| Possible association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and autism spectrum disorder |
Tahereh Mikaeili Galeh1,2,†
, Tooran Nayeri3
, Samira Dodangeh4,†
, Zahra Hosseininejad5,†
, Asal Tanzif6,7,†
, Alireza Khalilian8
, Ahmad Daryani9,10
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1Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy 58147-43343, Iran
22 Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh 55158-78151, Iran
3Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful 64616-43993, Iran
4Protein Technology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19968-35113, Iran
5Department of Laboratory Sciences, Estahban Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 74517-35555, Iran
6Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari 48164-194, Iran
7Sepanta Faragene Azma Research Laboratory, Co. LTD., Gorgan 49177-48855, Iran
8Biostatistics Department, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran
9Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran
10Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, NAS RA, Yerevan 0014, Republic of Armenia |
| † These authors contributed equally to this work. |
| * Corresponding Author:
Ahmad Daryani, Email: daryanii@yahoo.com |
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Received: August 30, 2024; Accepted: May 22, 2025. |
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| Abstract |
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Toxoplasma gondii is a neurotropic apicomplexan protozoan estimated to affect approximately 30% of the global population. In this review, we aimed to examine scientific evidence on the potential role of T. gondii infection in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. This review summarizes the current literature exploring the possible association between T. gondii and ASD. Findings indicate that toxoplasmosis may contribute to host alterations, including the induction of humoral and cellular immune responses, production of various cytokines, and changes in neurotransmitter levels (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and glutamate), as well as the activation of enzymes such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, which may influence the pathophysiology of ASD. In conclusion, this review suggests that T. gondii infection could act as a potential risk factor for ASD. However, further intensive studies are necessary to clarify the role of this parasite in the etiology and progression of ASD. This review is anticipated to stimulate further studies aimed at understanding and potentially reducing the burden of neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide. |
| Key words:
Toxoplasma gondii, toxoplasmosis, autism, autism spectrum disorder, neurotransmitter, immune response |
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