Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Neurotransmitter Levels in Depression
Author Information
Author(s): Gulshan Jerin E., Lira Samia Sultana, Qusar M. M. A. Shalahuddin, Hosen Md. Ismail, Rahman Atiqur, Islam Md. Rabiul, Rahman Taibur
Primary Institution: University of Dhaka
Hypothesis
T. gondii chronic infection is associated with the development of major depressive disorder (MDD).
Conclusion
Chronic T. gondii infection is present in one out of four MDD patients in Bangladesh, affecting neurotransmitter levels.
Supporting Evidence
- T. gondii infection was found to be higher in MDD patients compared to healthy controls.
- 25 out of 95 MDD patients were seropositive for T. gondii IgG.
- Dopamine levels were significantly lower in T. gondii-infected MDD patients.
- Adrenaline and noradrenaline levels were higher in T. gondii-infected MDD patients.
- The study used a predesigned questionnaire based on DSM-V for diagnosis.
Takeaway
This study found that a common parasite might be linked to depression by changing brain chemicals.
Methodology
The study involved 95 MDD patients and 90 healthy controls, measuring T. gondii antibodies and neurotransmitter levels using ELISA.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the retrospective nature and limited demographic representation.
Limitations
The study did not account for the duration and type of antipsychotic medication, and it was retrospective with a limited geographic scope.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 95 MDD patients and 90 age and sex-matched healthy controls from Bangladesh.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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