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Recurrent headaches may be caused by cerebral toxoplasmosis

Joseph Prandota1, Anna Gryglas1, Aleksander Fuglewicz1

  • 1Joseph Prandota, Anna Gryglas, Aleksander Fuglewicz, Agata Żesławska-Faleńczyk, Department of Social Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, 51618 Wroclaw, Poland.

World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics
|September 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Toxoplasma gondii (TG) infection may be linked to recurrent headaches in children. Over 10% of children studied showed high IgG antibodies, suggesting chronic TG infection as a potential cause for their headaches.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Recurrent headaches are a common complaint in children.
  • Toxoplasma gondii (TG) infection is a widespread parasitic disease with potential neurological manifestations.
  • The association between TG infection and recurrent headaches in pediatric populations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (TG) infection in children experiencing recurrent headaches.
  • To characterize the clinical and epidemiological features of TG infection in this pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 178 children (aged 7-17 years) with recurrent headaches was enrolled.
  • Serum samples were analyzed for anti-TG IgM and IgG antibodies, and IgG avidity using enzyme immunoassay.
  • Clinical data, including headache characteristics and comorbidities, were collected via questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • 10.67% of children exhibited high serum anti-TG IgG antibody levels with high avidity index, indicating chronic TG infection.
  • Seropositive children reported headaches primarily in frontal, occipital, and parietal areas, with pulsating or squeezing characteristics.
  • Comorbidities in seropositive children included epilepsy, various infections, and attention deficits; EEG and neuroimaging had limited diagnostic value for cerebral toxoplasmosis.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection is present in a significant subset of children with recurrent headaches.
  • Routine screening for TG infection is recommended for pediatric patients presenting with recurrent headaches to aid diagnosis.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cerebral toxoplasmosisChildrenChronic Toxoplasma gondii infectionIgG avidityRecurrent headachesSeroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies

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