Possible association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and autism spectrum disorder.

This review looks at whether a common parasite called Toxoplasma gondii might be linked to autism. About 30% of people worldwide carry this parasite. The researchers suggest the infection might contribute to autism by affecting the immune system, brain chemicals, and other body processes. However, they stress that much more research is needed to understand if and how this parasite might be connected to autism development.

This review examines potential links between Toxoplasma gondii infection and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). T. gondii is a parasitic protozoan that infects approximately 30% of the global population and has neurotropic properties. The authors suggest that toxoplasmosis may contribute to ASD development through multiple pathways: inducing immune responses, altering cytokine production, changing neurotransmitter levels (serotonin, dopamine, GABA, glutamate), and activating specific enzymes like indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. The review concludes that T. gondii infection could represent a potential risk factor for ASD, though the authors emphasize that further intensive research is needed to clarify the parasite's role in ASD etiology and progression.

While this review suggests a possible association between T. gondii and ASD, the evidence is preliminary. Clinicians should not make diagnostic or treatment decisions based on these findings. Further research is needed before any clinical applications can be considered.

This is a narrative review that summarizes existing literature without providing systematic analysis or meta-analysis. The authors acknowledge that further intensive studies are necessary to establish causation. No sample size or specific study methodology details are provided.

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.