Impact of chronic toxoplasma gondii infection on serum dopamine and adrenaline levels in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders compared to healthy individuals

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite whose life cycle is completed in felids especially cats, the definitive host. Humans and many other animals can also be infected and serve as intermediate hosts. This study aimed to assess the role of chronic toxoplasmosis in changes of neurotransmitters levels in human serum. Methods: This case control study was conducted on 41 patients by examining the serofrequency of T. gondii among IgG and IgM antibodies patients with neuropsychiatric disorders and cross-matched 41 healthy individuals without any known neuropsychiatric disorders were included as a control group. All patients were subjected to full history taking, general examination, laboratory investigation, renal function test analysis, Psychiatric diagnosis and measurement of serum concentrations of three neurotransmitters (dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline). Results: T. gondii IgG was significantly higher in group A compared to group B (58.5% vs. 31.7%, P=0.026). The mean dopamine level was significantly higher in group A compared to group B (92.7 ± 17.94 pg/ml vs. 45.4 ± 22.48 pg/ml, P<0.001). The mean adrenaline level was significantly higher in group A compared to group B (272.5 ± 135.04 pg/ml vs. 147.4 ± 71.44 pg/ml, P<0.001).