Assessment of Toxoplasma seropositivity in low Toxoplasma seroprevalence children suffering from anxiety disorders

To assess seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in children with anxiety disorders

Materials & methods:

This case-control study was conducted between September 2012 and May 2013 in pediatrics clinic of Baqiyatallah hospital. Children referred to child psychiatry clinic of our hospital were selected to be assessed clinically. Diagnosis of patients with anxiety disorders was based on DSM-4system, which is performed by child psychiatrist. Then they were referred to laboratory in order to have their anti-toxoplasma antibodies measured. A questionnaire was verbally administered to all individuals’ parents including demographic information and questions about life style, family history, medical history, economic situation, residence, nutritional patterns and contact with animals.

Result:

Ninety-six male and female cases with a mean age of 8.56±2.5 and 8.42±1.9 underwent analysis. Anti-T.gondii IgG antibody was found in one case of each group There was no significant difference between case and control groups for serum Toxoplasma IgG antibody (p=0.14). No case individuals had Anti-T.gondii IgM antibody, while it was found in one control individual. No significant difference was seen between case and control groups for Toxoplasma IgM antibody (p=0.27).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our findings suggest that toxoplasmosis has no direct effect on the incidence of anxiety disorders. More studies are needed with a larger volume of individuals in future.