Association between Toxoplasma gondii and Blood Pressure and Hypertension in US Adults

Abstract

An intraneuronal parasite infecting approximately one-third of the world’s population, Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with markers of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we used data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate associations between T. gondii and blood pressure and hypertension. Multiple regression modelling adjusted for a range of covariates showed that T. gondii was associated with lowered probability of elevated blood pressure, with lower probability of Stages 1 and 2 hypertension, and with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These findings suggest that T. gondii might alter hemodynamic regulation, although the clinical relevance of these associations requires additional investigation.