The Potential Role of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Multiple Sclerosis Development: A Seroepidemiological Study in North Khorasan Province, Iran

Pourpose This study aimed to investigate the seroepidemiological status of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients compared to controls. Methods The present study included 98 MS patients and 100 controls. Demographic and clinical information collected through interviews, electronic medical records, and clinical examinations. Serum samples analyzed for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA. Results A significant difference observed in the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG between 49 MS patients (50%) and 33 controls (33%). MS patients with seropositive anti-T. gondii IgG had significantly different age, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, MS phenotypes, age of diagnosis, and age of onset compared to seronegative patients. Serum levels of anti-T. gondii IgG significantly elevated in the case group compared to the control group (277.8 +/- 28.61 vs. 137.1 +/- 9.52, P < 0.0001). In controls, all subjects were seronegative for anti-T. gondii IgM; three MS cases were positive, showing no significant difference in anti-T. gondii IgM seroprevalence between groups. Conclusion The study suggests a potential association between T. gondii infection and MS, indicating that anti-T. gondii IgG positivity may correlate with MS phenotypes and influence disease progression. This suggests that chronic toxoplasmosis may be risk factor for MS.