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Association between Toxocara Spp. Exposure and Schizophrenia: A Case-Control Study.
Keivan Sahebi1, Pouriya Akbari1, Fattaneh Mikaeili2
1Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Iranian Journal of Parasitology
|July 16, 2024
Summary
This study found no significant difference in toxocariasis infection rates between schizophrenia patients and healthy individuals. Further research with larger, clinically matched samples is needed to clarify the association between Toxocara exposure and schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Toxocariasis is a zoonotic parasitic infection.
- Schizophrenia patients may have increased risk due to self-care impairments.
- The association between Toxocara spp. exposure and schizophrenia requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between Toxocara spp. exposure and schizophrenia.
- To compare seroprevalence of toxocariasis in schizophrenia patients versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 109 schizophrenia patients and 104 healthy controls.
- Serum samples tested for anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies via ELISA.
- Data collected through questionnaires on risk factors.
Main Results:
- Seroprevalence of toxocariasis was 11.0% in schizophrenia patients and 9.6% in controls.
- No statistically significant difference in seroprevalence between groups (OR=1.16, P=0.915).
- Higher seropositivity linked to unwashed produce consumption and rural residency in univariate analysis, but not significant in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
- Toxocariasis seroprevalence did not differ significantly between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.
- Inconsistencies with previous studies highlight the need for larger, clinically matched research.
- Further investigation is necessary to understand the complex relationship between Toxocara exposure and schizophrenia.
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