61. Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity is positively associated with anxiety and burnout-syndrome

• Published in: Brain, behavior, and immunity behavior, and immunity, 2014-09, Vol.40, p.e18-e18
• Main Authors: Bay-Richter, C, Buttenschøn, H, Kolstad, H, Kærlev, L, Mors, N, Wegener, G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allergy and Immunology; Psychiatry
• ISSN: 0889-1591; 1090-2139
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2014.06.081

Toxoplasma gondii (TOX) is a common parasite affecting approximately one-third of the human population, primarily targeting neurons and causing neuroinflammation. An increasing number of studies are providing evidence that the disease is associated with behavioural changes and psychiatric disease. The objective of this study is to examine TOX seropositivity in a large human population in relation to psychiatric symptoms. A population of 548 participants was initially included and the participants went through a semi-structured diagnostic interview (SCAN interview) followed by blood sampling. From this population, a control group ( n = 158) with no diagnosis of psychiatric disorders was extracted as well as a group consisting of subjects showing symptoms of anxiety ( n = 106) and burnout syndrome ( n = 51). Blood serum was examined for IgG antibodies to TOX using ELISA assays. Data were analysed using logistic regression models and show that seropositivity of TOX is positively associated with anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=2.05; 95% CI, 1.14–3.70; p = 0.016). In addition, we find an association between seropositivity and burnout syndrome (OR = 3.43; 95% CI, 1.67–7.05; p < 0.001). These data supports the notion that TOX is associated with psychiatric disorders. Our results are consistent with previous reports on an association between TOX and anxiety. Furthermore, we show a positive association between TOX seropositivity and the stress related syndrome, burnout syndrome.