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Abstract Title:

"Latent"infection with Toxoplasma gondii: association with trait aggression and impulsivity in healthy adults.

Abstract Source:

J Psychiatr Res. 2015 Jan ;60:87-94. Epub 2014 Sep 28. PMID: 25306262

Abstract Author(s):

Thomas B Cook, Lisa A Brenner, C Robert Cloninger, Patricia Langenberg, Ajirioghene Igbide, Ina Giegling, Annette M Hartmann, Bettina Konte, Marion Friedl, Lena Brundin, Maureen W Groer, Adem Can, Dan Rujescu, Teodor T Postolache

Article Affiliation:

Thomas B Cook

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Latent chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), a common neurotropic pathogen, has been previously linked with suicidal self-directed violence (SSDV). We sought to determine if latent infection with T. gondii is associated with trait aggression and impulsivity, intermediate phenotypes for suicidal behavior, in psychiatrically healthy adults.

METHODS: Traits of aggression and impulsivity were analyzed in relationship to IgG antibody seropositivity for T. gondii and two other latent neurotropic infections, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). One thousand community-residing adults residing in the Munich metropolitan area with no Axis I or II conditions by SCID for DSM-IV (510 men, 490 women, mean age 53.6± 15.8, range 20-74). Plasma samples were tested for IgG antibodies to T. gondii, HSV-1 and CMV by ELISA. Self-reported ratings of trait aggression scores (Questionnaire for Measuring Factors of Aggression [FAF]) and trait impulsivity (Sensation-Seeking Scale-V [SSS-V]) were analyzed using linear multivariate methods.

RESULTS: T. gondii IgG seropositivity was significantly associated with higher trait reactive aggression scores among women (p<.01), but not among men. T. gondii-positivity was also associated with higher impulsive sensation-seeking (SSS-V Disinhibition) among younger men (p<.01) aged 20-59 years old (median age = 60). All associations with HSV-1 and CMV were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Aggression and impulsivity, personality traits considered as endophenotypes for SSDV, are associated with latent T. gondii infection in a gender and age-specific manner, and could be further investigated as prognostic and treatment targets in T. gondii-positive individuals at risk for SSDV.

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