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Updated: Oct 10, 2025
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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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An Investigation into the Association Between Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Bipolar Disorder
Mümtaz Cem Şirin1, Faruk Kılıç2, Arif Demirdaş2
1Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Isparta, Turkey
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi
|December 10, 2021
Summary
This study found no direct link between Toxoplasma gondii infection and bipolar disorder in Turkey. Risk factors for infection include older age, lower education, rural living, and consuming unwashed produce.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a neurotropic parasite linked to mental health disorders.
- Its ability to modulate neurotransmitters suggests a potential role in conditions like bipolar disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate T. gondii seroprevalence in bipolar disorder patients versus healthy controls in Turkey.
- To assess the potential association between T. gondii infection and bipolar disorder.
Main Methods:
- Serum anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibody levels were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay.
- 48 bipolar disorder patients and 50 healthy controls were analyzed for seropositivity and risk factors.
Main Results:
- T. gondii IgG seropositivity rates were similar in both groups (18.8% in patients, 20% in controls).
- No statistically significant relationship was found between T. gondii IgG seropositivity and bipolar disorder (p=0.876).
- Significant risk factors for T. gondii infection included advanced age, low education, rural residence, and consuming unwashed produce.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary findings do not support a link between T. gondii infection and bipolar disorder.
- Larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these results.
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