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Updated: Oct 15, 2025

3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii
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3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii

Published on: December 9, 2014

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Neurological and Neurobehavioral Disorders Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Humans

Maxwell A Virus1, Evie G Ehrhorn1, LeeAnna M Lui1

  • 1Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

Journal of Parasitology Research
|October 29, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Toxoplasma gondii infection affects 30% of the world, potentially causing lifelong neurological changes. While linked to schizophrenia, evidence for other neurobehavioral disorders remains inconclusive.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroparasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • * *Toxoplasma gondii* is an intracellular parasite infecting up to 30% of the global population.
  • * Chronic infections target brain and muscle tissue, with rodent studies suggesting potential neurological alterations.
  • * Previous research has explored links between *T. gondii* and various human neurological/neurobehavioral disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To review and summarize current scientific literature on the relationship between *T. gondii* infection and human neurobehavioral disorders.
  • * To assess the strength of evidence for these associations.

Main Methods:

  • * Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating *T. gondii* and neurological/neurobehavioral conditions.
  • * Analysis and synthesis of findings regarding the strength of evidence for each disorder.

Main Results:

  • * Schizophrenia showed the most frequent association with *T. gondii* infection.
  • * No linkage was found between *T. gondii* infection and sleep disruption.
  • * Evidence for *T. gondii*'s link to other neurobehavioral disorders (e.g., depression, OCD, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's) was mixed or inconclusive.

Conclusions:

  • * While *T. gondii* infection is frequently linked to schizophrenia, its causal role in human neurobehavioral diseases is not yet firmly established.
  • * Further research is needed to clarify the complex relationship between *T. gondii* and neurological/neurobehavioral health.
  • * The review highlights varying levels of evidence, underscoring the need for robust scientific investigation.

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