Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects approximately 23.6 million people globally (Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 Collaborators, 2015). The disorder is marked by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and behavior, which typically result in problems related to self-care and general functioning in social and occupational settings (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Despite the first detailed clinical description having been written in 1810 (Haslam, 1810), and significant subsequent ongoing efforts by researchers around the world, we still lack a conclusive understanding of the causal and risk factors of this disorder. It appears that schizophrenia results from a unique interplay of genotypic and phenotypic
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For some time it has been suggested that infections of the CNS may be involved in triggering the characteristic neuroinflammatory responses related to the neuronal degradation cascades inherent to Alzheimer’s disease pathology. One group of researchers recently began exploring this possibility with regards to toxoplasmosis. The preliminary findings suggest that T. gondii infection may, in fact, be involved in the pathology of some cases of Alzheimer’s disease (Kusbeci et al., 2011). Much more investigation will be required to confirm these preliminary results. However, if a relationship were found it would likely lead to new explorative advances in the management of Alzheimer’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is another disorder, which involves neuroinflammatory responses, suspected to be caused by infection. A study was designed in order to evaluate the possible relationship between T. gondii positivity and Parkinson’s disease. The patients with Parkinson’s disease were compared to a control group and it was found that 42% of those with Parkinson’s disease tested positive for T. gondii, whilst only 22% of the control group tested positive. This significant difference in groups demonstrates that further research is warranted, in order to investigate a possible …show more content…
Childhood exposure to cats, the elevated presence of T. gondii antibodies in patients with schizophrenia, similarities in epidemiological and clinical symptom patterns, and interrelated mechanisms of action come together to yield a convincing picture of how toxoplasmosis and schizophrenia may be causally linked. Despite existing limitations within the present findings, research is continuing to develop its findings, whilst taking into consideration some of these highlighted constraints within the field. With each year we gain a more comprehensive understanding of this relationship with bold hopes for the future. The prospects for significant advancements, including treatment options for patients with schizophrenia and various other mental disorders, are exciting and promising for those who live with these severe mental disorders, those who are affected by them indirectly, and those who work tirelessly towards a better understanding of these
For some time it has been suggested that infections of the CNS may be involved in triggering the characteristic neuroinflammatory responses related to the neuronal degradation cascades inherent to Alzheimer’s disease pathology. One group of researchers recently began exploring this possibility with regards to toxoplasmosis. The preliminary findings suggest that T. gondii infection may, in fact, be involved in the pathology of some cases of Alzheimer’s disease (Kusbeci et al., 2011). Much more investigation will be required to confirm these preliminary results. However, if a relationship were found it would likely lead to new explorative advances in the management of Alzheimer’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is another disorder, which involves neuroinflammatory responses, suspected to be caused by infection. A study was designed in order to evaluate the possible relationship between T. gondii positivity and Parkinson’s disease. The patients with Parkinson’s disease were compared to a control group and it was found that 42% of those with Parkinson’s disease tested positive for T. gondii, whilst only 22% of the control group tested positive. This significant difference in groups demonstrates that further research is warranted, in order to investigate a possible …show more content…
Childhood exposure to cats, the elevated presence of T. gondii antibodies in patients with schizophrenia, similarities in epidemiological and clinical symptom patterns, and interrelated mechanisms of action come together to yield a convincing picture of how toxoplasmosis and schizophrenia may be causally linked. Despite existing limitations within the present findings, research is continuing to develop its findings, whilst taking into consideration some of these highlighted constraints within the field. With each year we gain a more comprehensive understanding of this relationship with bold hopes for the future. The prospects for significant advancements, including treatment options for patients with schizophrenia and various other mental disorders, are exciting and promising for those who live with these severe mental disorders, those who are affected by them indirectly, and those who work tirelessly towards a better understanding of these