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Updated: Jan 29, 2026
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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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Latent Toxoplasma gondii Infection Does Not Modulate Immune Aging in a Cross-Sectional Working-Age Population Study
Peter Bröde1, Maren Claus1, Stephan Getzmann1
1Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), Ardeystraße 67, D-44139 Dortmund, Germany.
Biomolecules
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Latent Toxoplasma gondii infection, common in adults, does not appear to accelerate immune aging in healthy individuals. This study found no link between T. gondii antibodies and immune senescence markers after accounting for age and sex.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gerontology
Background:
- Latent Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection is widespread and may influence immune responses.
- The potential impact of T. gondii on immunological aging, particularly cellular senescence, requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of latent T. gondii infection in immunological aging.
- To determine associations between T. gondii serostatus and biomarkers of immunosenescence.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 584 healthy volunteers (aged 20-70 years) from the Dortmund Vital Study.
- Measurement of T. gondii antibody levels and immunosenescence biomarkers, including the IMMAX index.
- Statistical analysis adjusted for age and sex to assess associations and interactions.
Main Results:
- Overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 28%, increasing with age but not differing by sex.
- Bivariate analysis showed a link between T. gondii seropositivity and accelerated immune aging (IMMAX).
- This association disappeared after adjusting for age and sex; no significant interaction between T. gondii status and age was observed.
Conclusions:
- Latent T. gondii infection is unlikely to modulate immune aging related to cellular senescence in healthy adults.
- While T. gondii seroprevalence increases with age, it does not appear to accelerate the immunosenescence trend in this population.
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