engleski

Increased Prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii Seropositivity in Patients With Treatment-resistant shizophrenia

Introduction. Previous studies suggest that patients with schizophrenia had an increased prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii (TG). Seropositive patients had higher symptom severity. However, there is no data about the relationship between treatment-resistance and seroprevalence to TG. Objectives: To determine the association between treatment-resistant schizophrenia and seropositivity against TG, and to further investigate the relationship between seropositivity to TG and different clinical features of schizophrenia. ​Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included male inpatients with schizophrenia. Seropositivity was determined by ELISA assay. Treatment-resistance was defined as a failure of at least 2 adequate antipsychotic trials. Results. A total of 210 patients were included, with the mean (SD) age of 43 (12.7) years. The rate of seropositivity to TG was 52.3%, and 47.6% of patients met the definition for treatment-resistance. Patients in the seropositive group had double rate of treatment-resistance compared to seronegative group (63.6% vs 30%, p<0, 0001). In addition, seropositive patients had increased Calgary Depression Scale (CDS) total score (7, 8±4, 5 vs 6, 3±3, 8, p=0, 0148). There were no differences between seropositive and seronegative groups in terms of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total, positive and negative scores, and the life-time history of suicide attempts. Conclusions: Our results support the hypothesis that seroprevalence against TG might contribute to treatment-resistance in schizophrenia, at least in male patients. If confirmed in future studies, it influence the treatment of schizophrenia.

Toxoplasma gondii, Seropositivity, Treatment resistant schizophrenia

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