; P=0.022), delayed recognition (6%; P=0.037) and recall from long-term memory assessed by the word fluency tests (12%; P=0.029). In contrast, executive functions were not affected. The effects remained mostly unchanged after controlling for medication. The impairment of memory functions in T-pos seniors was accompanied by a decreased self-reported quality of life. Because of the high prevalence of asymptomatic Toxoplasmosis and an increasing population of older adults this finding is of high relevance for public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Gajewski
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Michael Falkenstein
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Klaus Golka
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health, Dortmund, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Flegr J, Guenter W, Bieliński M, Deptuła A, Zalas-Więcek P, Piskunowicz M, Szwed K, Buciński A, Gospodarek E, Borkowska A. Toxoplasma gondii infection affects cognitive function - corrigendum. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2012. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2012.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|