Seroepidemiology of Chronic Toxoplasmosis in Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Northeastern Iran
-
Fariba Berenji
,
Mohammadali Nahayati
,
Mehdi Afarideh Sani
,
Mahdi Zarean
,
Ghodratollah Salehi Sangani
,
Bibi Razieh Hosseini Farash
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a common intracellular parasite implicated in chronic infections that may contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The potential role of T. gondii in triggering or exacerbating neuroinflammatory processes has been suggested in several recent studies. We aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti T. gondii IgG antibodies in MS patients compared to healthy individuals and to evaluate associated demographic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors.
Methods: In this cross-sectional case-control study at the Comprehensive MS Center of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, 99 MS patients and 92 matched healthy controls were enrolled. Serum samples were tested for T. gondii IgG using ELISA, and data on demographics, pet ownership, diet, untreated water consumption, COVID-19 history, and MS symptoms (muscle weakness, bowel dysfunction, balance disorders, speech disturbances, and attack frequency) were collected. Multivariate logistic regression assessed associations between T. gondii seropositivity, clinical symptoms, and environmental factors.
Results: T. gondii seropositivity was significantly higher in the MS group (22%) compared to controls (8%) (P = 0.013). Pet ownership, particularly cat ownership, was identified as a significant risk factor (OR = 5.089, P = 0.037). No significant associations were found between seropositivity and raw or undercooked meat consumption, unwashed vegetable intake, or history of COVID-19. Additionally, among clinical symptoms in MS patients, muscle weakness and bowel dysfunction showed significant positive associations with T. gondii seropositivity.
Conclusion: The findings suggest a potential link between chronic T. gondii infection and MS, indicating that the parasite may play a role in modulating neuroinflammatory responses. Further longitudinal and multicenter studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the impact of antiparasitic treatments in MS management.
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| Issue | Vol 20 No 3 (2025) | |
| Section | Original Article(s) | |
| Keywords | ||
| Toxoplasma gondii Multiple sclerosis Neuroinflammation Seroprevalence | ||
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