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3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii
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Association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and coronary atherosclerosis

Samar M Alhusseiny1, Nora E Saleh1, Wafaa M El-Zayady1

  • 1Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|February 17, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Toxoplasma gondii infection is common in patients with coronary atherosclerosis, with higher antibody levels observed. This suggests a potential link between toxoplasmosis and heart disease, warranting further investigation into underlying mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous protozoan parasite infecting vertebrate cells.
  • Limited data exists on the association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and coronary atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with coronary atherosclerosis.
  • To explore the relationship between T. gondii infection markers and cardiovascular disease indicators.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 320 participants (160 coronary atherosclerosis patients, 160 controls).
  • Measurement of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies via ELISA, serum lipid profiles, and coronary angiograms.
  • Analysis of risk factors including dietary habits and environmental exposures.

Main Results:

  • Higher seroprevalence (63.1%) of anti-T. gondii antibodies in atherosclerotic patients compared to controls (46.2%).
  • Significant differences in lipid profiles (LDL, triglycerides, cholesterol) between groups.
  • Positive correlations between T. gondii IgG levels, lipid profiles, disease severity, and affected vessels.

Conclusions:

  • Coronary atherosclerosis patients exhibit a high prevalence of T. gondii infection.
  • Chronic toxoplasmosis may play a role in the development or progression of coronary atherosclerosis.
  • Further research is needed to understand the pathogenic mechanisms involved.
Abstract

Keywords:
ELISAIgGToxoplasma gondiicoronary angiogramcoronary atherosclerosishyperlipidaemia

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