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Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in patients with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis

E Fuller Torrey1, John J Bartko, Zhao-Rong Lun

  • 1Stanley Brain Research Laboratory, The Stanley Medical Research Institute, 8401 Connecticut Ave Suite 200, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA. torreyf@stanleyresearch.org

Schizophrenia Bulletin
|November 7, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Infectious agents like Toxoplasma gondii may be linked to schizophrenia. A meta-analysis found a significant association between T. gondii antibodies and schizophrenia, suggesting a potential role in the disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Emerging research suggests a connection between infectious agents and schizophrenia.
  • Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite frequently studied in relation to schizophrenia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a meta-analysis of studies investigating the association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and schizophrenia.
  • To determine the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

  • Searched multiple databases (MEDLINE, Ovid, Google Scholar) and other sources for relevant published and unpublished studies.
  • Included controlled, serological studies measuring T. gondii antibodies in schizophrenia patients (inpatients and outpatients).
  • Analyzed 42 studies from 17 countries over 5 decades, with 23 meeting selection criteria.

Main Results:

  • A combined odds ratio (OR) of 2.73 (95% CI, 2.10 to 3.60) indicated a significantly increased prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in individuals with schizophrenia.
  • Studies focusing on first-episode schizophrenia (OR 2.54) showed a similar association to those including patients in all clinical phases (OR 2.79).
  • The observed association exceeds that of known genetic or environmental risk factors for schizophrenia.

Conclusions:

  • Individuals with schizophrenia exhibit a higher prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii.
  • This epidemiological finding supports existing evidence from other studies and animal research.
  • The consistent association suggests Toxoplasma gondii may be implicated in a substantial number of schizophrenia cases, warranting further etiological investigation for potential prevention and treatment strategies.

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