From the Research
Toxoplasma gondii infection is associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as evidenced by a recent study published in 2019 in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry 1. The relationship between Toxoplasma gondii infection and mental health disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder has been investigated in several studies.
- A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that Toxoplasma gondii infection was associated with an increased risk of several mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, antisocial personality disorder, learning disabilities, and anxiety disorder 1.
- Another study published in 2019 in the journal Tropical Parasitology also suggested a link between Toxoplasma gondii infection and schizophrenia, as well as bipolar disorder 2.
- However, it's essential to note that the current evidence does not support a definitive causal link between Toxoplasma gondii infection and mental health disorders.
- Prevention measures, such as washing hands after gardening or handling cat litter, thoroughly cooking meat, washing fruits and vegetables, and having pregnant women avoid changing cat litter when possible, can help reduce the risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection.
- The scientific community continues to investigate the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii infection and mental health disorders, with a 2015 meta-analysis published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica finding significant associations between Toxoplasma gondii infection and schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addiction 3.
- Overall, while the evidence suggests an association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and mental health disorders, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship and to determine the potential implications for prevention and treatment.
- Based on the most recent and highest quality study, it is recommended to take preventive measures against Toxoplasma gondii infection, especially for individuals with a history of mental health disorders or those who are at high risk of infection 1.