Protein profile of purified plasma- and aqueous humor-derived extracellular vesicles from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To characterize the extracellular vesicle protein cargo in the aqueous humor and plasma of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis. Methods: Aqueous humor and plasma were collected from six patients with active ocular toxoplasmosis and six patients with cataract. Extracellular vesicles were isolated, and western blotting and mass spectrometry were performed for protein analysis. Results: All plasma samples from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis and cataract were positive for the tetraspanins CD63 and TSG101. However, the aqueous humor from patients with ocular toxoplasmosis was positive only for CD63. Sixty-seven new unreported proteins were identified in the aqueous humor and plasma of patients with the ocular toxoplasmosis and cataract. Of the 67 proteins, 10 and 7 were found only in the cataract and ocular toxoplasmosis groups, respectively. In general, these proteins were involved in immune system activation and retina homeostasis and were related to infections and retina-associated diseases. Conclusion: The distinct protein signatures between ocular toxoplasmosis and cataract may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis. However, more studies are needed to better understand the role of these proteins in the pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis.

Involvement of extracellular vesicles in the interaction of hosts and Toxoplasma gondii.

Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, is widely distributed. This protozoan parasite is one of the best adapted, being able to infect innumerous species of animals and different types of cells. This chapter reviews current literature on extracellular vesicles secreted by T. gondii and by its hosts. The topics describe the life cycle and transmission (1); toxoplasmosis epidemiology (2); laboratorial diagnosis approach (3); The T. gondii interaction with extracellular vesicles and miRNAs (4); and the perspectives on T. gondii infection. Each topic emphases the host immune responses to the parasite antigens and the interaction with the extracellular vesicles and miRNAs.

Assessing leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis seropositivity in wild boars (Sus scrofa): Implications for public and animal health in Southern Brazil.

Leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis are re-emerging zoonosis caused by infection with pathogenic spirochaetes of Leptospira and the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii, respectively. Wild boars (Sus scrofa), an exotic invasive species in Brazil, could play a role in the diseases' epidemiological cycles, but this issue is still unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the Leptospira spp. and T. gondii seropositivity in wild boars in Rio Grande do Sul state, south Brazil. Of evaluated animals, 16% (13/80) and 85% (52/61) had antibodies to T. gondii and Leptospira spp., respectively. Sex, weight, age, hunt location and season of hunt were evaluated by their association with seropositivity for both pathogens, but none of them had statistical significance. This study revealed that wild boars should be considered as a potential source of Leptospira spp. and T. gondii dissemination for humans and animal species in shared environments in Rio Grande do Sul state.

α2,6 sialylation distinguishes a novel active state in CD4+ and CD8+ cells during acute Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide parasitosis that is usually asymptomatic; cell-mediated immunity, particularly T cells, is a crucial mediator of the immune response against this parasite. Membrane protein expression has been studied for a long time in T lymphocytes, providing vital information to determine functional checkpoints. However, less is known about the role of post-translational modifications in T cell function. Glycosylation plays essential roles during maturation and function; particularly, sialic acid modulation is determinant for accurate T cell regulation of processes like adhesion, cell-cell communication, and apoptosis induction. Despite its importance, the role of T cell sialylation during infection remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to evaluate whether different membrane sialylation motifs are modified in T cells during acute Toxoplasma gondii infection using different lectins. To this end, BALB/c Foxp3EGFP mice were infected with T. gondii, and on days 3, 7, and 10 post-infection, splenocytes were obtained to analyze conventional (Foxp3-) CD4+ and CD8+ populations by flow cytometry. Among the different lectins used for analysis, only Sambucus nigra lectin, which detects sialic acid α2,6 linkages, revealed two distinctive populations (SNBright and SN-/Dim) after infection. Further characterization of CD4+ and CD8+ SN-/Dim lymphocytes showed that these are highly activated cells, with a TEf/EM or TCM phenotype that produce high IFN-γ levels, a previously undescribed cell state. This work demonstrates that glycan membrane analysis in T cells reveals previously overlooked functional states by evaluating only protein expression.

Isolation and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from chickens from public markets in Pernambuco State, Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the presence and viability of Toxoplasma gondii in chickens intended for human consumption in the Pernambuco State, Brazil. Blood and tissue samples were collected from 25 chickens sold in markets in Recife, Pernambuco. Samples were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detect antibodies to T. gondii. Pools of brain and heart of seropositive chickens were subjected to bioassay in two Swiss Webster mice, which were evaluated for 45 days then tested by IFA to detect seroconversion. The mice were euthanized, and their brains were evaluated for cysts. Peritoneal lavage was also conducted in mice that exhibited clinical signs. Brains containing cysts or peritoneal lavage with tachyzoites were inoculated into MA-104 cells. Brains of mice inoculated with the same tissue were pooled and analysed by ITS1-PCR. We obtained a frequency of antibodies to T. gondii of 68.00% (17/25) in chickens, and a seroconversion rate of 70.58% (24/34) in mice. Detection of Toxoplasma ITS1 DNA confirmed an isolation rate of 41.1% (7/17). Three isolates were characterized by mnPCR-RFLP as genotypes ToxoDB#36 and ToxoDB#114. We highlight the occurrence of ToxoDB#36 in chickens in Pernambuco State and the parasites' viability in chickens intended for human consumption.

Household Location (Urban, Peri-Urban and Rural Settlements) as an Associated Risk Factor for Toxoplasmosis during Pregnancy in Southeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Brazil has a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis. However, there is a gap in comparing seroprevalence for Toxoplasma gondii across different environments, particularly among pregnant residents of rural and urban areas. METHODS: The prevalence of IgG and IgM for T. gondii was compared among pregnant residents of the urban, peri-urban, and rural settlement areas in a municipality in southeastern Brazil. Information regarding age and area of residence was compiled from January 2015 to December 2022. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the age and area of residence as risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 1614 examinations were recorded, revealing 54.0% seropositivity, which was highest in the rural settlement (61.1%), followed by the peri-urban area (55.9%), and lowest in the urban area (49.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of IgG and presence of IgM in pregnant residents of rural, peri-urban, and urban areas highlights the significance of the results obtained for strengthening maternal health programs aimed at preventing toxoplasmosis, regardless of their residence.

The Search for Drugs Derived from Natural Products for Toxoplasma gondii Infection Treatment in the Last 20 Years - A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide distributed zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an obligate intracellular protozoan. The infection in immunocompetent hosts usually progresses with mild or no symptoms. However, in immunocompromised individuals, this disease can cause severe or fatal symptoms. METHOD: Sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine are two drugs used as standard therapies for human toxoplasmosis. Although they do not cause chronic infection, they may cause hematological toxicity, hypersensitivity, intolerance, teratogenic effects, gastrointestinal disorders, and bone marrow suppression. RESULTS: The limited effect, significant toxicity, and emerging resistance to current drugs available to treat T. gondii infections require investigating other effective, nontoxic, and well-tolerated alternatives. Medicinal plants are, traditionally, the most promising sources used to treat infectious diseases Conclusion: This review provides data on new therapeutic and prophylactic methods for T. gondii infection based on the use of extracts and/or compounds derived from natural products, which have been reported to be useful as alternative treatment options in the last 20 years.

Contrasting Disease Progression, Microglia Reactivity, Tolerance, and Resistance to Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Two Mouse Strains.

Our study investigated the innate immune response to Toxoplasma gondii infection by assessing microglial phenotypic changes and sickness behavior as inflammatory response markers post-ocular tachyzoite instillation. Disease progression in Swiss albino mice was compared with the previously documented outcomes in BALB/c mice using an identical ocular route and parasite burden (2 × 105 tachyzoites), with saline as the control. Contrary to expectations, the Swiss albino mice displayed rapid, lethal disease progression, marked by pronounced sickness behaviors and mortality within 11-12 days post-infection, while the survivors exhibited no apparent signs of infection. Comparative analysis revealed the T. gondii-infected BALB/c mice exhibited reduced avoidance of feline odors, while the infected Swiss albino mice showed enhanced avoidance responses. There was an important increase in microglial cells in the dentate gyrus molecular layer of the infected Swiss albino mice compared to the BALB/c mice and their respective controls. Hierarchical cluster and discriminant analyses identified three microglial morphological clusters, differentially affected by T. gondii infection across strains. The BALB/c mice exhibited increased microglial branching and complexity, while the Swiss albino mice showed reduced shrunken microglial arbors, diminishing their morphological complexity. These findings highlight strain-specific differences in disease progression and inflammatory regulation, indicating lineage-specific mechanisms in inflammatory responses, tolerance, and resistance. Understanding these elements is critical in devising control measures for toxoplasmosis.

Coinfection Suspicion is Imperative in Immunosuppressed Patients with Suspected Infectious Uveitis and Inadequate Treatment Response: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of coinfection of Toxoplasma gondii (Tg) and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) in a diabetic patient with rheumatoid arthritis and immunosuppressive biological therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old female with a history of rheumatoid arthritis on therapy with corticosteroids, methotrexate, and abatacept presented bilateral granulomatous panuveitis associated with retinal necrosis and macular involvement. A diagnostic vitrectomy detected Tg and EBV. Treatment with clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and acyclovir was established, achieving improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy are at risk of developing opportunistic infections, often presenting with severe and atypical clinical manifestations. In such cases, multiplex polymerase chain reaction is an invaluable diagnostic tool that helps identify the specific pathogens involved. This enables healthcare professionals to make informed treatment decisions and provide targeted therapy for each identified pathogen.

Neuroserpin, IL-33 and IL-17A as potential markers of mild symptoms of depressive syndrome in Toxoplasma gondii-infected pregnant women.

Introduction: Depressive syndrome (DS) is a common complication during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and is triggered by multiple organic/genetic and environmental factors. Clinical and biochemical follow-up is essential for the early diagnosis and prognosis of DS. The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii causes infectious damage to the fetus during parasite primary-infection. However, in long-term infections, pregnant women develop immune protection to protect the fetus, although they remain susceptible to pathological or inflammatory effects induced by T. gondii. This study aimed to investigate plasma inflammatory biomarkers in pregnant women seropositive and seronegative for T. gondii, with diagnoses of minor and moderate/severe DS. Methods: Pregnant women (n=45; age=18-39 years) were recruited during prenatal care at health centers in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Participants were asked to complete a socio-demographic questionnaire to be submitted to well-standardized DS scale calculators (Beck Depression Inventory Questionnaire, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and Major Depressive Episode Module). Additionally, 4 mL of blood was collected for plasma neuroserpin, CCL2, IL-17A, and IL-33 analysis. Results: Pregnant volunteers with chronic T. gondii contact were all IgG+ (44%; n=21) and exhibited increased plasma IL-33, IL-17A, and neuroserpin levels, but not CCL2, compared to uninfected pregnant women. Using Beck's depression inventory, we observed an increase in plasma IL-17A and IL-33 in women with T. gondii infeCction diagnosed with mild DS, whereas neuroserpin was associated with minor and moderate/severe DS. Discussion: Our data suggest a close relationship between DS in pregnant women with chronic T. gondii infection and neurological conditions, which may be partially mediated by plasma neuroserpin, IL-33, and IL-17A levels.

Interleukin 17F Gene Polymorphism as a Potential Protective Factor in the Immunopathology of Ocular Toxoplasmosis.

Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is characterised by intraocular inflammation due to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Studies have found that interleukin 17 (IL-17) plays a central role in the pathology of OT. However, nucleotide variability in IL17 and interleukin 17 receptor (IL17R) genes has not been characterised in OT. As cytokine gene polymorphisms may influence the expression of these molecules, the aim of this study was to verify whether IL17A (rs2275913), IL17F (rs763780), IL17RA (rs4819554) and IL17RC (rs708567) polymorphisms are associated with OT in a Brazilian population. This study enrolled 214 patients seropositive for T. gondii (110 with OT and 104 without) and 107 controls. Polymorphisms were identified by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, validated by DNA sequencing with chi-square and multivariate analyses being used to assess possible associations between polymorphisms and OT. Logistic regression under the dominant model revealed a protection factor against OT of the C mutant allele of the IL17F (rs763780) polymorphism. The T/C-C/C genotypes were significantly more common in patients without OT compared to those with OT (p value = 0.0066) and controls (p value = 0.014). Findings from this study suggest that the IL17F polymorphism may have an influence in the immunopathology of OT in Brazilian individuals.

Association between Toxoplasma gondii exposure and abdominal pain: An age- and gender-matched case-control seroprevalence study.

Abdominal pain has been rarely reported in individuals infected with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The aim of this study was to determine the association between T. gondii infection and abdominal pain. Two hundred and ninety-nine patients with abdominal pain (cases) and 299 age- and gender-matched people without abdominal pain (controls) were tested for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. Twenty-four (8.0%) of the 299 cases and 12 (4.0%) of the 299 controls were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.02-4.25; P = 0.03). The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was significantly higher in women with frequent abdominal pain than in women without this clinical feature (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.06-4.96; P = 0.02). Twelve (4.0%) of the 299 cases and 7 (2.3%) of the 299 controls had high (>150 IU mL-1) anti-T. gondii IgG antibody levels (OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 0.67-4.49; P = 0.24). Seven (29.2%) of the 24 cases with anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies and 3 (25.0%) of the 12 controls with anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were positive to anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 0.25-5.97; P = 1.00). Results suggest an association between T. gondii infection and frequent abdominal pain. Further research to confirm this association should be conducted.

In Vitro Anti-Toxoplasma Activity of Extracts Obtained from Tabebuia rosea and Tabebuia chrysantha: The Role of ß-Amyrin.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii that is highly prevalent worldwide. Although the infection is asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, it severely affects immunocompromised individuals, causing conditions such as encephalitis, myocarditis, or pneumonitis. The limited therapeutic efficacy of drugs currently used to treat toxoplasmosis has prompted the search for new therapeutic alternatives. The aim of this study was to determine the anti-Toxoplasma activity of extracts obtained from two species of the genus Tabebuia. Twenty-six extracts, 12 obtained from Tabebuia chrysantha and 14 from Tabebuia rosea, were evaluated by a colorimetric technique using the RH strain of T. gondii that expresses ß-galactosidase. Additionally, the activity of the promising extracts and their active compounds was evaluated by flow cytometry. ß-amyrin was isolated from the chloroform extract obtained from the leaves of T. rosea and displayed important anti-Toxoplasma activity. The results show that natural products are an important source of new molecules with considerable biological and/or pharmacological activity.

Epidemiological survey of infectious agents in free-ranging maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in Northeastern Brazil.

Infectious diseases are one of the most concerning threats to maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) due to the potential impact on free-ranging populations. The species is currently classified as vulnerable according to the national list of threatened species and occurs mainly in open habitats, such as the Cerrado, a tropical savannah, which comprises its main distribution area in Brazil. In the northeastern region, it occurs in the Cerrado of Bahia, Piauí, Maranhão, and Tocantins states. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of infectious agents in Chrysocyon brachyurus through an epidemiological assessment of free-ranging individuals in western Bahia, specifically in the Barreiras microregion, a Cerrado area intensely fragmented and anthropized by agricultural activity. Eleven specimens were evaluated for serological titration, antigen research, and genetic material research for canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), adenovirus-canine-type 1 (CAdV-1), canine coronavirus (CCoV), Leptospira interrogans and Toxoplasma gondii from 2020 to 2022. In addition to maned wolves, domestic dogs were also evaluated and tested. All maned wolves (100%) evaluated by the dot-ELISA technique exhibited immunoglobulin M (IgM) and seven (64%) exhibited immunoglobulin G (IgG) against CDV and CPV, while 100% exhibited IgG against CDV when using the immunochromatographic technique. Regarding CAdV-1, 90% were seropositive for IgG, while 64% exhibited IgG against T. gondii. Nine dogs from the region were also sampled, and all (100%) exhibited IgM and IgG against CDV and CPV. For IgG against T. gondii and against CAdV-1, 90% of the animals were seropositive. Molecular evaluation yielded negative results for all maned wolves and dogs assessed for CAdV-1, CDV, and T. gondii, as well as the CCoV antigen. These data indicate the occurrence of viral agents and Toxoplasma gondii in maned wolves and dogs, suggesting circulation in both populations.

Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic animals from Campeche, México, reveals virulent genotypes and a recombinant ROP5 allele.

Toxoplasma gondii has at least 318 genotypes distributed worldwide, and tropical regions usually have greater genetic diversity. Campeche is a state located in the southeastern region of México and has favourable climate conditions for the replication and dissemination of this protozoan, similar to those in South American countries where broad genetic diversity has been described. Thus, in this study, 4 T. gondii isolates were obtained from tissues of stray dogs and free-range chickens in Campeche, México, and were genotyped by Mn-PCR-RFLP with 10 typing markers (SAG1, altSAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico) and 5 virulence markers (CS3, ROP16, ROP17, ROP18 and ROP5) to provide new information about the distribution and virulence prediction of T. gondii genotypes. Two isolates of T. gondii genotype #116 and 2 of genotype #38 were obtained from stray dogs and chickens, respectively. The parasite load found in these species was between <50 and more than 35 000 tachyzoites per mg of tissue. Virulence marker genotyping revealed a recombinant 1&3 ROP5 RFLP pattern in 2 ToxoDB #116 isolates with no prediction of virulence in a murine model, while in the 2 ToxoDB #38 isolates, the ROP18/ROP5 combination predicted high virulence. Considering all the typed markers, there is a predominance of type I and III alleles, as constantly reported for the isolates characterized in various regions of México. It is crucial to determine their phenotype to corroborate the genetic virulence profile of the T. gondii isolates obtained in this study.

Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in goats and sheep from the Northeast Region of Brazil destined for human consumption.

This study aimed to genotype isolates of Toxoplasma gondii obtained from samples of brain, diaphragm and heart of goats and sheep intended for human consumption in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. Tissue samples from 14 animals, goats (n = 5) and lambs (n = 9), were sourced from public slaughterhouses in seven cities and bio-assayed in mice. The brains of the mice were utilized for DNA extraction. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using 10 markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, c22-8, PK1, GRA6, L358, c-29-2 and Apico). A total of 10 isolates were fully genotyped (i.e. at all loci), three from goats and seven from sheep, revealing five distinct genotypes: #13 (n = 4); #48 (n = 3); #57 (n = 1); #273 (n = 1); and one new genotype that had not been previously described. Genotype #13 is frequently found in the Northeast of Brazil and represents a clonal lineage circulating in this region and was the most prevalent genotype identified (n = 4). Moreover, in the present study genotypes #13, #48, #57, and #273 were documented for the first time in sheep from Brazil, and the novel genotype was isolated from a goat. Our findings align with previous studies on T. gondii from Brazil, where new genotypes are continuously being identified, highlighting a high level of genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates in the country.

Epidemiology of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infection in venison from Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The objective of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in venison from Aguascalientes, Mexico, their possible association with some risk factors, and to identify the presence of parasite DNA in blood and tissues. For this study, 5 farms and four species of venison were included, where 43 blood serum samples were obtained and in 37 of these animals a peripheral blood sample was also obtained; from hunted deer, 6 liver and 2 heart samples were obtained. The samples were analyzed by ELISA and PCR tests, respectively. The association between the serological status and the possible risk factors was estimated. The overall seroprevalence in N. caninum was 47% (20/43; CI 95% 31-62), with positive animals in all farms in a range of 18 to 100%, while for T. gondii it was 49% (21/43; CI 95% 33-64), with positive animals in 80% of farms in a range of 18 to 100%. The prevalence of N. caninum DNA detection in blood was 59% (22/37; CI 95% 42-74), with positive animals in all farms, in a range of 45 to 100%, while in T. gondii it was 76% (28/37; CI 95% 58-87), with positive animals in all farms, in a range of 56 to 100%. Age (> 4 years) was identified as associated with seroprevalence in N. caninum (OR 5.2) and in T. gondii (OR 12.7). DNA from both parasites was detected in the liver and heart samples. The results shown that venison populations included in the study are living in an environment highly contaminated with oocysts excreted by the definitive host.

Association between ABO and Rh blood groups and Toxoplasma gondii infection: A cross sectional study.

We aimed to determine the association between the seropositivity to Toxoplasma gondii and the ABO and Rh blood groups in 2,053 people. ABO and Rhesus blood groups and anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were determined using commercially available assays. Of the 2,053 people studied, 171 (8.3%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. Sixty-five (38.0%) and 36 (21.1%) of these 171 individuals had high anti-T. gondii IgG antibody levels (≥150 IU mL-1) and anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies, respectively. We found the following prevalences of T. gondii infection among the ABO groups: 8.5% in group A, 4.3% in group B, 4.7% in group AB, and 8.9% in group O (P = 0.19). The prevalences of T. gondii infection among Rh groups were: 8.4% in the Rh-positive group and 7.1% in the Rh-negative group (P = 0.58). Logistic regression analysis showed that the frequencies of ABO and Rh blood groups were similar (P > 0.05) among people with positive and negative serology for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, with high (≥150 IU mL-1) and lower (<150 IU mL-1) levels of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, and with positive and negative serology for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Results does not support an association between T. gondii infection and ABO and Rh blood groups.

Seroprevalencia de Toxoplasma gondii y su relación con trastornos mentales en adultos / Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and its Relationship with Mental Disorders in the Adult Population

El Toxoplasma gondii es un parásito que se encuentra, aproximadamente, en el 30 % de la población humana. Durante los últimos años se ha evidenciado que la infección latente puede ser un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de trastornos mentales; particularmente para la esquizofrenia, ansiedad, trastornos bipolares y trastornos de conducta. La asociación con los trastornos neuropsiquiátricos pueden explicarse por la influencia que tiene el parásito sobre la expresión de múltiples neurotransmisores; entre ellos la dopamina. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed y SciELO de 2015 a 2023, se seleccionaron artículos originales y de revisión de revistas científicas internacionales, en idiomas inglés y español con el objetivo de describir la relación entre la seroprevalencia de T. gondii y el desarrollo de trastornos mentales en población adulta. Existe relación entre los trastornos mentales en la población adulta con la infección por Toxoplasma gondii y este aumenta la posibilidad de desarrollar esquizofrenia y depresión en individuos sin historial previo, y que podría exacerbar cuadros psiquiátricos previos con dificultad en el tratamiento. Sin embargo, no todos los datos estadísticos establecen una relación directa, algunos estudios demuestran una asociación, ciertos datos son discordantes, lo que abre una puerta para futuras investigaciones.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that is found in approximately 30 % of the human population. In recent years, it has been shown that latent infection can be a risk factor for the development of mental disorders; particularly schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and conduct disorders. The association with neuropsychiatric disorders can be explained by the influence of the parasite on the expression of multiple neurotransmitters; among them, dopamine has received the most attention. A narrative bibliographic review article was done with the search of original and review articles in international scientific journals, in English and Spanish listing the relationship between the seroprevalence of T. gondii and the development of mental disorders in the adult population. The relationship between mental disorders in the adult population with Toxoplasma gondii infection is present and increases the possibility of developing schizophrenia and depression in individuals with no previous history, including the ability to worsen previous psychiatric conditions, making it difficult for standard management. Not all statistical data establish a direct relationship, some studies show an association and certain data are discordant, which opens a door for future research.