Abstract
BackgroundFindings on the association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and suicide are contradictory. This paper aimed to resolve this uncertainty by conducting a meta-analysis.MethodsWe found the relevant studies using keywords include “Toxoplasmosis” and “Suicide” and the related synonyms in international databases such as ISI, Medline, and Scopus. The eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis phase. The random effect approach was applied to combine the results.ResultsOut Of 150 initial studies, 15 were included in the meta-analysis. Odds of suicide in people with T. gondii infection was 43% (OR: 1.43, 95%CI; 1.15 to 1.78) higher than those without this infection. The test for publication bias was not statistically significant, which indicates the absence of likely publication bias.ConclusionThis study confirms that T. gondii infection is a potential risk factor for suicide. To reduce cases of suicide attributable to T. gondii infection, it is recommended to implement some measures to prevent and control the transmission of the disease.
Highlights
Findings on the association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and suicide are contradictory
The present study aimed to provide a summary estimate for the association of T. gondii infection with suicide and to evaluate whether T. gondii is associated with the risk of suicide or not
Eligibility criteria Based on Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Study type (PICOS) principles, we selected the analytical studies that reported an association between T. gondii infection and suicide in all age and sex groups of the population
Summary
Findings on the association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and suicide are contradictory. This paper aimed to resolve this uncertainty by conducting a meta-analysis. Methods: We found the relevant studies using keywords include “Toxoplasmosis” and “Suicide” and the related synonyms in international databases such as ISI, Medline, and Scopus. The eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis phase. Suicide accounts for 1.5% of all deaths [1]. Many risk factors increase the risk of suicide. The mental disorders, misuse of drugs, mental states, cultural factors, family, and social and genetic conditions elevate the risk of suicide [2]. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most common parasites in humans. This parasite exists in approximately one-third of the world’s population and
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