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Seroepidemiology of Chronic Toxoplasmosis in Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Northeastern Iran

Fariba Berenji1, Mohammadali Nahayati2, Mehdi Afarideh Sani3

  • 1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Iranian Journal of Parasitology
|November 3, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Toxoplasma gondii infection is more common in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, with cat ownership being a significant risk factor. This suggests a potential link between the parasite and MS pathogenesis, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular parasite linked to chronic infections.
  • Emerging evidence suggests T. gondii may contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis by triggering or worsening neuroinflammation.
  • This study investigates the association between T. gondii seroprevalence and MS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in MS patients versus healthy controls.
  • To identify demographic, environmental, and lifestyle factors associated with T. gondii seropositivity in MS patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional case-control study included 99 MS patients and 92 healthy controls.
  • Serum samples were analyzed for T. gondii IgG antibodies using ELISA.
  • Data on risk factors and MS symptoms were collected and analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • T. gondii seropositivity was significantly higher in MS patients (22%) than in controls (8%) (P=0.013).
  • Cat ownership emerged as a significant risk factor for T. gondii infection (OR=5.089, P=0.037).
  • Muscle weakness and bowel dysfunction in MS patients were positively associated with T. gondii seropositivity.

Conclusions:

  • The study indicates a potential association between chronic T. gondii infection and MS.
  • T. gondii may influence neuroinflammatory processes relevant to MS.
  • Further research is needed to understand mechanisms and explore antiparasitic treatments for MS.
Keywords:
Multiple sclerosisNeuroinflammationSeroprevalenceToxoplasma gondii

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