Toxoplasma infection in schizophrenia patients: a comparative study with control group

ABSTRACT

Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic, and often debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder. Its causes are still poorly understood. Besides genetic and non-genetic [environmental] factors are thought to be important as the cause of the structural and functional deficits that characterize schizophrenia. This study aimed to compare Toxoplasma gondii infection between schizophrenia patients and non-schizophrenia individuals as control group. A case-control study was designed in Tehran, Iran during 2009-2010. Sixty-two patients with schizophrenia and 62 non-schizophrenia volunteers were selected. To ascertain a possible relationship between T. gondii infection and schizophrenia, anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected by indirect-ELISA. Data were statistically analyzed by chi- square at a confidence level of 99%. The sero-positivity rate among patients with schizophrenia [67.7%] was significantly higher than control group [37.1] [P <0. 01]. A significant correlation between Toxoplasma infection and schizophrenia might be expected