Associação entre infecção por toxoplasma gondii e transtornos mentais

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan responsible for a zoonotic disease with global prevalence and a high serological prevalence rate in the human population. This parasite can infect any body tissue, notably including the Central Nervous System (CNS), where its presence interferes with the expression of neurotransmitters, causing neuroinflammation. Such changes can lead to behavioral alterations and mental disorders. Considering the need to understand toxoplasmosis from aspects that are less explored in public health, the main aim of this study was to investigate the association between mental disorders and T. gondii infection in a population in the municipality of Tangará, Rio Grande do Norte. The sample was selected randomly and proportionally, where volunteers were informed about the objectives of the research and signed the Informed Consent Form (ICF). Data was collected through interviews, questionnaires and psychometric instruments such as the SRQ-20 and the Beck Inventories. Serology for T. gondii was carried out by collecting blood for later analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data was analyzed using STATA and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, using Pearson's chi-square test. The study followed the ethical precepts of Resolution 510/2016, and was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. The overall prevalence of T. gondii infection in the population of the municipality of Tangará/RN was 70%. Study area (p = 0.373), gender (p = 0.249), age group (p = 0.096), level of education (p = 0.138), family income (p = 0.201) and profession (0.299) were not statistically related to Toxoplasma gondii infection. The presence of cats in the household showed a significant association (p = 0.009), indicating that living with cats may be related to the risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis. There was no significant association between mental disorders and seropositivity for the infection (p>0.05). However, the study identified that variables such as age (p=0.030), income (p=0.029) showed a statistically significant association with severe levels of hopelessness, and the gender of the volunteers showed an association with anxiety (p=0.017) and mental distress (p=0.031). The idea that parasites can be related to mental disorders in humans is still little discussed in the scientific community, but it is necessary to consider other aspects involved in mental health, emphasizing the relevance of a holistic approach to the individual when planning mental health interventions.